A Pakistani Pop Star Pulls From The Culture's Musical Past And Present
Though she's made careful study of the history of South Asian music, Zeb Bangash's career defies easy assumptions about art and Islam.
Music & Culture
How Do You Get Over Writer's Block?
After a nasty bout of writer's block that stretched on for nearly a decade, Sting found inspiration by channeling the stories of the shipyard workers he knew from his childhood.
Unadulterated Brass-Band Fun On Banda De Los Muertos' Debut Album
The horn-led band updates traditional Mexican party/folk music for modern American listeners on its self-titled album. Critic Milo Miles says Banda De Los Muertos' debut will make you dance.
No Blank Space, Baby: Taylor Swift Is The Soul Of Ryan Adams
Adams' 1989 recognizes a rock lineage born of a woman. He's not legitimizing Swift's work – he's figuring out how her voice can validate and include his.
After Copyright Ruling, Let The People Sing 'Happy Birthday'
Tuesday's ruling by a federal judge that the copyright of the "Happy Birthday" song applies only to specific piano arrangements, not the actual song itself, means the song is now public domain.
Federal Judge Rules 'Happy Birthday' Is In The Public Domain
A federal judge in Los Angeles has ruled that "Happy Birthday" should be in the public domain. Piano arrangements were copyrighted in 1935, but they apparently don't cover the lyrics.
The Blues Finds A Home In A South Central Garage
As regular as a church service, Franklin Bell's informal workshop meets every Sunday at his L.A. garage. For a small voluntary donation, guests eat, drink and dance to music both raw and graceful.
Autumn Serenade: The Fall Music Puzzler
Do your musical tastes change with the turning of autumn leaves? Try this fall music quiz filled with songs of wistful introspection.
Farewell To Blackfaced Otellos At The Met
In its season opening production, New York's Metropolitan Opera abandons the tradition of darkening the skin of tenors portraying the title role in Verdi's Otello.
Revisiting The Intense Twists And Turns Of Garner's 'Concert By The Sea'
In 1955, pianist Erroll Garner's trio played in Carmel, Calif. A new complete edition of the Concert By The Sea album has just been released. Critic Kevin Whitehead has a review.