Nov 3rd, 2008 · More than one third of all cruise ships can't dock at Shanghai's new terminal because they can't fit under a 165-foot high bridge down river. An executive says large ships won't come anyway because the market is in its infancy.
Oct 30th, 2008 · In a session from WXPN, Okkervil River performs material from The Stand Ins. The band's lead singer and songwriter, Will Sheff, reveals the real characters that populate his songs and how the new album offers a satirical look at the entertainment industry.
Sep 29th, 2008 · Okkervil River frontman Will Sheff shares some of his favorite (and fairly obscure) music with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. The two talk about Okkervil River's latest album, The Stand-Ins and listen to some of the songs Sheff has loved and been inspired by over the years. Hear music from soul singer Lorraine Ellison, the 1960s Jamaican group Carlton and the Shoes, former teen idol-turned introspective singer Dion, and The Penetrators — a 1970s band some would call punk, others would call garage rock.
Sep 24th, 2008 · In the early 1950s, the Snake River Outlaws' members played popular songs of the day, and some of their own, to crowds in Missoula, Mont. Forgotten recordings of the band have recently resurfaced, giving listeners a glimpse at those unsettled days.
Sep 14th, 2008 · Montana resident Stan Howe discusses his home state's Yellowstone River, what it means as a symbol to residents of the state and his childhood memories of it. His song recalls the river with pride.
Sep 9th, 2008 · Mary Edwards is a fish biologist who loves salmon — especially if they're running upriver. But her true passion is to take portrait-style photos of fish underwater, in the remote rivers of the Pacific Northwest.
Aug 18th, 2008 · With fall rapidly approaching, we'll soon begin making a list of the year's best albums. Two bands from last year's top-20 are back in the running again for this year: Okkervil River and Of Montreal. We've got a sneak preview of new music from both bands. Also on the show: Steve Earle and Gillian Welch offer songs from their performances at this year's Newport Folk Festival; Jeff Hanson sings with an improbable, but stunning voice on his new album, Madam Owl; New York-based The Walkmen have a beautiful, airy new CD that's both timeless and modern; and The Broken West is about to release one of the year's standout albums — their sophomore release — called Now or Heaven.
Aug 5th, 2008 · With its bleak landscape and bleaker plot, Courtney Hunt's directorial debut — a Sundance festival favorite — provides a moving portrait of two women's desperation in a Canadian border town.