American writer and music critic
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De biografie Travelling van Ann Powers over muzieklegende Joni Mitchell is een onmisbare toevoeging aan de canon van de hedendaagse muziek. Gebaseerd op archiefonderzoek en uitgebreide interviews. Uitgegeven door Xander Uitgevers B.V. Spreker: Eva Damen
Trapped in the never ending cycle of, “what do YOU want to do? I dunno, what do YOU want to do?” Well, the weekend is nigh, and Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here with everything YOU need to enjoy your time away from work… LINKS: Scott Shoemaker’s :Probed! – Intiman Theatre Rick Steves, Ann Powers, J. Kenji López-Alt, and Pedro the Lion — Live Wire Radio Roméo et Juliette | April 11 - 20, 2025 Record Store Day - Seattle Stores SIFF & Stitch - Labyrinth Free Oral Cancer Screening - UW Red Square Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've finally arrived! After four episodes and nearly ten hours of discussion and dissection, Pop Pantheon's Britney Spears Mega Series concludes with the big question: Is Britney Spears in Tier 1 of the Pantheon? To parse that out, Louie and Russ are joined by friend of the pod Molly Mary O'Brien to pull at this debate from every possible angle. Throughout the nearly two-hour (!!!) debate, they also hear from Dean of USC's Thornton School of Music's Jason King regarding his thoughts on Britney, her legacy, her ranking, and the Pantheon in general, along with ranking opinions from every past guest of the series including The New Yorker's Doreen St. Félix, NPR's Ann Powers, The New York Times' Caryn Ganz and Beyond the Blinds' Troy McEady. Finally, Louie ranks Britney Spears in the official Pop Pantheon. Check out Pop Pantheon's Britney Spears Essentials PlaylistCome to Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC on 4/11Come to Gorgeous Gorgeous LA on 4/18Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on TwitterFollow Pop Pantheon on Instagram
Host Jo Reed talks with Ann Powers, critic and correspondent for NPR Music, and editor Alison Fensterstock about collaborating on HOW WOMEN MADE MUSIC, AudioFile's spring Audiobook Club Pick. A mosaic of essays with archival recordings of the artists, HOW WOMEN MADE MUSIC: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music is an Earphones Award winner and was one of AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of 2024. Alison and Ann talk about the origins of this vibrant and ambitious project, the use of archival audio, what this recentering reveals about music history, and more. Read our review of the audiobook at our website https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/261162/. Published by Harper Audio. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile's website https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the second in our five-part series on Britney Spears, NPR's Ann Powers joins Pop Pantheon to discuss Britney's first attempts to transition from teen queen to grown-up pop star. Ann and Louie tackle Britney's iconic “I'm a Slave 4 U” VMA performance, work with The Neptunes and play at maturity on 2001's Britney, relationship and breakup with Justin Timberlake, and her one and only starring film role in the teen road comedy Crossroads. Finally, they dive into Britney and Madonna's VMA kiss, the duo's generational pop baton passing on the single “Me Against The Music” and Britney's most adventurous record up to that point, 2003's In the Zone.Join us next week for Part 3, in which we'll discuss and Britney's infamous mid-aughts along with 2007's Blackout and 2008's CircusCheck out Pop Pantheon's Britney Spears Essentials PlaylistCome to Main Pop Girls: BRITNEY VS. GAGA on 3/21!Come to Gorgeous Gorgeous LA on 3/14Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on TwitterFollow Pop Pantheon on Instagram
While we're on a brief hiatus from making all-new episodes, we thought it would be fun to compile all the moments where Paul asks his guests "What Was The First Record You Ever Bought?" and put them in a couple of "clip shows." Here's part one, featuring De La Soul, Dhani Harrison, Mac McCaughan & Laura Ballance (from Superchunk), Ringo Starr, Shelby Lynne, Redd Kross, NPR's Ann Powers, The Edge (from U2), Richard Thompson, and Matthew Caws (from Nada Surf). The Record Store Day Podcast is a weekly music chat show written, produced, engineered and hosted by Paul Myers, who also composed the theme music and selected interstitial music. Executive Producers (for Record Store Day) Michael Kurtz and Carrie Colliton. Record Store Day 2025 is April 12th. For the most up-to-date news about all things RSD, including The List, visit RecordStoreDay.com) Please consider subscribing to our podcast wherever you get podcasts, and tell your friends, we're here every week and we love making new friends.
25 years ago this weekend, Joni Mitchell released her turning point concept album, Both Sides Now. The record saw Mitchell revisiting two of her own songs 40 years later, amid a number of American Songbook standards. For the next installment of our Silver Liner Notes album anniversary series, we reflect on this album within Joni Mitchell's career with Ann Powers, NPR music critic and author of Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell.
Send us a textOn this episode, NPR music critic and correspondent Ann Powers gets Al acquainted with The Roches' 1979 self-titled debut album. Ann explains how she got to know the album and how it became an important part of her life and the lives of her friends. She also talks about the elements that make The Roches unique, including their harmonies, clever songwriting and misfit style. Ann discusses her 2024 biography of Joni Mitchell, Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell, and why she took a different approach to researching the book than other Mitchell biographers have taken.You can follow Ann on Bluesky, Instagram and X, all at @annkpowers.As Ann mentioned on the show, you can read her work for the NPR Music Newsletter by signing up for it on the NPR website. Just go to https://www.npr.org/newsletter/music and enter your e-mail address.Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has an account on Instagram at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/. You can also support the show on Buzzsprout at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1542814/episodes or at the link at the bottom of these show notes.1:32 Ann joins the show2:10 Al and Ann discuss her review of The Roches from the ‘90s4:53 Ann explains how The Roches' music was related to the New York punk scene7:59 Ann and Al talk about Robert Fripp's contributions as the album's producer9:37 Ann discusses The Roches' unique harmonies and musical styles11:48 Ann talks about The Roches' identity as misfits18:55 Ann sees the album as both accessible and mysterious20:41 Ann discusses the background behind “Hammond Song” and its enduring popularity29:40 Ann recalls where she learned about The Roches and discusses her early fandom37:56 Ann—and the critics she admired—found The Roches' lyrics relatable44:30 Ann explains what makes the “The Married Men” a special song48:18 Al talks about his one memory of The Roches from his teen years50:09 Ann expands on her approach to writing her Joni Mitchell biography56:15 Ann discusses her current and upcoming workSupport the show
It's been almost a year since the historic music outlet Pitchfork shrank considerably. On this week's On the Media, why the distinctive voices in music journalism are worth saving. Plus, how AI music generators could upend the industry. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinger, speaks with Ann Powers, critic and correspondent for NPR Music, on Condé Nast's acquisition of the influential music publication Pitchfork, and what this means for the future of music journalism.[12:45] Host Micah Loewinger speaks to Kyle Chayka, staff writer at The New Yorker, about how algorithms are changing how people discover and listen to music – and all too often, not for the better.[28:39] Former OTM producer, and current composer and sound designer, Mark Henry Phillips, on how AI music generators could fundamentally upend the industry for good. Further reading:“With Pitchfork in peril, a word on the purpose of music journalism,” by Ann Powers"Why I Finally Quit Spotify," by Kyle ChaykaA segment from this show originally aired on our January 19, 2024 program, Trouble at The Baltimore Sun, and the End of an Era for Pitchfork. On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.
The Slate Music Club is back, in a special edition of Hit Parade – “The Bridge”! Our year-end panel of critics—NPR Music's Ann Powers, Hearing Things' Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Slate's own Carl Wilson and Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy—discuss their favorite albums and singles and the trends that shaped the year in pop, rap, country, Latin and global music. Among the questions the roundtable tackles: Have we reached peak Taylor Swift? Did the Kendrick Lamar–v.-Drake beef overshadow hip-hop's next generation? How much further will country cross over to pop audiences—and how does Latin music fit in? How did music from diverse artists stand in for protest music in 2024? And what will become of music criticism itself? Note: Slate Plus members can hear this special episode in full. Ad-supported listeners will hear the first half. Want to hear the whole discussion? Sign up for Slate Plus! Podcast production by Kevin Bendis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Slate Music Club is back, in a special edition of Hit Parade – “The Bridge”! Our year-end panel of critics—NPR Music's Ann Powers, Hearing Things' Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Slate's own Carl Wilson and Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy—discuss their favorite albums and singles and the trends that shaped the year in pop, rap, country, Latin and global music. Among the questions the roundtable tackles: Have we reached peak Taylor Swift? Did the Kendrick Lamar–v.-Drake beef overshadow hip-hop's next generation? How much further will country cross over to pop audiences—and how does Latin music fit in? How did music from diverse artists stand in for protest music in 2024? And what will become of music criticism itself? Note: Slate Plus members can hear this special episode in full. Ad-supported listeners will hear the first half. Want to hear the whole discussion? Sign up for Slate Plus! Podcast production by Kevin Bendis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Slate Music Club is back, in a special edition of Hit Parade – “The Bridge”! Our year-end panel of critics—NPR Music's Ann Powers, Hearing Things' Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Slate's own Carl Wilson and Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy—discuss their favorite albums and singles and the trends that shaped the year in pop, rap, country, Latin and global music. Among the questions the roundtable tackles: Have we reached peak Taylor Swift? Did the Kendrick Lamar–v.-Drake beef overshadow hip-hop's next generation? How much further will country cross over to pop audiences—and how does Latin music fit in? How did music from diverse artists stand in for protest music in 2024? And what will become of music criticism itself? Note: Slate Plus members can hear this special episode in full. Ad-supported listeners will hear the first half. Want to hear the whole discussion? Sign up for Slate Plus! Podcast production by Kevin Bendis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chappell Roan has had a big year. She joined us back in 2023 to talk about her debut album, the magic of drag shows and queer joy. And, Joni Mitchell's career has spanned more than 60 years. Her legacy is detailed in "Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell" by NPR's Ann Powers. Powers joins us to discuss the biography. Then, French singer Yseult captured the hearts of millions worldwide by singing "My Way" by Frank Sinatra at this summer's Olympics closing ceremony. She talks about her new album "Mental."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Golden Voice narrator Edoardo Ballerini joins AudioFile's Michele Cobb to discuss narrating one of this year's best in Mulit-Voice audiobooks, the oral history WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE, edited by Garrett M. Graff. Edoardo tells listeners about the challenges of narrating audiobooks that include so many voices—here, there were 26 narrators performing 700 real-life historical figures. It's an impressive and moving listen, and deep exploration into those who participated in D-Day. Read AudioFile's review of WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. AudioFile's 2024 Best Multi-Voice Audiobooks are: DANGEROUS VISIONS by Harlan Ellison [Ed.], read by Mara Wilson, Jim Meskimen, Simon Vance, Steven Jay Cohen, Johnny Heller, Edoardo Ballerini, Dion Graham, et al. GEORGE ORWELL'S 1984 by George Orwell, Joe White [Adapt.], read by Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott, Tom Hardy, Chukwudi Iwuji, Romesh Ranganathan, Natasia Demetriou, Francesca Mills, Alex Lawther, Katie Leung HOW WOMEN MADE MUSIC by Alison Fensterstock [Ed.], Ann Powers [Intro.], National Public Radio, read by Alison Fensterstock, Ann Powers, et al. JOURNEY'S END by R.C. Sherriff, read by James Callis, Josh Cole, Jack Cutmore-Scott, Tobias Echeverria, Adam Godley, Ian Ogilvy, Darren Richardson, Simon Templeman, Matthew Wolf MOON CALLED by Patricia Briggs, read by Khaya Fraites, Gregory Linington, Christopher McLinden, Rayner Gabriel, Chris Stinson, Renee Dorian, and a Full Cast WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE by Garrett M. Graff [Ed.], read by Edoardo Ballerini, Garrett M. Graff [Note], and a Full Cast Find the full list of 2024 Best Audiobooks on our website. Today's episode is brought to you by Brilliance Publishing. The Sound of Storytelling. Discover your next great listen at https://www.brilliancepublishing.com/ Edoardo Ballerini photo by Ed Brantley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NPR Music critic and friend of the pod Ann Powers joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to round up the best albums released by Nashville artists in 2024, from superstars like Brittany Howard to notable newcomers like Madi Diaz. Did your fave make the list? And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We'll be going inside a day in the life of April Moore, a fitness coach with a mission to help busy moms. Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for sponsoring this segment, and for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Here is a playlist featuring songs from the artists discussed on today's show. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 11th episode: United Way of Greater Nashville
Holiday Gift Ideas for Record Fans, Pt. 1 As the holiday season gets into full swing, we feature two books (and one accompanying record) that would make great gifts for any record loving person in your life. The always fascinating Robyn Hitchcock returns to the RSD Pod to talk about his new memoir, 1967: How I Got There, And Why I Never Left, as well as his accompanying covers album, 1967: Vacations In The Past. NPR Music's Ann Powersalso returns, this time with Alison Fensterstock, editor of a great new anthology book How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music. The Record Store Day Podcast is a weekly music chat show written, produced, engineered and hosted by Paul Myers, who also composed the theme music and selected interstitial music. Executive Producers (for Record Store Day) Michael Kurtz and Carrie Colliton. For the most up-to-date news about all things RSD, visit RecordStoreDay.com) Sponsored by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (dogfish.com), Tito's Handmade Vodka (titosvodka.com), RSDMRKT.com, and Furnace Record Pressing, the official vinyl pressing plant of Record Store Day. Please consider subscribing to our podcast wherever you get podcasts, and tell your friends, we're here every week and we love making new friends.
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers are your guides to the last big Friday of 2024. Plus a deep dive into an epic new Red Hot compilation titled TRAИƧA.Featured albums: • Kim Deal, Nobody Loves You More• Father John Misty, Mahashmashana• Say Lou Lou, Dust• Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes• Various Artists, TRAИƧA (Red Hot)See the long list of albums out Nov. 22 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling releases out on November 15. Featured Albums:• FLO, Access All Areas• Dwight Yoakam, Brighter Days• Ganavya, Daughter of a Temple• Wussy, Cincinnati OhioCheck out the longer list of albums out Nov. 15 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling albums released this Friday.Featured albums:• Ab-Soul, Soul Burger• Jamey Johnson, Midnight Gasoline• Our Girl, The Good Kind• Various Artists, Like Someone I Know: A Celebration of Margo GuryanCheck out the longer list of albums out Nov. 8 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling new releases of the week, including the first album in 16 years by The Cure and a surprise release by Tyler, the Creator.Featured albums:• The Cure, 'Songs of a Lost World'• Tyler, the Creator, 'Chromokopia'• Willie Nelson, 'Last Leaf on the Tree'• Haley Heynderickx, 'Seed of a Seed'Check out the longer list of albums out November 1 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Ann Powers; Recorded October 7, 2024 - Did you know that Joni Mitchell's eighth studio record, Hejira, was inspired by a cross-country road trip Mitchell made to and from the midcoast village of Damariscotta? For decades, Mitchell's life and music have enraptured listeners, and yet, while Mitchell has always been a force beckoning us still closer with one arm, with the other arm, she pushes us away. Given this, music critic Ann Powers wondered if there was another way to draw insights from the life of this singular musician who never stops moving, never stops experimenting. In Traveling, Powers seeks to understand Mitchell through her myriad journeys. Through extensive interviews with Mitchell's peers and deep archival research, she takes readers to rural Canada, mapping the singer's childhood battle with polio, and charts the course of Mitchell's musical evolution, ranging from early folk to jazz fusion to experimentation with pop synthetics. She follows the winding road of Mitchell's collaborations with other greats, and the loves that emerged along the way, all the way through to the remarkable return of Mitchell to music-making after the 2015 aneurysm that nearly took her life. Kaleidoscopic in scope, and intimate in its detail, Traveling is a fresh and fascinating addition to the Joni Mitchell canon, written by a biographer in full command of her gifts who asks as much of herself as of her subject.
Writer and popular music critic joins Frank Mackay on this episode of The Frank Mackay Show!
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the week's most compelling new releases. Featured albums:• Amythyst Kiah, Still + Bright• Soccer Mommy, Evergreen• Laura Marling, Patterns in Repeat• Elmiene, Anyway I Can• Anna Butterss, Mighty VertebratePlus: A discussion of unconventional album release strategies.Check out the complete list of albums out Oct. 25 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Earlier this week, several legendary female artists–including Cher, Mary J. Blige and Big Mama Thornton–were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But despite this recognition, the history of women in popular music has always been marked by struggle. How Women Made Music, a new book from NPR Music and edited by Alison Fensterstock, centers and celebrates that radical history by compiling archival interviews, essays and images from the past 50 years. In today's episode, NPR's Ann Powers talks with NPR's Scott Detrow about the multi-platform project that inspired the book and how female artists have changed history by making revolutionary music–not just by telling their stories.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce are your guides to this week's most compelling new musical offerings. For October 18, their selections include an array of ambitious, melodic and emotional new albums spanning genres. Plus: celebrating the arrival of a new music website and considering what drives us to write and talk about music in the first place.Featured albums:• Joy Oladokun, 'Observations From a Crowded Room'• CKay, 'EMOTIONS'• Kelly Lee Owens, 'Dreamstate'• Porridge Radio, 'Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me'• Bon Iver, 'SABLE,'Check out our longer list of albums out Oct. 18 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Outmanned and outgunned, Ukraine must work creatively to make a dent in Russia's war machine. Long-range drones that strike deep inside Russia are one of those innovations. Correspondent Fred Pleitgen was given exclusive access to one top-secret drone unit, and brings us a report from the frontline. Also on today's show: former NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller; NPR music critic Ann Powers; PolitiFact founder Bill Adair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hear a conversation with NPR music contributors Ann Powers and Alison Fensterstock. They'll discuss the new book “How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music,” a celebration of women in music featuring archival interviews, essays, and rare photos.
Hear a conversation with NPR music contributors Ann Powers and Alison Fensterstock. They'll discuss the new book “How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music,” a celebration of women in music featuring archival interviews, essays, and rare photos.
How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music draws on over 50 years of the networks conversation with and about women musicians that have shaped the industry. The book was largely inspired by Turning the Tables, a series co-founded by music critic Ann Powers. She and Alison Fensterstock, editor of the new book, joined Stateside to chat about some of the Michigan musicians that have made their mark. Fensterstock's book tour will make a stop at Source Booksellers in Detroit on Wednesday, Oct. 16. GUEST ON THIS EPISODE: Ann Powers, music critic and correspondent for NPR, co-founder of NPR's Turning the Tables Alison Fensterstock, contributor to NPR's Turning the Tables; editor of How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Women Made Music, a new book out now from NPR, considers what the canon of popular music would look like without men.On this episode, we dig into the book and talk about the greatest albums and songs by women and other marginalized voices, with NPR Music's Ann Powers, contributor Marissa Lorusso and host Robin Hilton.Questions, comments, suggestions and feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Our guest this week is Ann Powers. Ann is NPR's music critic and correspondent, and is widely acknowledged to be one of the most influential music writers working today. She has served as the chief pop music critic for the Los Angeles Times, and before that was a pop critic for the New York Times, and a senior editor at the Village Voice. Ann has written several books, the newest of which is Traveling: On The Path of Joni Mitchell and we're talking all about Joni's life and what it means, along with watching our heroes age, mentoring younger artists, music in 2024 and a whole lot more. You can find Kim on her Substack: kimfrance.substack.comYou can find Jenn on her Substack: jennromolini.substack.comConcerns? Critiques? Suggestions? Just want to say "hi"? You can email us: everythingisfinethepodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers discuss on this week's episode, there's a thread of loss running through some of the most notable, thrilling albums out on September 27. From the self-titled, posthumous album by the Scottish electronic producer SOPHIE to the harsh, alien sounds created by Alan Sparhawk on White Roses, My God, his first solo album following the death of his wife Mimi Parker, who was also his musical partner for decades in the great band Low, tributes to loved ones lost and voices from the beyond abound. Plus: The star-studded debut album from Toronto poet and songwriter Mustafa, an adventurous bluegrass album (emphasis on grass) by roots champ Billy Strings, reliably adventurous R&B from Bilal and another posthumous release, the final release from the beloved electronic act Broadcast.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The 24th annual AmericanaFest kicks off tonight at venues and bars across the city, and with over 200 artists on the official schedule, we decided to call in an expert to help us navigate it all: NPR Music's critic Ann Powers joins host Grace Fuisz to break down this year's must-see artists and showcases, as well as the unofficial gigs you should check out even if you don't buy a festival wristband. It's your bespoke guide to the very best Americana, roots, folk, and international musicians taking the stage this week, so get out those calendars and start taking notes. Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! To learn more about AmericanaFest, click here. To learn more about Ann's new book, “Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell,” click here. The deadline to register to vote for November's Federal and State election is Oct. 7. Register, check your status, or update your information at govotetn.com. By the way, we'd love for you to write in and tell us why you vote — or don't vote — for a special episode we're planning. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
Rock Talk Studio: Reviewing Rock 'n' Roll Books and Documentaries
This book was a little outside of the usual rock n roll books I review. But I took a chance. And because of the unique storytelling and interesting personal path author Ann Powers took to tell the story, I found myself engaged throughout. This is not a Joni Mitchell biography. This is the life of Mitchell questioned, examined, and presented with the myriad of avenues Joni Mitchell and author Ann Powers took throughout their lives. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the best music out this Friday, Sept. 13, including the 10th studio album by Miranda Lambert. Postcards From Texas is a new chapter for the onetime Nashville Star contestant who has become one of that industry town's most reliable songwriters and stars — and also a return to her home state.There's more, including a album by Robyn Hitchcock made up mostly of covers of songs from 1967, a year he describes as "a portal between childhood and the adult world." Plus: three ambitious albums by indie faves stretching their sounds, and a consideration of the way the classic "outlaw" label applies to the careers of women who break the rules.Featured albums:• Miranda Lambert, Postcards from Texas• Nilüfer Yanya, My Method Actor• Foxing, Foxing• Robyn Hitchcock, 1967: Vacations in the Past• My Brightest Diamond, Fight the Real TerrorFor the complete list of albums out Sept. 13 and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Jean Ann Powers, Director of Pastoral Care, to dive into the heart of her ministry at the church. Jean Ann shares the incredible work of her 125+ volunteers, describing them as the "foot soldiers" who bring warmth, connection, and care to the congregation. She talks about the importance of matching volunteers with roles that resonate with their hearts and the crucial role of self-care for those who give their time. A major focus of this conversation is the launch of a new program called Unforgettable Friends, a volunteer-driven day program for members of the church with mild to moderate dementia. Jean Ann explains how this initiative not only supports those living with memory loss but also provides a much-needed respite for caregivers. Inspired by similar programs, Jean Ann is excited to create a space where participants find joy, connection, and healing. This episode is full of heartfelt insights into pastoral care, volunteerism, and the transformative power of community engagement. Tune in to learn more about this exciting new initiative and how you can get involved! Learn more about participating or volunteering with Unforgettable Friends: https://dallasuu.org/unforgettablefriends/ 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Back - Tiny Pulpit Talks returns after summer break; introduction to Jean Ann Powers, Director of Pastoral Care. 01:11 - Jean Ann's Role in the Church - Jean Ann discusses her role as the Director of Pastoral Care since 2012, focusing on personalized care for church members. 01:53 - Volunteer Work in Pastoral Care - Discussion about the 125+ pastoral care volunteers and the profound impact they have on the community. 03:26 - How to Get Involved in Volunteering - Insights on how new members can get involved in pastoral care, with an emphasis on matching individuals to roles they resonate with. 04:25 - The Importance of Self-Care for Volunteers - Jean Ann highlights the significance of self-care for volunteers and encourages flexibility when commitments become overwhelming. 05:37 - The Intersection of Music and Care - Jean Ann talks about the connection between her love for music and her pastoral care work, and the emotional connection music creates. 06:59 - Addressing Dementia and Memory Loss in the Community - Introduction to the new initiative "Unforgettable Friends," a day program for members with mild to moderate dementia. 09:25 - Call for Volunteers and Community Collaboration - Discussion about the need for volunteers and the collaborative efforts across different churches in the community to support the initiative. 11:38 - Spiritual Impact of Caring for Others - Reflection on the spiritual importance of caring for elders and building common ground across denominations for compassionate care. 13:04 - Conclusion and Call to Action - Final thoughts on the excitement for the new program, encouraging listeners to volunteer and stay connected with Tiny Pulpit Talks. Tiny Pulpit Talks is a podcast series from First Unitarian Church of Dallas that takes a behind-the-scenes look at ministry from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. This is a rare opportunity to see what goes into crafting meaningful and inspirational sermons, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers take you on a tour of the most exciting albums out Friday, Sept. 6Featured albums:• LL Cool J, 'The FORCE'• MJ Lenderman, 'Manning Fireworks'• Nala Sinephro, 'Endlessness'• The Dare, 'What's Wrong with New York?'• Toro Y Moi, 'Hole Erth'For the complete list of new albums out this week and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
When Ann Powers began to draft her expansive new biography of Laurel Canyon music legend Joni Mitchell, she says that “certain subjects emerged: childhood as an imaginary terrain where singer-songwriters could express their ideals and idiosyncrasies; sadness as a complicated form of women's liberation; side roads and retreats as the secret sources of an artist's strengths. And traveling, always traveling.” Powers' book charts Mitchell's influences, collaborators and milieu, weaving in reflections on the broader politics and trends of each decade during Mitchell's career. It grapples with the sexism of Laurel Canyon's heyday and Mitchell being labeled a “confessional” artist, as well as Mitchell's own complicated relationship with feminism and with being the only woman at the table. We talk to Powers about Joni Mitchell's life and art and hear how Mitchell has affected you. Powers' new book is “Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell.” Guests: Ann Powers, music critic and correspondent, NPR
You know that mind-expanding feeling when an album — even one that fits solidly in a familiar genre — gives you something that feels brand new? This week on New Music Friday from All Songs Considered, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers find an abundance of brand new records that push boundaries.These ambitious albums, all out on August 30, 2024, represent a range of styles, energies and motivations, from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' sweeping rock epic Wild God to the irrepressible bounce of Doechii's shape-shifting Alligator Bites Never Heal to Laurie Anderson's Amelia, obsessed with the minutia of flight mechanics but capable of inducing swooning emotions as it puts the listener in the cockpit for the final flight of the album's namesake aviation pioneer.Plus: In the face of all these huge artistic swings, Ann and Daoud consider the state of art-rock, a musical category that has meant many different things to many different listeners over the years.Featured Albums:• Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Wild God• Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal• Enumclaw, Home In Another Life• Ellen Reid, Big Majestic• Laurie Anderson, Amelia• Jon Hopkins, RitualOther notable albums out August 30:• Emily D'Angelo, Freezing• Big Sean, Better Me Than You• Shemekia Copeland, Blame It on Eve• Tycho, Infinite Health• Zedd, Telos• Tank & the Bangas, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul• Caleb Caudle, Sweet Critters• Amy Rigby, Hang in There With Me• Noah Kahan, Stick Season (Live From Fenway Park)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
On August 30, the Australian-born rock titan Nick Cave will release Wild God, a new album with his band The Bad Seeds. It's a high point in Cave's career, and NPR Music's Ann Powers spoke with him about the struggles — personal, musical and religious — he faced on the road to making the album. Wild God is filled with songs about encounters with the divine, which does not always take a benevolent form. And it follows a decade in which Cave, having publicly faced tragedy in his own life, has evolved from post-punk's louchest fallen angel into a revered figure among his audience in a new way: a dignified seeker whose courage and wisdom resounds beyond musical boundaries thanks to advice he has shared in interviews, writing projects and public appearances. Perhaps it's not surprising that so many of the songs reckon with the moment of revelation or transformation, or the demand for conversion from a As for the state of his own religious conviction, Cave says that the struggle is the point: "I would say I'm in the process of conversion," he tells Powers. Wherever he is on that road, he's found something ecstatic to share.Click here to read a transcript of this interview and hear songs from the album Wild God.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers survey the new albums out August 9, ranging from Ravyn Lenae's focused R&B to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's scuzzed-up glam-rock and an elegant solo piano album recorded by Japanese pop star and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto just months before his death in 2023. Plus: A new album made by 39-year-old American bassist esperanza spalding and 81-year-old Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento leads to a discussion of collaborations across generations.Featured Albums:• Ravyn Lenae, Bird's Eye• Beabadoobee, This Is How Tomorrow Moves• King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Flight b741• Latto, Sugar Honey Iced Tea• Ryuichi Sakamoto, Opus• Oso Oso, Life Till Bones• Thee Marloes, Perak• Milton Nascimento & esperanza spalding, Milton + esperanzaLinks: • Sidney Madden's interview with Latto from season 2 of Louder Than A Riot• Ann Powers reviews Zach Bryan's Springsteen-mythologizing album The Great American Bar Scene• Watch a Tiny Desk (Home) concert by Milton Nascimento and esperanza spalding recorded in Nascimento's living room in Rio de JaneiroLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Celebrated NPR music critic Ann Powers explores the life and career of Joni Mitchell in her new book, "Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell." The book is a tale of long journeying through a life that changed popular music.
NPR music critic Ann Powers has written a new biography of iconic musician Joni Mitchell, Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell, told from the perspective of her world travels from places like rural Canada, to Europe, to America. Powers tells us more about her research, what she discovered during interviews with Joni's peers and collaborators, and of course we listen to some music and take your calls.
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen present the noteworthy albums out July 12, including new releases by Nashville iconoclast Sturgill Simpson, poignant lyricist Cassandra Jenkins, pop rebel Remi Wolf and more.Visit npr.org for the long list of albums out July 12 and playlists of their top songs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Today's episode is about two emblematic musicians who take us to very different parts of the globe, from the London punk scene to the Laurel Canyon utopia of the 1960s and 70s. First, Stewart Copeland speaks to NPR's Leila Fadel about his memoir, Stewart Copeland's Police Diaries, which chronicles his time as a drummer for the legendary band. Then, Here & Now's Robin Young is joined by NPR Music's Ann Powers, who's written a biography of Joni Mitchell's expansive career called Traveling.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
This week, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers steer the New Music Friday podcast straight into the oncoming Father's Day weekend, following the lead of country superstar Luke Combs, whose new album Fathers & Sons is a heartfelt meditation on what it means to fill both of those roles. It's Combs' first album since his cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" landed him on the pop charts last year. Also this week: Raveena, whose won over many fans at NPR Music with her 2022 album Asha's Awakening, excavates the sounds of millennial pop and R&B on Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain and a long-celebrated 1974 bootleg of Paul McCartney and Wings playing live in the studio gets an official release.Featured Albums:• Luke Combs, 'Fathers & Sons'• Raveena, 'Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain'• Paul McCartney & Wings, 'One Hand Clapping'Other notable albums out June 14:• The Decemberists, 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again'• Normani, 'Dopamine'• PJ Morton, 'Cape Town to Cairo'• This is Lorelei, 'Box for Buddy, Box for Star'• Jess Cornelius, 'Care/Taking'• Sadler Vaden, 'Dad Rock'• Don Tolliver, 'Hardstone Psycho'• Hermanos Gutiérrez, 'Sonido Cósmico'• Sam Morton, 'Daffodils & Dirt'• John Cale, 'POPtical Illusion'• Isobel Campbell, 'Bow to Love'• John Grant, 'The Art of the Lie'• Lalah Hathaway, 'VANTABLACK'• Moby, 'always centered at night'• Zsela, 'Big For You'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The Supreme Court on Friday struck down the federal ban on gun add-ons known as bump stocks. The Trace reporter Chip Brownlee tells us what the decision means. Then, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas is known as the "last stand" for a grassland that once covered vast swaths of North America. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd visited the preserve. And, singer Joni Mitchell has reinvented herself throughout her career. NPR music critic Ann Powers' new biography "Traveling" follows Mitchell's wanderings and delves deep into the influences that paved her longer-than-60-year journey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Doree and Elise prepare for the hectic end of the school year. Then, they speak with Ann Powers, NPR's music critic and author of TRAVELING: On the Path of Joni Mitchell, about not being too young for qigong, Joni Mitchell's songwriting brilliance, what Taylor Swift's future albums might sound like, which musicians she's most excited about right now, and how to listen to music like a music critic. Mentioned in this EpisodePre-order a signed book from Kate! (And find Kate's newsletter here)Join Kate Spencer at the LA book launch for One Last Summer - June 13th!To leave a voicemail or text for a future episode, reach Doree & Elise at 781-591-0390. You can also email the podcast at forever35podcast@gmail.com.Visit forever35podcast.com for links to everything they mention on the show or visit shopmyshelf.us/forever35.Follow the podcast on Instagram (@Forever35Podcast) and sign up for the newsletter at forever35podcast.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich are your guides to this week's new releases.Featured albums:• Arooj Aftab, 'Night Reign'• Shaboozey, 'Where I've Been, isn't Where I'm Going'• Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Nathan Salsburg & Tyler Trotter, 'Hear the Children Sing The Evidence'Other notable albums out May 31:• Richard Thompson, 'Ship To Shore'• Dos Monos, 'Dos Atomos'• Anna Tivel, 'Living Thing'• Beak>, '>>>>'• Swamp Dogg, 'Blackgrass'• Thou, 'Umbilical'• Chris Housman, 'Blueneck'• Psychic Temple, 'Doggie Paddlin' Thru the Cosmic Consciousness'• John Muq, 'Flying Away'• Robin Holcomb, 'One Way or Another, Vol. 2'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills dig into Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' which hit streaming services last night, and share a handful of other new albums out Friday, April 19.Featured Albums:• Taylor Swift, 'The Tortured Poets Department'• Bbymutha, 'Sleep Paralysis'• claire rousay, 'sentiment'• Pearl Jam, 'Dark Matter'Other notable albums out April 19:• Stephanie Lambring, 'Hypocrite'• Cadence Weapon, 'ROLLERCOASTER'• Tei Shi, 'Valerie'• Ekko Astral, 'pink balloons'• Bill Frisell, 'Orchestras'• BIG|BRAVE, 'A Chaos of Flowers'• Blue Lab Beats, 'Blue Eclipse'• Chanel Beads, 'Your Day Will Come'• Local Natives, 'But I'll Wait For You'• Gangrene (The Alchemist & Oh No), 'Heads I Win, Tails You Lose'• Brian Eno, 'Eno'• Cloud Nothings, 'Final Summer'• Melvins, 'Tarantula Heart'• Mozzy, 'CHILDREN OF THE SLUMS'• Lucy Rose, 'This Ain't The Way You Go Out'• Pillow Queens, 'Name Your Sorrow'• A Certain Ratio, 'It All Comes Down To This'• Cavalier, 'Different Type Time'• Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds, 'That Delicious Vice'• T Bone Burnett, 'The Other Side'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy