An unconventional folk and blues singer from Brooklyn, Langhorne Slim
skillfully infuses his rootsy songs with elements of bluegrass, rock,
and country music.
With an equal emphasis on rock, jazz, and
soul — and with roots in gospel — New York-based singer Danielia Cotton
draws on a wide range of influences, from Led Zeppelin and The Rolling
Stones to Mavis Staples and Etta James. Hear Danielia Live Friday at Noon on VPR.net.
Formed in 2006, Black Kids didn’t take long to attract the attention of
nationally known music blogs, backing up the praise with breakout performances
at the Athens Popfest. And
as its name suggests, opening act Does It Offend You, Yeah? doesn’t take
itself terribly seriously
Formed in 2000, Brighton-based band British Sea Power’s engaging and unique live performances define their early career. Dipped in reverb, their songs are full of jagged pop hooks and though they are often compared to bands such as The Cure and Joy Division.
Singer-songwriter David Ford debuted on the UK indie rock scene with
the band Easyworld and quickly
established a solo career with ‘I Sincerely Apologise For All The
Trouble I’ve Caused’ the following year. His songs, while driven by their catchy
acoustic melodies, are noted for poking fun at misery using irony. His breathy vocals and bluesy melodies
present bouts of inspiration, which have been dexterously translated
onto his second and latest solo album Songs For The Road.
Back after a 16-year hiatus from recording, the cheerfully hedonistic party band The B-52s returned to the public eye last month, releasing the appropriately titled Funplex.
Though the group’s sound has been updated with more electronic sounds,
there’s no mistaking these B-52s for anyone but the fun-loving oddballs
behind "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster." Hear The B-52s perform a concert Live Friday at Noon on VPR.net.
British award winning pop singer-songwriter, Kate Nash became a widely
popular artist in the UK last year and is quickly taking America by
storm. At only 20 years old, the alternative indie pop artist has
already won herself a BRIT award for Best Female, and an NME Award,
both coveted music awards in the UK. Nash’s platinum album "Made of
Bricks" hit number one on the UK albums chart and the artist is
currently working on her second album.
Two years ago, guitarist Kaki King
announced that she would tour with a full band. For an artist who made
her name as a solo instrumentalist, especially in the acoustic
fingerstyle-guitar tradition, it marked her move into pop territory.
Return to this space at noon ET Friday to hear King perform a concert
from the Abbey Bar in Harrisburg, Pa.
British singer-songwriter Joe Jackson is popular for his innovative
work over the past 30 years. The five time Grammy
nominee recently released "Rain", featuring Joe
on piano and vocals along with musicians Graham Maby and Dave Houghton. Joe Jackson is the guest this week Live Friday at Noon, in a performance broadcast here on VPR.net.
The Danish duo The Raveonettes
seemed like a bit of a novelty act at first, mixing ’50s and ’60s rock
with harmonies inspired by The Everly Brothers and The Ronettes. But
the band is no mere throwback, with an increasingly appealing and
timeless rock catalog. The Raveonettes will perform a concert from World Café Live in Philadelphia and you can hear it Live Friday at Noon on VPR.net.