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    This lively and fun collection of indie and Americana music will keep you clapping, stomping and smiling.
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    These quiet, pensive tunes are perfect for an overcast day, either curled up at home or settled in at a cozy cafe.
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    In their 30 years together, R.E.M. helped shape the post-punk musical landscape. From the bands who inspired them to their contemporaries on the college radio scene, explore how the boys from Athens helped change everything
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    After proving their pop sensibilities with the multi-platinum album Rumours, Fleetwood Mac released Tusk, one of the great double-albums of the '70s. Here are songs from (and inspired by) the era when classic rock, California pop, and new wave collided.
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    Folk rock was born when bands started using rock instrumentation to play traditional folk music in the 1960s. These are the songs that defined this important development in popular music history.

Favorites

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    Say bonjour to French pop from the 1960s, also known as "ye-ye." This sexy, cosmopolitan sound rose to popularity with the mod movement that swept Europe and landed on American shores.
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    Born from post-punk and new wave influences, college rock describes the brand of alternative rock that dominated college radio playlists in the 1980s, before alternative rock went mainstream with the grunge movement in the 1990s.
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    Eccentric -- but not "outsider" -- artists who never fit in with any era or movement, from Scott Walker and Frank Zappa to R. Stevie Moore and The Residents.
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    Whether you grew up on '70s AM radio or simply wish you did, this is the wake-up soundtrack for you. The pop, rock, and soul acts that ruled the airwaves in the '70s are gathered here for the sole purpose of easing you into consciousness after a night in dreamland.
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    Hailing from the worlds of folk, rock, country, blues, and beyond, these acoustic guitar instrumentals are organic enough to keep from jarring your focus, but they've got enough forward motion to motivate your mind.
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    Developed by John Fahey and artists on his Takoma Records label, this finger-picking style of guitar playing combines country and blues techniques with neo-classical composition.
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    Wham bam, thank you ma'am! Glossy and raucous tunes from the 1970s glam-rock era, from both leading lights and also-rans of the glitter scene.
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    If you're looking for the perfect pick-me-up to rouse you from your slumber, you can't do better than a bluegrass wake-up call. From the old-school legends to the Newgrass hotshots, these perky tunes'll give your morning a speedy start.
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    What if you could listen to Bob Dylan's record collection? This collection of songs -- taken from his radio show (Theme Time Radio Hour), autobiography (Chronicles: Volume One), and a variety of interviews -- is probably the closest you'll ever get.
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    Originally an 18th-century Spanish dance, the bolero took root in Latin America, becoming an integral component of many regional soundscapes. Hear the wooing and swooning voices, and minor-key melodies and delicate rhythms, that have inspired civilizations of lovers.
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    Sometimes all you need is a rousing song to get yourself out of a rut. Take inspiration from some of the all-time great pop vocalists and c'mon, get happy!
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    A retrospective of Chicago's legendary Chess Records, America's greatest blues label. Chess was the home of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Little Walter, and many more.
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    Originating in the 1950s, bossa nova (Portugese for "new trend") combined harmonies and rhythms from American jazz with Brazilian samba. Now these songs have become standard jazz repertoire.
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    These are the songs that take classic rock to another level: forgotten B-sides and sprawling deep cuts from the most iconic rock acts of the '60s and '70s.
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    In L.A. circa 1966, young producers and songwriters looked to the increasingly complex work of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. Inspired by his harmonies and lyrical themes, a new generation of groups created a gently psychedelic brand of easy listening.
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    For those who spent their university days hanging around the campus radio station during the heyday of college radio. Journey back to the time when all the best music could be found to the left of the dial.
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    From the 1960s beginning of the country-rock revolution through the '80s cowpunk mavericks to today's alt-country artists, here's everything you need to know about the intersection of rock and country.
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    This is the heartfelt sound of the South -- the intersection of country, soul, rockabilly and R&B in the '50s, '60s and '70s; songs of drinkin', cheatin', and lovin' with Louisiana brass and Nashville strings.
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    Bob Dylan is one of the greatest songwriters of all time and these are the greatest covers of his work.
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    After proving their pop sensibilities with the multi-platinum album Rumours, Fleetwood Mac released Tusk, one of the great double-albums of the '70s. Here are songs from (and inspired by) the era when classic rock, California pop, and new wave collided.
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    Glitter, check. Guitars, check. Eyeliner, check. Join these boundary-blurring and hard-partying '70s glam rockers on a decadent journey to Mars.
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    An offshoot of hard bop that flourished in the '60s and early '70s, soul jazz fed on the bluesy passion of R&B. Most associated with hard-driving organ trios and honking, bluesy horns, it's jazz with groove, grit and soul.
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    Not quite country, not exactly folk, not really rock, and not strictly blues, Americana is the sound of American roots coming together in a melting pot of sound.
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    In the '50s and '60s, NYC's Greenwich Village was home to America's folk music revival. With Odetta and Pete Seeger guiding newcomers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, the Village proved fertile ground (once again) for seminal bohemian developments.
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    Post-punk artists who felt the funk, from both the U.S. (Liquid Liquid) and the U.K. (Gang of Four).
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    This lively and fun collection of indie and Americana music will keep you clapping, stomping and smiling.
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    A collection of warm acoustic songs, handpicked for enjoying the crisp autumn air, fall foliage, and hot apple cider.
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    Cool tunes from the golden age of pre-punk classic rock, 1965-'76, featuring deep tracks from the era's superstars as well as definitive songs from cult heroes and oddballs. Vintage doesn't have to mean old-fashioned.
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    African "desert blues" is just about the biggest sound in world music circles today. Blending western forms with African soul, plus a healthy dose of amplification, it's a hypnotic sound that speaks hauntingly of the place and its people.
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    From the '60s to the '90s, mainstream music was dominated by energetic fusions of melodic pop hooks and a driving rock backbeat. This eclectic, six-volume series showcases the greatest songs of the pop/rock era; some were radio hits, all were loved.
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    Songs by indie artists that are strongly influenced by traditional roots rock, bluegrass, and country. Rootsy and rough around the edges.
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    Irrelevant Bees (http://bit.ly/yExhSn) is the Tumblr blog of Khalym Schell, an NYC-based DJ with a reputation for trafficking in stylish music. Compiled from posted songs, this playlist moves effortlessly through '60s soul b-sides, chillwave jams, obscure covers & more.
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    Songs by Joe Jackson and similar artists
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    This instrumental playlist features folk music from Latin America performed on a variety of lutes. From the Puerto Rican cuatro to the Andean charango, these traditional lutes produce rich, distinctive and enchanting sounds.
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    Fuzzy, noisy, primal rock where passion is paramount has existed almost as long as rock itself. Explore the history of lo-fi from the garage-psych '60s through the post-punk '70s and the DIY '90s until today.
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    Settle in with the quieter side of jazz. Wind down and drift off to the relaxing sounds of post-bop, cool, modern and contemporary jazz, perfect for those mellow late-night hours.
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    Delve into the quiet, ballad-oriented side of Miles Davis, along with a wide selection of the contemplative moods of members of his classic 1950s and '60s bands. Get mellow with Miles.
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    Have you ever found yourself muttering "These kids today..." while listening to the radio? Stave off incipient fogeydom at any age by listening to these young artists who use the sounds of the '60s, '70s and '80s as their jumping-off point.
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    The films of Jim Jarmusch epitomize cool. This playlist features the old treasures and commissioned scores that have soundtracked Jarmusch's distinctive work.
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    The soundtrack to a Wes Anderson film is always as memorable as the director's instantly recognizable visual style. Listen to every song featured in all of his films.
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    Ease into a mellow, contemplative mood with these serene jazz instrumentals from some of the leading lights of the 1950s and '60s jazz scene.
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    One of the very best radio programs of any kind, NPR's All Songs Considered recognizes great new music you won't find on the charts. This playlist is composed of songs featured on the show in recent weeks. Visit All Songs Considered here: http://n.pr/dcHPKp
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    Songs by Neil Young and similar artists
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    Even as they approach retirement age, the classic rockers of the '60s, '70s and '80s have continued making exciting and intriguing music over the last two decades. Check out these old dogs' new tricks.
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    The 100 best albums of the '70s, as chosen by the editors and contributors of Pitchfork.com
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    The top 200 songs of the '60s, as chosen by the writers and contributors of Pitchfork.
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    T-Bone Burnett is an award-winning producer, musician, and songwriter. Best known for producing the acclaimed O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Burnett is an expert in vintage sounds and instruments.
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    Songs by R.E.M. and similar artists
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    Whether it's amoral thief Parker or the cops of the 87th Precinct, a vintage pulp thriller needs a soundtrack. Sink into that stylish world of the past with these cool, jazzy and torchy '50s and '60s favorites.
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    In 2002, the editors of Rolling Stone magazine picked the 50 "coolest" albums of all time; here are the best cuts from those albums.
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    In late '50s Britain, the young Beatles absorbed a surprisingly eclectic mix of styles, including early rock & roll, pop, jazz, blues, folk, country & western, and swing. Here are the songs that inspired the 20th century's most influential band.
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    Songs by Son Volt and similar artists
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    The 1970s saw the once-homogenous rock audience split into factions like soft singer-songwriters, bluesy hard rock, and artsy progressives. Yet a fondness for complex arrangements and thoughtful lyrics united listeners like never before.
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    As garish as the decade could often be, the 1980s were also a time of musical sophistication. Especially in the post-punk UK, a suave persona and musical creativity were admirable traits even among DIY indie types.
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    In the early 1960s, young fashionable Londoners, or "mods," danced all night to the uptempo sounds of African-American soul, Jamaican ska, and British rock & roll. Put on your sharpest suit and celebrate the original mod scene's best songs.
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    Can you imagine these films without these songs? Here's an eclectic and thoughtful mix of cool songs from stylistically memorable films directed by filmmakers who really know their music.
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    In 1955 Cosimo Matassa opened Cosimo Recording Studios in the French Quarter ushering in the "New Orleans Sound" (R&B heavy on the guitar and vocals). Cosimo fostered and attracted remarkable talent including Ray Charles and Allen Toussaint.
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    In their book, The Pitchfork 500, Pitchfork offers their take on the 500 most-influential songs of the past three decades, with a focus on indie rock, hip hop, electronic, pop, metal, and experimental underground music.
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    In their book, The Pitchfork 500, Pitchfork offers their take on the 500 best songs of the past three decades, with a focus on indie rock, hip hop, electronic, pop, metal, and experimental underground music.
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    In their book, The Pitchfork 500, Pitchfork catalogs the 500 most influential songs of the past three decades, in an effort to rewrite the traditional, baby boomer-scripted canon.
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    In the early 2010s, we've seen a new emergence of fun, upbeat pop music created by alternative-leaning artists. Enjoy some new songs about celebrating, dancing, and (often) being in love.
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    Trumpeter and singer Chet Baker came out of the first flowering of the West Coast school of cool modern jazz in the early 1950s. This playlist explores that time and place, with a particular emphasis on languid ballads.
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    In their 30 years together, R.E.M. helped shape the post-punk musical landscape. From the bands who inspired them to their contemporaries on the college radio scene, explore how the boys from Athens helped change everything
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    In memory of the life of Levon Helm (1940-2012), this playlist explores the country- and blues-flavored roots rock of The Band. Each recording on this playlist features a performance by Robbie, Rick, Richard, Garth or Levon.
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    Long before the blues went electric and urban, these rural pioneers were laying down the foundations of the genre, usually with no more than a voice and acoustic guitar.
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    These songs were made famous by other artists, but the original recordings were pretty darn good.
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    With their penchant for twang and aversion to lyrics, these 1950s and '60s acts -- some fleeting, some lasting -- all reveled in the rock instrumental.
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    Some of the best cover songs of all time, including some songs you didn't even know were covers.
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    Songs by Wilco and similar artists
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    Inject some bounce and groove into your party, or your morning routine, with this intriguingly eclectic collection of "wind up" songs. Sometimes edgy, and sometimes nostalgic, this mix will always surprise and delight.
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    Live in a world where you're as clever, quirky and excellently-dressed as a character in a Wes Anderson film. Where music leaps from one decade to the next, even the happiest songs have a tinge of melancholy, and even the fast songs are gentle.

To Try

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    The best songs from every band, DJ, and MC who performed at the 2012 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
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    Beginning during World War II, bebop signaled the end of the big band swing era and the birth of modern jazz. Enjoy this introduction to the style, focusing on the post-war era when bebop was in its prime
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    For a period in the late '50s and early '60s, Blue Note was the most stylish label in jazz. The music brought both soul and a questing sense of experimentation to bebop, and Reid Miles' gorgeous LP designs remain influential to this day.
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    Miles Davis was at the forefront of every development in jazz during his 50 year career. This playlist features Davis's most notable recordings as a bandleader and sideman, as well as his tracks by his most notable collaborators.
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    This bop-leaning selection of vintage jazz features the unique and unmistakable pianist/composer Thelonious Monk, as well as many of his esteemed associates.
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    As a freshman, Derek Smith left college to focus on music production full-time. Today, as Pretty Lights, Smith runs his own record label and is headlining festivals around the country. Listen to the best tracks from Pretty Lights, his contemporaries and label mates.