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The National - Words and Music - 2013

5.21.13 at 12:00am by Russ Borris

The National has steadily held our attention ever since their 2001 self-titled debut. Over the years, the band has developed a uniquely somber yet lush style. The musical arrangements ebb and flow like tides and often have an eerie and tense feel to them — as though you may get pulled into an undertow. But there are also moments of serenity and joy in their sound. It is not lighthearted, easy-listening pop; it's rousing and dramatic music with poetically dark and evocative lyrics.

TAS On FUV For Monday, May 20

5.20.13 at 6:20pm by Kara Manning

It might be a Monday, but a long, lazy weekend is just days away. On tonight's TAS on FUV we'll launch headlong into the week with Savages, Villagers, Palma Violets, Superchunk, My Bloody Valentine, Radiohead, Smith Westerns and more. It being Monday (although not a gloomy one), we've got a Morrissey-style Shuffle plus The MIx-Up marries MGMT with Soulwax. It's TAS on FUV at 10!

Tom Jones - Words and Music - 2013

5.20.13 at 4:00pm by Rita Houston

Tom Jones is back with a new album called Spirit In The Room, and while hIs voice is unmistakable, his choice of songs might surprise you. The stripped-down sound is a new direction for Tom as well, and things got even more acoustic when he stopped by Studio A. We'll have video soon, but in the meantime, you can take a listen to the performances and my conversation with Tom below.

First Listen: Laura Marling, 'Once I Was An Eagle'

5.20.13 at 1:10pm by Stephen Thompson

Marling's songs dig well beyond the everyday, with each sung in a wise, dusky, brooding voice that always seems in control of its surroundings. The U.K. folksinger's fourth album, Once I Was an Eagle, takes a remarkable journey over the course of 16 hypnotic, subtly inventive songs.

Question of the Day: Commencement Speaker?

5.20.13 at 6:53am by Corny O'Connell

As I look out at your bright shining faces, I challenge you...to name a singer or musician who would make a good commencement speaker. As you go out into the world, think of whom you would like to give a graduation speech. Leave your suggestion in the comments below and we'll spin a set of those artists this morning.

Here's today's set:

1) "Hello in There" - John Prine

2) "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" - Pete Seeger

3) "Get Behind the Mule" - Tom Waits

4) "People Have the Power" - Patti Smith

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