Music & Culture

Music & Culture

Natalie Hemby Offers Contemplative Vocals And Vivid Memories On 'Puxico'

1:51pm January 11, 2017

by Ken Tucker

After writing No. 1 hits for various country stars, Hemby now has an album of her own. Critic Ken Tucker says Puxico mixes country sentiments with a folksy sound.

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Chance the Rapper performs in L.A. in November 2016. His mixtape Coloring Book can't be bought — but by Billboard's rules, it was streamed enough times last year to equal 500,000 album "sales."

Music & Culture

From Mozart To Adele To Chance The Rapper, Measuring Album Sales Means Being Specific

1:02pm January 11, 2017

by NPR Staff

In 2016, the album that sold the most physical CDs worldwide wasn't anywhere near the top of the charts — and one of the best-charting records of the year couldn't be bought at all.

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Pile's new album, A Hairshirt Of Purpose, comes out March 31.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Pile, 'Texas'

11:00am January 11, 2017

by Marissa Lorusso

The Boston band takes you on a two-minute roller coaster ride that puts your heart in your throat and leaves it there.

Fawn is Anne Malin Ringwalt and William Johnson.

Music & Culture

First Watch: Fawn, 'Good Earth'

9:00am January 11, 2017

by Anna Marketti

The Boston-based duo Fawn explores love, sexuality and spirituality in a twisted new song and video.

Music & Culture

Hear Laura Marling's Gorgeous New Song 'Wild Fire'

8:21am January 11, 2017

by Robin Hilton

The singer's new song, from her upcoming album Semper Femina, is an immediately arresting mix of spare, fluttering percussion and gospel harmonies with gently strummed acoustic guitars.

Music & Culture

Spotify Posts Vacancy For President Of Playlists

6:20am January 11, 2017

Job requirements include: 8 years experience running a highly regarded nation, be a great speaker and have a Nobel Peace Prize. No word yet on whether President Obama would like the position.

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Music & Culture

Suzanne Vega On World Cafe

5:21pm January 10, 2017

by David Dye

Best known for songs like "Tom's Diner" and "Luka," the singer-songwriter is now working on a play about Southern novelist Carson McCullers.

Music & Culture

Our Top Discoveries From globalFEST 2017

1:52pm January 10, 2017

Every January, we hear some of the world's tastiest acts at a one-night showcase in Manhattan. From Korean folk songs spun into glam-rock glitter to blazing Cuban brass, this year was no exception.

Music & Culture

Remembering Jazz Critic And 'Village Voice' Writer Nat Hentoff

1:42pm January 10, 2017

Hentoff, who died Saturday, was an outspoken advocate of free speech and a prolific jazz writer. Originally broadcast in 1986.

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Music & Culture

Hear 'A Stygian Pyre' By Pillorian, A New Band From Agalloch's John Haughm

1:30pm January 10, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

Parts of Pillorian will be familiar to Agalloch fans, but this is John Haughm at his most bestial.