Jan 2nd, 2009 · Andrew Bird's new CD Noble Beast is the fifth in a series of smart and crafty solo albums. This week NPR Music is giving you the chance to hear the entire record as part of our First Listen series. Then, on Thursday, January 8 at 1p.m., ET, NPR's Bob Boilen will lead a listening party. Come join us for a live chat and tell everyone what you think of this new album from Andrew Bird. You can sign up for a reminder below.
Dec 5th, 2008 · Operas, no mater how lurid or violent, generally champion lofty ideals and traditional values — but not this time. In Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea, the most noble and virtuous characters wind up dead or deported, while the lustful and villainous are rewarded with wealth, power and passion.
Dec 4th, 2008 · In Monteverdi's masterpiece, the most noble and virtuous characters wind up dead or deported, while the lustful and villainous are rewarded with wealth, power and passion.
May 6th, 2008 · The music of Noble Three is filled with longing. Hearts are broken, days are lonely, promises are broken. But the Nashville, Tenn. duo tempers their melancholy with an infectious dose of finger snaps and claps, bouncing rhythms and tinkling pianos. Their debut EP, Shipwrecked, is both breezy and haunted, with gently plucked guitars and incredibly rich harmonies.
May 5th, 2008 · You can't visit it yet, but there is a New Jersey Hall of Fame. Hoping to improve its reputation, New Jersey started a hall of fame, though the building hasn't gone up yet. Honorees included Frank Sinatra, Toni Morrison and Yogi Berra. Bruce Springsteen spoke at the ceremony, telling fellow New Jerseyans, "We are all members of a confused but noble race."
Mar 20th, 2008 · Borders is exploring the possibility of putting itself up for sale. It's having a hard time fending off competition from No. 1 book store chain Barnes and Noble, the Wal-Mart book aisle and online book sellers. Borders' stock price has fallen 66 percent since last year.
Jan 19th, 2008 · A New York City Council resolution on whether and how to feed the city's pigeons has engendered debate, recrimination, protest -- and now, possibly, pre-approved feeding areas for the birds, whom defenders laud as noble, and detractors deride as "rats with wings."
Jan 12th, 2008 · NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the noble battle between Starbucks and McDonald's for the hearts and minds, and wallets, of American consumers.