Music Reviews : NPR

Songs We Love: Leyla McCalla, 'A Day For The Hunter, A Day For The Prey'

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The Record

Songs We Love: Leyla McCalla, 'A Day For The Hunter, A Day For The Prey'

March 23, 2016 • Great new Haitian/Creole-influenced music and video from the singer-songwriter-violinist (and ex-Carolina Chocolate Drop); plus, an interview about where her creative energy now resides.

01A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey

3:18

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Song
A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey
Album
A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey
Artist
Leyla McCalla
Label
Jazz Village / Harmonia Mundi
Released
2016

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Charles Bradley's new album, Changes, is out April 1. Mark Shaw /Courtesy of the Artist hide caption

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Mark Shaw /Courtesy of the Artist

First Listen

Review: Charles Bradley, 'Changes'

March 22, 2016 • Hear the new album by "The Screaming Eagle of Soul," which cleverly balances the vintage and the modern.

Music Review: 'You're Dreaming,' The Cactus Blossoms

March 21, 2016 • If you listen to the Cactus Blossoms, you will definitely be reminded of the Everly Brothers. But Minneapolis brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum are much more than a tribute act. Music critic Meredith Ochs says the duo's gorgeous harmonies and ageless sound spell out just the beginning for these brothers.

Music Review: 'You're Dreaming,' The Cactus Blossoms

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Music

Alt.Latino Stakes Out SXSW: The Chamanas, Jenny And The Mexicats And More

March 20, 2016 • Alt-Latino host Felix Contreras is at the Austin festival this weekend, scoping out great Latin music. He shares some of his finds with NPR's Rachel Martin.

Alt.Latino Stakes Out SXSW: The Chamanas, Jenny And The Mexicats And More

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At 83, 'Songwriter-Singer' Loretta Lynn Comes 'Full Circle'

Fresh Air

March 18, 2016 • The country music legend's new album mixes original material with interpretations of country classics. Reviewer Ken Tucker says the record shows a vulnerability that is somewhat new to Lynn's music.

At 83, 'Songwriter-Singer' Loretta Lynn Comes 'Full Circle'

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The Thermals' new album, We Disappear, is out March 25. Jason Quigley/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Jason Quigley/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: The Thermals, 'We Disappear'

March 17, 2016 • Fatalism and hope, realism and romance from the acidic, adrenalized Portland punk trio.

Review: Margo Price, 'Midwest Farmer's Daughter'

Margo Price's debut album, Midwest Farmer's Daughter, is out March 25. Angelina Castillo/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Angelina Castillo/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Margo Price, 'Midwest Farmer's Daughter'

March 17, 2016 • A debut solo record, born of both heartache and imagination, is saturated with sounds of '60s and '70s Nashville.

Bwana's new album, Capsule's Pride, is out March 25. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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First Listen

Review: Bwana, 'Capsule's Pride'

March 17, 2016 • A young Toronto-based producer plunders the riches of the animated science fiction classic Akira to create a sweeping sonic experience.

Eric Bachmann's new album, Eric Bachmann, is out March 25. Jeremy M. Lange/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Jeremy M. Lange/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

Review: Eric Bachmann, 'Eric Bachmann'

March 17, 2016 • The Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers frontman keeps his rough edges and wit in a charming, impressionistic meditation on America.

Review: Parker Millsap, 'The Very Last Day'

Parker Millsap's new album, The Very Last Day, comes out March 25. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Fresh Air

March 16, 2016 • Pianist Aruán Ortiz grew up in Cuba and lived in Spain a few years before moving to the US in 2002. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Ortiz's new trio music is fully bilingual.

Ortiz's 'Hidden Voices' Mixes Cuban Strains With Modern Jazz

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K.A.A.N. Is The Answer To All Of Your Rap Desires

K.A.A.N. stands for Knowledge Above All Nonsense. Dalton Latham hide caption

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Dalton Latham

Fresh Air

March 14, 2016 • The surging voices of two female lead singers create the signature sound of the five-piece band Lucius. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the band's new album, Good Grief, is often lovely and well-crafted.

Lucius Layers Harmonies With Emotion In 'Good Grief'

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Music Review: 'Final Wild Songs,' The Long Ryders

March 11, 2016 • The Long Ryders are an '80s band. Smart lyrics mix with garage rock, psychedelic sounds and country. After five years of recording and touring, they called it quits in 1987. Now, almost 20 years after their separation, the band is back together and heading on tour. Reviewer Meredith Ochs says the newly released album of their classic songs cements their legacy.

Music Review: 'Final Wild Songs,' The Long Ryders

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Singers in the newly formed vocal group ORA perform music old and brand new. Nick Rutter/Courtesy of the artists hide caption

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Deceptive Cadence

Songs We Love: ORA, 'Kyrie'

March 10, 2016 • Founded in 2014, this vibrant, new choral group juxtaposes William Byrd's Renaissance classic with newly commissioned inspirations.

08Kyrie after Byrd

3:44

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Song
Kyrie after Byrd
Album
Upheld by Stillness
Artist
ORA
Label
Harmonia Mundi
Released
2016

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01A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey

Buy Featured Music

Music Review: 'You're Dreaming,' The Cactus Blossoms

Alt.Latino Stakes Out SXSW: The Chamanas, Jenny And The Mexicats And More

Fresh Air

At 83, 'Songwriter-Singer' Loretta Lynn Comes 'Full Circle'

Fresh Air

Ortiz's 'Hidden Voices' Mixes Cuban Strains With Modern Jazz

Fresh Air

Lucius Layers Harmonies With Emotion In 'Good Grief'

Music Review: 'Final Wild Songs,' The Long Ryders

08Kyrie after Byrd

Buy Featured Music