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David Dye David Dye is a longtime Philadelphia radio personality whose music enthusiasm has captivated listeners of World Cafe since 1991. World Cafe is produced by WXPN, the public radio service of the University of Pennsylvania.
David Dye, host of World Cafe.
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David Dye

World Cafe

Paul McCartney: An Icon Ages Gracefully

XPN

It's hard to quantify Paul McCartney's impact on music history: The former Beatle has written some of pop music's most indelible songs, both alone and with John Lennon, and become a knighted icon. Hear an interview from WXPN.

Memory Almost Full

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World Cafe

Nick Lowe: Rogue, Misanthrope, Elder Statesman

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In a music career spanning more than 40 years, Lowe has profoundly affected the music industry as a singer, songwriter and producer. In recent years, he's established himself as a lovably acerbic pop legend.

Nick Lowe in Studio on World Cafe - 06/19/2007

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World Cafe

Andrew Bird: Defying Categorization

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Throughout his decade-long career, the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has skillfully blended rock, folk, jazz and retro swing music. The new Armchair Apocrypha continues his trend toward a more crowd-pleasing sound.

Andrew Bird: Defying Categorization

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Bright Eyes: New Ideas from a 'New Dylan'

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As the primary musical vehicle for Omaha wunderkind Conor Oberst, Bright Eyes has experienced a meteoric rise in the past few years, as fans and critics have embraced the literate, emotional songs of a singer often tagged "The New Bob Dylan."

Bright Eyes: New Ideas from a 'New Dylan'

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World Cafe

Charlie Louvin: Country Meets Gospel, Again

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This year, Louvin released his first studio album in more than 10 years. The self-titled disc contains reworked versions of the country-gospel legend's songs, featuring guest vocals from a wide variety of big names, including Elvis Costello and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy.

Charlie Louvin: Country Meets Gospel, Again

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World Cafe

Plant and Krauss: Rock and Bluegrass Collide

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Robert Plant has helped establish the iconic image of the "rock god," while Alison Krauss is one of the most accomplished bluegrass musicians of the last few decades. Together, they've recorded Raising Sand, which interprets blues, folk and country songs. Hear an interview.

Plant and Krauss: Rock and Bluegrass Collide

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World Cafe

Shout Out Louds: Joyous and Energetic

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A Swedish indie-pop band, The Shout Out Louds made its debut in 2002 with Howl Howl Gaff Gaff. The group infuses its sound with a tinge of '80s synth-pop, embellished with strings and xylophones. Hear an interview and performance from WXPN.

The Shout Out Louds in Studio on World Cafe 12/20/07

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World Cafe

Cass McCombs: Enigmatic and Complicated

XPN

Cass McCombs is an ingenious and unorthodox singer/songwriter. His influences range from The Velvet Underground to Morrissey, and his style blends folk and art-pop. Hear an interview and in-studio performance by the musician from WXPN.

Cass McCombs in Studio on World Cafe 12/19/07

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World Cafe

Michael Hurley: Original Folk Style

XPN

Michael Hurley is an American folksinger, guitarist and fiddler who became a part of the Greenwich Village music scene in the late '60s and '70s. Devendra Banhart and Vetiver frontman Andy Cabic have just released his new album. Hear an interview and performance.

Michael Hurley in Studio on World Cafe 12/18/07

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Nicole Atkins: Melancholy, Reflective Country

XPN

A singer-songwriter from New Jersey, Atkins grew up listening to old-school folk and country, which would later serve as the inspirational backbone for her own soulful crooning and introspective songwriting. Her songs are frequently compared to the work of Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline.

Nicole Atkins in Studio on World Cafe - 05/17/2007

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World Cafe

Dave Gahan Empties His 'Hourglass'

David Gahan is best known for his role as the lead singer in Depeche Mode. His soulful baritone voice and stylish delivery gave the band the kind of appeal a pack of synthesizers has difficulty achieving alone. Hear the now-solo musician in an interview and performance.

David Gahan in Studio on World Cafe 12/13/07

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Dale Watson: 'Ameripolitan' Music

XPN

Dale Watson is an American alt-country singer and guitarist from Texas with an authentic style and character. Working to his own beat and style, he isn't one to try and fit into a particular category of music. Hear an interview and performance from WXPN.

Dale Watson in Studio on World Cafe 12/12/07

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Eilen Jewell: Saturated with Sorrow

XPN

Eilen Jewell is a 27-year-old Boston-based musician known for her classic country and folk style, her emotional singing and her dramatic uses of silence. Her latest album is saturated with sorrow. Hear an interview and performance from WXPN.

Eilen Jewell in Studio on World Cafe 12/11/07

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John Fogerty: Back with a 'Revival'

XPN

Best known for his involvement with '60s roots-rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, 62-year-old John Fogerty has also developed a successful solo career in the past four decades. Hear an interview and in-studio performance by the legendary guitarist and songwriter.

John Fogerty in Studio on World Cafe 10/26/07

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