Pop-parodist “Weird Al” Yankovic on being weird (and Weird, and “Weird”) … “Boyhood” star Patricia Arquette’s stolen Santa Clauses … How singer Jenny Lewis kicks people out … A trademark-licensing dispute that lead to a big hit … Visiting a magical-realist Virgin Islands with author Tiphanie Yanique … New York Philharmonic conductor Alan Gilbert counts coughs to judge a concert … Famous little fishes … And a twee new tune …
Jenny Lewis - "You Don't Know?"
A joke that made Meryl Streep laugh - and may make you feel uncool - from musician Jenny Lewis
Shaking Up the Swiss National Anthem
Some Swiss citizens are organizing a contest to replace their national anthem with something a bit more modern, less monk.
Donkey Kong Rolls Out
In 1981, Japanese video game company Nintendo couldn't get the rights to the characters they wanted, so they made their own - and ended up with their first American hit.
Patricia Arquette on a Role Twelve Years in the Making
Patricia Arquette stars in Richard Linklater's epic new film "Boyhood." The fictional coming-of-age tale about a boy's life from first grade through high school, it was shot with same cast over the course of 12 years... and Arquette says she never wanted it to end.
Jenny Lewis Shares Mint Chips, Ticking Clocks
Singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis dominated the early-aughts with her wistful indie pop. She's back this month with a new solo record. Her dinner party soundtrack is easy to love - and easy to leave.
Tiphanie Yanique's Perfection - with a Hole
"Land of Love and Drowning" is the first novel from author Tiphanie Yanique, previously best-known for her short stories. The novel draws on Ms. Yanique's Caribbean heritage for its setting and distinctive voice.
'Weird Al' Yankovic Answers for His 'Word Crimes'
Grammar lessons, architecture jokes, polka left-overs and drugging your sibling: parody king "Weird Al" Yankovic answers listener questions.
The Hip Herring
New-catch Holland herring is a special little fish and a seasonal treat for seals and humans alike. Niki Russ Federman of Manhattan's landmark seafood seller Russ & Daughters is the third generation of the family running this so-called "house that herring built," making her uniquely qualified to talk about this slippery delicacy.
Belle and Sebastian Form an 'Empire'
Belle and Sebastian, the Scottish indie pop band who defined late-nineties twee, are back with their thirtweenth album.
Playlist 290
Music from Episode 290
