World Cafe - Words and Music
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Pickwick
The Seattle six-piece Pickwick started out performing singer Galen Disstons acoustic songs, but have since changed course to a more groove oriented band sound. Cant Talk Medicine is their debut studio album, which the band showcases live today, and they will explain their musical transformation, and play live.
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Dawes
Michaela Majoun welcomes Dawes on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The L.A. rock band made a big impact when they debuted in 2009 with what' has been described as their So-Cal, Laurel Canyon sound. Dawes style has expanded a bit on their new album, Stories Don't End, as we will hear in today's set from the stage of World Cafe Live. Plus, singer and songwriter, Taylor Goldsmith, explains why the group decided to self-release this, their third, disc.
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Eels
Formed in 1995, Eels is a fixture of the indie-rock scene led by Mark Oliver Everett, who performs under the stage name E. His latest, _Wonderful, Glorious_ marks the first record to include the other members of Eels in the writing process. Learn why in this interview, plus a stellar live set drawn from the new album.
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Billy Bragg
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye is joined by English singer-songwriter, Billy Bragg. His first release in five years is a more introspective record than the political catalog he's become known for since the '70s. It's called Tooth and Nail and was produced by Bragg's friend and fellow musician, Joe Henry. In this interview, Bragg explains how the new album relates to Mermaid Avenue, his 1998 tribute to Woody Guthrie, and he'll discuss how frustration...
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Jim James
David Dye welcomes Jim James on this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. As the frontman of My Morning Jacket, James has been making exciting rock for fifteen years and has also recorded collaborations under the alias Yim Yames, but now comes his first solo effort, Regions of Light and Sound of God. James departs from his band's sound on this album, which draws inspiration from '70s soul as well as Lynd Ward's graphic novel, God's Man. In this interview, James talks about the...
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Kopecky Family Band
Host David Dye gets a visit from the Kopecky Family Band on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The six-piece band led by Kelsey Kopecky and Gabe Simon has been releasing a steady flow of EPs since forming in 2007. Kids Raising Kids, their long-awaited full-length debut, showcases the folk and electric blend the Nashville group has been honing for years. In this interview, the unrelated band members explain their "family band" moniker, and Kopecky and Simon recall how they...
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Local Natives
Three years ago, indie rock outfit Local Natives made a big impact with their debut, Gorilla Manor, named after their L.A. band house. They have since toured with Arcade Fire and The National, and more recently traveled to Brooklyn to record their sophomore album, Hummingbird, with producer Aaron Dessner of The National. In this interview, the group explains how some of the new songs, like Heavy Feet and You and I, came together, discuss their recording experience this second time around,...
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Wanda Jackson
Pioneering rock n roll woman, Wanda Jackson, visits host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Encouraged by her one-time boyfriend, Elvis Presley, Jackson made the shift from country to rockabilly and became a sensation in the 50s. Lately she has been touring and recording with the likes of Jack White and Justin Townes Earle, who produced her new album, Unfinished Business. In this interview, Jackson explains why she took Elvis advice all those years ago, and...
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The Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers join Michaela Majoun on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. One of the first bands to the indie folk scene, the group led by brothers Scott and Seth Avett built their career slowly before their hook filled 2009 album, I And Love And You, became a popular hit. The Avett Brothers enlisted prolific producer Rick Rubin for their latest project, The Carpenter, which was released late last year. In this interview, Scott and Seth recall how the band first...
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The Lone Bellow
The Lone Bellow is a trio of transplanted Southerners and plays what they call Brooklyn country music. Their self titled debut is the result of lead singer Zach Williams songs written in response to his wifes life threatening accident and remarkable recovery. In this interview, Williams recalls this extraordinary story, explains how the band first came together, and plays for us live.
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The Amazing
Something of a Swedish supergroup, The Amazing, led by Dungen guitarist Reine Fiske and singer songwriter Christoffer Gunrup made their debut in 2009. The band reenergizes the progressive folk rock traditions of the 70s on their second and latest release, Gentle Stream. Fiske and Gunrup discuss their songwriting process in this interview, and play an extraordinary live performance including the new epic title track.
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Camper Van Beethoven
With their eclectic influences, alt-rock outfit Camper Van Beethoven led by David Lowery, also of Cracker, was a staple of college radio stations in the 80s. Its been nine years since Camper Van Beethovens last album, and the new one, called La Costa Perdida, or the lost coast, channels the groups northern California roots. In this interview, Lowery explains how the bands hometown of Santa Cruz inspired the record, and discuss what caused the bands initial split and many breaks over the...
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Guards
At the heart of the Brooklyn based four piece, Guards, is Richie Follin, whose other notable projects include The Willowz, the band behind the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtrack, and he also played guitar in Cults with his sister Madeline Follin. Guards have released an acclaimed EP and numerous singles, but their long awaited full length, In Guards We Trust, is just out this month. In this interview, Follin talks about his early exposure to the life of a musician with a...
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The Last Bison
The Virginia based band, The Last Bison includes siblings Ben and Annah Hardesty and their father Dan, draws on Appalachian and classical influences for a sound they call mountain top chamber music. The group released their debut, Quill, in 2011 and an EP last October in anticipation of their full length, Inheritance, which is coming soon. Ben is the lead singer and writer in the band, and in this interview he discusses how his family started playing together and the story behind The Last...
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Beach House
The Baltimore based duo of instrumentalist Alex Scally and singer Victoria Legrand arrived in 2005 with their atmospheric pop sound. It was Teen Dream five years later that brought Beach House major critical and fan acclaim, and now the pair has followed up with Bloom. In this interview, Scally discusses the distinct roles he and Legrand play in the creative process, and explains how they dealt with high expectations given the popularity of their last album.
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Camper Van Beethoven
With their eclectic influences, alt-rock outfit Camper Van Beethoven led by David Lowery, also of Cracker, was a staple of college radio stations in the 80s. Its been nine years since Camper Van Beethovens last album, and the new one, called La Costa Perdida, or the lost coast, channels the groups northern California roots. In this interview, Lowery explains how the bands hometown of Santa Cruz inspired the record, and discuss what caused the bands initial split and many breaks over the...
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Guards
At the heart of the Brooklyn based four piece, Guards, is Richie Follin, whose other notable projects include The Willowz, the band behind the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtrack, and he also played guitar in Cults with his sister Madeline Follin. Guards have released an acclaimed EP and numerous singles, but their long awaited full length, In Guards We Trust, is just out this month. In this interview, Follin talks about his early exposure to the life of a musician with a...
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Camper Van Beethoven
With their eclectic influences, alt-rock outfit Camper Van Beethoven led by David Lowery, also of Cracker, was a staple of college radio stations in the 80s. Its been nine years since Camper Van Beethovens last album, and the new one, called La Costa Perdida, or the lost coast, channels the groups northern California roots. In this interview, Lowery explains how the bands hometown of Santa Cruz inspired the record, and discuss what caused the bands initial split and many breaks over the...
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Guards
At the heart of the Brooklyn based four piece, Guards, is Richie Follin, whose other notable projects include The Willowz, the band behind the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtrack, and he also played guitar in Cults with his sister Madeline Follin. Guards have released an acclaimed EP and numerous singles, but their long awaited full length, In Guards We Trust, is just out this month. In this interview, Follin talks about his early exposure to the life of a musician with a...
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Camper Van Beethoven
With their eclectic influences, alt-rock outfit Camper Van Beethoven led by David Lowery, also of Cracker, was a staple of college radio stations in the 80s. Its been nine years since Camper Van Beethovens last album, and the new one, called La Costa Perdida, or the lost coast, channels the groups northern California roots. In this interview, Lowery explains how the bands hometown of Santa Cruz inspired the record, and discuss what caused the bands initial split and many breaks over the...
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Guards
At the heart of the Brooklyn based four piece, Guards, is Richie Follin, whose other notable projects include The Willowz, the band behind the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtrack, and he also played guitar in Cults with his sister Madeline Follin. Guards have released an acclaimed EP and numerous singles, but their long awaited full length, In Guards We Trust, is just out this month. In this interview, Follin talks about his early exposure to the life of a musician with a...
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Trey Anastasio
In addition to leading one of rock s most beloved jam bands, Phish, Trey Anastasio has built a successful solo career over the past ten years with the Trey Anastasio Band. His latest release, _Traveler_, was produced by Peter Katis and features guest performances by members of The National and Mates of State. In this interview, Anastasio discusses the song Valentine, one of the first songs he wrote after getting sober, and talks about the upcoming Broadway musical he co composed, called...
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Cody ChestnuTT
R and B singer Cody ChesnuTT s second album, Landing on a Hundred, is the decade later response to his solo debut, The Headphone Masterpiece, and The Seed, his hit song in collaboration with The Roots. Now ChesnuTT is back with a magnificent new collection recorded at the storied Royal Studios in Memphis. In this interview, ChesnuTT explains how this disc was born out of a short European tour with local Florida artists, and why he titled the album Landing on a Hundred.
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Nick Waterhouse
Host David Dye gets a visit from Nick Waterhouse. This young California singer songwriters aesthetic is inspired by music made fifty years before he was born. After a couple years of writing and recording songs that channel 50s and 60s R and B, Waterhouse recently released his debut full-length, Times All Gone. In this interview, he plays for us live and talks about his musical upbringing, and Waterhouse will explain his avoidance of audio manipulation, recording the album as live as...
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Lord Huron
Singer songwriter Ben Schneider is the creative force behind the Lord Huron, the band, which started as a recording project at his home in Michigan on Lake Huron. Two EPs later, Lord Huron signed to IAMSOUND Records and released their first full length album last month called, Lonesome Dreams. In this interview, Schneider talks about the themes that run through the collection, and he explains how he first gained attention, handing out his EP to bloggers at a music festival and plays live.
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Allen Stone
Allen Stone, a pastors son from Washington state got his start singing in church, but fell in love with secular music, like Stevie Wonder, in his teens. Stone has since become known for his mix of R and B and soul with folk inspired lyrics, which is showcased on his self titled debut album. In this interview, Stone talks about his religious upbringing, and he discusses how his music fits into the modern R and B scene.
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Father John Misty
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Father John Misty. In a departure from his work with Fleet Foxes and his solo singer songwriter catalog, Josh Tillman has taken the Father John Misty moniker for his powerful new rock project. The album, Fear Fun, is a World Cafe favorite of the year, with sardonic, very honest songs inspired by his relocation to Los Angeles from Seattle. In this interview, Tillman talks about some of the characters that appear...
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Lord Huron
Singer songwriter Ben Schneider is the creative force behind the Lord Huron, the band, which started as a recording project at his home in Michigan on Lake Huron. Two EPs later, Lord Huron signed to IAMSOUND Records and released their first full length album last month called, Lonesome Dreams. In this interview, Schneider talks about the themes that run through the collection, and he explains how he first gained attention, handing out his EP to bloggers at a music festival and plays live.
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Allen Stone
Allen Stone, a pastors son from Washington state got his start singing in church, but fell in love with secular music, like Stevie Wonder, in his teens. Stone has since become known for his mix of R and B and soul with folk inspired lyrics, which is showcased on his self titled debut album. In this interview, Stone talks about his religious upbringing, and he discusses how his music fits into the modern R and B scene.
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Father John Misty
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Father John Misty. In a departure from his work with Fleet Foxes and his solo singer songwriter catalog, Josh Tillman has taken the Father John Misty moniker for his powerful new rock project. The album, Fear Fun, is a World Cafe favorite of the year, with sardonic, very honest songs inspired by his relocation to Los Angeles from Seattle. In this interview, Tillman talks about some of the characters that appear...
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Lord Huron
Singer songwriter Ben Schneider is the creative force behind the Lord Huron, the band, which started as a recording project at his home in Michigan on Lake Huron. Two EPs later, Lord Huron signed to IAMSOUND Records and released their first full length album last month called, Lonesome Dreams. In this interview, Schneider talks about the themes that run through the collection, and he explains how he first gained attention, handing out his EP to bloggers at a music festival and plays live.
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Allen Stone
Allen Stone, a pastors son from Washington state got his start singing in church, but fell in love with secular music, like Stevie Wonder, in his teens. Stone has since become known for his mix of R and B and soul with folk inspired lyrics, which is showcased on his self titled debut album. In this interview, Stone talks about his religious upbringing, and he discusses how his music fits into the modern R and B scene.
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Father John Misty
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Father John Misty. In a departure from his work with Fleet Foxes and his solo singer songwriter catalog, Josh Tillman has taken the Father John Misty moniker for his powerful new rock project. The album, Fear Fun, is a World Cafe favorite of the year, with sardonic, very honest songs inspired by his relocation to Los Angeles from Seattle. In this interview, Tillman talks about some of the characters that appear...
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Lord Huron
Singer songwriter Ben Schneider is the creative force behind the Lord Huron, the band, which started as a recording project at his home in Michigan on Lake Huron. Two EPs later, Lord Huron signed to IAMSOUND Records and released their first full length album last month called, Lonesome Dreams. In this interview, Schneider talks about the themes that run through the collection, and he explains how he first gained attention, handing out his EP to bloggers at a music festival and plays live.
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Allen Stone
Allen Stone, a pastors son from Washington state got his start singing in church, but fell in love with secular music, like Stevie Wonder, in his teens. Stone has since become known for his mix of R and B and soul with folk inspired lyrics, which is showcased on his self titled debut album. In this interview, Stone talks about his religious upbringing, and he discusses how his music fits into the modern R and B scene.
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Father John Misty
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Father John Misty. In a departure from his work with Fleet Foxes and his solo singer songwriter catalog, Josh Tillman has taken the Father John Misty moniker for his powerful new rock project. The album, Fear Fun, is a World Cafe favorite of the year, with sardonic, very honest songs inspired by his relocation to Los Angeles from Seattle. In this interview, Tillman talks about some of the characters that appear...
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Lord Huron
Singer songwriter Ben Schneider is the creative force behind the Lord Huron, the band, which started as a recording project at his home in Michigan on Lake Huron. Two EPs later, Lord Huron signed to IAMSOUND Records and released their first full length album last month called, Lonesome Dreams. In this interview, Schneider talks about the themes that run through the collection, and he explains how he first gained attention, handing out his EP to bloggers at a music festival and plays live.
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Allen Stone
Allen Stone, a pastors son from Washington state got his start singing in church, but fell in love with secular music, like Stevie Wonder, in his teens. Stone has since become known for his mix of R and B and soul with folk inspired lyrics, which is showcased on his self titled debut album. In this interview, Stone talks about his religious upbringing, and he discusses how his music fits into the modern R and B scene.
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Father John Misty
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Father John Misty. In a departure from his work with Fleet Foxes and his solo singer songwriter catalog, Josh Tillman has taken the Father John Misty moniker for his powerful new rock project. The album, Fear Fun, is a World Cafe favorite of the year, with sardonic, very honest songs inspired by his relocation to Los Angeles from Seattle. In this interview, Tillman talks about some of the characters that appear...
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Father John Misty
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Father John Misty. In a departure from his work with Fleet Foxes and his solo singer songwriter catalog, Josh Tillman has taken the Father John Misty moniker for his powerful new rock project. The album, Fear Fun, is a World Cafe favorite of the year, with sardonic, very honest songs inspired by his relocation to Los Angeles from Seattle. In this interview, Tillman talks about some of the characters that appear...
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Alt-J
Host David Dye welcomes Alt J on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. This new British band has had a major impact in the UK with much critical acclaim, and they've just won this year's prestigious Mercury Prize for best new album. It's called An Awesome Wave, showcasing Alt J's unique style that channels folk, electronica, and hip-hop. In this interview, the group explains the inspiration behind some of their songs, and they recall how the band first got together while...
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Iris Dement
Iris Dement joins host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The Arkansas artist's heartfelt songs, like "Our Town," were unlike anything else being released by a major label when Dement debuted in the early '90s. Her brand new album, Sing The Delta, is her first set of original material since she stopped recording sixteen years ago. In this interview, Dement talks about the slow process of writing the new collection after such a long break, and she'll discuss...
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Grizzly Bear
Host David Dye welcomes Grizzly Bear. Following 2009's breakthrough effort, Veckatimest, the indie rock outfit took some time off while members Chris Taylor and Daniel Rossen pursued solo projects. The group reunited last summer, far from their Brooklyn home, in Marfa, Texas to start recording the new Grizzly Bear album, Shields, which was released last month. In this interview, the band talks about their decision to branch out from New York for this project, and they discuss what it was...
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Divine Fits
At the heart of this indie rock supergroup, Divine Fits, is the songwriting duo of Dan Boeckner from Wolf Parade and Britt Daniel, the distinctive writer and voice of Spoon. While living together in Los Angeles, the two started finishing each other s songs, and their collaboration led to the new album, A Thing Called Divine Fits. In this interview, Boeckner and Daniel discuss their differing work methods in the studio, explain plans for the future of the band, and play live.
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Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons join host David Dye for music and conversation drawn from their second release, Babel. The British folk band's first disc, Sigh No More, was a remarkable success thanks to super catchy songs, like The Cave and Little Lion Man. In the two years since their debut, Mumford snd Sons concerts have grown bigger and bigger, and their tour with Old Crow Medicine Show and Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros was captured in the film, Big Easy Express. The group discusses what it was...
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Patterson Hood
Founding member of the southern rock outfit Drive-By Truckers, Patterson Hood is an exceptional songwriter painting lyrical pictures of small scenes and real people, very much in the tradition of southern fiction. He has a new solo album, called Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance, with songs that are all about family, in most cases his own. In this performance and interview, Hood talks openly about the people in his life who inspired the characters in the new songs, and we'll hear his...
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THEESatisfaction
Neo-soul duo, THEESatisfaction, Satsia Irons and Catherine Harris-White, are triple threats. They write, produce, and perform their own blend of soul, hip hop, and jazz. After entering the Seattle music scene in 2008 with a homemade mixtape, THEESatisfaction spent the last few years preparing their recently released debut, awE naturalE. In this interview and performance, the pair explains how their love of science fiction influences their music, and they discuss Seattle's place in the...
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Sidi Toure
Michaela Majoun welcomes Sidi Toure on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The Malian guitarist and band leader has released two very well-received albums over the last couple of years, Sahel Folk and the new one, Koima. Today we'll hear a live set from Toure and his band playing in the songhai blues style, and he'll discuss the various social and political implications of traditional Malian music in his home country.
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Best Coast
Best Coast, the songwriting duo of Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno debuted with Crazy For You in 2010, and _Boyfriend_ from that album became a smash summer hit. They have recently released their follow up collection of California pop, called The Only Place. Listen to Cosentino and Bruno discuss how their lives have changed since breaking out two years ago, talk about the making of the new Best Coast record and play live.
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Glen Hansard
Glen Hansard is a founding member of Irish band, The Frames, but Hansard is best known for his acting and songwriting for the movie, Once, with Czech singer Marketa Irglova. The independent film was a huge success, winning the Best Original Song Oscar for Hansard and his then partner. Now he returns with the album, Rhythm and Repose, his first as a solo artist. Listen to Hansard discuss how he came to write a solo record after a career of collaboration, and talk about the influence of Bruce...
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The Tallest Man On Earth
The Tallest Man On Earth, the solo project of Kristian Matsson. The Swedish singer-songwriter has released his third album here in The States, a new collection of poetic indie-folk called, There's No Leaving Now. His mesmerizing solo shows have been gaining wide attention over the years, thanks in part to a recent tour opening for Bon Iver. Matsson explains how his outlook on the music business changed due to that experience, and also in this interview he'll discuss the challenge of writing...
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JD McPherson
Oklahoma singer-songwriter and guitarist JD McPherson debuts his retro sound, rooted in traditional R and B and rockabilly, on Signs and Signifiers. The album was recorded in 2010 with producer and bassist in the band, Jimmy Sutton, and now Rounder Records has released it across the country to wide acclaim. In this interview and performance, McPherson talks about his career path, from middle school art teacher to leading his own band with a hit song, _North Side Gal_ which he performs in...
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Damien Jurado
Seattle singer-songwriter Damien Jurado joins us this week. Since the '90s, Jurado has been writing songs that often draw comparison to short-story writer Raymond Carver in their emotional authenticity and offbeat storytelling. While the new album, Maraqopa, is his tenth, Jurado has said it's the first he himself would enjoy listening to. He discusses the progression of his songwriting in this interview, and Jurado will explain how the concept for the new record came to him in a dream.
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Rodrigo y Gabriela
Musical duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela began making music together in the heavy metal scene of Mexico City, and have found their niche in the more rhythmic Mexican guitar style. Area 52 is their latest release, a reworking of some older songs with the Collective Universal Band Association. In this interview, Gabriela explains the duo's desire to keep the new album traditional, and Rodrigo discusses the influence of Carlos Santana on their music, and they perform live.
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Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright joins Michaela Majoun on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. For his catchy new pop record, Out of the Game, Wainwright partnered with Mark Ronson, who is celebrated for his work with Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and numerous hip-hop artists. Like his father Loudon Wainwright III's recent disc, Rufus' new songs were inspired by his family, including the birth of his daughter and the death of his mother, Kate McGarrigle. Wainwright discusses these...
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Megan Reilly
Singer-songwriter Megan Reilly got her start in Memphis and caught the attention of her mentor, Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley, after moving to New York to release her first two records. She has appeared on the Cafe once before accompanying John Wesley Harding, who joins Reilly on a duet on her acclaimed new album, The Well. In this interview and live performance, Reilly tells the stories behind some of her new songs, and discusses the creative leap taken on her new record.
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The Lumineers
The folk rock band, The Lumineers, formed when guitarist Wesley Schultz and drummer Jeremiah Fraites moved from Brooklyn to Denver and met cellist Neyla Pekarek through a Craigslist ad. Their breakthrough song, _Ho Hey,_ has been featured in TV shows and commercials, and appears on their self titled debut, which just got a national release in April. In this interview, the trio explains their songwriting approach, and discusses the second Lumineers album, which is already in progress, and...
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Spiritualized
Since the 90s, Spiritualized frontman Jason Pierce has released seven records with his spacey rock outfit, collaborated with premier artists like Dr. John and Yoko Ono, and recently released his first solo disc. Pierce was undergoing chemotherapy for liver disease during the recording of the new Spiritualized album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light, and hospital stays were part of the process on the preceding album, Songs In A and E, as well. Pierce discusses his health issues , how they have...
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The Lumineers
The folk rock band, The Lumineers, formed when guitarist Wesley Schultz and drummer Jeremiah Fraites moved from Brooklyn to Denver and met cellist Neyla Pekarek through a Craigslist ad. Their breakthrough song, _Ho Hey,_ has been featured in TV shows and commercials, and appears on their self titled debut, which just got a national release in April. In this interview, the trio explains their songwriting approach, and discusses the second Lumineers album, which is already in progress, and...
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Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
A band's sound is only as big as its members, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' music is huge. The 10 members are a whirl of of roving horns, as well as whistles, claps, shouts, strummed string instruments and percussion involving drums, hands and anything else they can find.
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Fanfarlo
With its soaring melodies and sweeping baroque rock, the recent Rooms Filled With Light by Fanfarlo explores indie folk pop territory with abundant charm. But along with the grand gestures and orchestral friendliness, Fanfarlo also incorporates electronic and new wave influences, to captivating effect.
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Polica
Polica is led by singer Channy Leaneagh. This Minneapolis indie band counts Bon Ivers Justin Vernon as one of their biggest fans. Featuring two drummers, synth loops, and auto-tuned vocals, Polica's sound was introduced late last year on Give You The Ghost, which has just been re-released on a larger label. In this interview, Leaneagh explains how the band plays with beats and words in writing their songs, talks about the R and B influence in her singing.
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Allo Darlin
Allo Darlin' visit us this week. This indie-pop outfit began as the solo project of Australian artist Elizabeth Morris, who writes the songs, sings, and plays guitar. Now based in London and expanded to a four-piece band, Allo Darlin' are currently touring the U.S. in support of their sophomore release, Europe. In this interview, Morris explains how she got her start as a singer-songwriter after moving from Australia to London, and she'll discuss the differences between the recording of...
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Milk Carton Kids
Folk duo, The Milk Carton Kids, join us this weekLos Angeles singer-guitarists Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, who met as solo artists, joined forces in 2011 for Retrospect, an acoustic live album of their separate catalogs performed as a duo. Thanks to the acclaimed collaboration, the pair has followed up with their first studio album, Prologue, which was released for free download from The Milk Carton Kids' website. Listen to Ryan and Pattengale talk about their unique vocal harmonies,...
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Gotye
Wally De Backer, better known as Gotye this week. Already a multi platinum artist in his home country of Australia, Gotye is now captivating a global audience with his pop hit, Somebody That I Used To Know, from his third album, Making Mirrors. Already sold over five million copies since its release in August. Hear Gotye play live an talk about growing up in the cultural center of Melbourne, plus his use of sampling in his music and the balance he strikes between electronic and acoustic...
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Justin Townes Earle
Host David Dye gets a visit from Justin Townes Earle. The son of musician-actor Steve Earle, Justin has acquired an extensive following of his own over the last four years and has released as many albums. His latest effort arrived last month, called Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now, which has a Memphis soul vibe that is attracting much critical praise. In this interview and live performance, Earle, who has battled addictions in the past, talks about the relationship...
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John K. Samson
John K. Samson on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Over the course of four albums as the leader of indie rock band, The Weakerthans, Samson has become well-regarded for his tight, lyrically powerful songs. His first solo record, Provincial, expands upon a series of EPs first released in 2009 with music inspired by his home of Manitoba. In this interview, Samson talks about his road trips through the province that prompted the album's theme and his own upbringing in...
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Anais Mitchell
Anais Mitchell on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. After Ani DiFranco signed the Vermont-based singer-songwriter to Righteous Babe Records in 2004, Mitchell went on to gain wider attention for her folk-opera concept album, Hadestown, featuring Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. This time around, premier musicians like Jenny Scheinman and Chris Thile join her on the new record, Young Man In America. Listen to Mitchell's live performance and hear her talk about her career's...
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John K. Samson
John K. Samson on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Over the course of four albums as the leader of indie rock band, The Weakerthans, Samson has become well-regarded for his tight, lyrically powerful songs. His first solo record, Provincial, expands upon a series of EPs first released in 2009 with music inspired by his home of Manitoba. In this interview, Samson talks about his road trips through the province that prompted the album's theme and his own upbringing in...
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Heartless Bastards
The brainchild of front woman Erika Wennerstrom, Heartless Bastards, is a roots rock outfit from Austin via Cincinnati and got a boost in 2005 when a show of support from The Black Keys' Patrick Carney helped them land a record deal. Formerly a trio, Heartless Bastards fill out their sound with an additional guitar on their fourth and latest release, Arrow, which was produced by Spoon drummer, Jim Eno. In this interview, Wennerstrom talks about the recent change in lineup, plays live, and...
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Sharon Van Etten
Singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten hails from Brooklyn via Tennessee and got a career boost on the strength of her beautiful 2010 record, Epic. She ramps up the volume on her ambitious new album, Tramp, which was produced by The National's Aaron Dessner. Hear Van Etten play live and discuss some of her early touring experience with Meg Baird and Megafaun. And, she'll talk about the expanded sound of her new collection.
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Cass McCombs
Soon after releasing his debut EP ten years ago, Cass McCombs, the California singer-songwriter was touring with major acts like Thurston Moore and Modest Mouse. McCombs spent most of his time since 2007 writing and recording in studio for the two discs that would become Wit's End and Humor Risk, which were finally released last year. Hear a fantastic set drawn from both albums during this session live on the World Cafe.
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Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog, the Philadelphia indie band has been building a following for their '60s-inspired melodies over the past decade, ever since Jim James hand-picked Dr. Dog to open for My Morning Jacket on tour. Re-energized by the recent addition of some new band members, co-writers Scott McMicken and Toby Leaman go for guitar-heavy rock 'n' roll on their latest effort, Be the Void. In this interview, McMicken and Leaman reflect on the band's chemistry, explain why the title track didn't make it onto...
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Nils Lofgren
Along with a prolific solo career, Nils Lofgren has been a longtime sideman for some of the most revered acts of the past four decades, lately with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, but also with Ringo Starr and early on with Neil Young. Lofgren's recent release, Old School, is his first album of original material in six years. In this extended interview, he plays for us live and explains how he landed his breakthrough gig as a member of Neil Young's Crazy Horse. And, discusses the recent...
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Craig Finn
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, Craig Finn joins host David Dye. Known for his storytelling lyrics, The Hold Steady's lead singer has made his solo debut after eight years with the band. He traveled to Texas to record Clear Heart Full Eyes with members of Centro-matic and Heartless Bastards backing, and the result is a little more alt-country than The Hold Steady's rock-driven sound. In this interview, Finn talks about his decision to make a solo disc at this point...
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Centro-matic
Led by singer-songwriter Will Johnson, the alt-country Texas band, Centro-matic, began a decade of non-stop recording and touring after they debuted in 1997. Their latest release, Candidate Waltz, marks Centro-matic's reunion after a two-year break while Johnson performed with Jim James, Conor Oberst, and M. Ward as part of the indie supergroup, Monsters of Folk. In this interview, Johnson explains how the band reconnected, talks about his approach to the new album, which he wrote on the...
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Ani DiFranco
A fiercely independent singer-songwriter, Ani DiFranco famously began her career by founding her own record label in 1990 and she's since built a catalog that ranges from contemporary folk to jazz and rock. Which Side Are You On? is her highly anticipated new release, featuring a diverse lineup of guests including Pete Seeger and Anais Mitchell. In this performance and interview, Ani talks about the personal and political nature of her music, shats about here recent move to New Orleans and...
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JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound
The Chicago soul band JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound gained national attention for their take on the Wilco song _I Am Trying To Break Your Heart_ which led to a slot playing the Wilco curated Solid Sound Festival and a deal with hometown label, Bloodshot Records. Their second album, _Want More_, showcases the fiery live performances Jayson, JC Brooks and company have become known for. In this interview, Brooks talks about the band's beginnings, their musical influences, his previous career...
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Alabama Shakes
Blues-rock outfit, The Alabama Shakes, join David Dye this week. Singer Brittany Howard and company drew early acclaim from online critics, plus support from the Drive-By Truckers' Patterson Hood, who hooked them up with management. The Shakes no sooner released their debut EP than it was reissued on a major label, and now their first full-length, Boys and Girls, is due in April. In this interview, Howard talks about the band's beginnings, their rise to fame over the past year, and the music...
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Tori Amos
Tori Amos joins host Michaela Majoun for music and conversation drawn from her pop classical crossover album, Night of Hunters. Amos has made a name for herself as a virtuoso pianist and singer-songwriter since her solo debut with Little Earthquakes in 1991, and she has never shied away from musical experimentation. In collaboration with classical label Deutsche Grammophon, her latest release is a song cycle based on the familiar work of composers like Schubert, Chopin, and Bach. Amos...
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The Barr Brothers
The Barr Brothers - Andrew and Brad Barr, who are also members of indie-rock band The Slip, met harpist Sarah Page and organist Andres Vial when they relocated to Montreal. Three years since the folk-pop quartet's formation, The Barr Brothers' eponymous debut was just released in September to critical acclaim. Originally from Boston, Brad and Andrew discuss in this interview how they ended up in Canada, their West African musical influences, and the unique role of the harp in their sound.
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Primus
A little over two decades ago, legendary bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde, and drummer Jay Lane debuted as the larger than life experience that is Primus. The jammy rock trio recently went into the studio for the first time in eleven years, and the result is a dazzling collection called, Green Naugahyde. Hear them jplay live and tak about the album's dark lyrics, and the collaborative effort that went into this record production.
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Blind Pilot
Portland's Blind Pilot made their debut in 2008 with the release of 3 Rounds and a Sound. The lineup has since expanded to six members, creating layered harmonies and instrumentation for their new sophomore album, We Are The Tide. Listen to the band play live and talk about the meaning behind the record's title, and discuss the inspiration they draw from the Portland community.
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Shelby Lynne
Shelby Lynne visits World Cafe this week. The Alabama singer-songwriter has been a favorite on the Cafe since she won the Best New Artist Grammy over a decade ago. Revelation Road is Lynne's most personal album yet, as it deals with her parents' murder-suicide when she and her sister, Allison Moorer, were teenagers, but also because she produced and played all the instruments on it. In this interview, Lynne talks about the record title's religious implications and the inspiration behind some...
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Lisa Hannigan
Michaela Majoun welcomes Irish singer songwriter, Lisa Hannigan, to World Cafe Words and Music. After six years as Damien Rice's vocal partner, Hannigan launched a successful solo career in 2008 with the release of her folksy debut, Sea Sew, which went double platinum in her home country. Passenger, her bold new sophomore album, was piloted by Grammy winning producer Joe Henry and features a special guest appearance by Ray LaMontagne. Listen to Hannigan's live performance and talk about her...
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Blitzen Trapper
It's a visit from Blitzen Trapper on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN with David Dye. Formed in 2000 with songwriter Eric Earley leading the lineup, the Oregon based band self released their first three albums before landing a deal with Sub Pop Records. American Goldwing is their latest, named after the road motorcycle that inspired the disc's journeying theme. Hear Earley play live and talk about his musical upbringing, and how the constant touring has recently taken its...
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Dum Dum Girls
California garage rock, Dum Dum Girls, developed from the bedroom project of lead singer Kristin Gundred, better known by her stage name Dee Dee. The band brought on The Raveonettes Sune Rose Wagner to produce their new sophomore album released this Fall called, Only In Dreams. Hear the girls play live and talk about Gundreds start as a drummer, the loss of her mother, which greatly influence the writing on their new album.
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Gillian Welsch
Singer-songwriter Gillian Welch was discovered in the mid-'90s by T Bone Burnett, who helped cultivate Gillian's early country style drawing on bluegrass and Appalachian music. Listen to Welch play live from here much-anticipated first record in eight years, The Harrow and the Harvest.
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Washed Out
With a full band in tow, Greene joins host David Dye in the studio for today's session of World Cafe, and discusses his early recordings, his reaction to anonymous opinions of his music on the Internet, and the rise of electronic dance music in the U.S. (NPR's World Cafe, 11/22/11)
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Fool's Gold
The Los Angeles pop outfit Fool's Gold is known for incorporating rhythms and styles from all over the globe - namely Africa, the Middle East, and Brazil - particularly in their guitar parts. For Fool's Gold's sophomore release, Leave No Trace, the band pared down their lineup of twelve to five, and tightened up their sound. In this performance and interview, guitarist Lewis Pesacov and lead singer Luke Top explain how their performing has changed as a smaller group. Top talks about writing...
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Chris Bathgate
The Michigan singer-songwriter, Chris Bathgate debuted in 2005 and went on to release a string of highly acclaimed EPs and full-length albums before signing with Quite Scientific. Over the course of two years, Bathgate channeled his own emotional hardships into his music, resulting in the latest record, Salt Year. In this interview, he explains the definition of a "Salt Year," and although he plays mainly electric instruments, he'll discuss how fiddle music influences his songwriting.
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Those Darlins
The all female trio Those Darlins got their start in the Nashville club scene with a unique country punk sound that's since landed them on stage alongside The Black Keys and Wanda Jackson. For their sophomore release, Screws Get Loose, Those Darlins depart from their country roots favoring a heavier rock sound. In this interview, the women discuss the role Southern Girls Rock and Roll Camp played in their musical development, and they talk about transitioning to electric instruments from...
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Fountains of Wayne
Fountains of Wayne debuted their witty brand of power pop in the mid nineties, and went on to release the breakthrough hit, Stacy's Mom, in 2003. The creative force behind Fountains of Wayne, Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger, have penned the band_s fifth release, Sky Full Of Holes. In this interview, Chris and Adam discuss their distinct songwriting styles, their inspiration, how they developed the group_s trademark sound, and play live.
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Milagres
The new Brooklyn-based band, Milagres, whose name means _miracles_ in Portuguese, began to develop their eclectic rock sound while studying at NYU. When a rock climbing accident left frontman Kyle Wilson bedridden, he spent his time writing the songs that would become Milagres debut, Glowing Mouth. In this interview, the group plays live and talks about their formation. And, alk about how Wilson s mountaineering trips began as research for the concept of the new album.
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Nick Lowe
British icon, Nick Lowe, is host David Dye's guest. As a songwriter, musician, and producer, Lowe's distinguished fifty year career has included such highlights as producing Elvis Costello's formative albums in the '70s and writing hits for the likes of Johnny Cash. His new release, The Old Magic, is the latest in a series of more introspective and quietly witty records that began with 1994's The Impossible Bird. In this interview, Lowe compares his earlier power-pop period to his current...
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Beirut
World Cafe host David Dye welcomes Beirut, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Zach Condon. The project began in his parents' New Mexico basement, where Condon cultivated an eclectic sound inspired by Balkan brass music. Beirut has since grown into an international touring band, and they recently released their third album, The Rip Tide. In this interview, Condon talks about his musical genealogy, plays live, including the song, Sante Fe, and he'll discuss the development of Beirut's...
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City and Colour
City and Colour is the solo vehicle of singer songwriter Dallas Green. They have developed a rabid fan base and a Juno Award in Canada, and at the same time he's been fronting the popular hardcore band Alexisonfire. His new solo album, Little Hell, was recorded with help from producer Alex Newport, well-known for his work with Death Cab for Cutie. In this interview, Green explains the meaning behind the title Little Hell, and talks about what it's like managing two successful musical...
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Eleanor Friedberger
Eleanor Friedberger is our guest this week. This Illinois native is one half of the indie rock duo, The Fiery Furnaces, along with her brother, Matthew. After working together for over a decade, Eleanor has released her first solo album, Last Summer. Hear her play live and talk about why she decided to break out on her own, and she'll discuss how memories from different phases of her life found their way into the new work.
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Lloyd Cole
Glasgow singer-songwriter, Lloyd Cole, began his career fronting pop band The Commotions, who released their watershed album Rattlesnakes in 1985. Backed by his new band, The Small Ensemble, Cole's more eclectic solo work continues with the country-tinged folk release, Broken Record. In this interview, Cole plays live and explains how the disc was financed entirely by fans.
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Lykke Li
Swedish singer songwriter, Lykke Li, is host David Dye's guest on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. In 2008 the inventive pop artist released her acclaimed debut, Youth Novels, which was produced by fellow Swede, Bjorn Yttling, of Peter Bjorn and John. He has returned again for Li's new, more weighty release, Wounded Rhymes. Hear Li play live and discuss her growth as a writer since the first album.
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Sarah Jarosz
Twenty year old Texas artist, Sarah Jarosz is a bluegrass multi instrumentalist. She's been playing gigs since the age of twelve, and in 2009 she released a Grammy nominated debut. On Follow Me Down, Jarosz's new sophomore release, she is joined by guitarist John Leventhal, banjo ace Bela Fleck, and dobro player Jerry Douglas. In this interview, Jarosz plays live and discusses her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music between recording her first and second discs. And, chats about...
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Diego Garcia
Host David Dye welcomes Diego Garcia on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. For the better part of the last decade, Garcia was the creative force behind Elefant, releasing two full length albums with the New York City indie rock group. Garcia has departed from his former band's sound on his new solo debut, Laura, which combines dreamy '70s pop and music from Argentina, a nod to his Latin roots. In this interview, Garcia explains how the record was motivated by his break up,...
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Okkervil River
Austin based collective, Okkervil River, joins host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Since their debut in 2002, the indie rock group led by singer songwriter Will Sheff has become known for their cinematic concept albums. Breaking from tradition, they've forfeited a formal theme on the new disc, I Am Very Far, and recorded in different studios across the country, lending a distinct personality to each track. In this interview, the band discusses the...
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My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket - Since their debut over a decade ago, frontman Jim James and company have expanded the traditional sound of Americana, stressing musical experimentation with every release. Between 2008's Evil Urges and the band's new disc, Circuital, Jim put out a solo album tribute to George Harrison and also teamed up with Conor Oberst, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis to form the side project, Monsters Of Folk. We'll hear My Morning Jacket's live performance in their hometown of Louisville,...
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Low
Since 1993, Low has captivated audiences worldwide with their austere, melancholy, and totally singular sound. Pioneers of the slowcore movement in indie rock, Low countered the sound and fury of grunge with quiet, minimal arrangements centered on the vocal harmonies of husband-and-wife duo Alan Sparhawk (guitar) and Mimi Parker (drums).
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Delicate Steve
The creative force behind Delicate Steve is Steve Marion, a guitarist from New Jersey who recorded his instrumental debut album all on his own. Marion took on a backing band to tour behind the psychedelic pop disc, Wondervisions, which was released on David Byrne's Luaka Bop label in February. In this interview, Marion talks about his diverse musical influences, explains the decision to make an all instrumental record, and plays live.
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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit join us this week with live songs from their new CD, Here We Rest. After six years playing guitar and writing songs with southern rock group The Drive-By Truckers, the frontman from Alabama broke out to pursue a solo career. Isbell's new third album, Here We Rest, was independently produced and recorded with his band, the 400 Unit. In this session, Isbell plays live and talks about the extended rest period he took while writing this album and the down on their...
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The Pinker Tones
Mister Furia and Professor Manso make up the Barcelona duo, The Pinker Tones, who are celebrating their tenth anniversary together making smart electro pop. In 2006, the pair began to garner attention in the US for The Million Colour Revolution album, and today The Pinker Tones perform a special set drawn from their latest release, Modular. The band also has a tribute disc on the horizon called Amigos and Friends, which they discuss in this interview, as well as the influence of Catalan...
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The Joy Formidable
Alt-rockers The Joy Formidable, a three-piece band from Wales is sonically centered around the guitar work of Ritzy Bryan, who is also the lead singer. Founded in 2007, The Joy Formidable are just getting around to their full-length debut, The Big Roar, after releasing a number of critically-praised singles. In this interview, the group talks about the genres that influence them and the growing music scene in North Wales, and plays live.
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The Kills
The Kills join host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. In 2003, American singer Alison Mosshart and British guitarist Jamie Hince debuted their bluesy rock style, featuring programmed drums and big guitars. Blood Pressures is the duo's first release in three years, during which time Alison's been busy working with Jack White as a member of Dead Weather. In this interview, The Kills discuss their difficulty recording the new album's massive sound and taking it...
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Alison Krauss and Union Station
Alison Krauss and Union Station join David Dye. No stranger to Grammy recognition, the leading lady of American roots was a triple winner in 2004 for Lonely Runs Both Ways, and more recently Krauss was awarded Album of the Year for her multi platinum collaboration with Robert Plant, Raising Sand. Now she has reunited with her first band, Union Station, on the powerful new release, Paper Airplane. Bandmate Dan Tyminski joins Krauss in this interview to discuss how her philosophy on vocal...
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The Civil Wars
Folk duo The Civil Wars join us. John Paul White and Joy Williams were intent on launching solo careers before finding creative chemistry at a Nashville songwriters camp in 2009. They have since formalized their partnership with Barton Hollow and its hit single, Poison and Wine, which found instant attention when featured on Grey s Anatomy. Hear White and Williams talk about their early work as individual musicians and their rapid rise to popularity.
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Tennis
The husband and wife duo Tennis graduated rom college together in Colorado, tought themselves to sail and embarked on a seven-month trip along the Atlantic coast. The couple's adventures are captured on their sunny, lo-fi pop debut, Cape Dory. Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore talk about their journey during this session, explaining their immersion in the seafaring culture and the rare pleasure of listening to records while on the water.
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Middle Brother
Middle Brother - the folk-rock super group formed out of writing and recording sessions between the lead singers of Delta Spirit, Deer Tick, and Dawes. After Middle Brother recorded their self-titled debut almost a year ago, the trio continued with their respective bands until seizing an opportunity to unveil the project at 2010's South By Southwest. Lisaten to Matt Vasquez, John McCauley, and Taylor Goldsmith discuss the unique songwriting style each contributed to the album, and talk about...
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DeVotchKa
Channeling Eastern Europe and the American Southwest, DeVotchKa's Gypsy folk style found commercial success with their Grammy nominated score to the hit film, Little Miss Sunshine. The momentum continues with their haunting new release, 100 Lovers, recorded at the group's Arizona desert studio. In this interview, lead vocalist Nick Urata talks about the band's growth over the past ten years, explains the meaning behind 100 Lovers' title track and plays live.
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The Head and the Heart
Seattle's new alt country band, The Head and the Heart is quickly gaining momentum after opening for acts like Dr. Dog and Vampire Weekend. Following the independent release of their self-titled debut last year, the group's hometown label, Sub Pop Records, has reissued the disc to a national audience. Hear songwriters Jonathan Russell and Josiah Johnson explain how they first met and founded The Head and the Heart, and discuss the underlying theme of transition in their music.
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G Love
The hip-hop bluesman, G Love, first came to notice with his band Special Sauce and party anthems like Cold Beverage. Joining G on his latest album are the rootsy Avett Brothers, who encouraged him to tap his country blues influences on Fixin' to Die. In this session, G. Love performs solo in front of a live World Cafe audience and talks about his start as a street musician in the early '90s.
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Alexi Murdoch
Scottish singer-songwriter, Alexi Murdoch, was heavily influenced by his home country's folk tradition before moving to Los Angeles and incorporating lo-fi indie qualities into his sound. Five years since the release of _Time Without Consequence-, his first full-length, Alexi now offers his beautiful sophomore effort called, _Towards the Sun_. Listen to Alexi talk about his recent return to Scotland, and explain how his music found its way into the latest Sam Mendes film.
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David Wax Museum
David Wax Museum frontman grew up on Midwestern folk, but also embraced traditional Mexican music during summers spent working in rural areas of the country. Since joining band mate, Suz Slezak, the duo have taken their Mexo-American sound on tour alongside The Avett Brothers and Old 97's. In this interview, David Wax discusses the origins of the songs on their new album, Everything Is Saved, explains the link between his music and past academic studies, and plays live.
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Cake
Cake stops the World Cafe. The California rock outfit lead by John McCrea came together almost twenty years ago, and went on to create distinctive hits like The Distance and Never There. Showroom of Compassion is their first album in seven years, which was produced in their solar-powered studio. Newly independent, Cake discuss in this interview how they've adapted to self-promotion and -management, and John talks about his environmental concerns that inspired the band's sustainable studio.
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Liz Phair
Liz Phair's debut album, Exile in Guyville, is an acclaimed piece of 90s culture, as much for its lo-fi rock sound as for Liz's blunt scrutiny of the then male-dominated indie rock scene. After years of struggle with several labels, Liz has self-released her eclectic new disc called, Funstyle, which is packaged with her early demos under the moniker, Girly Sound. In this session, Liz recalls her beginnings as a songwriter and the industry pressure to go pop.
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Lissie
David Dye gets a visit from Lissie. The singer-songwriter originally from Rock Island, Illinois released a very popular EP in 2009 called, _Why You Runnin_ followed this summer by her first full length album, _Catching a Tiger_. We'll hear some of her infectious pop rock in a performance with her three piece band from the stage of World Cafe Live. Plus, hear Lissie talk about the personal history behind some of her new songs.
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Bobby Long
Bobby Long, the British singer-songwriter gained notoriety in 2009 for his homemade EP, Dirty Pond Songs, and his contribution to the Twilight soundtrack, _Let Me Sign,_ which Bobby's friend and fellow musician, Robert Pattinson, performed in the film. After much anticipation, Bobby has recorded his first full-length album called, A Winter Tale, at London's Toe Rag Studios with Grammy-winning producer, Liam Watson. In this interview, Bobby explains how his songs morphed with each touring...
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Fitz and The Tantrums
Lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick was a Los Angeles studio engineer and producer until inspiration from an old church organ led to the formation of a Fitz and The Tantrums. Their debut Pickin Up the Pieces, showcases a captivating mix of retro songwriting and new wave aesthetic. Listen to Michael talk about stepping out from behind the scenes of the music business, and hear a live performance of the first song he wrote on his vintage organ before the group's inception.
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Aloe Blacc
Aloe Blacc, the Los Angeles based singer is best known for his song, I Need A Dollar, the theme to the HBO show How To Make It In America series. Before his new album, Good Things, Aloe launched his career with a solo debut that combined neo-soul and hip-hop, and even included a Spanish language cover of John Legend's.
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Junip
David Dye welcomes Junip. When singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez's solo career took off, this Swedish folk trio was put on hold while their frontman promoted his internationally successful albums Veneer and In Our Nature. Over ten years since their formation, the band has reconvened to release their debut full length, Fields. In this interview, Jose explains how Junip's songs are born from jam sessions, and the group discusses their influences, ranging from Argentinean to Ethiopian musical...
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John Mellencamp
Listen to John Mellencamp in a special session with host David Dye. From _Jack and Diane_ to _Hurts So Good,_ this heartland rock veteran had a string of hits in the 80s that brought the experience of small town Midwest to a popular music audience. Over the past decade, John has reinvented himself with more singer songwriter oriented releases, including his latest, and second with producer T Bone Burnett - No Better Than This. The album was recorded in a number of historically important...
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Peter Case
Peter Case, former power pop frontman of The Plimsouls, Peter has led a prolific solo career over the past twenty years, covering genres from new wave to folk-rock. Wig! is his first release since undergoing major heart surgery in 2009, an expense defrayed by the fundraising efforts of Peter's loyal friends in the Southern music community. In this interview, he talks about working with the then fairly unknown T Bone Burnett when Peter debuted as a solo artist, and he'll discuss the role...
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Mavis Staples
The incredible Mavis Staples joins host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Over her fifty-year career, Mavis has made funk hits like _I'll Take You There" as the voice of The Staple Singers, and she sang down-home gospel with her sisters and father, the late Pops Staples. Her new record, _You Are Not Alone_, was produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, who also wrote the title track. In this interview, Mavis talks about some tunes she resurrected from her family's...
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Menomena
David Dye welcomes Portland-based Menomena. This ten-year-old trio uses computer software to record musical loops and then interlock them, creating their signature multi-layered compositions. Mines is the band's fourth experimental rock collection, which was released this past summer to wide critical acclaim. In this interview, Menomena discuss their collaborative songwriting process, and they'll explain how their unique material is translated for the stage.
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Dan Mangan
Canadian singer-songwriter, Dan Mangan, launched his musical career at age twenty, capturing scores of fans across the border with his folk debut, Postcards and Daydreaming. This year Dan's sophomore effort, Nice, Nice, Very Nice, was shortlisted for his home country's Polaris Prize, the critics' award equivalent to the Mercury Prize in the UK. During this visit, Dan talks about Vancouver's newly rejuvenated music scene and the differences between his first and second albums.
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Johnny Flynn
Singer songwriter Johnny Flynn joins host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. A South African born English national, Johnny is one of the great talents aligned with the new British folk movement. Major publications hailed his debut, A Larum, among 2008's best albums, and now he follows up with Been Listening, featuring a duet with Laura Marling. Hear Johnny discuss his early classical music training, play live and explain how his alter-career, Shakespearean...
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Sharon Van Etten
David Dye welcomes Sharon Van Etten, the folk songstress who moved to Brooklyn to launch her music career with the support of a high school connection, TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone. Her sophomore album, epic, was produced by Brian McTear and introduces a new depth to her confessional writing and powerful sound. In this interview, Sharon compares her latest work to last year's debut, and she explains the multi-state path that led her to pursue music professionally.
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The Walkmen
The Walkmen perform a live set from their new album, Lisbon. Following the break-ups of two garage rock bands, Jonathan Fire Eater and The Recoys, members from each became The Walkmen. Over the past decade, the reinvented group developed an experimental sound that's landed them critical acclaim, as well as a popular appearance on the hit TV series, The OC. The band talks about their highly successful last album, You and Me, and their new one, inspired by a few trips to Portugal.
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JP Chrissie And The Fairground Boys
JP, Chrissie And The Fairground Boys perform live on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. JP Jones is a Welsh rocker, and Chrissie is the veteran leader of The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde. After meeting at a London party, the pair's relationship grew from a mutual love of fairgrounds, and soon they were off to Cuba to write the songs that would become Fidelity. In this interview, Chrissie talks about the creative liberation she's found working with this group, and JP explains...
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Tony Allen
Tony Allen was a major figure in the birth of Afrobeat as the drummer for the great Fela Kuti throughout the 70s. Lately, he's been playing in The Good, The Bad and The Queen alongside Gorillaz's Damon Albarn. Tony has released his own new album called, Secret Agent. In this interview, he explains how dilemmas with immigration have affected his musical opportunities in the U.S. and Europe, and he'll discuss the inspiration he finds in the modern jazz movement.
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Jukebox The Ghost
David Dye welcomes Jukebox The Ghost, the three-piece from D.C. The band began performing together in 2003 while studying at George Washington University and their critically praised debut landed them a spot on tour with kindred quirky pop act, Ben Folds. Now Jukebox The Ghost have released their second album, Everything Under The Sun. Hear guitarist Tommy Siegel explain how they teamed up with producer Peter Katis, known for his work with Interpol and The National, and Tommy and pianist Ben...
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Best Coast
L.A. trio Best Coast performs live on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. No stranger to show-biz, frontwoman Bethany Cosentino started out as a child actress before moving on to songwriting as a teen and gathering a strong online following. Her new band makes sunny lo-fi pop on their first album, _Crazy For You_, which became a soundtrack to Summer 2010 for many fans. Hear Bethany recall how the idea for Best Coast originated, and discuss the experience of the group's...
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Ra Ra Riot
Orchestral pop rock outfit, Ra Ra Riot. The six piece band debuted their unique sound, which includes a small string section, with 2008's _The Rhumb Line_ and went on to tour with Death Cab for Cutie. After nearly two years on the road, the group retreated to an upstate New York peach orchard to pen their sophomore release, aptly titled _The Orchard_. In this interview, guitarist Milo Bonacci explains Death Cab member Chris Walla's involvement on the album, and the challenge of composing new...
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The Walkmen
The Walkmen perform a live set from their new album, _Lisbon_. Following the break-ups of two garage rock bands, Jonathan Fire Eater and The Recoys, members became The Walkmen. Over the past decade, the reinvented group developed an experimental sound that has landed them critical acclaim, as well as a popular appearance on the hit TV series, The OC. Hear the band talks about their highly successful last album, You and Me, and their new one, which was inspired by a few trips to Portugal's...
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Ray LaqMontagne
David Dye welcomes Ray LaMontagne. Formerly a shoe factory worker in Maine, Ray awoke one morning to an inspiring tune on the radio and decided to become a songwriter. He has enjoyed growing success over the past ten years and has just released his first fully self produced album, God Willin and the Creek Don't Rise. Ray talks with David about his goals as an artist and his stellar new band, The Pariah Dogs.
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Tired Pony
David Dye travels to London to catch a one-time-only concert gathering the musical luminaries of Tired Pony. The supergroup's debut, _The Place We Ran From_, began as an alt-country solo project for Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, but the effort quickly reached REM's Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey, and even M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. In this interview, Gary and Peter explain the album as their _love letter to America,_ and the pair discuss the band's live performance dynamic.
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Phosphorescent
Enjoy a session with Phosphorescent, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Mathew Houck. The Athens, Georgia native launched his career ten years ago under the name Fillup Shack, drawing great acclaim in the UK during his first solo tour. Since his reformation as Phosphorescent, Mathew has released a string of indie-folk albums, including the latest, Here's To Taking It Easy. In this interview, he explains the new record as more of a band effort and reflects on his musical influences.
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Delta Spirit
The California based five piece, Delta Spirit grew a devoted fanbase on tour with Dr. Dog and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, makes a raucous brand of roots-oriented rock. This past June, frontman Matt Vasquez and company released their second album, _History From Below_, with songs drawing heavily from the band's reading of current and historical events. In this interview, Matt sings the praises of the late historian Howard Zinn, whose work strongly influenced the group, and he talks about his...
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Frightened Rabbit
Host David Dye gets a visit from Frightened Rabbit on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Lead songwriter Scott Hutchison penned 2008's raw break-up album, _The Midnight Organ Fight_, catapulting the folk-rock outfit into public consciousness. He tackles some heavier emotions on _The Winter of Mixed Drinks", Frightened Rabbit's latest, and expands upon their sound with grand orchestrations. In this interview, Scott talks about writing the new tracks in isolation off...
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Minus The Bear
Minus the Bear perform live on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Together for nearly a decade, the Seattle-based band has become known for bold experimentation and energy. Stepping away from prog rock influences that shaped their previous releases, the quintet breaks into R and B and soul territory on their fourth album, _Omni_. In this interview, Minus the Bear discuss the new sound explored on this record, and the group talks about working with producer Joe Chiccarelli.
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John Butler Trio
Tracey Tanenbaum welcomes Australia's John Butler Trio on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. For the past decade, the dobro playing singer-songwriter has become known in the United States as a premier roots jam act, but at home he's a genuine superstar. John Butler has a new trio of musicians and a new album called, _April Uprising_, driven more by alt-rock than by John's prior efforts. In this interview, he explains how an exploration of his own ancestry inspired the...
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Minus The Bear
Minus the Bear perform live on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Together for nearly a decade, the Seattle-based band has become known for bold experimentation and energy. Stepping away from prog rock influences that shaped their previous releases, the quintet breaks into R and B and soul territory on their fourth album, _Omni_. In this interview, Minus the Bear discuss the new sound explored on this record, and the group talks about working with producer Joe Chiccarelli.
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John Butler Trio
Tracey Tanenbaum welcomes Australia's John Butler Trio on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. For the past decade, the dobro playing singer-songwriter has become known in the United States as a premier roots jam act, but at home he's a genuine superstar. John Butler has a new trio of musicians and a new album called, _April Uprising_, driven more by alt-rock than by John's prior efforts. In this interview, he explains how an exploration of his own ancestry inspired the...
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Broken Social Scene
Indie-rock supergroup, Broken Social Scene, joins us on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning form the core of the collective, whose otherwise rotating cast of Canadian musicians includes Feist, Jason Collett, and Metric's Emily Haines this time around. The Broken Social Scene ethos of experimentation and grandeur is clearly reflected in their first release in five years, _Forgiveness Rock Record_. In this interview, the group discusses how its...
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The Gaslight Anthem
This straight-ahead rock band from New Jersey, The Gaslight Anthem, has gained enormous success over the past two years thanks to the popularity of their last album, The 1959 Sound. Lead singer Brian Fallon took on the pressure of writing a follow-up to stand on its own, and the winning result is American Slang. In this interview, the group explains how producer Ted Hutt nurtured their trademark 1960s blues-rock sound, and they recall their experience sharing the stage with Bruce Springsteen.
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Tracey Thorn
Michaela Majoun gets a visit from British singer-songwriter Tracey Thorn on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. From 1984 to 1999, Tracey's was the striking voice of alt-pop duo, Everything But the Girl, with her partner in music and life, Ben Watt. After a lengthy hiatus raising the couple's kids, she is back with a beautifully spare album called, Love and Its Opposite. In this interview, Tracey reflects on her early career in the British punk scene and talks about the...
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Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog, who make sunny '60s pop harmonies with lo-fi stylings, visit host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. "Shame, Shame" is the finest example yet of the Philadelphia quintet's distinct sound as defined by chief songwriters Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken. The new record is also the first Dr. Dog has recorded outside their home studio, in an aim to capture the energy of their live shows. In this interview, Toby and Scott discuss the affects of a recent...
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Horse Feathers
Horse Feathers join host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The project began when singer-songwriter Justin Ringle moved from Idaho to Portland and began performing at open mic nights under the stage name Horse Feathers. Now an established four-piece ensemble, the group has become known for wintry, strings-heavy folk songs, but the new release, "Thistled Spring," shifts to a sunnier tone. In this interview, Justin discusses the influence of his Pacific...
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Nada Surf
Coming up on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, we hope you enjoy a session with Nada Surf. This alt-rock outfit, with high school friends Matthew Caw and Daniel Lorca at its core, had a major label hit with the song "Popular," but, interestingly, Nada Surf's real success has come since they went indie. "if i had a hi-fi," their latest release, is a collection of inspired and unexpected covers. In this interview, some of the record's more obscure songs are explained, and...
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She & Him
Host David Dye welcomes She & Him for a live set of their new indie-pop music on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. In past film roles, actress Zooey Deschanel has certainly shown that she can sing, but when she revealed to songwriter M. Ward her hoard of self-penned tunes, the two formed a full-time band. "Volume 1," their first collaborative album of sunny pop was released to great acclaim, and now "Volume 2" makes a praiseworthy follow-up. In this interview, the pair...
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Bobby Long
Host David Dye gets a visit from British singer-songwriter, Bobby Long, on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Bobby's first collection, "Dirty Pond Songs," was recorded in his bedroom as a demo, and his career enjoyed a similarly low-key start with largely MySpace and iTunes support. More recently, Long's U.S. concerts have been overwhelmed by young female fans, due to his friendship with "Twilight" starring actor Robert Pattinson, and the inclusion of one of hiss songs in...
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The Clientele
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes London's The Clientele. The band executed intelligent folk-rock perfectly on their last two albums, with 2007's "God Save The Clientele" leaning more towards pop, and a more expansive feel on their latest, "Bonfires On The Heath." Coming off of a successful U.S. tour, the quartet stop by the Cafe for a live set of autumnal and melodic songs. Plus, a chat with the band's leader and songwriter, Alasdair MacLean,...
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Jeff Beck
Coming up on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes guitar hero Jeff Beck. Beginning with the Yardbirds in the '60s, Jeff's numerous manifestations set the template for a generation of hard rock, heavy metal, and jazz fusion. His career includes albums with his own Jeff Beck Group, featuring a young Rod Stewart as the vocalist, a power trio with bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice, and two landmark instrumental albums, "Blow By Blow" and...
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Laura Veirs
Neo-folk songwriter, Laura Veirs, stops by to talk with Tracey Tanenbaum on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Over ten years ago, the former geologist turned to music full-time and has just released her seventh album, "July Flame." The exquisitely orchestrated new disc was developed with the help of Laura's producer and husband, Tucker Martine, with whom she's expecting a baby any day now. During this interview, Laura discusses her struggle with writer's block and...
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Alberta Cross
Host David Dye gets a visit from Alberta Cross on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Judging by the sound of their new album, "Broken Side of Time," Alberta Cross would seem to be the product of southern roots rock, but actually, they're a group of Brits and a Swede who formed in London. The blues and country-influenced combo did, however, decamp to Austin, Texas to record their debut full-length album, and in this session, they'll perform a song inspired by that city...
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Angelique Kidjo
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, Afropop superstar Angelique Kidjo makes a return appearance on the World Cafe with host David Dye. The Grammy Award-winning singer, who grew up in Benin in West Africa, draws on a myriad of international traditions and has collaborated with an equally diverse roster of artists like Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, and Peter Gabriel. Her new album, "Oyo," was inspired by the music of her childhood, which naturally included African - but also a...
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Fruit Bats
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Eric Johnson's folk-pop side project, Fruit Bats. "The Ruminant Band" is their first record in five years, during which time Eric has been somewhat preoccupied — with his day job in The Shins. Turns out, the lapse benefitted Fruit Bats, who have developed from Eric's backing musicians into a real band. In this interview, he discusses the rustic sound of the new disc and the group's shift from a solo project to the...
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Yeasayer
Host David Dye gets a visit from ambient pop outfit Yeasayer on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. After supporting the likes of MGMT and Beck, this Brooklyn group has broken out with one of the best records of the new year, "Odd Blood." The album was recorded after Yeasayer parted ways with drummer Luke Fasano, motivating the band's ensemble approach to percussion as they'll explain in this interview.
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Beach House
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye is visited by dream pop duo, Beach House. Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally began making music together in 2005, and their new album, "Teen Dream," demonstrates a refinement of the sound they've been nurturing all along. In this interview, Victoria explains the record's figurative title, and Alex discusses the band's origins as a dance group.
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Spoon
Indie pop marvels Spoon stop by on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Formed by drummer Jim Eno and guitarist, singer, and songwriter Britt Daniel, this Austin, Texas group has released four albums over the past decade, each better than the last. "Transference," the surprising and inventive addition to Spoon's catalog, is also their first self-produced record. In this interview, Britt and Jim reflect on the band's gradual build-up to success, and Britt explains his...
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Spoon
Indie pop marvels Spoon stop by on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Formed by drummer Jim Eno and guitarist, singer, and songwriter Britt Daniel, this Austin, Texas group has released four albums over the past decade, each better than the last. "Transference," the surprising and inventive addition to Spoon's catalog, is also their first self-produced record. In this interview, Britt and Jim reflect on the band's gradual build-up to success, and Britt explains his...
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Charlotte Gainsbourg
David Dye sits down with French chanteuse, Charlotte Gainsbourg, on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The daughter of French singer, Serge Gainsbourg, and the British actress, Jane Birkin, Charlotte has gone on to embrace both of her parents' occupations. Though better known as a film star, she began singing professionally at age 13 and collaborated with the French band, Air, on her last two releases. "IRM," Charlotte's new disc, was produced and written with Beck, and in...
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Midlake
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Midlake. On their 2006 breakthrough album, "The Trials of Van Occupanther," this group of Texans managed to sound like they emerged from 1970s England with great songs like the hit, "Roscoe." "The Courage Of Others," the band's follow-up release, takes cues from the British progressive folk music that Midlake has been hooked on, like Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention. In this interview, guitarist Eric Pulido, and...
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Brother Ali
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Brother Ali. This Minneapolis rapper makes what can only be called socially conscious hip-hop, tackling issues like homelessness, divorce, and war, on his first two albums. As an albino Muslim, Brother Ali certainly has a unique perspective, which he turns inward on "Us," his most personal album yet. In this interview, he discusses his conversion to Islam and talks about the diverse audience who can find common...
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James Maddock
British troubadour, James Maddock, joins host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. It was over a decade ago that his London-based band Wood released their debut, unleashing Maddock's warm, gruff voice on the world with the hit song, "Stay You." Since then, he's had a rough stretch, including divorce and record label troubles, but has come out on the other side with a melodic new collection, "Sunrise on Avenue C." In this interview, Maddock talks about the...
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Dawes - Taylor Goldsmith
Dawes showcases their first release, "North Hills," on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The young outfit from southern California makes its debut with an Americana sound that nods to '70s harmony-laden country rock. At the heart of Dawes is songwriter Taylor Goldsmith, and in this interview he explains how the current project evolved out of his former group, Simon Dawes, and reviews his impressive musical lineage.
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Carolina Chocolate Drops
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, it's music from the Carolina Chocolate Drops. This trio of young African-American musicians pays homage to their own musical heritage by trying to keep banjo and fiddle traditions from the North Carolina Piedmont alive. For their new record, "Genuine Negro Jig," they looked for authentic direction from Joe Thompson, who is said to be the last living black traditional string band player. In this interview, the group talks about the Drops'...
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The Duke and The King
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye gets a visit from The Duke and The King, a duo featuring Simone Felice of The Felice Brothers and his long-time pal, Robert "Chicken" Burke. Out from behind his drum kit, Simone establishes himself as a passionate vocalist and vivid storyteller on The Duke and The King's debut, "Nothing Gold Can Stay." The pair laid down tracks in a Catskills cabin "recording studio," channeling the intimate vibe of their surroundings...
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One EskimO
One eskimO shares music from their debut, "All Balloons," on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. British singer-songwriter Kristian Leontiou conceived the idea for One eskimO after touring for his initial solo record, a success at 200,000 copies sold in Europe. Although charming soft rock lies at the heart of the project, Leontiou envisioned a larger work involving animations of each song, with recurring characters narrating the story of the album. In this interview, host...
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Lyle Lovett
David Dye takes a road trip to the State Theater in Ithaca, New York for a special visit with Lyle Lovett on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Surrounded by Finger Lakes Cafe fans, the inimitable songwriter and his Large Band showcase new music from Natural Forces. Like his 1998 double-disc collection, Step Inside This House, the latest album is split between Lovett originals and tunes written by fellow Texan songwriters. In this interview, Lovett discusses his...
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Fanfarlo
David Dye gets a visit from indie imports, Fanfarlo, on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. When they started as a trio, the London-based outfit achieved their textured soundscape by playing support tracks from a laptop, but it was with the live backdrop of mandolins, violins, and trumpets that Fanfarlo was able to lay down their pop-rock tour-de-force, "Reservoir." They came to the U.S. to record their debut album with a helping hand from Peter Cadis, best known for his...
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BLK JKS
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, BLK JKS bring music from their debut, "After Robots." Although they hail from South Africa, BLK JKS' noise rock style stands out from the sounds traditionally coming out of Johannesburg, which was initially a problem for this band. The foursome had trouble landing gigs in their hometown until a fortuitous encounter with hit DJ, Diplo, who helped bring them to global attention. In this interview, the group discusses the challenges of...
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Phoenix
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, French foursome Phoenix drop by the World Cafe with host David Dye to discuss their highly acclaimed synth-rock release, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix." In this interview, the band chats about the benefits of strategic online album leaks, how the classical musician namesake of their song "Lisztomania" has influenced their approach to rock-stardom, and whether French law could actually hinder the band from releasing more music sung in English.
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Moby "Wait for Me"
Moby showcases his latest project, "Wait for Me," on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. A pioneer of techno and dance music, Moby helped to bring the genres to mainstream attention throughout the '90s, as evidenced by his last album, "Play," the best selling electronica album ever. "Wait for Me" was recorded in his bedroom on the lower east side, and Moby attests it's a quieter and more melodic affair than much of his previous work. He'll explain the grounds for this...
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Sondre Lerche
Norwegian singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche joins host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words & Music from WXPN. A formally trained guitarist by age nine, and composer and recording artist in his teen years, Lerche was poised to take on the pop world by 2001 when his debut, "Faces Down," went gold in his native country almost overnight. The Scandinavian talent then relocated to the U.S. to record his new album, "Heartbeat Radio," which finds him tapping the spirit of jazz, psych-folk,...
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Patterson Hood
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, founding member of the Drive-By Truckers, Patterson Hood, stops by in support of his sophomore solo release. Hood wrote the music for "Murdering Oscar (and Other Love Songs)" fifteen years ago, but his personal art was put on the backburner while focusing on a distinctly brighter style with his acclaimed southern rock outfit. When he recently stumbled upon the old original recordings, they took on new meaning and fostered an album that...
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David Bazan
David Dye welcomes David Bazan on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Over the course of ten prolific years with the Christian indie rock band Pedro The Lion, Bazan released numerous critically-acclaimed group albums until his burdensome drinking broke the momentum. In 2006 Bazan re-emerged with vigor as a solo artist, earning a spot on Paste Magazine's "100 Best Songwriters" list. His new disc, "Curse Your Branches," exemplifies Bazan's gift for evocative songwriting. In...
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The Noisettes
Host David Dye gets a visit from The Noisettes on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. This trio of spunky Brits has developed a reputation for its wild stage performances, and on their sophomore release, "Wild Young Hearts," the live energy translates effortlessly. It's an impassioned mash-up of disco, grungy pop, and unfettered punk attitude. In this interview, they explain the culinary muse behind the band's name and why this album feels darker than their debut.
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Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, we hope you enjoy a concert with Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros. After making his musical entr?e with the dance-rock outfit Ima Robot, Alex Ebert formed a twelve-member ensemble behind his boyhood alter ego, Edward Sharpe. On their debut record, "Up From Below," Ebert and his cast revel in grand sing-alongs that range from folk ballads to gospel-tinged indie rock anthems. During this session, Ebert talks about the desert as a unifying...
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King Sunny Ade
The monarch of Nigerian juju music, King Sunny Ade, joins host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Over the past thirty years, King Sunny has become an icon in his home country and throughout Africa with his seductive blend of percussion and intertwining electric guitars. Now touring behind the re-release of his 2000 album, Seven Degrees North, the King and his full-force ensemble of twenty-some backing musicians and dancers are hypnotizing audiences Stateside....
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Neko Case
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, Neko Case showcases her hypnotic new album, "Middle Cylcone." The bewitching songstress became a power-pop heroine when she joined The New Pornographers, but Case, now on to her fifth disc, has truly hit her stride as a solo artist. She hit the road with her latest batch of rootsy rock songs, recording in various locales, including Tucson, Brooklyn, Toronto, and even the barn of her Vermont dairy farm. In this interview, Case talks...
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Cotton Jones
World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN features Americana duo Cotton Jones, who discuss their debut album, "Paranoid Cocoon." After singer-songwriter Michael Nau's much-adored indie outfit Page France decided to take a break, he developed a solo project called Cotton Jones Basket Ride. With the moniker truncated to Cotton Jones, and the line-up expanded to a duo, Nau and childhood friend Whitney McGraw set out to incorporate their love of folk and '60s psych-pop. In this interview, Nau...
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Blind Pilot
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye gets a visit from Blind Pilot. When this band of Portland locals set out on their first tour, they were bound to get some early notoriety; towing their instruments all the way, the lo-fi collective biked over 1,000 miles from Vancouver to San Francisco, stopping to play at parks and small-town groceries, as well as more traditional venues. Indie-pop and mellow folk blend on their debut effort, 3 Rounds and a Sound, which was...
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Grizzly Bear
World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN features Grizzly Bear, the Brooklyn-based group that started out as leader Edward Droste's do-it-yourself home recording project. The psych-folk band's humble beginnings have since snowballed, landing their new album, "Veckatimest," among this year's most anticipated releases. Its recording was split between several locations, including a church and grandmother Droste's cottage on Cape Cod, and in this interview, the group explains the unique musical...
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Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears showcase their rowdy blues debut, "Tell 'Em What Your Name Is." One of 2009's breakthrough acts, this fiery blues combo brings new thump and groove to '60s R&B. Just as soul man Lewis' wild wailing enthralls live audiences, the band's spontaneous energy is captured on their first release. In this interview, Lewis explains the improbable circumstances that jump-started his career and talks about his preference...
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Dirty Projectors
Avant-garde indie collective Dirty Projectors join host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Powered by singer-songwriter Dave Longstreth, the quartet has, until recently, been known for their concept albums, one of which told a loose narrative of Don Henley as a Spanish conquistador. The new disc, "Bitte Orca," unhitches from a conceptual framework with direct songs that still stay true the band's mix of experimental orchestration and complex vocal harmonies....
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Silversun Pickups
World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN features the shoegazing quartet Silversun Pickups. A strong following built in the L.A. club scene led to the band's debut release in 2006, and not far behind came the opportunity to tour with acts like OK Go and Snow Patrol. On their sophomore record, "Swoon," Silversun Pickups pay homage to their '90s alt-rock muses while evolving individually. The ambitious follow-up plays with the contrast of distortion and velvety vocals, and, in this interview, the...
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Bat For Lashes
Host David Dye welcomes The Walkmen on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The indie-rock balladeers continue their unconventional route through the modern pop world with "You & Me." After two years of collaborating alternately in Philadelphia and New York studios, the band cast aside hundreds of recordings as they settled on final tracks for the new album. In this interview, David asks about their recent fixation with calypso music, and they discuss their adjustment to big...
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Bat For Lashes
On this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, we hope you enjoy a session with Bat For Lashes, the brainchild of songwriter Natasha Khan. The mystical and elemental sound on the debut, "Fur And Gold," turned Bat For Lashes into a critical sensation of 2007, attracting nods for the Mercury Prize and multiple Brit Awards. Now, after a European tour supporting Radiohead, Khan astounds again with the lush, beat-heavy record "Two Suns." In this interview, Khan discusses her "visual"...
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Sara Watkins
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, Sara Watkins, of the progressive bluegrass outfit Nickel Creek, celebrates her self-titled solo debut. Throughout her extensive musical travels, Watkins has developed a rolodex of accomplished artists, such as Gillian Welch and Chris Eldridge, who appear on her new album. This charming mix of new songs and covers puts Watkins' great instrumental breadth on display as she totes the guitar, ukulele, and fiddle in addition to her sweet-voiced...
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Jamey Johnson
Country Music Award-winning songwriter Jamey Johnson discusses his recently released album "That Lonesome Song" in this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Following an overwhelming run of hardships, Johnson went into a deep period of isolation, supporting himself by penning hits for Trace Adkins and George Strait. It took a full year, but he emerged from his slump rejuvenated with a new collection of songs in tow. In this session, Johnson explains how his recent divorce...
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Jorma Kaukonen
World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN features Jorma Kaukonen in a special session with host David Dye. As a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, Kaukonen's masterful guitar work helped to define psychedelic rock in the '60s. Now with more than a dozen solo albums on his r?sum?, he adds the new collection of acoustic blues and country called, "River of Time." In this interview, Kaukonen discusses the record's mix of original material and covers, and talks about Fur Peace Ranch, the guitar...
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Amadou and Mariam
Amadou and Mariam celebrate their new Afro-blues record, Welcome to Mali, on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. When the pair married almost thirty years ago, they also vowed to build a musical career together, a pursuit that took them across Africa and Europe with a slew of independent releases in their path. Now embraced by an international indie-rock audience, Amadou and Mariam will bring their wailing vocals and funky guitars on tour with Coldplay this spring. During...
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Indigo Girls
Coming up on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, the Indigo Girls showcase songs from their new disc, "Poseidon And The Bitter Bug." Throughout a twenty-year collaboration of making innovative music and fighting social injustice, the folk-pop duo's passion has not mellowed. Their latest release, the first on their independent label, IG Recordings, finds the Girls exploring new melodic and rhythmic territory. During this visit, the pair discuss their early years, and their choice to bypass...
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