The Blind Boys of Alabama have been singing and recording together for more than 60 years. They were previously featured on All Songs Considered episode 24. Baritone George Scott, heard at the beginning of this tune, died earlier this month.
Larry Kirwan is an author and musician who explores his Irish heritage in a new memoir and companion CD of original songs. He records under the name Black 47.
Black 47
CD: Elvis Murphy's Green Suede Shoes Song: "Downtown Baghdad Blues" Label: Gadfly
Keane are a pop trio from East Sussex, England that got its start playing cover tunes by Oasis and the Beatles. While trying to break into the business, Keane's guitarist quit. But the group decided to press on as a piano-driven trio.
Keane
CD: Hopes and Fears Song: "Everybody's Changing" Label: Interscope
Ben Folds follows his unusual collaboration with William Shatner (see All Songs Considered episode 74) with a new collection of solo works. The CD includes a tribute song to Elliott Smith and one tune with vocal backing by Weird Al Yankovic.
Ben Folds
CD: Songs for Silverman Song: "Bastard" Label: Epic
The Mountain Goats were first featured on All Songs Considered episode 55. The group is known for its lo-fi recordings made on consumer boom boxes, but this album was recorded in-studio and produced by John Vanderslice.
Maria Taylor is one-half of the dream-pop duo Azure Ray based in Omaha. This is her first solo release. It features electronic musician Mike Mogis, the artist who sculpted some of the digital landscapes on the Bright Eyes CD Digital Ash in a Digital Urn.
Maria Taylor
CD: 11:11 Song: "Song Beneath the Song" Label: Saddle Creek
