All Songs Considered: The Year In Music 2016
We take a chronological audio stroll through 2016, looking at memorable moments and important releases with NPR Music's Ann Powers and Stephen Thompson.
Music
Dwight Yoakam Says New Album Was Inspired By Coal Mining And Mountain Music
The country star plays songs and talks with Fresh Air about his grandfather's work in the coal mines. Yoakam's latest album, Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars ... features bluegrass versions of his hits.
6 Jazz Virtuosos Share The Stage In 'The Concert Of The Century'
Kevin Whitehead reviews a newly released recording of the '80 Montreal concert in which Dizzy Gillespie is joined by jazz legends Milt Jackson, Hank Jones, Ray Brown, James Moody and Philly Joe Jones.
Grammy Nominations Pit Beyoncé Against Adele
The two will face off for Album Of The Year, along with Drake, Justin Bieber and Sturgill Simpson. Other top nominees include Rihanna, Kanye West and Chance The Rapper.
First Watch: Stef Chura, 'Spotted Gold'
After years of playing Michigan's DIY scene, Chura is releasing her debut album, Messes, in January. "Spotted Gold" is the third single.
Songs We Love: Fred Thomas, 'Voiceover'
The chorus-less, frenetic power-pop song narrates a string of feelings — the laundromat, the grocery store, the angry dad, the White Castle — that regulate our existence.
The Marcus King Band On World Cafe
Watch the 20-year-old guitarist, whose new album was produced by Warren Haynes, play "Virginia" live in Philadelphia.
Ro James: Tiny Desk Concert
Bringing the heat to the NPR Music offices, the R&B singer performs three funky, sexy, stripped-down songs from his debut album, Eldorado.
Miranda Lambert Mixes Assertiveness With Vulnerability On Her New Record
Lambert's new release features 24 songs on 2 CDs. Critic Ken Tucker calls The Weight of These Wings a collection that "keeps on giving the deeper you get into it."
Metropolis: 12/3/16
This week's two-hour mix from KCRW's Jason Bentley begins with a track by Anderson .Paak, KCRW's pick for best new artist of 2016.