Music & Culture

Clean, white Nikes worn by Jain, in the middle of a bouncing leap at the Container Bar in Austin, Texas during SXSW 2017.

Music & Culture

Sole Of A Band 2017: The Shoes That Made Noise

10:32am December 27, 2017

by Bob Boilen

Does a musician's choice in footwear say anything about their music? Test the theory in this one-minute-long video featuring hundreds of shoes photographed by All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen.

Music & Culture

Watch Jamila Woods Perform Spoken Word Poem, 'Blk Girl Art'

9:00am December 27, 2017

by Carmel Holt

The soul singer has been performing spoken word poetry since she was in high school. Watch her perform an original piece, live in the studio.

Music & Culture

Sara Watkins On Mountain Stage

5:05pm December 26, 2017

Hear the Southern California native perform songs from her 2016 release, Young In All The Wrong Ways, which she calls "a break-up album with myself."

Heather Menzies-Urich, Actress In 'Sound Of Music,' Dies At 68

1:32pm December 26, 2017

by Doreen McCallister

Heather Menzies-Urich was 15 when she was cast to play Louisa von Trapp, one of the seven singing von Trapp children. She had been recently diagnosed with cancer, according to her son Ryan Urich.

Music & Culture

Singer-Songwriter Curtis Harding Drops His Guard On 'Face Your Fear'

10:58am December 26, 2017

by Ken Tucker

The Atlanta-based musician blends contrasting pop genres on his second album. Rock critic Ken Tucker says Face Your Fear reveals Harding's deep knowledge of R&B.

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Ron Miles' I Am a Man is one of the best albums of 2017.

Music & Culture

Morning Edition Looks Back On Some Of The Best Albums Of 2017

9:59am December 26, 2017

From Lee Ann Womack to Ron Miles, a look back at some of the most well-regarded albums of 2017.

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Music & Culture

Viking's Choice: The Year In Cathartic Screams And Meditative Drones

8:34am December 26, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

When so much of 2017 felt broken, it felt good to scream along to punk and metal records. But more often than not, restoration for NPR Music's Lars Gotrich came from quiet music and a good cup of tea.

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Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Tshegue, 'Muanapoto'

8:06am December 26, 2017

by Sidney Madden

"Muanapoto" is exhilarating as it is unexpected — you're not sure where the beat will take you next, but you already know you want to be along for the ride.

Father John Misty inside the World Cafe performance studio.

Music & Culture

Encore Week: Celebrating 2017's Studio Sessions

8:00am December 26, 2017

Listen back to some of the best World Cafe interviews and performances of the past year, including Robert Plant, John Mayer, Hurray For The Riff Raff and many more.

Music & Culture

Robert Siegel On Why He Still Loves Beethoven's Symphony No. 7

4:36pm December 25, 2017

by Robert Siegel

The second movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 is a powerful and haunting piece of classical music. It's also a favorite of NPR's Robert Siegel. He explains why, and explores other recordings inspired by the allegretto.