Episode 104

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Pink Floyd's David Gilmour
A groundbreaking reissue: Byrne and Eno
Electronica out of Africa: Congotronics
Rare '60s soul music: Eccentric Soul
Singer and slide guitarist Ben Harper
Clem Snide singer-songwriter Eef Barzelay
Playwright and poet Adam Arcuragi

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This is only David Glimour's third solo album and his first studio release since Pink Floyd's 1994 Division Bell in a career that spans nearly 40 years. But On An Island proves to be worth the wait. It's one of Gilmour's best productions, featuring his signature soaring guitar solos, dreamy soundscapes in the spirit of classic Pink Floyd and guest appearances by artists like David Crosby and former Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright.

David Gilmour

CD: On An Island
Song: "On An Island"
Label: Columbia

Listen to "On An Island"

Talking Heads singer and songwriter David Bryne collaborated with producer Brian Eno for this groundbreaking album originally released in 1981. Together they meticulously crafted a remarkable collection of sound collages that, on a technical scale, were previously unimaginable. This 25th anniversary edition includes remastered versions of the original recordings and previously unreleased tracks.

David Byrne and Brian Eno

CD: My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
Song: "Defiant"
Label: Nonesuch

Listen to "Defiant"

This collection features six bands from Kinshasa that amplify traditional and homemade instruments crafted from old car parts and telephone wire.

Masanka Sankayi and the Kasai Allstars

CD: Congotronics 2
Song: "Wa Muluendu"
Label: Crammed Disc

Listen to "Wa Muluendu"

This new collection showcases rhythm and blues bands from south Florida. These original recordings made in the 1960s feature lesser-known singers like Helene Smith, Betty Wright and Paul Kelly.

Helene Smith

CD: Eccentric Soul: The Deep City Label
Song: "Willing and Able"
Label: Numero

Listen to "Willing and Able"

Ben Harper is singer, songwriter and slide guitarist making soulful pop. His latest release features two CDs divided by mood: one CD is more jam-heavy and hard-edged, while the other is more mellow and soft. Harper self-produced the album and, on several tracks, played all the instruments.

Ben Harper

CD: Both Sides of the Gun
Song: "Better Way"
Label: Virgin

Listen to "Better Way"

Eef Barzelay is the genius behind the New York rock band Clem Snide, featured on All Songs Considered episode 17. His first CD as a solo artist features Barzelay with just his guitar.

Eef Barzelay

CD: Bitter Honey
Song: "Thanksgiving Wave"
Label: Spin Art

Listen to "Thanksgiving Wave"

Adam Arcuragi is a playwright, poet and songwriter from Philadelphia. His self-titled debut LP was recorded in fits and starts during the past three years and features contributions from other artists like Matt Pond PA and Bitter Bitter Weeks. It's a deeply personal, intimate and poetic collection of artfully crafted folk-pop.

Adam Arcuragi

CD: Adam Arcuragi
Song: "1981 (Or Waving At You As We Part At Light Speed Will Look Like I'm Standing Still)"
Label: High Two

Listen to "1981"

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