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.

The Eagles of Death Metal frontman stopped in for a chat with The Current's Bill DeVille and a portrait session with Nate Ryan. Although Hughes didn't set out to be a rock musician, he was encouraged to pursue music by his longtime friend Josh Homme. 'This is the coolest job in the world,' Hughes says.

Anticipating the release of So There, his new collaborative album, Ben Folds joined Bill DeVille for a chat and in-studio performance with the yMusic Ensemble.

Another collaborator on the forthcoming Adele album has been revealed: Damon Albarn. The Blur frontman, though, doesn’t think his contributions will make the cut. “Adele asked me to work with her and I took the time out for her,” Albarn told The Sun. “And I’m not a producer, so…I don’t know what is happening really. Will she use any of the…

On Friday, Sept. 11, Beirut's next album, 'No No No,' releases. Beirut frontman Zach Condon joins Jade to talk about the new album, how it came together, and about his approach to songwriting and arranging. 'I will hit an accidental note on a piano and all of a sudden a drum part will come to me,' Condon says. 'That's how my mind works. It's weird.'

Listener Brittany points out the Mississippi River flows right through the Twin Cities and suggests our theme for the day. For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what river songs do you want to hear? Bonus to those songs that explicitly or implicitly mention 'Mississippi River.' Send us your requests.

MPR News Arts Reporter Marianne Combs joins Jill Riley and Sean McPherson to talk about a poetry performance featuring the new work of Bao Phi, a thought-provoking play and the fourth annual Minnesota Animation Festival.

Rod Steward recorded his first single; the Beatles hit No. 1 with 'Revolver'; the New York Dolls called it quits; 'Maniac' was No. 1 in the singles charts; and Nirvana released a song that took the charts by storm, Today in Music History.

Laura Marling, Dawes and Leon Bridges make debuts; the Staves are inducted to the Hall of Fame; and Beck hits the No.1 spot with a contender for song of the summer.

Hey kids! Jack White‘s company Third Man Records has announced a compilation of kids’ music that will be released on vinyl along with a special portable children’s turntable. This Record Belongs to ______, which will be released November 6, includes a storybook and features kid-friendly tunes by artists including Carole King, Jerry Garcia, Nina Simone, Donovan, and Shel Silverstein.…