Remembering Pere Ubu's David Thomas, a frontman who preserved chaos
Thomas' April 23 death at age 71 brings to a close one of the most significant avant-garde experiments ever conducted within the confines of pop music. Rock critic Ken Tucker reflects on his legacy.
Jonathan Safran Foer On Marriage, Religion And Universal Balances
Safran Foer's latest novel, Here I Am, is told from the points of view of different members of a Jewish family. Originally broadcast Nov. 10, 2016.
Jens Lekman Infuses Love Songs With Transporting Metaphors On 'Life Will See You Now'
The Swedish singer-songwriter's new album owes more to pop, disco and hip-hop than it does to rock or folk. Critic Ken Tucker says Life Will See You Now is marked by a "transporting loveliness."
The 'End Of Loyalty' And The Decline Of Good Jobs In America
Author Rick Wartzman says that jobs offering security, decent wages and good benefits are becoming harder to find, in part because of automation, globalization and the weakening of unions.
50 Years Later, Producer Remixes 'Sgt. Pepper' To 'Bring It Into The Modern World'
Giles Martin says he included outtakes and raw performances in the new box set to show "how human the making of Sgt. Pepper was." Originally broadcast June 1, 2017.
Maureen Corrigan reviews "Modern Gods" by Nick Laird
Maureen Corrigan reviews "Modern Gods" By Nick Laird
Rhiannon Giddens Speaks For The Silenced
Giddens' Freedom Highway is an exploration of African-American experiences, accompanied by an instrument with its own uniquely African-American story: the banjo. Originally broadcast May 11, 2017.
Broadway Chanteuse Barbara Cook: 'My First Memories Are Of Singing'
After starring in Broadway shows like The Music Man and Candide, Cook struggled with addiction, then staged a successful second career as a cabaret singer. Originally broadcast June 27, 2016.
Nigerian Drummer Tony Allen Revisits His Jazz Roots In A Salute To Art Blakey
Allen mixes African, European and American beats on his new album, A Tribute to Art Blakey. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the record showcases the way that musicians "bat ideas back and forth."
Sam Elliott On Career Longevity, Playing Tough And His Iconic Role In 'Lebowski'
Elliott says that being selective about the roles he takes has helped him maintain his acting career for nearly 50 years. He plays an aging actor with a stalled career in the new film, The Hero.