Tori Amos
She speaks in delicious metaphors. She's funny, self-aware and she doesn't hold back her opinions. But has singer—songwriter Tori Amos really been around long enough for a career—retrospective box set? She tells Kurt Andersen why women need to learn about mythological archetypes, and how becoming a mother has changed her. Listen here

David Byrne
Chairs that look like DNA molecules made out of tinker—toys, corporate signs with hidden messages, and trees that diagram everything from the future of rock n' roll to the results of bad habits — David Byrne has made them all. The former Talking Heads spends most of time on visual art now. Listen here

Songs and Views of the Magnetic Garden
Songs and Views of the Magnetic Garden is a piece by Alvin Curran, recorded in 1973. Weaving his voice, flugelhorn, glass chimes, and synthesizer with the sounds of high-tension wires in Sardinia, swallows in Rome, bees, water, and frog peepers, Curran created music that still sounds unique after 33 years. The piece has an unusual beauty: focussed and expansive, casual and precise, experimental and warmly human. On the eve of Sept. 11th, when something thoughtful and heart-felt seems called for, we listen to this piece in its entirety. Listen here

M. Ward
The raspy-voiced singer-songwriter M. Ward has just released a new record, "Post-War." He's said he looked to the postwar music of the late 1940s and 50s for inspiration. He's on a nationwide tour and he's live in our studio. Listen here

Keeping Album Art Alive
Album cover art, a long-celebrated vehicle for visual artists, has changed dramatically as its canvas has shrunk - from 12-inch LP's to 1-inch iPod screens. But reports of its death may be greatly exaggerated. Today, we explore the fate of album art in the digital music age with Josh Koppel, who creates digital liner notes and art for the company TuneBooks.com; and Nathan Brackett, an editor at Rolling Stone magazine. Listen here

The State of the Arts Five Years after 9/11
Today on Soundcheck: A panel of artists and arts activists, including musician Suzanne Vega and Robert Hurwitz of Nonesuch Records, talk about how patriotism, censorship, spirituality and fear have reverberated in New York's artistic landscape. Also, a live performance by Armenian pianist, Sahan Arzruni. Listen here

In Praise of Dreams
New works from Europe make up the backbone of this New Sounds program. Listen here

New Music from Argentina
Listen to a bunch of new music from Argentina on this New Sounds show, including singer/songwriter Gabriela’s unique combination of Argentine folk music and jazz. Also, hear folktronica from Juana Molina with nature noises, bombo leguero (hollow log drum), and keyboards. Not to be outdone, there’s playful folktronic geekery by Gaby Kerpel which uses plenty of other instruments from South America and samples from anywhere. Plus, arrangements of music by the late great king of the “Nuevo Tango” Astor Piazzolla, new music by bandoneon master Dino Saluzzi, and more. Listen here