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Monday, April 21, 2008
  • Beards
    Singer Zac Holtzman of the band Dengue Fever

    Hair Today, Rock 'n' Roll Tomorrow

    Everywhere you look, beards are making a comeback. Today, we find out why hairy cheeks and whiskers are now appearing on American Idol contestants, rock stars, late-night talk-show hosts, and even politicians. Later: The occasionally bearded songwriter Peter Morén is one third of Peter Bjorn and John, the Swedish trio that broke through last year with the whistle-driven hit "Young Folks." He joins us to play songs from his new solo album, "The Last Tycoon."

Beards are Back!

From rock star Robert Plant to movie star Brad Pitt to New Mexico governor Bill Richardson to every other indie-rocker around, men are really into facial hair these days. Joining us to unveil the popularity of this trend are Carolyn Sayre of Time Magazine, Zac Holtzman, guitarist of the band Dengue Fever, and Rob Waller, lead vocalist and guitarist of the country band I See Hawks In LA.

Slideshow: Beards



Our blog: Find out if John Schaefer has ever had a beard ... and what he thinks of them.

Tell us Are beards too fashionable? What does one say about a musician?

Peter Morén

After its release in 2006, Peter Bjorn and John's catchy hit "Young Folks" seemed to be everywhere, including TV shows "Gossip Girl" and "Grey's Anatomy" and ads for Target and a Samsung mobile phone. Even though the group toured almost constantly for two years, member Peter Morén somehow managed to record a solo album called "The Last Tycoon." He talks about the album's F. Scott Fitzgerald-inspired theme, and he plays live in our studio.

Peter Morén performs at Mercury Lounge on Monday, April 21 at 10 p.m.

Peter Morén on Myspace

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

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Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

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