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Music Reviews

Thursday

Melody Gardot Aims For The Space Between Notes

Melody Gardot takes an understated approach to Brazilian music on her new album, The Absence. Fabrizio Ferri hide caption

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Fabrizio Ferri

Melody Gardot Aims For The Space Between Notes

Gardot captures the sensibility that guides, shapes and defines so much Brazilian music.

Melody Gardot Aims For The Space Between Notes

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In Trance 95: The Old New Wave

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Song Of The Day

In Trance 95: The Old New Wave

The late-'80s song "Presidente," recently reissued on a "minimal wave" compilation, sounds both dated and futuristic. With discontented vocal samples and drum machines creating a sinister backdrop, it closes with a stately march that practically glides across headphones as it ends.

'Presidente' by In Trance 95

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Wednesday

BADBADNOTGOOD: A Moody Jazz-Hop Think Piece

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Song Of The Day

BADBADNOTGOOD: A Moody Jazz-Hop Think Piece

A Toronto-based jazz trio whose approach to the genre has angered aficionados and grabbed the attention of young fans, BADBADNOTGOOD carries on jazz's rich tradition of reinvention and provocation in "UWM."

'UWM (feat. Leland Whitty)' by BADBADNOTGOOD

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Tuesday

Britten's War Requiem: 50 Years On, Still As Harrowing As Ever

Coventry Cathedral in ruins, November 1940. Britten's War Requiem was written for the church's reconsecration more than 20 years after it was destroyed by Nazi bombers. Central Press/Getty Images hide caption

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Central Press/Getty Images

Deceptive Cadence

Britten's War Requiem: 50 Years On, Still As Harrowing As Ever

A stellar new recording from the London Symphony Orchestra of Benjamin Britten's masterpiece reminds listeners of a poignant and ever-timely piece of music.

Diamond Rugs: Carefully Constructed Drinking Songs

Diamond Rugs. Amie Ledford hide caption

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Amie Ledford

Diamond Rugs: Carefully Constructed Drinking Songs

Fresh Air

Diamond Rugs is a new group formed by members of other bands, including John McCauley and Robbie Crowell of Deer Tick, Steve Berlin from Los Lobos and Hardy Morris of Dead Confederate. Rock critic Ken Tucker says their new collaboration is positively timeless.

Diamond Rugs: Carefully Constructed Drinking Songs

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Anti-Virtuoso Piano, Delicate And Despoiled

Left to right: Masabumi Kikuchi, Thomas Morgan, Paul Motian. John Rogers hide caption

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John Rogers

Anti-Virtuoso Piano, Delicate And Despoiled

Fresh Air

Masabumi Kikuchi's fully improvised album Sunrise features late, like-minded drummer Paul Motian.

Anti-Virtuoso Piano, Delicate And Despoiled

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Friday

James Burton: The Teen Who Invented American Guitar

James Burton: The Teen Who Invented American Guitar

Fresh Air

You've heard guitarist James Burton even if you don't know it. Ever since he was 15, he's been recording behind a bewildering number of artists, from Ricky Nelson to Ray Charles. He also managed to put out some records on his own. Rock historian Ed Ward shares his story.

James Burton: The Teen Who Invented American Guitar

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Chuck Prophet: Tawdry, Tattered Glory

Chuck Prophet. Charlie Homo hide caption

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Charlie Homo

Song Of The Day

Chuck Prophet: Tawdry, Tattered Glory

Few can turn tales from the outer limits into catchy songs quite like Prophet does in "The Left Hand and the Right Hand." He's as original as the oddball characters he brings to life.

'The Left Hand and the Right Hand' by Chuck Prophet

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Thursday

Turing Machine: End Of The Road

Turing Machine. Michael Vadino hide caption

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Michael Vadino

Song Of The Day

Turing Machine: End Of The Road

In the aftermath of drummer Jerry Fuchs' 2009 death, Turing Machine recorded its third and final album in his memory. Even at the end of the band's career, "If It's Gone (It's On)" is a sprawling testament to growth.

'If It's Gone (It's On)' by Turing Machine

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Wednesday

By This 'Beak And Claw,' A Trio Shall Synthesize

Left to right: Son Lux, Serengeti and Sufjan Stevens collaborate on a sometimes humorous but mostly beautiful EP. Illustration by John Ciambriello hide caption

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Illustration by John Ciambriello

By This 'Beak And Claw,' A Trio Shall Synthesize

Sufjan Stevens, Son Lux and Serengeti collaborate on a sometimes humorous but mostly beautiful EP.

By This 'Beak And Claw,' A Trio Shall Synthesize

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Eliza Rickman: A Cockeyed Pop Song

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Song Of The Day

Eliza Rickman: A Cockeyed Pop Song

"Pretty Little Head" is simple yet intricate, a contradiction which helps give it the feel of a nursery rhyme that's just starting to teeter off the rails. All the while, the arrangement works hard to keep listeners from finding their bearings for long.

'Pretty Little Head' by Eliza Rickman

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Tuesday

Sonnymoon: The Sunnier Side Of Mortality

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Song Of The Day

Sonnymoon: The Sunnier Side Of Mortality

In Sonnymoon's "Just Before Dawn," Anna Wise's ethereal vocals float across a palpitating soundscape. "Every night, you should have someone to hold," Wise sings, "to tell you that you did okay when your mind is against you."

'Just Before Dawn' by Sonnymoon

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