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Once a hidden gem in Portland's folk scene, the singer-songwriter has released a sixth studio album, Hold Time, showcasing exceptional musical arrangements. In a smattering of new songs and covers, M. Ward adds an intriguing sense of unfamiliarity to well-loved and time-honored folk rhythms.

Frontman Paul Noonan and guitarist Dave Geraghty have an organic approach to starting a new record, hoping to take the image they've created for themselves and challenge it. On Blue Lights on the Runway, Bell X1 explores the electronic side of their music, departing from the more radio-friendly pop songs of Flock.

With only a guitar, a drum kit, and the occasional piano or organ, the music of Minneapolis duo Now, Now Every Children may be sparse and minimalist, but there is no shortage of flare or gusto. Both Brad Hale's drumming technique and Cacie Dalager's vocals range from sweetly understated to feisty and powerful.

Drummer Mick Fleetwood explores the resurgence of blues in America, thanks to an ongoing interest in British blues-rock bands like The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac — which is touring again after a five-year hiatus. Fleetwood says he hopes to bring the group back to its blues roots.

The self-billed "blind couple of Mali" have been recording since the '80s, but they've never stuck to one style. On Welcome to Mali, Amadou and Mariam absorb ideas from everywhere and sound like they're having a ball.

For St. Patrick's Day at NPR Music, host Fiona Ritchie has picked four hours that focus on the Irish contribution to the NPR program The Thistle and Shamrock. They span traditional to contemporary, vocal to instrumental music, and give a sense of both where Irish music has come from and where it's headed.

On his debut album, Sinners Like Me, Church plants his feet in traditional-country territory, but his depth and ambition remain a constant. His thoughtful lyrics — delivered in a rough baritone voice — help make the record stick.

Riding a wave of popularity for its playfully choreographed videos, wit and hyper-catchy pop hooks, OK Go has generated the kind of cult following and buzz most bands could only dream of. The group brings its wildly animated live show to Washington, D.C.

Amidst swirling strings, reverberating vocal harmonies, gentle guitars and a dusty rhythmic shuffle, Shawn Lee temporarily gets caught in vaguely optimistic reverie as he sings, "I wonder if I'll ever feel this way again." But his sentiments turn pragmatic quickly.

Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" is considered one of the most popular of all 20th-century classical works. Its 1938 premiere by the NBC Orchestra with conductor Arturo Toscanini is a recent selection for the National Recording Registry.