David Bazan Unravels Now, Now's 'Thread'
David Bazan brings the downcast indie-rock banger to its raging crisis. In the process, he resurrects the sonic sphere of Pedro the Lion.
Music & Culture
Classical Composers Have Been Inspired For Centuries By Insects
Summer is in the air and so are bugs. Rachel Martin talks to music commentator Miles Hoffman about famous works of classical music inspired by insects.
'Travel Issues' Keep DJ Khaled From London Festival
Instead of being in London, Khaled's Instagram feed showed him lounging in an infinity pool in Mexico. One festival-goer said by not showing, Khaled made her cry on her birthday.
Beatles Film 'Yellow Submarine' Touched Music, Fashion — And Religion
The Beatles weren't always simpatico with organized religion. But "submarine churches," inspired by the band's "love is all you need" gospel, emerged in the U.S. shortly after the 1968 movie release.
The Tough Questions Vexing Pop Music Listeners
What happens when your favorite musician appropriates your culture, or is accused of sexual assault? NPR's Michel Martin speaks with The Washington Post's pop music critic Chris Richards.
Folk Duo Maria i Marcel Shines Light On The 'Very Real Taboo' Of Spain's Civil War
The Catalan musicians use their culture's tradition to connect difficult memories of the Spanish Civil War to Spain's democracy today.
Chicano Protests And Celebrity Portraits: George Rodriguez's Los Angeles
The photographer, now 80 years old, pointed his lens at rock stars and Hollywood icons — when he wasn't documenting social justice movements.
Across the Blue Ridge #133 - New Music, and Appreciating Bill Dillof
Our summer listening sessions continue this week with a fine selection of new recordings. Hear a Canadian band that bridges the gaps between old-time and bluegrass; a youthful old-time band w
Drake Steps Forward As The Morrissey Of Hip-Hop On 'Scorpion'
Drake explores the quality and variety of his own moodiness on a new double album. Critic Ken Tucker says that Scorpion has staying power — despite the fact that it sometimes feels "too long."
The Record Company On World Cafe
The members of the trio talk about All of This Life, their relentless work ethic and the surprising similarities between touring in a rock and roll band and growing up on a dairy farm.