New music from Blind Boys of Alabama; A Derek Bell tribute from The Chieftains; Music for a memoir by Black 47; The hopes and fears of pop trio Keane; Songs for Silverman from Ben Folds; The deadpan bleat of The Mountain Goats; Solo music from Azure Ray's Maria Taylor; Eclectic Seattle rockers Maktub; Early Jamaican dub pioneer King Tubby.
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Ben Folds, The Chieftains, Maktub
(Jesus Hits Like an) Atom Bomb
The Blind Boys of Alabama have been singing and recording together for more than 60 years. They were previously featured on All Songs Considered episode 24. Baritone George Scott, heard at the beginning of this tune, died earlier this month.
Derek's Tune: The Geese and Bright Love
Chieftains harpist Derek Bell died two years ago. He's remembered on this tribute concert recorded live in Dublin.
Downtown Baghdad Blues
Larry Kirwan is an author and musician who explores his Irish heritage in a new memoir and companion CD of original songs. He records under the name Black 47.
Everybody's Changing
Keane are a pop trio from East Sussex, England that got its start playing cover tunes by Oasis and the Beatles. While trying to break into the business, Keane's guitarist quit. But the group decided to press on as a piano-driven trio.
Bastard
Ben Folds follows his unusual collaboration with William Shatner (see All Songs Considered episode 74) with a new collection of solo works. The CD includes a tribute song to Elliott Smith and one tune with vocal backing by Weird Al Yankovic. [Note: This song contains adult language.]
You or Your Memory
The Mountain Goats were first featured on All Songs Considered episode 55. The group is known for its lo-fi recordings made on consumer boom boxes, but this album was recorded in-studio and produced by John Vanderslice.
Song Beneath the Song
Maria Taylor is one-half of the dream-pop duo Azure Ray based in Omaha. This is her first solo release. It features electronic musician Mike Mogis, the artist who sculpted some of the digital landscapes on the Bright Eyes CD Digital Ash in a Digital Urn.
Say What You Mean
Maktub means "it is written" in Arabic. From Seattle, the band's sound is rooted in classic soul.
Behold a Dub
King Tubby appears on this Rough Guide compilation exploring the roots of Jamaican dance music. He first appeared on All Songs Considered episode 63.