Erasure, the British synth-pop group whose early hits included "Chains of Love" and "Ship of Fools," won a cult-like following in the 1980s. Led by the flamboyant Andy Bell - one of the first openly gay performers in pop music - they became known for their intense melodies and sweeping electronic balladry. Nearly two decades later they have released a new acoustic album, "Union Street," and today they perform live in the studio. Also, a conversation with Peter Lavezzoli, author of The Dawn of Indian Music in the West: Bhairavi. He explains how a 1955 recording called "Music of India: Morning and Evening Ragas" was largely responsible for introducing Western audiences to the sounds of the Indian tabla and the tamboura.
India Rising
Peter Lavezzoli, author of The Dawn of Indian Music in the West: Bhairavi discusses the rise in popularity of Indian music in the West.
Erasure Unplugged
A live acoustic performance by Erasure in the WNYC studio.
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