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The New York band called Outernational puts politics back in rock with their album "Todos Somos Ilegales: We Are All Illegals."  It’s a bouncy, bi-lingual, almost cinematic look at America’s southern border, and Outernational will play songs from it live in our studio.

Last week New York Times writer Jeff Gordinier wrote about the rise of gourmet food at music fests - and made his prediction for a “gastronomic Summer of Love.” That prompted Gawker’s Hamilton Nolan to post an expletive-laced screed about 20-somethings who “think The Meatball Shop is akin to Run DMC.” Today, the two face off in our studio over the growing influence of foodie culture in music.

California roots rock veteran Chuck Prophet performs at Joe's Pub on Tuesday night. Download his new song "The Left Hand And The Right Hand."

As one fourth of Booker T. and the MGs, Dunn helped lay the foundation of Memphis soul.

This week's episode prominently featured a rarely licensed (and expensive) Beatles tune that underlined Don Draper's disconnection from the rapidly changing youth culture of the '60s. It was beautifully integrated into the show, but turned Don into a man we don't know.

We kick off our series on dance crazes with a half-century look back at the Twist – a simple dance floor move that came to represent so much more. Dance historian and Florida State University dance professor Sally Sommer joins us to examine the many cultural implications of the hip-shaking phenomenon.

We discovered a ton of amazing music while putting together our short Crossroads, about the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson. Check out the line-up here--if you listen through, you end up with something of a history of the roots of rock n' roll.

British singer-songwriter Ben Howard makes his New York debut at the Bowery Ballroom on Monday night. Download his folk-tinged tune "Three Tree Town."

British rock trio Peggy Sue performs with First Aid Kit at Webster Hall on Wednesday night. Download its song "Song & Dance."

South African musician Spoek Mathambo performs at S.O.B.'s Thursday night. Download his retro-soul single "Let Them Talk."

Australian folk-rocker Matt Corby performs at Joe's Pub on Wednesday night. Download his new song "Souls A'Fire."

Bahamas is the stage name used by Canadian singer-songwriter Afie Jurvanen, who put out his first album in 2009. His second album, Barchords, is a measured look at the end of a lengthy relationship.

San Francisco jam band Tea Leaf Green performs with Ha Ha Tonka on Friday night. Download the band's country-tinged single "Honey Bee." 

Austin singer songwriter Bill Callahan performs in the American Songbook series at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Wednesday night. Download the enigmatic musician's "Baby Breath." 

Veteran roots singer-songwriter Joe Henry performs with Marc Ribot at the City Winery on Wednesday night. Download his bluesy single "Odetta."

"At the Mouth" incorporates metallic chaos, swarming blast beats and woozy guitar fractals.

"How Long Must I Wait" takes an enjoyably swirling look at a meaningless and mysterious world.

Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog is poised to release a brand new record of folk-inspired psychedelic rock, called “Be The Void.” The band joins us live in studio with a preview.

The "Matriarch of the Blues" had grit in her voice that could melt like sugar or rub like salt in a wound. The great vocalist, whose turbulent life broke through in her affecting delivery, has died at age 73.

Roots rock vet Jonathan Wilson performs at Mercury Lounge on Thursday night. Download his hazy lead single "Desert Raven."