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Spinning On Air Archive

April 2008

Pop Craft

Sunday, April 27, 2008

M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel have a new album under the name She & Him. It features mostly Deschanel's songs and evokes and exemplifies a classic pop songwriting craft, managing the tricky job of fulfilling expectations while feeling fresh. We'll hear She & Him and also a strikingly similar album, Spring, produced by Brian Wilson in 1972, and a couple songs from Carole King's newly reissued "Tapestry." Plus a view of Pop Craft from outside the system: the music of R. Stevie Moore.

She & Him

R. Stevie Moore


Robert Wyatt’s “Comic Opera”

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Robert Wyatt has been exploring the unusual possibilities of song since the 1960s in the bands Soft Machine, Matching Mole, and others, plus his own solo albums. He sings in his distinctive, agile voice about the complex and obscure, as well as the simple and obvious. Via connection from London, this British musician talks thoughtfully and revealingly with host David Garland about “Comic Opera,” his new three-act album full of bright instrumental colors, dark observations about life and politics, and warm compassion for human dreams and foibles. This show first aired Nov. 4, 2007. Wyatt responded "I can honestly say it's the best interview I can remember (by streets and miles)."

the "Comic Opera" website

More about Robert Wyatt


Peter Morén

Sunday, April 13, 2008

As the principal songwriter and singer for the Swedish group Peter, Bjorn and John, Peter Morén has been very successful at creating smart, tuneful songs with international appeal. Peter recently found that he was writing songs that led to a solo side project, for which the songs may be even smarter and more tuneful. Peter joins host David Garland to talk about his music, and to play some of the thoughtful, beautifully crafted songs from his new solo album “The Last Tycoon.”

View photos from the session

Peter Morén at MySpace

Peter performs at Mercury Lounge on Monday, April 21st.

Peter Bjorn and John


Spinning On Air Mixtape No. 2

Sunday, April 06, 2008

One song leads to another as David Garland continues to revel in what essayist Geoffrey O’Brien has called "the most widely practiced American art form": the mixtape. Drawing on a range of new and old music, Garland offers connections, contrasts, and discoveries. This is the second in a series that's been a hit with Spinning On Air listeners.