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Singer and Songwriter Sam Phillips.

Singer/songwriter Sam Phillips is a former Christian singer who became disillusioned with the form, left it, changed her name (from Leslie), and started writing songs which explored her own singular spirituality. Since 1989 she's been making pop music that's been admired by the critics. One critic wrote of her 1991 album; "On the surface, Phillips seems just another wispy-voiced, ethereal singer-songwriter, writing moody songs chronicling the dangers of corruption and obsessive love. But (its) fraught with both beauty and tension." Phillips newest album is "Martinis & Bikinis." (Virgin Records). Phillips is married to T. Bone Burnett, who has produced several of her albums.

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Other segments from the episode on March 16, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 16, 1994: Interview with Sam Phillips; Interview with Rip Torn; Review of the album "Overture."
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15:40

Rip Torn Discusses His Life and Career.

Actor Rip Torn, who now plays the Arty, the producer on the HBO comedy series, "The Larry Sanders Show". Torn has been a stage actor since the mid-1950's, when he left his native Texas (and his first name "Elmore") behind, for New York City and the Actors Studio. Described by one reviewer as "the good-looking no-talent with the ludicrously sinister name", Torn was often typecast as a heavy in television shows like "Dr. Kildare" and "Bonanza." (He also portrayed Henry Miller in an X-rated film version of "Tropic of Cancer.").

Interview
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04:18

Fascinating and Clever Transcriptions of Famous Overtures.

Classical Music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new album of opera overtures played on wind instruments, "Overture" by the Harmonie Ensemble of New York, conducted by Steve Richman (on the Music & Arts Programs of America label: 510-525-4583).

Review

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The 10 Best Records of 1994

Rock critic Ken Tucker picks his favorite pop music of 1994, running the gamut from country to rock to singer-songwriters.

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A Unique Rock Voice.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new release by singer/songwriter Sam Phillips, "Martinis & Bikinis." (Virgin Records).

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Tegan And Sara Reach Out To New Audiences With 'Heartthrob.'

The twin sisters from Canada depart from their indie singer-songwriter roots with their latest album. The music on Heartthrob is often loaded with a carefully articulated sense of doubt that Tegan and Sara suggest needs to be shaken off through a triumph of the pop-music will.

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