1966 Vs. 1971: When 'Rock 'n' Roll' Became 'Rock,' And What We Lost
Two books about two crucial years in the story of rock and roll, taken together, reveal how the genre shrank to become the playground of white men with guitars.
Music
The Words Are Made Up, But Alcest's 'Kodama' Sure Is Pretty
"There are no lyrics," Neige says of the gracefully savage track. "It's just vocal improvisation like Cocteau Twins or Dead Can Dance were doing back in the day."
First Listen: John Adams, 'Scheherazade.2'
Violence against women, and a smart storyteller from the Arabian Nights, inspired John Adams' "dramatic symphony," featuring violinist Leila Josefowicz.
First Watch: LVL UP, 'The Closing Door'
The New York band's new video for "The Closing Door" tells a sunny coming-of-age story.
Blue Man Group Is Coming To The Tiny Desk!
They came, they measured, they built and plotted. But first, they had to borrow a few things from the office. Watch a teaser for Blue Man Group's Tiny Desk Takeover, set to feature new instruments.
First Listen: Drive-By Truckers, 'American Band'
American Band, the long-running rock band's 11th album, lives up to its name in how it digests, understands and challenges the notions of what it means to be American.
First Listen: Jenny Hval, 'Blood Bitch'
On her sixth album, the Norwegian singer Jenny Hval aims for impact, surrounding her vulnerable voice with spiky, disarming instrumentation that bolsters the intensity and intimacy of her songs.
First Listen: Bob Weir, 'Blue Mountain'
On this long-awaited solo album, the Grateful Dead veteran showcases his songwriting gifts with the aid of collaborators such as Josh Ritter and The National's Bryce and Aaron Dessner.
First Listen: John Prine, 'For Better, Or Worse'
On the cusp of his 70th birthday, the revered singer-songwriter sets down his pen to explore country classics with some stellar duet partners.
A Musical History Of The U.S., With An Extra Dose Of Glitter
In an extravagant, 24-hour journey through American popular music, performance artist Taylor Mac tells the story of communities who have built themselves through falling apart.