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With quirky melodies and a uniquely clever songwriting style, Sparks has remained one of the most innovative art-pop bands of the past three decades. While never gaining much more than a cult following, Sparks' peculiar brand of pop smarts has influenced everything from '80s synth-pop to Queen.

Our rock critic reviews albums by Tom Verlaine of the '70s New York punk band Television: the instrumental album Around, and Songs and Other Things, which includes his compositions and vocals.

The exotic strains of Ethiopian jazz are not widely heard by American ears. But the work of many talented artists can be enjoyed in an ambitious multi-volume CD series called Ethiopiques.

Our jazz critic reviews two new trio CDs by the Dutch pianist Michiel Braam, Change This Song and Hosting Changes. Trio Braam de Joode Vatcher is on a short U.S. tour June 12-17.

Best described as theatrical rock or punk cabaret, the music of the colorful Boston duo Dresden Dolls addresses identity crises, love and topics far more provocative. Since its debut, the band has toured with Nine Inch Nails while attracting a worldwide audience.

Bruce Hornsby performs songs that span a 20-year career, in a live appearance at NPR. The Grammy Award-winning songwriter also talks about his collaborations with artists of almost every musical genre.

Without Feathers was released in March and revealed a new sound for The Stills — one heavily influenced by rootsy '70s rock bands, while still retaining traces of the style that won the group exposure in the first place.

Los Lonely Boys blends elements of Southwest music into a rugged rock sound, with influences ranging from classic British pop to Latin rock. Since its debut, the band has won a Grammy and gained fans worldwide.

The Dallas Symphony bids farewell to music director Andrew Litton with "Appalachian Spring."

With an emphasis on improvisation, The Derek Trucks Band blends jazz, rock, blues and world music into its soulful, energetic songs. Its fifth album, Songlines, is a nicely crafted collection of original compositions and covers, all reflecting the band's diverse approach to worldly jams.