Why Do Some Pop Songs Become American Bar Classics?
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to writer Kenny Herzog about why some songs turn into American bar classics.
Music
Watch The Flaming Lips Cover David Bowie's 'Space Oddity'
The Flaming Lips turn a classic Bowie number into a touching, psychedelic memorial.
Guest Dose: DJ JNETT
"It went from my mother saying 'turn it down' to my kids saying 'turn it down,'" says Janette Pitruzzello, a 47-year-old mother of two who doubles as one of Melbourne's top DJs.
The Lumineers On World Cafe
Hear the hit-making folk-rock band perform songs from its new album, Cleopatra.
Hear The Soundtrack To 'International Pop'
Musician and radio host Ben Vaughn explains how he curated the soundtrack for the Philadelphia Museum of Art's "International Pop" exhibit.
Ayako Shirasaki On Piano Jazz
Hear the Japanese pianist perform her compositions "Falling Leaves" and "Far Away."
All Songs +1: Sturgill Simpson Shares His 'Guide To Earth'
The singer, whose major label debut, A Sailor's Guide To Earth, is out today, talks about his new sound, making an album for his newborn son and how covering Nirvana helped him find his inner teen.
Seratones: Tiny Desk Concert
The Louisiana band takes gospel into the garage, and what comes out is fiery rock 'n' roll. Watch Seratones perform three songs in the NPR Music offices.
Songs We Love: Sarah Louise, 'Floating Rhododendron'
When we translate the natural world through instruments, we commune with it. The guitarist culls her 12-string compositions from birdsong, rivers and the sacred drone of Appalachian folk music.
Carlos Santana Breaks Down His Band's Trailblazing Sound
The original Santana made music history nearly 50 years ago. As the band reunites for a short tour this spring, the guitarist tells Alt.Latino how he and his collaborators did it.