Alt.Latino Picks The Best Latin Music Of 2016
This was a year for redefining expectations and defying conventions in Latin music. Hear 10 songs that represent just some of the highlights.
Music & Culture
A Critic's Year-End 'Ghost File': Books, Movies And TV Shows He Didn't Review
Every year, Fresh Air critic John Powers is haunted by all the terrific things he didn't get a chance to talk about on air. As 2016 winds down, he "un-haunts" himself with these six recommendations.
Watch Eskimeaux Play Two New Songs Live
Before making a pot of black sesame porridge, Eskimeaux performed "Tour Mate Sex Dream" and "Rearview" live for #WAXnEGGS. Watch that and a set from Japanese Breakfast, filmed in a D.C. home.
'He Was Just That Anointed': Remembering Gospel Star Joe Ligon
Ligon, a co-founder of the influential group the Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Sunday. He was part of a movement toward contemporary gospel, which incorporated elements of R&B and pop.
First Watch: DJ Shadow, 'Bergschrund (Feat. Nils Frahm)'
Aliens are bent on abducting a drunk man in the middle of the night. But, with a six-pack of beer tucked under his arm, he doesn't go quietly.
Songs We Love: Dori Freeman, 'Go On Lovin" (Live At Folkadelphia)
In an intimate studio session, the Americana singer sounds like she could be sitting cross-legged in a lonely bedroom, a diary of still-fresh heartbreak falling open by her knee.
Latin Roots: iLe
Calle 13 singer and rapper Ileana Cabra has gone solo. Hear a live set recorded at Philadelphia's NuevoFest.
The Tiny Desk Contest Is Back!
Send us a video of you or your band playing an original song behind a desk of your choosing. You could win a chance to play your own Tiny Desk concert.
'The Jingle King' Tracks Decline Of Original Music In Advertising
Steve Karmen wrote a number of famous jingles, including Budweiser Beer's, "When You Say Bud," the New York State song, "I Love New York", the jingle, "Here Comes the King," the Exxon Song and Wrigley Spearmint Gum's, "Carry The Big Fresh Flavor." He also composed several music scores for motion pictures during the 1960s, and performed briefly as a Calypso singer, achieving some recognition in Trinidad during that time. Karmen is the recipient of 16 Clio Awards. NPR explores how the business of writing the music for advertising has changed.
Musgraves Mixes Melancholy And Melodies On 'A Very Kacey Christmas'
Musgraves' new holiday record features old classics and new novelty songs. Critic Ken Tucker calls it "the rare Christmas album that can be listened to closely ... with both pleasure and admiration."