Dec 15th, 2008 · When the votes started pouring in from NPR listeners for the year's best albums, two things became clear immediately: It was going to be tight, and many of the top spots would go to new, smaller bands and their debut albums. Bigger, more established acts (Coldplay, My Morning Jacket) were well represented, but listeners seemed more inspired by the year's quieter, more intimate albums.
Apr 30th, 2008 · With the indie-pop band Peter Bjorn and John, Moren sings upbeat, jangly numbers like the smash hit "Young Folks." But his new solo album, The Last Tycoon, is an intimate, low-key affair.
Jan 16th, 2008 · Stephenville, Texas, is abuzz with talk of UFOs. Several residents -- including a pilot -- have reported seeing a large silent object with bright lights flying low and fast, describing it as "nothing from these parts." Federal officials say there's a logical explanation, but locals insist the object was larger, quieter and faster than an aircraft.
Aug 26th, 2007 · The spread of democracy has been a running theme in presidential speeches for decades. President Bush, especially, has touted the promotion of this particular value. But lately he has been a little quieter on the subject. David Gergen, of Harvard University, talks to Liane Hansen about the reasons.
May 30th, 2007 · Maire Sanford and David Lahti moved to Hawaii from Seattle, hoping to live a quieter life. They found one, but financial constraints have led them to live more simply and ecologically than they imagined, in an off-the-grid tent home.
Jan 15th, 2007 · Critics of allowing snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park say they're noisy, polluting and stressful to animals. Advocates say the vehicles are getting quieter all the time. The National Park Service is likely to make permanent rules that grant snowmobilers limited access to the park in winter.
Dec 2nd, 2006 · Mexico's recent political strife has migrated to Chicago... in a quieter form. No public fisticuffs, no brawling over the installation of President Felipe Calderon. Instead, supporters of opposition leader Manuel Lopez Obrador's PRD party have set up what they call an "alternate consulate."
Oct 25th, 2006 · Though the disc offers terrific guitar asides, Laid Back's songs are centered on Allman's B3 organ and Chuck Leavell's pianos, while the rhythm section's relaxed approach defines the session. Singing at a measured pace, one word at a time, Allman makes the most of these entrancingly downcast tunes.