Recently in Music Category

One of the first things I do in the morning (even before I have a cup of coffee and say good morning to my wife!) is turn on NPR (National Public Radio).  Listening to the news wakes me up and gets my brain going in the morning and I'm grateful that NPR is available as a free (well, somewhat free; more on this later) resource.

I started listening to NPR as a freshman in college and have been hooked ever since.  I not only listen to my local NPR affiliate (WNYC), but I scour the web for the best NPR shows and programming.  I listen because, like a good puzzle or game, it really forces your brain to concentrate and follow arguments and logic via language (as opposed to TV which, of course, is partly visual and not as deep given the 30 and 60 second TV spot formula)

NPR provides tremendous value; it is technically free, but the organization and the affiliate stations rely on both fundraising and government funds (the latter being the smaller portion/source of operating cash, so you should contribute if you can).  Here is a bit more on how NPR works; I really encourage folks to donate to their local NPR affiliate station.

NPR programming provides:

"There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives. It's true we'll make a better day just you and me"

I think it's time Wall Street gets together and records its own version of We Are the World, maybe something along the lines of "We Are the Capitalists".

Seriously, folks, have a listen to the original 1985 recording and it will make you feel warm and tingly all over, regardless of your bank's share price.

NPR ran a piece on US born psych-folk singer, Rodriguez.  Rodriguez is a completely obscure artist (outside of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand), but is know enjoying a renaissance after the re-release of Cold Fact.

You can read Rodriguez's bio at Joe's Pub here and listen to his single Sugarman here.

The American Idol finale took place last night and for the most part the show featured slightly washed up singers (attempting to mimic Freddie Mercury) and "Brady Bunch" like numbers by the 12 finalists.  The highlight of the show was Gladys Knight, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Junior performing the song, "Midnight Train to Georgia:"

For a critical look at American Idol see the recent New Yorker article.  Oh, the New Yorker seems to think that Idol does, indeed, work.

pre pubescent musical excitement to the web. 

I've been listening to "SumAgency's" mix and loving it!