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Favorite Sessions

George Ezra, 'Budapest' (Live)

XPN

February 6, 2015 • The English singer-songwriter's rich voice separates him from the pack in songs like 'Budapest.'

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Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images

Holiday Music

The Mix: Jingle Jams

XPN

December 16, 2012 • From WXPN, listen to a continuous mix of holiday favorites and originals by U2, Dave Matthews Band, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Elton John, Adele and more.

Who Needs A Record Label? The 5 Best Bandcamp Albums Of 2011

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Best Music Of 2011

Who Needs A Record Label? The 5 Best Bandcamp Albums Of 2011

XPN

December 21, 2011 • WXPN's Bruce Warren recommends some of the best artists making use of the independent music site.

The famed World Cafe signature wall, where every guest leaves a mark on the studio. Spot anyone you recognize?

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The Mix

The Mix: Live At The World Cafe

XPN

October 24, 2011 • Of the 4,000 artists who have graced World Cafe's studios in the past 20 years, WXPN has picked some of the best live performances for this celebratory mix.

First Listen: Neon Indian, 'Era Extraña'

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First Listen

First Listen: Neon Indian, 'Era Extraña'

XPN

September 4, 2011 • Call it what you want: "chillwave," "glo-fi" or whatever catchphrase comes along next. But this tuneful, inventive album is as much a pop record as the Madonna hits of another era.

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First Listen

First Listen: Beirut, 'The Rip Tide'

XPN

August 7, 2011 • Zach Condon's ongoing love affair with baroque instrumentation and global influences reaches a new level of focus and restraint on Beirut's latest.

First Listen: Marissa Nadler, 'Marissa Nadler'

Marissa Nadler's new self-titled album comes out June 14. Courtney Brooke Hall/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtney Brooke Hall/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Marissa Nadler, 'Marissa Nadler'

XPN

June 5, 2011 • The Boston singer-songwriter's dreamy, fragile folk songs have earned her a small but fanatical following. Hear Nadler's new self-titled album in its entirety.

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Music

The Roots Picnic, In Concert

XPN

June 3, 2011 • ?uestlove and his crew are taking over Festival Pier in Philadelphia on Saturday for a series of live shows by some of their favorite artists. Hear sets by Nas, Esperanza Spalding, Ariel Pink and more, live as they happen.

First Listen: Paul Simon, 'So Beautiful Or So What'

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First Listen

First Listen: Paul Simon, 'So Beautiful Or So What'

XPN

April 3, 2011 • When Paul Simon sings and plays, many languages are spoken: gospel, folk, soul, African, doo-wop, blues and American pop. But they're all synthesized into one of American music's most unmistakable voices. Hear Simon's new album in its entirety until its release on April 12.

First Listen: Kurt Vile, 'Smoke Ring For My Halo'

Kurt Vile's fourth studio album, Smoke Ring for My Halo, comes out March 8. Shawn Brackbill/Courtesy of Matador Records hide caption

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Shawn Brackbill/Courtesy of Matador Records

First Listen

First Listen: Kurt Vile, 'Smoke Ring For My Halo'

XPN

February 27, 2011 • The Philadelphia singer-songwriter leaves primitive arrangements behind on his dreamy new album. Hear Smoke Ring for My Halo in its entirety here until its release on March 8.

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The Record

Three For Your Weekend: Philadelphia

July 16, 2010 • WXPN Program Director Bruce Warren picks three not-to-be missed shows in his hometown this weekend.

First Listen: Josh Ritter, 'So Runs The World Away'

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Sam Kassirer

First Listen

First Listen: Josh Ritter, 'So Runs The World Away'

XPN

April 25, 2010 • With each new album, the Oberlin-educated, Idaho-born singer-songwriter continues to develop his singular voice. So Runs the World Away, which can be heard here until its May 4 release date, defies categorization as much as it creates its own.

First Listen

First Listen: Dr. Dog, 'Shame, Shame'

XPN

March 28, 2010 • The Philadelphia band Dr. Dog makes the sound of tomorrow's classic rock today. The group's latest album evokes the past while still sounding new, and features crafty guitar lines alongside Dr. Dog's signature piano sound. Hear Shame, Shame in its entirety a week prior to its release on April 6.

First Listen

Exclusive First Listen: Norah Jones

XPN

November 9, 2009 • Jones' new album, The Fall, maintains her jazzy, sultry sound while pushing into more contemporary pop territory. It's a different direction for the singer, but suitable for old fans and newcomers alike.

Exclusive First Listen: Norah Jones

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Concerts

Os Mutantes In Concert

XPN

October 9, 2009 • In the mid-'60s, when the youth culture was turning on to the psychedelic sounds of the decade, Os Mutantes' members were stirring up their own counterculture revolution in their native Brazil. Now, the band is back with its first new album in 35 years and a full-on U.S. tour. Hear a concert, recorded at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia.

Os Mutantes In Concert

1:27:54

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