World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN - WXPN Listener Supported Radio

On 'Who By Fire,' First Aid Kit Stage A Love Letter To Leonard Cohen Jun 11, 2021

It takes a whole lot of courage to dedicate an entire tribute album and live concert to a master of songwriting and performance. On their live tribute album to Leonard Cohen, Who By Fire, First Aid Kit is up for the task.

Samantha Crain Thought She'd Never Make Music Again Jun 07, 2021

Samantha Crain rose above a string of misfortune to release a celebrated album in 2020, called A Small Death – and is back this year with a fabulous new EP, I Guess We Live Here Now.

On 'Delta Kream,' The Black Keys Pay Tribute To Hill Country Blues May 28, 2021

The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney discuss how Delta Kream came together and how the they got interested in hill country blues.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard On Making Microtonal Music During A Pandemic May 27, 2021

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's Stu Mackenzie shares new music and knowledge on microtonal music.

Message Music: Michael Mwesno Dives Deep Into The Meaning Of Music May 20, 2021

Michael Mwenso guides us in exploring the deeper meaning of music, including tracks by Aretha Franklin, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Ethel Waters.

The Culture Corner: The Matrix Of Kraftwerk's 'Computer World' 40 Years On May 18, 2021

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, John Morrison revisits Kraftwerk's Computer World and its importance then and now.

How The Flaming Lips Bring The Warmth Of Concerts To Crowds, Despite The Pandemic May 17, 2021

The Flaming Lips are finding ways to bring grand, life-affirming live performances to audiences in a time when those comforts might be needed more than ever.

Unreleased Tony Joe White Songs Are Brought To Live, After His Death May 14, 2021

Hear how Tony Joe's son, Jody, took those songs to Dan Auerbach and how they, together, released a new album, Smoke From The Chimney.

Have You Heard Stephanie Lambring's 'Autonomy'? You Should May 12, 2021

The Nashville songwriter wrote one of the most honest albums released last year. It is nothing short of a coming-of-age tour de force.

Wand's Cory Hanson Goes Solo Again, And He'd Rather Not Talk About It May 11, 2021

The Los Angeles psych-rock star joins World Cafe to discuss his new album, Pale Horse Rider.

The Weather Station Takes Us Inside The Songs Of 'Ignorance' May 07, 2021

With The Weather Station's fifth album, Ignorance, Tamara Lindeman's lyricism is as sharp as ever, but she's also expanded her sound, leaving the purely folk realm to explore more experimental territory.

Meet Tamar Aphek, The Israeli Guitarist Who Plays 'Jazz & Roll' May 06, 2021

The Tel Aviv musician talks about how her distinct sound revealed itself during improvisation.

No-No Boy Weaves Family And Other Immigrant Stories Into Catchy Folk Songs May 05, 2021

Previously heard as a member of The Young Republic, Julian Saporiti's new project incorporates his own family history, including the experiences of his Vietnamese mother.

Get Familiar With Elizabeth King's Long Journey Apr 30, 2021

Gospel singer Elizabeth King is unstoppable. In this episode, she talks about how she musters the strength and power to persevere at 78 years old.

Rickie Lee Jones Shares The Soundtrack To Her Youth Apr 28, 2021

Rickie Lee Jones opens up about the stories and characters of her own story in her new memoir.

Loretta Lynn Transforms Classic Songs On 'Still Woman Enough' Apr 26, 2021

The 89-year-old icon collaborates with artists like Margo Price and Tanya Tucker on her 50th studio album.

Jon Batiste Can't Keep His Fingers Off The Piano Apr 23, 2021

Joining us from The Late Show studio, Batiste spontaneously starts playing piano during a conversation about his role on the show, composing for the Disney/Pixar film Soul, and his own latest album.

Get Up And Dance To A Mini-Concert From Jupiter & Okwess Apr 22, 2021

Jupiter & Okwess' music blends Congolese, American and European influences and is undeniably fun.

Shakey Graves Ruminates On 10 Years Of 'Roll The Bones' Apr 21, 2021

Alejandro Rose Garcia's 2011 album is one of Bandcamp's most downloaded folk records. He joins us to discuss the record's deluxe reissue.

The Culture Corner: 30 Years Since Massive Attack's 'Blue Lines' Apr 20, 2021

Thirty years ago, U.K. band Massive Attack released its debut album, Blue Lines, and changed music forever. We go back to the early '90s in Bristol in this first installment of The Culture Corner.

The Lumineers' Jeremiah Fraites Made A Record That Sounds Nothing Like The Lumineers Apr 15, 2021

The co-founder of one of the biggest bands on the planet steps out to make an ... instrumental piano record.

Rick Steves Takes Us On A Musical Tour Of Europe Apr 09, 2021

Rick Steves is a travel guide, TV and radio host, and the author of several books. And lots of those stories have to do with music.

Get To Know Deep Sea Diver's Jessica Dobson Apr 05, 2021

Not only does Dobson play a wicked guitar on Deep Sea Diver's new album, it's also the first time she's ever co-produced.

The Hold Steady's 'Open Door Policy' Soundtracks An American Hangover Apr 02, 2021

The band shares live performances of songs from its latest album, from the stage of Brooklyn Bowl.

Langhorne Slim Knows A Thing Or Two About Anxiety And Creativity Apr 01, 2021

Langhorne Slim's Strawberry Mansion is a stripped-back set of songs he wrote during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lake Street Dive Takes A New Approach To Songwriting On 'Obviously' Mar 31, 2021

In this session, hear a live performance from Lake Street Dive – marking the first time the group has performed songs from their new album, Obviously, in the same room.

Typhoon Explains The Challenges Of Recording An Album With 8 People, Mid-Lockdown Mar 30, 2021

Recording an album with an eight member band in 2020? Portland band Typhoon did it – hear all about how their new album Sympathetic Magic came to be.

Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Discusses The 'Unlistenable' Music He Made As A Teen Mar 26, 2021

Parker joins us from his home in Australia to chat about about the very different year he's had, his album from last year, The Slow Rush and a quick dive into his entire musical history.

Genesis Owusu's Debut Album, 'Smiling With No Teeth,' Embodies Its Title Mar 25, 2021

Owusu's Smiling With No Teeth is a big musical blender, showcasing his abilities in rock, hip-hop, soul, R&B and more, while meditating on depression and covert racism.

The War On Drugs' Adam Granduciel Shares His Favorite Live Tracks Mar 22, 2021

The War On Drugs' frontperson plays you five of his favorite live tracks from other artists.

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