Dec 23rd, 2008 · Bird is a classically trained violinist and former swing-jazz musician whose sonic palette includes a quirky mix of Gypsy ballads, jazz, folk and whistled melodies. It's a sound that leaves critics swooning and fans giddy with the kind of devotion normally reserved for pop idols. On Jan. 20, 2009, the singer will release his fifth full-length studio album. Hear Noble Beast in its entirety here, exclusively on NPR Music.
Nov 25th, 2008 · The recent suicide of a former American Idol contestant has TV critic Andrew Wallenstein thinking about harsh critiques. So many aspiring contestants are rather viciously dismissed from the competition by the judges. Wallenstein says we'll probably see a gentler show next season.
Nov 25th, 2008 · Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews a trio of new pop singles: Pink's "So What," Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," and "Crush," from onetime American Idol sensation David Archuleta.
Nov 18th, 2008 · Every fall, the latest winner of the American Idol competition arrives with an album. This year it's David Cook, who won by the largest margin in the show's seven-year history. Tom Moon
Nov 4th, 2008 · With his band the Belmonts, singer-songwriter Dion rose to fame as a '60s teen idol, topping charts with hits like "The Wanderer" and "I Wonder Why." The latest album in his long career is Heroes: Giants Of Early Guitar Rock.
Sep 29th, 2008 · Okkervil River frontman Will Sheff shares some of his favorite (and fairly obscure) music with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. The two talk about Okkervil River's latest album, The Stand-Ins and listen to some of the songs Sheff has loved and been inspired by over the years. Hear music from soul singer Lorraine Ellison, the 1960s Jamaican group Carlton and the Shoes, former teen idol-turned introspective singer Dion, and The Penetrators — a 1970s band some would call punk, others would call garage rock.
Sep 22nd, 2008 · Sure you've see the Coke cups sitting at the fingertips of American Idol judges. But do you know why the ad men of Mad Men take on Heineken as a client? Or why Dwight buys Office supplies at Staples?
Aug 1st, 2008 · Last month, Paul Anka was given the 2008 Johnny Mercer Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Anka was a teen idol during the 1950s and 1960s, singing number-one hits like "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "Diana."