Music Reviews : NPR

Review: Bob Dylan, 'The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12'

Bob Dylan's new compilation, The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12, comes out Nov. 5. Don Hunstein/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Don Hunstein/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Bob Dylan, 'The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12'

October 30, 2015 • The fevered 14 months captured here represent the moment when Dylan became comfortable in his shoes — and, if not yet confident about every decision, at least trusting the authority of his writing.

Three Songs That Expose Frayed Nerves And Yearning

Fresh Air

October 29, 2015 • Critic Ken Tucker considers three songs by three artists: Elvis Costello's "I Can't Turn It Off," Lana Del Rey's cover of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and Eleanor Friedberger's "Alphabet City."

Three Songs That Expose Frayed Nerves And Yearning

Listen · 10:07 10:07

Download
Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/452842309/452894517" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Transcript

Old Dominion's new album, Meat And Candy, comes out Nov. 6. Michael Elins/Courtesy of the artist. hide caption

toggle caption

Michael Elins/Courtesy of the artist.

First Listen

Review: Old Dominion, 'Meat And Candy'

October 28, 2015 • The fast-rising country band brings first-rate craftsmanship to one of popular music's abiding themes: savoring fleeting pleasures.

Carla Morrison's new album, Amor Supremo, comes out Nov. 6. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Carla Morrison, 'Amor Supremo'

October 28, 2015 • The Mexican singer-songwriter crafts a sublime and captivating representation of her lyrical gifts. Throughout Amor Supremo, she expands her sound by couching subtle springs in electronics.

Floating Points' new album, Elaenia, comes out Nov. 6. Louise Haywood Schiefer/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Louise Haywood Schiefer/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Floating Points, 'Elaenia'

October 28, 2015 • A slice of ambient, psychedelic-jazz dance music from one of the London club scene's top producers. There are only hints of vocals, and the ones that do appear aren't used in the service of language.

Review: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'West Kirby County Primary'

Bill Ryder-Jones' new album, West Kirby County Primary, comes out Nov. 6. Rachel King/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Rachel King/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'West Kirby County Primary'

October 28, 2015 • The former Coral frontman's songs ache with the resignation of someone still searching for answers. Remarkably, these songs sway with a light touch, with melodies that feel lived-in and singable.

Music Review: 'Oh My Goodness,' Donnie Fritts

October 28, 2015 • For over 40 years, Donnie Fritts has been a musician, an actor and a songwriter. Music reviewer Meredith Ochs says his latest album, Oh My Goodness, contributes to an Americana legacy that continues to inspire.

Music Review: 'Oh My Goodness,' Donnie Fritts

Listen · 4:25 4:25

Download
Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/452608579/452608580" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Transcript

'Portrait of an American Singer' Revives The Memory Of Tennessee Ernie Ford

Fresh Air

October 22, 2015 • Tennessee Ernie Ford was a hugely popular singer in the 1950s and 60s. Now, a new 5-disc boxed set attempts to reintroduce Ford to a new audience. Rock critic Ken Tucker has a review.

'Portrait of an American Singer' Revives The Memory Of Tennessee Ernie Ford

Listen · 7:45 7:45

Download
Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/450861934/450941819" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Transcript

Review: Kirk Knight, 'Late Knight Special'

Kirk Knight's new album, Late Night Special, comes out Oct. 30. Courtesy of the artist. hide caption

toggle caption

Courtesy of the artist.

First Listen

Review: Kirk Knight, 'Late Knight Special'

October 22, 2015 • Debut album from Pro Era collective's resident rapper/producer is a guided musical tour through the mind of 19-year-old from Flatbush.

First Listen: Grupo Fantasma, 'Problemas'

Grupo Fantasma's new album, Problemas, comes out Oct. 30. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Grupo Fantasma, 'Problemas'

October 21, 2015 • The Austin band's raucous, good-time mix of funk, cumbia and soul forms a sound that's built to last — always evolving, but always joyful, too.

Review: Beach Slang, 'The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us'

Beach Slang's new album, The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us, comes out Oct. 30. Jessica Flynn/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Jessica Flynn/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Beach Slang, 'The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us'

October 21, 2015 • The Philly rock band creates earnest rallying cries for the uncool, for anyone who's ever felt like they don't fit in, and for those who eventually found belonging in cramped basement shows.

Escort's new album, Animal Nature, comes out Oct. 30. Shervin Lainez/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Shervin Lainez/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Escort, 'Animal Nature'

October 21, 2015 • The disco-inspired band's new album is slick and stylish and light, and clearly in thrall to the sound it revisits. But there's weight behind it, too.

Trey Anastasio's new album, Paper Wheels, comes out Oct. 30. Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Trey Anastasio, 'Paper Wheels'

October 21, 2015 • On his 10th solo album, the Phish singer-guitarist explores the sunny, vibrant feeling of '70s pop and rock. The result is steeped in the era, but defiantly not a throwback.

Review: Moufang-Czamanski, 'Live In Seattle'

Moufang-Czamanski's Live In Seattle comes out Oct. 30. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Courtesy of the artist

Music Review: 'Son Little,' Son Little

Listen · 4:00 4:00

Download
Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/450321214/450321215" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Transcript