NPR Music Essentials http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1107&ft=1&f=1107 Lists of top artists and top songs compiled by musicians, critics, and noted NPR hosts. Listen online and find new songs in rock, pop, folk, jazz, blues, urban, classical, and world music. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:30:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/npr_news_123x20.gif NPR Music Essentials http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1107&ft=1&f=1107 NPR Music's 50 Favorite Songs Of 2013 (So Far) We made you a doozy of a mix — 50 of NPR Music's favorite songs from the first half of 2013, including hip-hop anthems, dudes with beards, avant-garde lullabies, dance-music stompers, tear-jerking ballads, funk odysseys and synth-pop singalongs. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:30:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/11/189331497/npr-musics-50-favorite-songs-of-2013-so-far?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/11/189331497/npr-musics-50-favorite-songs-of-2013-so-far?ft=1&f=1107 We made you a doozy of a mix — 50 of NPR Music's favorite songs from the first half of 2013, including hip-hop anthems, dudes with beards, avant-garde lullabies, dance-music stompers, tear-jerking ballads, funk odysseys and synth-pop singalongs.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> NPR Music's 25 Favorite Albums Of The Year (So Far) After almost six months of new music, it's that time of year when we pause to catch our breath, get our bearings and share our love for the albums that defined the first half of 2013 at NPR Music. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:30:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/06/189336285/npr-musics-25-favorite-albums-of-the-year-so-far?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/06/189336285/npr-musics-25-favorite-albums-of-the-year-so-far?ft=1&f=1107 After almost six months of new music, it's that time of year when we pause to catch our breath, get our bearings and share our love for the albums that defined the first half of 2013 at NPR Music.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Heavy Rotation: 10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing Download new music from EDM star Pretty Lights, Bon Iver side project The Shouting Matches, hip-hop recluse Quasimoto, teenage sensation Lorde and many more. Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:45:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/06/188301709/heavy-rotation-10-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/06/188301709/heavy-rotation-10-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 Download new music from EDM star Pretty Lights, Bon Iver side project The Shouting Matches, hip-hop recluse Quasimoto, teenage sensation Lorde and many more.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Duke Ellington: Highlights Of His Twilight The great composer and bandleader was distraught over the 1967 death of Billy Strayhorn, his songwriting and arranging partner of 28 years. But Ellington took Strayhorn's passing as an impetus, born of necessity, to increase his own productivity. Here are five examples. Thu, 23 May 2013 16:02:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/05/23/186303823/duke-ellington-highlights-of-his-twilight?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/05/23/186303823/duke-ellington-highlights-of-his-twilight?ft=1&f=1107 The great composer and bandleader was distraught over the 1967 death of Billy Strayhorn, his songwriting and arranging partner of 28 years. But Ellington took Strayhorn's passing as an impetus, born of necessity, to increase his own productivity. Here are five examples.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Woody Herman At 100: 'A Blues Player From His Heart' He was a soulful reedman, an amazing talent scout for decades and a bandleader of one of the country's most popular acts. Born in 1913, Herman led "Thundering Herds" that were both big draws and well-respected by the likes of Igor Stravinsky. Here are five recordings which still sound fresh today. Thu, 16 May 2013 16:17:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/05/16/184545498/woody-herman-at-100-a-blues-player-from-his-heart?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/05/16/184545498/woody-herman-at-100-a-blues-player-from-his-heart?ft=1&f=1107 He was a soulful reedman, an amazing talent scout for decades and a bandleader of one of the country's most popular acts. Born in 1913, Herman led "Thundering Herds" that were both big draws and well-respected by the likes of Igor Stravinsky. Here are five recordings which still sound fresh today.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Heavy Rotation: 5 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing In this installment of Heavy Rotation, we partner with KCRW to bring you an exclusive download from Laura Mvula's <em>Morning Becomes Eclectic</em> session, as well as music from the post-punk band Savages, Portland songwriter Nick Jaina, Baltimore rapper Ellis and funk guitarist Shuggie Otis. Thu, 02 May 2013 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/180300335/heavy-rotation-5-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/180300335/heavy-rotation-5-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 In this installment of Heavy Rotation, we partner with KCRW to bring you an exclusive download from Laura Mvula's Morning Becomes Eclectic session, as well as music from the post-punk band Savages, Portland songwriter Nick Jaina, Baltimore rapper Ellis and funk guitarist Shuggie Otis.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Jazzahead! Highlights: 5 New Bands From Europe Bremen may be best known for its love of soccer and Beck's beer. But in April, more than 20,000 jazz fans and industry professionals descend upon the German port city for a festival designed specifically to showcase new acts from across Europe. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/04/25/179066112/jazzahead-highlights-5-new-bands-from-europe?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/04/25/179066112/jazzahead-highlights-5-new-bands-from-europe?ft=1&f=1107 Bremen may be best known for its love of soccer and Beck's beer. But in April, more than 20,000 jazz fans and industry professionals descend upon the German port city for a festival designed specifically to showcase new acts from across Europe.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Jazz Salutes Its Disc Jockeys The advent of bebop added a fresh sound to American music. It also added new voices to some metropolitan radio stations: the late-night jazz DJs who specialized in presenting this new music to their fellow hipster nightflies. Appreciative musicians often wrote them tributes like these. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:59:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/04/18/177803233/jazz-salutes-its-disc-jockeys?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/04/18/177803233/jazz-salutes-its-disc-jockeys?ft=1&f=1107 The advent of bebop added a fresh sound to American music. It also added new voices to some metropolitan radio stations: the late-night jazz DJs who specialized in presenting this new music to their fellow hipster nightflies. Appreciative musicians often wrote them tributes like these.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> South By South Africa: 5 Jazz Acts From The Rainbow Nation For centuries, the country turned its back on black musicians — including the jazz artists whose creations embodied freedom and empowerment. Today, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of Africa's largest musical gatherings. Here are five musicians who played the festival this year. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 01:08:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/04/16/176958184/south-by-south-africa-5-jazz-acts-from-the-rainbow-nation?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/04/16/176958184/south-by-south-africa-5-jazz-acts-from-the-rainbow-nation?ft=1&f=1107 For centuries, the country turned its back on black musicians — including the jazz artists whose creations embodied freedom and empowerment. Today, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of Africa's largest musical gatherings. Here are five musicians who played the festival this year.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Heavy Rotation: 10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing Download new music from hip-hop veteran N.O.R.E., indie-rock favorites Telekinesis and Phosphorescent, soul man Charles Bradley, folksinger Samantha Crain and many more in this special edition of Heavy Rotation. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/15/176172267/heavy-rotation-10-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/15/176172267/heavy-rotation-10-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 Download new music from hip-hop veteran N.O.R.E., indie-rock favorites Telekinesis and Phosphorescent, soul man Charles Bradley, folksinger Samantha Crain and many more in this special edition of Heavy Rotation.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> The Women In Charge Of The Band Musicians like Lil Hardin Armstrong, Carla Bley and Mary Lou Williams didn't just make it in the historically male-dominated field of jazz: They were the driving forces behind their own bands. Hear five pioneering examples of women who composed for and directed their own groups. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/03/29/175623957/the-women-in-charge-of-the-band?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/03/29/175623957/the-women-in-charge-of-the-band?ft=1&f=1107 Musicians like Lil Hardin Armstrong, Carla Bley and Mary Lou Williams didn't just make it in the historically male-dominated field of jazz: They were the driving forces behind their own bands. Hear five pioneering examples of women who composed for and directed their own groups.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> The Good Friday 5: Musical Passion Stories You Must Hear Before Easter, hear five powerful and diverse musical portrayals of Jesus' last days and crucifixion, from Bach's monumental <em>St. Matthew</em> to Golijov's brilliant Latin American mashup to a dark and terrifying Russian vision from Sofia Gubaidulina. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:58:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2013/03/27/175496458/the-good-friday-5-musical-passion-stories-you-must-hear?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2013/03/27/175496458/the-good-friday-5-musical-passion-stories-you-must-hear?ft=1&f=1107 Before Easter, hear five powerful and diverse musical portrayals of Jesus' last days and crucifixion, from Bach's monumental St. Matthew to Golijov's brilliant Latin American mashup to a dark and terrifying Russian vision from Sofia Gubaidulina.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Heavy Rotation: 5 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing Our panel of public-radio music obsessives has five more favorites to share. Download new music from CHVRCHES, Joey Bada$$, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper and Frightened Rabbit, plus a sick remix of Tame Impala by Australian producer Light Year. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/26/173160941/heavy-rotation-5-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/26/173160941/heavy-rotation-5-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing?ft=1&f=1107 Our panel of public-radio music obsessives has five more favorites to share. Download new music from CHVRCHES, Joey Bada$$, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper and Frightened Rabbit, plus a sick remix of Tame Impala by Australian producer Light Year.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 75 Years Of Charles Lloyd, Jazz's Spirit Warrior The Memphis-bred, New-York-honed and coastal California resident developed a reputation as an earthy, sincere voice — one one the world's most popular jazz musicians. Hear five tunes spanning the saxophonist's career, from '60s mysticism to modern spirituals. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:36:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/03/15/174440963/75-years-of-charles-lloyd-jazzs-spirit-warrior?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/03/15/174440963/75-years-of-charles-lloyd-jazzs-spirit-warrior?ft=1&f=1107 The Memphis-bred, New-York-honed and coastal California resident developed a reputation as an earthy, sincere voice — one one the world's most popular jazz musicians. Hear five tunes spanning the saxophonist's career, from '60s mysticism to modern spirituals.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> The Mix: The Mali 100 Presented By Afropop Worldwide Mali is currently a country in crisis. Yet this West African country boasts one of the world's richest musical traditions, and iconic artists like Ali Farka Toure, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare and Tinariwen. With help from our friends at <em>Afropop Worldwide</em>, we selected 100 songs that demonstrate Mali's musical breadth. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/13/173843328/the-mix-the-mali-100-presented-by-afropop-worldwide?ft=1&f=1107 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/13/173843328/the-mix-the-mali-100-presented-by-afropop-worldwide?ft=1&f=1107 Mali is currently a country in crisis. Yet this West African country boasts one of the world's richest musical traditions, and iconic artists like Ali Farka Toure, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare and Tinariwen. With help from our friends at Afropop Worldwide, we selected 100 songs that demonstrate Mali's musical breadth.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]>