A veteran of The Frames and The Swell Season, Hansard possesses a worn but wonderfully flexible voice. Throughout his second solo album, his voice conveys kindness and warmth.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, on CBS, 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' makes its premiere. Brian Stack, a writer and performer on the new show, recorded a special Theft of the Dial with us, in which he shares some of his favorite songs as well as some great stories about comedy and music.

The ambitious singer and pianist splits his new album into halves: one recorded with the New York classical ensemble yMusic and one 21-minute "Concerto For Piano And Orchestra."

Intimacy, unease and aggression coexist in bracing, beautiful ways throughout Ones And Sixes, which feels as intimate as a whisper over pillows and as obtuse as transmissions from a faraway satellite.

Cool and in control, Clark can shed his voice's earthier timbre and slide into a dreamy falsetto at will. That makes for a striking contrast with his turbulent guitar attack.

Ezra Furman, a cross-dressing Chicago native, covers the Replacements' classic Let It Be cut "Androgynous."

For this debut release as Thunderbitch, Howard called on friends from Fly Golden Eagle and Clear Plastic Masks to help tap into the early rockabilly, swing, and juke-jiving roots of the rock genre.

In his new band, The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach plays immersive, funky R&B and soul that's embellished with velvety harmonies, hissy tape recordings and lip-curling attitude.

The Current's Bill DeVille is a big fan of the Minnesota State Fair, particularly the live music available on the various stages throughout the fairgrounds. Bill recently had a look at the daily rundown of acts around the State Fair, and he's picked some artists you may want to check out during your visit to the Fair.

Amanfu has performed alongside Jack White, among many others. The singer takes another step into the foreground on her first solo album, which showcases her incredible interpretive gifts.