Guest DJ: Carla Morrison Shares Her Favorites Of 2010

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Carla Morrison at the NPR West offices in Los Angeles.

Mandalit Del Barco/NPR

Carla Morrison at the NPR West offices in Los Angeles.

Mandalit Del Barco/NPR

What does tradition sound like in the hands of an artist who respects it but also wants to challenge it? It sounds like Mexican vocalist Carla Morrison. And, when we say tradition, we mean the tradition of artfully crafted pop music made for the head as well as the heart. The tradition of, say, Joni Mitchell.

Morrison's voice is airy, but her lyrics aren't. Her musical arrangements are clever, and she has all the ingredients to make an impression beyond those who've already discovered her on both sides of the border. And, we discovered, Morrison's thoughts are just as entertaining as her music.

In this week's show, we have a special interview with her, during which she talks about her new album, Mientras Tu Dormias (While You Were Sleeping). She also introduces us to some of her favorite new artists, most of whom we didn't know about. A new album, a captivating artist and new discoveries — just another week here at Alt.Latino.