Long Form

Spinning on Air | May 18, 2010

Here are four pieces, new and old, which fill their lengthy durations in different ways. Guitarist James Blackshaw's "Granite & Wineglass" is a meditative elaboration on a drone, in which time flows while standing still. Baird, Espvall, and Kraus' version of an old British folk song, "Willie of Winsbury," achieves its length by having a story to tell, and using many verses to tell it. The Incredible String Band's "White Bird" is an episodic suite with songs, interludes and returning themes. Animal Collective's Panda Bear has a new song, "Bros," which builds gradually with cascades of Beach Boys-style harmonies over a hypnotically varying minimalist accompaniment.

Baird, Espvall, and Kraus
James Blackshaw
The Incredible String Band
Panda Bear

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

New York City's Slowing Job Growth

James Parrott talks about factors contributing to New York City's concerningly high unemployment rate.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Jack Schlossberg, the Kennedy Running for Congress in New York. Plus, the Astronaut Reid Wiseman

The candidate on the role of social media in politics, and speaking out against his cousin R.F.K., Jr. Plus, the commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission on the dark side of the moon.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.

On the Media |

Central Park’s Great Lawn to host 50K for World Cup final watch party

New York state is putting up $6 million for the event, with New York City chipping in $3.5 million.

Gothamist |