Dec 31st, 2008 · A. O. Scott points to Wall-E and The Dark Knight as standout hits. NPR's Felix Contreras loved albums from Pat Metheny and Picadillo O'Farril. What were your favorite movies and songs? How about video games, TV, and books?
Dec 4th, 2008 · It's been a good couple of years for producers like Mark Ronson and Timbaland to step out from the board and record their own music. Raphael Saadiq has helmed recordings for John Legend and Joss Stone, but steps out for a standout solo soul album. Hear a session from WXPN.
Dec 3rd, 2008 · Wait Think Fast is one of the current standouts in a burgeoning scene of ethnically and musically diverse Los Angeles-based bands. Fronted by Argentinean-born vocalist and pianist Jacqueline Santillan, the quartet adds distinct flavor to its atmospheric, post-punk sound by utilizing both Spanish and English for its bilingual lyrics.
Oct 5th, 2008 · Capt. Michael Joseph Medders of Avon Lake, Ohio, was a standout football player in high school, known for toughness on the field and kindness towards his teammates.
Sep 18th, 2008 · After curmudgeonly dentist Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) almost (but not quite) dies, he finds that he can see the recently departed — and they are really, really annoying.
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.
May 2nd, 2008 · Try Me Bicycle makes gorgeous, reflective music, with simple piano and guitar lines that drift blissfully on Summery breezes. The lush, three-part harmonies on their debut CD, Voicings, are the real standout, made even more memorable by carefully crafted, delicate melodies. It's a sweet, inspired mix of songs perfect for daydreaming on a lazy afternoon.
Feb 17th, 2008 · More than halfway through the NBA season, the Boston Celtics lead the league by a wide margin, with 41 wins and 9 losses. But they were close to being the worst team in the NBA last season. And statistically speaking, they have no true standout stars.