NPR Topics: Music

Listen to new music, podcasts, live concerts and studio sessions. Watch video sessions. Read interviews with musicians and music reviews. NPR covers the best new songs from rock, pop, folk, jazz, urban, world and classical music.

Glen Campbell, Platinum Cowboy - August 14, 2008

He's put out hit records for half a century, toured with the Beach Boys, even hosted his own TV show. So why is the latest album from the indefatigable country-pop singer called Meet Glen Campbell
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93579668&ft=1&f=1039

The Wrights: 'In the Summertime' - August 14, 2008

The Wrights are husband and wife team Adam and Shannon Wright of Nashville. The duo plays a brand of classic country that sticks to the genre's bluesy Americana roots, with minimal production, traditional instrumentation, and soulful vocals. The couple's latest release, In the Summertime, is a collection of folky country covers of songs by roots artists both classic (Lead Belly) and contemporary (Tim Carroll).
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93351179&ft=1&f=1039

Esperanza Spalding, Kate McGarry In Concert - August 14, 2008

Since it opened in 1989 overlooking the Boston skyline and the Charles River, Sculler's Jazz Club has been home to top-rated and up-and-coming artists. JazzSet reprises sets from two remarkable women who are bright sparks for the future of jazz: Kate McGarry and Esperanza Spalding.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93572471&ft=1&f=1039

Eleni Mandell On Mountain Stage - August 14, 2008

Though widespread commercial success has eluded her, critics have hailed the singer-songwriter for nearly a decade. Here, she brings her imaginative songcraft and soothingly hushed vocal delivery to Mountain Stage.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93598373&ft=1&f=1039

Smiling Over Irma Thomas - August 14, 2008

Music critic David Was is all smiles over After The Rain, the new CD by veteran R&B singer Irma Thomas. It features duets with an all-star roster of piano players including Dr. John, Ellis Marsalis and Norah Jones.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93592977&ft=1&f=1039

Have You Heard About Paper Planes - August 14, 2008

The program's director discusses his new obsession with Paper Planes, a song by musical group M.I.A. In a new series, Have You Heard About This, director Rob Sachs explains how the song explores issues of immigration and gun violence, and how it is taking off with listeners this summer.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93587293&ft=1&f=1039

Betty Carter: Fiercely Individual - August 14, 2008

An electric performer, Carter was an irrepressible and incomparable practitioner of the jazz vocal tradition. For nearly 50 years, the intense vocalist blazed her own trail in jazz, powered by her passionate, intense singing.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93572181&ft=1&f=1039

Puppini Sisters' Lament In Three-Part Harmony - August 14, 2008

The Puppini Sisters' shtick is to take the style of The Andrews Sisters and add postmodern zing. In the group's outstanding original tune "Jilted," the result sounds like a confessional column from a Swing Era edition of Cosmo.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89145596&ft=1&f=1039

Danielia Cotton: An Artist To Watch - August 14, 2008

With an equal emphasis on rock, jazz and soul, Danielia Cotton draws on a wide range of influences, from Led Zeppelin to Etta James. Hear the New York-based singer perform at WXPN's World Cafe with host David Dye.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93590144&ft=1&f=1039

The Music Tapes: 'The Minister of Longitude' - August 13, 2008

Julian Koster may not be a familiar name to you. But if you've heard the music of Neutral Milk Hotel, you've heard Koster at work. He appeared on stage and in the studio with Neutral Milk Hotel back in the '90s, playing the musical saw, banjo and other instruments. In 1999 Koster released a solo album under the name "The Music Tapes." Now, 9 years later, he's back with a follow up.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93353145&ft=1&f=1039