music

Joan Shelley Builds a Playlist for a Party in the Great Outdoors

Critics have praised Joan Shelley’s poetic lyrics and minimalist approach to Appalachian folk music. She caught the attention of Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, who produced her latest album. With songs by Roger Miller, Irma Thomas, and more, the singer-songwriter mixes up a soundtrack for the next time you venture off to the Red River Gorge.

Feist Mixes Up A Wintry Party Playlist

Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leslie Feist has delved into everything from anthemic rock to hushed chamber pop. She just released a new album called, "Pleasure," and DJs a dinner party soundtrack that'll bring a chill to your springtime parties.

Cold War Kids Get Sentimental With Their Party Playlist

Nathan Willett and Matt Maust are two-fifths of indie rock band Cold War Kids. The band just released their sixth record. It's called, "L.A. Divine." Listen as Nathan and Matt pick songs by Fiona Apple, The Walkmen, and more to pull at your heartstrings as they look back at their missed encounter with a rock superstar.

Alex Kapranos DJs a Globe-Trotting Party Playlist

Alex Kapranos is the frontman of the beloved Scottish dance-pop band Franz Ferdinand and a member of the new supergroup of sorts called BNQT. The band includes Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses and Jason Lytle of Grandaddy. Their new album comes out later this month. His playlist takes your party from Scotland to Germany to Latin America with tracks by Kraftwerk and more.

Aimee Mann-splains Etiquette

In the ‘80s, Aimee Mann's band Til Tuesday hit the charts with the now classic song, "Voices Carry." She's since become a hugely respected solo artist with Grammy and Oscar nominations under her belt. Her new album, "Mental Illness," finds her telling cutting and unabashedly sad stories in song form. The singer-songwriter explains how cats and actor Andrew Garfield served as muses for her latest album, then she helps our listeners deal with mansplainers, tattoo copycats, and friends who won't let you off the hook.

Jens Lekman DJs A Middle Eastern Dance Party

Swedish musician Jens Lekman has become a legend in the indie world for his wry, alternately hilarious and heartbreaking pop tunes. Last year, he challenged himself to write a song a week... some of which evolved into tracks for his new album, "Life Will See You Now." It's his first record in five years. Here's Jens with a playlist mailed from the other side of the world.

‘Come From Away’ Writing Duo Highlight Their 3 Favorite True Story-Inspired Musicals

Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote the book and music for "Come From Away." It's a new Broadway musical based on a true tale that unfolded in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. During the 9/11 attacks, 38 planes bound for New York had to land in Gander instead. So, the locals had to care for thousands of stranded passengers from around the world. Listen as they share a little more about their musical, before listing their favorite musicals of the stage and screen based on true tales.

Blondie – ‘Long Time’

Seventies music legend Blondie has a new album coming out May 5th. Here's a track from it written by Dev Hynes, aka Blood Orange.