There is something bold, determined and charged about Manifestra. That’s the new album from singer-songwriter Erin McKeown. It’s her seventh full-length record and it comes at both an interesting and important time for McKeown.

There is something bold, determined and charged about Manifestra (TVP Records). That’s the new album from singer-songwriter Erin McKeown. It’s her seventh full-length record and it comes at both an interesting and important time for McKeown.

We kick off the new year with the fast-rising experimental pop-rock project of Sam France and Jonathan Rado.

December 31, 2012 - The Alabama Shakes made many best of 2012 lists! The Shakes' style is marked by Howard's powerful voice and the ensemble's irresistible energy: they enthusiastically blend rock with soul, country, blues and roots, earning critical as well as popular acclaim for their electric performances and foot-tapping self-titled debut.

Cello Playing Singer-Songwriter Ben Sollee Tackles Growing Up in this session.

December 25, 2012 - In this edition of World Cafe, Beat Latino host Catalina Maria Johnson sits down with host David Dye to discuss the Christmas music traditions of Latin America. One thing that sets Central America's music apart from that of North America, she says, is the fact that a lot of it is made for dancing!

December 25, 2012 - The Polyphonic Spree celebrates the 10th anniversary of their annual Holiday Extravaganza with the release of a brand new album, Holidaydream: Sounds of the Holidays Vol. One, their first ever holiday album. This is a truly spectacular performance from the 18 member strong Polyphonic Spree live from the World Cafe studio at WXPN in Philadelphia. tudio. This performance could be a record for the number of musicians: a string section, horn section, two drummers and a six piece chorus. We meet their leader and singer Tim Delaughter and hear the band playb live. The group is lead by Tim DeLaughter and, though the line-up changes constantly, typically involves some 20-odd individuals who provide talents from singing to piccolo.

December 24, 2012 - From Portland, Ore., stems a global sound that is powerful in its orchestral beauty. Thomas Lauderdale started Pink Martini more than 15 years ago, a fitting name for the colorful and classy orchestra. Lauderdale's mission was to create a sound that would support political fundraisers for civil, environmental and educational causes, among others. Since then, the group has sold millions of albums worldwide.

December 24, 2012 - When veteran U.K. singer-songwriter Tracey Thorn decided to put together her own Christmas album — a project she'd been pursuing for several years — she opted for a slightly less traditional approach. The Everything but the Girl singer's new album, Tinsel and Lights, has only one very familiar holiday tune, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The rest of the record is a mix of Thorn's original work and traditional songs that, while still written in the holiday spirit, aren't as well-known as the songs we hear in every shopping mall throughout the season.

Commonly recognized as one of the most paramount innovators of ambient music, British musician, composer and producer Brian Eno is back with another successful and carefully crafted ambient installation album, Lux, released November 13. In this album, Eno continues his experiments with ambient music and integrates it with pacifying electro beats.