Neil Young is a singer... well, you've heard of him. He's got a new album out this week called, "The Monsanto Years." Here's a track from it called "Wolf Moon."
A Bold Debut Blends Brooklyn and Barbados
Brooklynite Naomi Jackson drew upon her family's roots in Barbados, to write her acclaimed new debut novel. But she says, "The most interesting parts are fiction." Today we overhear an excerpt from "The Star Side of Bird Hill."
Joe Manganiello – ‘Fresh Prints’
The "Magic Mike XXL" star tells a snowy icebreaker with the perfect '90s sitcom reference before answering a few listener questions in our etiquette segment.
Rebecca Makkai Imagines Bach as a Boyfriend
Writer Rebecca Makkai's short fiction appeared in "The Best American Short Stories" anthology for four consecutive years. This week, she released her first story collection -- it's called "Music for Wartime." She reads an excerpt about a fantasy life with Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
Monsieur Sax and his Mutant Horn
Around this time in 19th century France, Antoine-Joseph "Adolphe" Sax got an idea for a super-instrument. Learn the story of the saxophone's start and then finish it off with a brassy citrus cocktail.
Will New York Restaurants go to the Dogs?
Last week, the New York state legislature passed a bill that, if signed into law, would allow dogs to hang out with their owners at eateries. Brendan discusses the pros and (mostly) cons of the possibly soon-to-be law.
The Pie Fight Scene to Rule Them All is Found
Richard Lawson, Hollywood columnist for Vanity Fair, gives us the scoop on how the second reel from Laurel and Hardy's "The Battle of the Century" was rediscovered after being lost for 60 years.
Joy Williams’ Spirited Dinner Party Soundtrack
Singer-songwriter Joy Williams, half of the late great Grammy-winning duo The Civil Wars, is about to release her latest solo effort, "Venus." She provides us with a playlist for the kind of dinner party that features comfort food and air-drumming.
The Triumphs and Tragedies of Nina Simone Through the Lens of Liz Garbus
Nina Simone, known as the "high priestess of soul," has returned to the zeitgeist recently and is the subject of a new documentary released this week on Netflix -- the first they've ever commissioned -- called "What Happened, Misss Simone?" The film's director, Liz Garbus, talks with Brendan about the singer's brilliant musical talent, her struggle with bipolar disorder, and her passion for the civil rights movement.
Devendra Banhart Gets Mystical with Art
Devendra Banhart's alternately gentle and psychedelic pop music has garnered him a cult-like following. He's collaborated with the likes of Beck and Antony and the Johnsons. But meanwhile, he's pursued a parallel career as a fine artist. He talks to us about his new art book, and launches a new band with Rico.