The Endless Potential Of The Pedal Steel Guitar, An Odd Duck By Any Measure
The pedal steel guitar is, for many, inextricable from its roots in country music — but its well runs much deeper than providing some smooth twang.
Music & Culture
Viking's Choice: Razor-Wire Hardcore, Vocal Music From The Void
New year, new choices. Call your friends, drink more water, watch movies with subtitles, and listen to more drone and hardcore.
The New Pornographers Craft Hooks With Heart
With In the Morse Code of Brake Lights, the Canadian band delivers big, bright songs with thoughtful lyrics.
From Dixie Chicks To Rihanna: Our Music Predictions For 2020
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael discuss albums they're looking forward to, as well as the artists they're begging to come back.
With 'Even Better,' Michael Formanek's Very Practical Trio Lives Up To Its Name
Though their improvising gets rowdy at times, the Very Practical Trio players don't neglect the tune when they jam. Kevin Whitehead says the ensemble's new album has a nice give and take.
Zane Lowe On The Power Of Spandau Ballet
As part of NPR's series "One-Hit Wonders / Second-Best Songs," BBC Radio legend Zane Lowe nominates "Gold" by Spandau Ballet. The group is mostly known for its 1983 Top 10 hit "True."
Whitney Flips The Notion Of The Breakup Record On Its Head
The Chicago duo's latest album, Forever Turned Around, is all about commitment. Hear a live performance.
How To Like Jazz, For The Uninitiated
Want to start the new year with some new music? Weekend Edition has you covered with a new genre every week this month.
The Brazilian Guitarist Beloved By Musicians Around The World
As a composer, Guinga's written hits for Brazilian superstars like Elis Regina. As a musician he's set the bar for classical guitarists far beyond his native country.
An Early 2020 Preview: 5 Upcoming Albums We Can't Wait To Hear
From Moses Sumney's upcoming double album to a folk supergroup starring two of the minds behind Hadestown and Fruit Bats, here are some of Stephen Thompson's early picks for 2020.