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08:39

Jimi Hendrix, Before He Was Famous

Hendrix spent years recording with whomever he could before being discovered and whisked off to London. A new Legacy box set, West Coast Seattle Boy, showcases Jimi Hendrix as sideman to a number of musicians. Rock historian Ed Ward takes a look at it today.

Review
19:00

Stephen Dorff, Going Hollywood In 'Somewhere'

In Sofia Coppola's new film, the actor plays an aimless, lonely young movie star who is forced to re-examine his life when his 11-year-old daughter unexpectedly moves in. Dora explains how the role required a delicate balance between acting and real life.

Interview
30:45

Sofia Coppola Mimics Hollywood Life In 'Somewhere'

Filmmaker Sofia Coppola's latest movie, Somewhere, is about an aimless Hollywood actor, played by Stephen Dorff, who re-examanes his superficial life after a visit from his 11-year-old daughter. Coppola discusses the film -- and her relationship with her own father, Francis Ford Coppola.

Interview
18:33

States Gamble On Casinos To Generate Revenue

More and more state and local governments have approved casino gambling in order to generate new jobs and tax revenue. But does it work? Economist Richard McGowan outlines why states are turning to gambling to solve their fiscal crises -- and now upping the ante even more.

Interview
05:46

Knowing Geoff Nunberg's 2010 Word Of The Year

Well, no, we're not going to tell you. No, no, no. Not even if you ask politely. But here's a hint: It's a "primordial one-word response" that perfectly encapsulates the aura -- no, make that the prevailing zeitgeist -- of 2010.

Commentary
35:59

Ryan Gosling: Fully Immersed In 'Blue Valentine'

The actor stars opposite Michelle Williams in a new drama about a couple whose relationship has soured. He tells Terry Gross it wasn't the average film shoot: Among other things, he moved in for a month with Williams and their onscreen child.

Interview
08:22

Ken Tucker Picks The Best Holiday Music Of 2010

Every holiday season brings a new batch of seasonal pop music, some of it from unlikely or obscure sources. Rock critic Ken Tucker has listened to most of the new holiday collections released this year, and has chosen three albums that ought to make your season a bit more festive.

Review
21:40

Wall Street Finds Lucrative Market In Tax Liens

When property taxes go unpaid, the debt gets sold -- sometimes resulting in a bidding frenzy between America's largest banks and hedge funds. Investigative reporter Fred Schulte says unpaid tax bills as low as $300 have resulted in homeowners losing their properties.

Interview
07:47

In Berlin, A Musical Tribute To Composer Pierre Boulez

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz recently attended the 2010 Musikfest Berlin's two-week long tribute to 85-year-old French conductor and composer Pierre Boulez. Schwartz says the musical tribute was "sonically ravishing, with endlessly inventive combinations of sound and texture."

Review
06:37

The Fighter's Good, But Enough To Be A Contender?

The fading junior welterweight boxer Micky Ward was working in construction in the early '90s when he decided to give the ring one more try. That's the story of The Fighter, starring Mark Wahlberg. David Edelstein says the boxing film is a mess -- which he means as a term of endearment.

Review
06:38

Maureen Corrigan's Favorite Books Of 2010

Fresh Air's resident book critic selects her favorite reads from the year, including Patti Smith's moving memoir, a feminist slant on election season, a new history of labor unions.

Review
43:46

A History Of The 'Big' Business Of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop music grew from the streets of Harlem and the Bronx into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Dan Charnas chronicles how hip-hop producers and entrepreneurs changed the music industry and pop culture in The Big Payback.

Interview
51:37

NYT Reporter Defends Publishing WikiLeaks Cables

Speaking Tuesday on Fox news, Sen. Joe Lieberman suggested that The New York Times' should be investigated for publishing leaked diplomatic cables. The New York Times' chief Washington correspondent, David Sanger, responds -- and explains what the documents reveal about foreign diplomacy.

Interview
32:35

How Gay Soldiers Serve Openly Around The World

A study of five U.S. allies who ended bans on gays openly serving in their militaries showed that the wide-scale disruptions feared by opponents had never materialized, says historian and study author Nathaniel Frank. He discusses his finding and what they suggest for efforts to end the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Interview

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