Musicians on the Record

With the increasing popularity of iPods and song downloading many wonder whether the album—that snapshot of an artist at a particular place and time in his career—may be on the wane. Chances are you have an album or two that you hold dear. Perhaps it came along at a sensitive time in your life--on the cusp of adolescence, the brink of a love affair, or in the thick of a bitter breakup. Nothing evokes a memory or a feeling like music. WXPN celebrates the album with our series Musicians on the Record. We asked artists to identify one album that changed their life and awakened their senses. Our featured musicians represent the worlds of bluegrass, folk, indie-rock, punk, and jazz.

What record helped country music artist Nanci Griffith get over a two-timing lover?
What R&B album does punk rocker Ted Leo wind down with after a night of loud, sweaty performing?
What record helped a young Francis Dunnery escape the chaos of his home and pretend he belonged to the British elite?

Through sound rich, first-person portraits, Musicians on the Record will give listeners insights into some of their favorite contemporary artists and perhaps an enhanced appreciation of what may—or may not—be a dying craft.

Partial List of Artists
Richard Thompson Steven Page (Bare Naked Ladies)
David Gray Buddy Guy
Rodney Crowell Liz Phair Robert Plant
Francis Dunnery Glenn Tilbrook
Lizz Wright Steve Forbert Nanci Griffith
Hugh Masekela El Vez Erin McKeown
Caitlin Cary Alison Brown David Grisman
Lucy Kaplansky Matisyahu Joseph Arthur
Ted Leo

Program Directors:
These vignettes will air locally on WXPN-FM in September and October. Between two to four minutes in length, Musicians on the Record makes convenient interstitial programming. We will produce at least one per weekday so you can use it as a daily feature. We’ll also provide a written promo that your on-air talent can voice, as well as any supporting materials you might need.

Note: These vignettes are self-contained with artist identification at the top of the audio.
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With the increasing popularity of iPods and song downloading many wonder whether the album—that snapshot of an artist at a particular place and time in his career—may be on the wane. Chances are you have an album or two that you hold dear. Perhaps it came along at a sensitive time in your life--on the cusp of adolescence, the brink of a love affair, or in the thick of a bitter breakup. Nothing evokes a memory or a feeling like music. WXPN celebrates the album with our series Musicians on the Record. We asked artists to identify one album that changed their life and awakened their senses. Our featured musicians represent the worlds of bluegrass, folk, indie-rock, punk, and jazz.

What record helped country music artist Nanci Griffith get over a two-timing lover?
What R&B album does... Show full description