The ultimate free music library

Public radio in general and NPR in particular are not widely regarded as arbiters of cutting-edge popular culture. But on

Public radio in general and NPR in particular are not widely regarded as arbiters of cutting-edge popular culture. But on a newly launched, decidedly 21st-century music website, NPR puts its eclectic tastes to work for you, providing a splendidly organized treasure trove of free music to satisfy almost any sensibility.

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NPR Music takes thousands of hours of music programming — interviews, live performances, even videos — and lets you serve them up in whatever order you want. And the breadth of artists represented is remarkable: A quick perusal of the letter M turns up everything from tracks off Morrissey’s latest album to a critical appreciation of the crunk rapper MIMS to a live Yo-Yo Ma performance of traditional Persian music. Jazz fans can enjoy an audio profile of saxophonist Art Pepper, indie rockers can nod their heads to a new full-length concert by the Hold Steady . . . and, improbably, NPR seems very, very cool.

“>VISIT the NPR Music homepage

“>HEAR the Hold Steady in concert on NPR Music

SEARCH Ask.com for more information on NPR Music

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The ultimate free music library