Music & Culture

The British TV series National Treasure (available on Hulu) features Robbie Coltrane as a beloved comedian who has been accused of sexual assault, and Julie Walters (right) and Andrea Riseborough as his wife and daughter.

Critic's 'Ghost List' Has Books, Music And A TV Show That Deserve A Second Look

2:23pm December 13, 2017

by John Powers

Every year, critic John Powers is haunted by the things he wishes he'd reviewed. The themes his 2017 "Ghost List" range in spirit from cosmic surrealism to ripped-from-the-headlines immediacy.

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Music & Culture

The 100 Best Songs Of 2017

1:36pm December 13, 2017

NPR Music's list of the 100 best songs of 2017.

Music & Culture

The 100 Best Songs Of 2017

1:00pm December 13, 2017

NPR Music's list of the 100 best songs of 2017.

Nina Simone is among those who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2018.

Music & Culture

Rock Hall To Induct Nina Simone, Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits And Moody Blues

11:10am December 13, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

From a field of 19 strong contenders, the Cleveland-based institution has named its newest entrants.

Violinist Nicola Benedetti is featured in this episode of The Thistle & Shamrock.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Gifts

10:04am December 13, 2017

Whether you're looking for gift ideas or simply looking for an hour of fine music, we have the perfect blend, featuring Cherish the Ladies, Nicola Benedetti and Pete Clark.

Pat DiNizio, leader of The Smithereens, died on Tuesday. He's seen here singing during the band's 2003 performance at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Smithereens Lead Singer Pat DiNizio Dies At Age 62

9:31am December 13, 2017

by Bill Chappell

Pat DiNizio, a singer and songwriter who made popular rock songs as the leader of The Smithereens, died on Tuesday, his fellow band members say.

Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief performs at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke, Mass.

Music & Culture

Watch Big Thief's Full Performance At Gateway City Arts

9:00am December 13, 2017

During an intimate show by the canals of downtown Holyoke, Mass., the band played songs from both Masterpiece and Capacity.

The death of musician Fred "Freak" Smith, known for his contributions to hardcore punk and his ostentatious humor, remains unsolved.

Music & Culture

The Mysterious Death Of A D.C. Punk And The $10,000 Reward That May Never Be Claimed

8:00am December 13, 2017

by Andy Hermann

The guitarist Fred "Freak" Smith was an outsized figure within Washington, D.C.'s vibrant '80s hardcore punk scene. His descent and death, which remains a mystery, is an all-too common story.

Cigarettes After Sex performs a Tiny Desk Concert on Oct. 6, 2017 (Jennifer Kerrigan).

Music & Culture

Cigarettes After Sex: Tiny Desk Concert

5:00am December 13, 2017

by Bob Boilen

This comes close to the quietest Tiny Desk Concert we've ever had. The music Cigarettes After Sex makes is incredibly hushed. It's a sound so minimal it barely exists.

Kam Franklin (left) is lead singer of The Suffers, a band from Houston that started touring three years ago. Amber Daniel is lead singer and bassist of Blame the Youth from North Carolina. They're preparing for their first tour.

How To Survive Playing To An Empty Room And Other Advice For A Band's First Tour

5:30pm December 12, 2017

by Christina Cala

Blame the Youth, a North Carolina band, is getting ready to embark on its first tour. Lead singer and bassist Amber Daniel talks to Kam Franklin of The Suffers, who began touring three years ago.

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