Bruce Springsteen and Mark Knopfler have influenced tons of artists over the years, but a sweet-sounding soprano who's co-founder of the charming Canadian trinity known as the Wailin' Jennys wouldn't be the first to come to mind.

LONDON — Guitarist Mark Knopfler canceled two shows in Russia in protest over what he says is a crackdown on human rights groups in the country,...

A masterful musician and workmanlike writer who continues to connect impressed the hell out of longtime devotees and some random disbelievers at the 1stBank Center on October 29. And his name isn't Bob Dylan.

When you're a performing artist as deeply personal as Pieta Brown, trying to carve out a living by sharing your innermost thoughts can be a delicate balancing act. Especially when you'd rather keep those feelings to yourself.

Wedren began his career fronting the seminal Washington, DC post-punk outfit Shudder to Think, a band that helped define the scenes in the '80s and '90s. Here is his latest release: "Are We."

"Among other things I do," says the British musician, "I'm the music director of an organization called TED or Technology, Education and Design. That's an annual get together of people sort of figuring out how to save the planet."

As a rule, songs about miners haven't generally been as upbeat as the news we are watching now on CNN. So here's a largely uplifting playlist for all the miners in Chile, and all the people who love them.

Let's talk about your new album Bachman & Turner. First of all, the music is classic, and please don't be offended by this, but much of it sounds it like classic BTO.

After seeing some of Gov. Jan Brewer's mind-blowing meltdown performance during her debate with Terry Goddard, here's a playlist for a woman who lost her head, and a state that seems bent on doing the same.

Far be it for me to ever correct the Boss, but as it turns out Bruce Springsteen was not a true televisionary; there are not "57 Channels And Nothing On" these days. Please tune in Sunday night, and see for yourself.

Right now is the time for real financial reform. Come to think of it, right now is actually way too late for real financial reform. Still, better now than not now, right?

Charlie Gillett was one of those great music people who had an unerring ear and a true passion for good sounds from rock to blues to world music.

To put myself in the proper mindset to enter The Pacific, I've come up with a playlist of great songs that speak powerfully to war and peace from a variety of perspectives and eras.

The guy whose band, Dire Straits, sold 120 million records has made a CD that will be appreciated mostly by the smallest cohort of music lovers: smart, literate grownups who can read without moving their lips.

Reviewed: Big Star, Ace Frehley, Gordan Gano, Bruce Hornsby, Jay-Z, Mark Knopfler, Living Colour, The Phantom Movers and Muse.