Bob Boilen

The band's songs, stripped here to their essence, are particularly peaceful and calm — and sometimes chilling.

As voters head to the polls today, we hear from artists whose music speaks to our current political and cultural moment.

Andrew Bird sings, "it's an uncivil war bloodless for now / and the poets they explode like bombs." Watch Andrew Bird peer into our distracted culture precisely when it needs our attention.

Hear an early, behind-the-scenes recording of The Beatles working on "Glass Onion," the third track from what would become the band's 1968, self-titled "White Album."

This week on the show, we hear from artists who find ways to celebrate life no matter how broken it may be.

Tōth is the musical project of Rubblebucket's Alex Toth. It's a project that inspires and acts as therapy from his battle with alcoholism.

A single voice can send a powerful message - and that's just what Jim James did at the Tiny Desk, with just his voice and an acoustic guitar.

The charismatic singer and saxophonist brought a group of longtime friends to play a warm, thoughtful and chill set at the Tiny Desk.

This week's essential mix includes songs of letting go, of healing, moving on and finding a deeper appreciation for the wonder of life.

Zach Condon, the mastermind behind Beirut, will release his fifth studio album, Gallipoli, on Feb. 1. In this conversation, he shares the title track and details how the project came together.

On this week's show, we reflect on life and death over popcorn, catch a blissful confession from SOAK, a plaintive apology sung by Miya Folick, and Sharon Van Etten's mid-career pivot to driving pop.

Out of over 100 songs submitted for a DIY musician conference, Jilian Linklater's "Break Up With Your Best Friend" stood out to NPR Music's Bob Boilen.

J.S. Ondara's "American Dream" video follows a delusional man on his journey to purchase a weapon.

In the last two years, Big Thief has released two stunning records. Now, the band's singer and songwriter Adrianne Lenker has a new album of her own that is hushed, introspective and potent.

Irish singer/songwriter Hozier sits down with NPR Music's Bob Boilen to discuss the lifetime of listening that led to his new EP, Nina Cried Power, and what American blues means to him.

On this week's mix, artists from Jeff Tweedy of Wilco to D.C. upstart Bad Moves ask big questions. Catch Irish duo Saint Sister's unnerving harp, a pure pop single from Charly Bliss and more.

The never-before-seen clip, of the two former Beatles recording Lennon's "How Do You Sleep?" in 1971, comes ahead of the Oct. 5 release of a 6-CD box set, Imagine - The Ultimate Collection.

Slovakian 7-year-old Aron Hodek loves playing along with Tiny Desk concerts. In his latest performance, he tackles Thundercat's bass line in "What's the Use?"

Julie Byrne's transporting music can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen talks with NPR Music's Ann Powers and Jewly Hight about the standout performances and surprising discoveries at this year's AMERICANAFEST.