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Fresh Air rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two albums from two one-named singers: Madonna's Hard Candy and the self-titled release from Swedish pop singer Robyn.

In a session from KPLU, blues guitarist Tab Benoit plays through a couple songs all by his lonesome, yet manages to conjure an entire band all his own. Benoit also talks about creating "Voice of the Wetlands," a group that raises awareness about the importance of Louisiana's natural resources.

Two years ago, acclaimed guitarist Kaki King announced that she would tour with a full band. For an artist who made her name as a solo instrumentalist, it marked her move into pop territory. King plays two new songs from her album Dreaming of Revenge in a session with host David Dye.

From jazz concerts and cabaret acts to multimedia art installations, Theo Bleckmann has made a name for himself in new York. Now, the vocalist and composer looks back to his native Germany.

Forbes' first solo release in more than 10 years showcases the Pink Martini singer's pop side. With laidback yet disarming hooks and honest lyrics, '78 addresses the ups and downs of Forbes' own experiences with friendship, loneliness, and love.

The young singer, part of a wave of British women finding success in the U.S. by making old sounds new, is reimagining folk with clear-eyed lyrics that lay bare her dreams and insecurities. The 18-year-old's debut album is called Alas, I Cannot Swim.

The most rambunctiously infectious song on Stoltz's recent Circular Sounds, "Tintinnabulation" functions as a sort of aural funhouse, where bells and whistles and reverberations transform a first-rate pop song into a dizzying, whimsical ride.

After all of his hits, Al Green is taking his six-decade career in new directions. NPR's Tony Cox talks with the R&B legend about his new album, Lay It Down. This time, he worked with artists like Questlove, the drummer for the hip hop band The Roots.

Much has been made of the relationship between brothers Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes. When the two arrived separately, it didn't dispel the rumors, but it turns out they just needed to go different places afterward. In a session from WFUV, the duo performs acoustic versions of new songs.

Conan plays an instrument called a cuatro with Chicha Libre, a band that pays tribute to the classic Peruvian Chicha groups of 40 years ago.