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Bryars' first major composition, The Sinking of the Titanic, still sounds as vital, fresh and forward-thinking as it did when it was written in 1969. The piece was performed in 2008 as part of the Wordless Music Series recorded by WNYC in New York City.

The Dodos' music combines the propulsive drive of Sonic Youth with the odd pop quirks of Animal Collective — surprising, given that the band only has two members. Meric Long and Logan Kroeber combine brisk guitar work and pounding drums to chaotic and ethereal effect.

Thielemans is the man who made the harmonica a jazz instrument. In a Brazilian-heavy set recorded at the 2005 Tanglewood Jazz Festival, he's joined by Oscar Castro-Neves, Airto, and pianist Kenny Werner. Now in his 80s, Thielemans still loves to play. Collaboration between WBGO and WGBH.

R.E.M. isn't exactly religious, but spiritual themes do creep into its music. Singer Michael Stipe says he comes from a "place of faith," and that generations of men in the Stipe family have been Methodist ministers. Widely billed as R.E.M.'s best album in ages, Accelerate takes inspiration from religious issues.

For the work of an artist best known for the symphonic, soul-baring "Breathe Me," Sia's punchy "Buttons" seems like an odd fit. A hidden track on her new album, the hooky "Buttons" nevertheless runs the risk of defining its album in spite of itself.

Back after a 16-year hiatus from recording, the cheerfully hedonistic party band The B-52s returned to the public eye last month, releasing the appropriately titled Funplex. Hear the band perform a concert from WXPN and the Electric Factory in Philadelphia.

Actor-musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won an Oscar for Best Original Song, "Falling Slowly," in the film, Once. The movie, about two musicians who write songs together and fall in love, is out now on DVD.

Madonna's new single, "4 Minutes," is an airtight, spit-polished production loaded with current stars, designed to send the message that Madonna still matters. Music critic Tom Moon reviews the pop icon's latest album, Hard Candy.

On Warpaint, the band reunites after a string of solo efforts and concert tours on the jam-band circuit. The sound remains the same (swaggering rock with Southern-fried soul), but now the band sounds like professionals who've honed an otherwise ramshackle style of music.

On Brighter Than Creation's Dark, Drive-By Truckers offers an epic and emotional 19-song rock statement. The roots-music powerhouse knows its way around thundering Southern rockers, country ballads and, lately, Stax-inspired soul. Hear an interview and performance from WXPN.