New Mix: Brian Eno Sings, New Dirty Projectors, Leonard Cohen, More
This week's show features songs that are fueled by emotion, namely passion and desire.
Music
The 1961 Fishing Trip That Launched The Beach Boys
Rock historian Ed Ward takes us back to California's Redondo Pier, where Dennis Wilson and his cousin Mike Love first decided to write a song about surfing. The Beach Boys were formed soon afterwards.
Hear David Bowie's Previously Unreleased Album, 'The Gouster'
A new David Bowie box set released late last week includes a complete version of his long-lost album, The Gouster. Bowie originally recorded the album in 1974, but eventually shelved the project.
Jon Cleary On World Cafe
Call him an Englishman in New Orleans — Cleary's piano playing is a beloved fixture of the Crescent City. Hear him play "Frenchmen Street Blues" and songs from his latest album, GoGo Juice.
Metallica's Rejuvenated On 'Moth Into Flame'
The new track from the band's first studio album since 2008 recalls the melodic, lead-foot-riff-fueled, progressive attack of ...And Justice For All.
Blue Man Group: Tiny Desk Concert
The world-famous entertainers retrofitted their custom-made instruments, confetti cannons, and streamers to fit our Tiny Desk.
World Cafe Next: Brent Cobb
The Nashville songwriter's major-label debut is reminiscent of Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver and James Taylor all at once. Hear two songs.
Kyle Craft On World Cafe
Craft's music combines the influences of his Louisiana hometown and David Bowie; you might call it "Southern glam." Hear a conversation and performance.
Metropolis: 9/24/16
KCRW's Jason Bentley spins a two-hour EDM mix featuring a guest DJ set from Lee Burridge.
The Long, Strange History Of Campaign Endorsement Songs
From "Nixon's The One" To "El Corrido de Hillary Clinton," an odd subgenre of music raises its head every four years: the endorsement song. It's part commercial jingle, part aspirational anthem.