Hear a live concert every Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live from the stage at World Cafe Live

Indie rock band Ra Ra Riot joins us for the next Free At Noon. Playing songs off their upcoming album, The Orchard, along with other fan-favorites, Ra Ra Riot is sure to impress with their unique variety of indie rock. With a cellist and violinist featured as core members of the band, Ra Ra Riot combine their indie rock background with haunting classical aesthetics, resulting in a very dramatic, affecting song output. Such unconventional instrumentation, when coupled with the band’s knack for exultant rhythms and melodies, makes for an all-at-once intimate, grand sound. With songs steeped in a variety of different genres, from ‘80s pop to breezy rock, Ra Ra Riot possess the pop sensibilities of such greats as the Shins and Vampire Weekend. One of the most interesting indie bands around, Ra Ra Riot is certainly not to be missed.

Website: rarariot.com/
MySpace: myspace.com/rarariot
Facebook:facebook.com/rarariot
Twitter: twitter.com/RARARIOT
Recent Release: The Orchard
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Label: Barsuk Records
Band Origin: Syracuse, NY

Join WXPN at noon on Friday, August 13, when the Indie Rock band, Murder by Death play songs off their new album, Good Morning, Magpie.

Formed in 2000 in Bloomington, Indiana, Murder by Death play a unique brand of music that highlights Gothic themes, Americana, and traditional rock and roll. With their crunching guitars and pulsating electric cello, Murder by Death have successfully bridged the gap between raucous, energetic rock music and softer, more low-key, country. Murder by Death have gained fame not only for their musical offerings, but also for their lyrical matter. With many songs touching on dark, ghastly themes – from zombies to the Devil – it is no wonder Murder by Death are seen as one of the most magnificently morbid bands of today.

On Good Morning, Magpie, Murder by Death have crafted their first non-concept album, although there are still plenty of detailed narratives threading the record. A sprawling, ambitious work, "Good Morning, Magpie" makes good on Murder by Death’s ability to heighten suspense in their music, and bring the listener into their darkly-crafted dream world. You can practically see the barren, haunted towns and dense, dark woods that serve as the backdrop to Murder by Death's unforgettable storylines. Far more than a Halloween-tinged gimmick band, Murder by Death weave these storylines into their tightly arranged blend of country-inspired instrumentation. As the cello tragically entwines the thump of the drum with the buzz of the guitar, it is near impossible to not be enchanted by Murder by Death. With affecting plotlines and superb musicianship, Murder by Death show once again that indeed they are a force to be reckoned with.

Website: murderbydeath.com/
MySpace: myspace.com/murderbydeath
Recent Release: Good Morning, Magpie
Release Date: April 6, 2010
Label: Vagrant Records
Origin: Bloomington, Indiana

PARKING NOTICE and Directions

Due to the construction in the area, free parking is no longer available for XPN Free At Noon shows. Metered parking on 31st street is no longer available, and metered parking on Walnut Street is extremely limited as a result of the closure and reconstruction of the South Street Bridge, and the rerouting of traffic onto Walnut Street.

Public transportation to XPN Free At Noon is recommended. For more information on parking in the area visit World Cafe Live.

Find more information on directions and public transportation here.

Serving People in Need - Help Drive Hunger from Our Communities

When you come to XPN's Free At Noon Concerts, bring a can of food to support Philabundance, Delaware Valley's hunger relief organization. We have drop-off boxes to collect canned goods for the needy. Current priority items include: canned pasta, chili, beef stew, tuna, mac & cheese, ready to eat cereal, pork & beans/ baked beans, green beans, corn, fruit cocktail, creamy peanut butter and/ or grape jelly (plastic containers only), and boxed sugar. Thanks!

WXPN and NPR Music Live Friday Free At Noon Concert Archives Include:

Dr. Dog, Carrie Rodriguez, Annuals, DeVotchKa, Adele, Angel Taylor, Winterpills, Sharon Little, Ollabelle, Andrew Lipke, The Low Anthem, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Sean Lennon, Chris Smith, California Guitar trio, Joan Osborne, Disco Biscuits, Damien Rice, Cold War Kids, Marc Broussard, The Slip, Arlo Guthrie, Alice Smith, The Dears, Barenaked Ladies, and more...

WXPN Free at Noon Photo Gallery at Flickr
Click to visit our gallery for photos of the Free At Noon Concerts! Previous concerts include Hall & Oates, O.A.R., Citizen Cope, Old Crow Medicine Show, Kaki King and many more!