Freedom's Just Another Word

New Old songs, collected as a new Kris Kristofferson album, streaming. Nonstop wonderfulness.

He crashed a helicopter into Johnny Cash's yard in order to bring you 'Sunday Morning Coming Down'. Dude deserves to be famouser than he is.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126169194&sc=nl&cc=mn-20100427

On the Road to My Heart

Fans of classic country will be delighted by Merle Haggard's new one, now streaming from NPR. His voice is more tremulous than of old, and the general intent seems a bit mellower than in some past releases; but the songs, and the instrumentation surrounding them, are as rich and delicious as ever.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125636724

Have One On Me

The new Joanna Newsom, streamed. I just preordered it from Drag City.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123981491

When You Dig Your Hands Into The Soil of American Culture, Your Hands Get Dirty

A nice little interview with the splendid Carolina Chocolate Drops, including a few live songs:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123652457

On that Road I Struggle

Some amazing music by a rock band I've never previously heard of, Midlake, on NPR.
A sort of somber Popol Vuh-meets-Byrds vibe (with just an occasional dainty touch of some rootsier Americana here and there). I'm totally loving it. Seems like they're streaming the whole album, which has a nice ritualistic sameness throughout, gorgeous harmonies and rippling guitars. Catch it while you can.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122295086

R.I.P. V.C.

http://search1.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122311162

Letting the Tape Roll

Kind of hypnotic NPR article about an amazing set of tapes unearthed from the '50s jazz underground in NYC. Brilliant background listening.

http://beta.wnyc.org/shows/jazz-loft/