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At 65, Dr. John is best known for rhythm and blues and his voodoo charms. In a new album, Mercernary, he's taking Johnny Mercer's pop standards and mixing in his own brand of New Orleans funk.

NPR's Eric Weiner reports that the hottest item on the Japanese music scene is a duo that has adopted an ancient musical instrument called the Shamisan to produce an energetic sound that has elements of rock, flamenco and jazz, all punctuated with occasional grunts. The Yoshida brothers' appearance also is a bit of fusion -- their hair is dyed and spiked, but they dress in traditional kimonos. It's a look that especially seems to appeal to young Japanese women, who are normally faithful listeners of what's known as "J-Pop, " the synthetic sound that is so popular in today's Japan. (4:30) NOTE: The Yoshida Brothers recording is currently only available from Tower Records Japan's Website http://www.towerrecords.co.jp/int/index.html

Indie rocker Liz Phair debuted with fierce, funny and sometimes profane songs about her life. As her outlook got sunnier, so did her music. The change alienated some fans. Her latest CD has an edge some may remember.

On his latest album, the guitarist puts his funky jazz-rock stamp on compositions that nod to Al Green, Afro-pop and rhythm & blues, with a couple old collaborators in tow.

As far as band-naming conventions go, "Weekend" is the new word to pop up everywhere, following such ubiquitous band-name words as "Wolf" and "Crystal." Hear five very different Weekend bands here.

Patrick Radden Keefe's new book examines the "Rogues" of pop culture and why we're fascinated by them.

This week's show is an emotional roller coaster with highs courtesy of the electro-pop artists Grimes and Shmu, and lows from the English rock band Money.

As the nation ponders how to stop the next mass shooting, the gun rights movement offers one controversial answer: armed civilians. In 2005, one such private citizen tried to stop a mass shooting at a mall in Washington state — and paid a heavy price.

Jason Wright, the new president of the Washington Football Team, comes into his job after reports of widespread sexual harassment at the team. Wright talked with NPR about his plans for the team.

New York is set to legalize marijuana for adult, recreational use after Democrats struck a deal on the issue Saturday, with a vote expected next week from…