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Fang Island's "Daisy" unfolds as a sunny summer jam in which emotion gives way to perpetual motion. Along the way, it lives up to the band's stated wish to sound like "everyone high-fiving everyone."

The Chicago-born rapper grew up in neighborhoods filled with drugs, violence and prostitution — but at home, his parents provided him a wide window to a larger world. In his music, Fiasco continues to bridge divides by reaching beyond the boundaries of hip-hop.

On his 13th and 14th albums, the veteran rapper remains productive and ambitious, offering up more reality raps and linguistic experiments.

Pianist Joan Stiles is known for her brilliant playing, painted by a deep understanding of the roots of jazz. As a full-time educator, Stiles has been presenting the music of Mary Lou Williams for the past decade. She also knows how to swing on a Monk tune or two.

Iyer's resume includes pianist, composer, bandleader, writer and Ph.D. candidate in physics. In this session, he performs Geri Allen's "I'm All Smiles," and duets with guest host Arturo O'Farrill for the bluesy Iyer original "Abundance."

Eugene Hutz, the eccentric leader of the gypsy-punk collective, speaks with host David Dye about the songwriting behind the band's crazy live show. The band also takes the stage at World Cafe Live for a few songs.

Ari Picker was into jam bands before attending the Berklee College of Music. He emerged with a new obsession -- classical composition -- and assembled a tiny orchestra of North Carolina folk musicians. Listen to two songs from the band's new album, All Alone in an Empty House.

NPR Music's Song of the Day features a new track every weekday, with analysis of the music, links to each artist's websites and, of course, a chance to hear the song itself. Here, Song of the Day editor Stephen Thompson talks about recent selections by Mates of State, O.M.D. with Aretha Franklin, Blonde Redhead and more.

The new supergroup led by Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody includes members of R.E.M. and Belle and Sebastian. The band's debut album, The Place We Ran From, even features Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. Listen to an interview with Lightbody and Peter Buck and hear tracks from a performance in London.

The Australian siblings released their fourth album, Down the Way, earlier this year. Host David Dye catches up with them before their series of sold-out concerts Down Under.