Music & Culture

Music & Culture

'Amarcord Nino Rota' Returns — And It's Well Worth The Wait

1:38pm October 24, 2018

by Kevin Whitehead

A just-reissued album, from 1981, features diverse musicians playing songs that Nino Rota composed for Federico Fellini movies. Critic Kevin Whitehead calls it a charming album that's long overdue.

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The Gibson Guitar factory in Memphis, Tennessee in 2016.

Music & Culture

Gibson Guitars Names New Leadership And Exit From Bankruptcy

12:13pm October 24, 2018

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

On Tuesday, Gibson Brands — maker of those iconic guitars — announced a new leadership team who will guide the company through its planned exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Marked Men's On the Other Side comes out Nov. 23.

Music & Culture

Hear The Marked Men's Unreleased Punk Rager 'Disappear'

11:38am October 24, 2018

by Lars Gotrich

From a new collection of 7-inch singles, hear an early indicator of the band's unique synthesis of power-pop and punk.

Tyler, The Creator contributes not only a new version of The Grinch's theme song, but also an original track, "I Am the Grinch."

Music & Culture

Tyler, The Creator's Take On The 'Grinch' Theme Is Cuddly As A Cactus

11:28am October 24, 2018

by Lars Gotrich

"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" sees Tyler collaborating with Danny Elfman — yes, Tim Burton's go-to film composer — for the animated film's soundtrack.

Watch DeVotchKa's full Morning Becomes Eclectic performance at KCRW.org.

Music & Culture

Watch DeVotchKa Perform 'Let Me Sleep' Live In The Studio

11:13am October 24, 2018

by Jason Bentley

Listen to DeVotchKa's recent cinematic record, This Night Falls Forever, translated into a captivating live performance.

Vocalist Luz Elena Mendoza of the group Y La Bamba.

Music & Culture

Y La Bamba's New Single 'Mujeres' Is A Battle Cry Against Machismo

10:01am October 24, 2018

by Felix Contreras

"This song is for my mother and for all of us women who have and still battle the fight to be heard," vocalist Luz Elena Mendoza writes.

Cautious Clay performs at a Tiny Desk Concert on Sept. 17. (Emily Bogle/NPR)

Music & Culture

Cautious Clay: Tiny Desk Concert

9:20am October 24, 2018

by Bob Boilen

The charismatic singer and saxophonist brought a group of longtime friends to play a warm, thoughtful and chill set at the Tiny Desk.

Music & Culture

Elvis Costello On World Cafe

9:00am October 24, 2018

by Talia Schlanger

The English singer-songwriter is in great health and has a new record.

This week's episode of The Thistle & Shamrock features music by We Banjo 3.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: New Fall Sounds Part 1

9:00am October 24, 2018

Settle into the season by tuning into some fresh new music. Fiona Ritchie handpicks newly released recordings from artists including Jake James, We Banjo 3 and The Krüger Brothers.

Kris Bowers, the last pianist to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, stands between Herbie Hancock, left, and Tom Carter, president of the Thelonious Monk Institute, at right — photographed during the Competition Gala on September 12

Music & Culture

The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition Returns

6:00am October 24, 2018

by Nate Chinen

After a delay of more than a year, the prestigious competition — exclusively for performers under 30 years old — will return to its roots with two events in Washington, D.C. this December.