Music & Culture

Taylor Swift, whose 1989 is currently the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 and whose song "Blank Space" is at the top of the Hot 100, even though her music is not available on Spotify.

Music & Culture

Commerce Vs. Consumption: A Revolutionary Rethink Of Billboard's Album Chart

6:32pm November 25, 2014

by Chris Molanphy

For decades, the Billboard 200 album chart has measured one thing: the sale of albums. Now that the streaming era is upon us, the chart's formula is changing.

Music & Culture

Four Holiday Goodies, Including 'Christmas At Downton Abbey'

2:42pm November 25, 2014

by Ken Tucker

It's not too early to be releasing Christmas albums, and Fresh Air rock critic Ken Tucker has been listening to a lot of them.

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Data scientist Matt Daniels charted the vocabularies of hip-hop artists against Shakespeare and Herman Melville.

Yeezy Or The Bard: Who's The Best Wordsmith In Hip-Hop?

10:38am November 25, 2014

by NPR Staff

A data scientist pitted rappers against Shakespeare to see who had the more extensive vocabulary. But he says he isn't trying to make some sweeping statement about the lyrical prowess of hip-hop.

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Hayley Williams (left) of Paramore and Joy Williams, formerly of The Civil Wars, perform together on a version of the song "Hate To See Your Heart Break" from the deluxe version of Paramore's self-titled album.

Music & Culture

Paramore Feat. Joy Williams, 'Hate To See Your Heart Break'

3:14pm November 24, 2014

by Ann Powers

Paramore's Hayley Williams collaborates for the first time with old friend Joy Williams (no relation), formerly of The Civil Wars, on this pleading ballad.

A commentary on the American dream, Allegro tells the story of Joe Taylor Jr., a small-town doctor who moves to Chicago.

Reviving 'Allegro': Even Rodgers And Hammerstein Had Flops

2:42pm November 24, 2014

by Jeff Lunden

Allegro arrived on Broadway with a cast of close to 100 and the biggest advance ticket sales in Broadway history at the time. But reviews were mixed and the musical only lasted a season.

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'Do They Know It's Christmas?' Raises Hackles As Well As Dollars

8:17pm November 23, 2014

by Neda Ulaby

The newest version of Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" raised a $1 million within a few minutes of its release on Tuesday. Critics say the song still sends the wrong message about Africa.

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"I want it to be folksy, but surrounded by madness," director Tommy Lee Jones told The Homesman's composers.

In 'The Homesman,' Wind Is The Sound Of Insanity

11:21am November 22, 2014

by Tim Greiving

Two composers became instrument builders to score the film, set in the pioneer days of the American West. "We both knew what the movie sounded like. We just had to find it," Tommy Lee Jones says.

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Music & Culture

Update: Tales About Led Zeppelin Reunion Tour Weren't True

1:09pm November 21, 2014

Richard Branson had reportedly offered the group $800 million. But Robert Plant says he never received such an offer.

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Gabriela Ortiz is the composer of Unicamente la verdad.

'Only The Truth' Gets At Reality Through Legend

7:22pm November 20, 2014

by Jasmine Garsd

An opera nominated for a Latin Grammy explores Mexico's current political climate. It's based on a fictional bandida who continues to inspire fear and admiration along the border.

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Music & Culture

NPR Music Presents A Screening Of 'Wild Combination: A Portrait Of Arthur Russell'

12:59pm November 20, 2014

by Jacob Ganz

Come watch a documentary on the life and music of the avant-garde and disco composer Arthur Russell's life — and stick around for a discussion with musicians and friends.