On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, we revisit our 2005 interview with Death Cab For Cutie’s Benjamin Gibbard and Chris Walla to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their game-changing album Plans.

Also featured, archived stuff from Sting, Rachael & Vilray, Aimee Mann and much more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Acoustic Café Playlist for August 3, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Under the Milky Way” – The Church
• “Jubilee” – The War & Treaty
• “The Farm” – HAIM
• “Love And Hate” – Natalie Jean
• “Even In The Evening” – Rachael & Vilray (2021 in-studio performance)
• “That’s Gonna Leave A Mark (acoustic)” – Molly Tuttle
• “Crooked Teeth” – Death Cab For Cutie (in-studio guests, 2005)
• “Brothers On A Hotel Bed” – Death Cab For Cutie (in-studio guests, 2005)
• “Sisters” – Southern Avenue
• “Can’t Win For Losing” – Cedric Burnside & Tierinii Jackson
• “Progress Of Man (Bitcoin & Cattle)” – Hayes Carll
• “You’re With Stupid Now” – Aimee Mann (2006 in-studio performance)
• “Keep On Tryin'” – Poco
• “I Need The Answer” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “The Way Of The World” – Noah Cyrus
• “These Days” – Tanner Usrey
• “California Zephyr” – Ben Gibbard & Jay Farrar (2009 in-studio performance)
• “Moon Over Bourbon Street” – Sting
• “Shape Of My Heart” – Sting (2024 in-studio performance)
• “In Good Trouble” – India Arie
• “The Flyboy & The Kid” – Willie Nelson
• “Photobooth” – Death Cab For Cutie (in-studio guests, 2005)
• “Soul Meets Body” – Death Cab For Cutie (in-studio guests, 2005)

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, more fond farewells this week for musical-comic genius Tom Lehrer and Tex-Mex legend Flaco Jimenez.

Also, new music from Detroit’s Carmel Liburdi and Ryan Allen, August album anniversaries, some Yacht Rock vinyl, and lots more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for August 2, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “New Math” – Tom Lehrer
  
• “Fresh” – Kool & The Gang + Prince Hakim
  
• “So Far Down” – Sloan
• “’92 Subaru” – Fountains Of Wayne
• “Company’s Eyes” – Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms
• “Elegantly Wasted” – Hermanos Gutierrez w/Leon Bridges
• “Elegantly Wasted” – INXS
  
• “Crush” – Indigo De Souza
  
• “Watch Me Go” – Lord Huron
• “Dime” – Silvana Estrada
• “Mind Loaded” – Blood Orange
• “Treason” – Nilufer Yanya
  
• “Carmelita” – Flaco Jimenez w/Dwight Yoakam

• “Miami 2017” – Billy Joel
  
• “Vienna” – Billy Joel
• “Big Money” – Jon Batiste
• “Can’t Get Enough (Detroit Funk Mix)” – Nick Behnan
  
• “Stupid Girl'” – Garbage (released August 1995)
  
• “R-O-C-K In The USA” – John Mellencamp (released August 1985)
• “L-O-V-E” – Al Green (released August 1975)
• “I Keep Forgetting” – Michael McDonald
  
• “If Not For Love” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “69” – Carmel Liburdi
• “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” – Alex Williams
• “Who’s Next” – Tom Lehrer

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Craig Finn returns as our guest to talk about the new solo album “Always Been,” his continuing work with his band The Hold Steady, and his continuing evolution as a writer.

Also featured, a new summertime song from Norah Jones & John Legend, new music from HAIM and Alison Krauss & Union Station and much more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Acoustic Café Playlist for July 21, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Pink Moon” – Glim’ring, Pigs On Corn
• “Limerence” – Lucy Dacus
• “The Field” – Blood Orange
• “Forever” – Alison Krauss & Union Station
• “Looking In The Eyes Of Love” – Alison Krauss & Union Station (1997 in-studio performance)
• “Plasticine” – The Lumineers
• “Like A Woman” – Lady Blackbird (2025 in-studio performance)
• “Bethany” – Craig Finn (in-studio guest)
• “People Of Substance” – Craig Finn (in-studio guest)
• “Lover’s Holiday” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “What To Make Of Me” – Olive Klug
• “Seven Tears” – Bruce Springsteen
• “Open All Night” – Aoife O’Donovan (2020 in-studio performance)
• “Love You Right” – HAIM
• “Someday We Won’t Live Here Anymore” – The Accidentals
• “Summertime Blue” – Norah Jones & John Legend
• “Jesus, Etc.” – Puss N Boots
• “Be Cool (demo)” – Joni Mitchell
• “Marcie” – Olivia Chaney (2010 in-studio performance)
• “The Other Side Of The Coin” – Solomon Burke
• “The Hammer & The Rose” – Matt Andersen (2025 in-studio performance)
•  “Back Where I Belong” – Britti
• “Crumbs” – Craig Finn (in-studio guest)
• “Shamrock” – Craig Finn (in-studio guest)

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, we welcome back Matt Andersen, playing songs from his new album, “Life Is Just A Vapor.” From New Brunswick, Andersen made the new album with Bahamas, creating a very different sound for this blues rock singer-songwriter.

Also featured, a fun ’80s metal cover, in-studio archives from I’m With Her, Keb’ Mo’, Jack Johnson and more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Acoustic Café Playlist for July 13, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Time After Time” – Cassandra Wilson
• “Make Out In My Car” – Moses Sumney w/Sufjan Stevens
• “Carrie & Lowell” – Sufjan Stevens
• “Blood On The Street” – Haim
• “Wild And Clear And Blue” – I’m With Her (2025 in-studio performance)
• “Round And Round” – The Meat Purveyors
• “The Hammer & The Rose” – Matt Andersen (in-studio guest)
• “Tonight Belongs To You” – Matt Andersen (in-studio guest)
• “Holy Smoke” – Maren Morris
• “Ohio’s Ugly” – CAAMP
• “What Nashville Was” – Ketch Secor
• “Wagon Wheel” – Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers (2005 in-studio performance)
• “Lost Changes” – Beth Gibbons
• “Blind” – SZA
• “Love Interruption” – Jack White (happy 50th birthday)
• “Rough Time Blues” – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
• “Don’t You Know” – Keb’ Mo’ (2000 in-studio performance)
• “Songbird” – Waylon Jennings
• “Tuesday” – Jensen McRae
• “Rodeo Clown” – Ken Pomeroy
•  “Rodeo Clowns” – Jack Johnson (2004 in-studio performance)
• “Can’t Help Me” – H.E.R.
• “table for two” – aron!
• “Countin’ Quarters” – Matt Andersen (in-studio guest)
• “Always Be Your Son” – Matt Andersen (in-studio guest)

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, I’m thrilled to share my personal Song of the Summer!

Plus, some cool folks are celebrating milestone birthdays in July, turning 30, 40, 50, 80 and Ringo Starr who just turned 85!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for July 12, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Summer Breeze” – The Mighty Rootsmen
  
• “The Look Of Love” – Isaac Hayes
  
• “Capable Of Anything” – Ben Folds & The National Symphony Orchestra
• “No More” – Tanika Charles
• “Sunburn” – JR JR
• “Archbishop Harold Holmes” – Jack White (turning 50)
• ” ” – The Japanese House (Amber Bain turning 30)
  
• “This Year” – Emily King (turning 40)
• “Going Solo” – Ray Davies (solo debut released 40 years ago this week)
• “Living On A Thin Line” – The Kinks
  
• “Better Broken” – Sarah McLachlan
• “My Love” – Hannah Jadagu
• “Don’t Pass Me By” – The Beatles (Ringo’s first original song)
• “Breathless” – Ringo Starr with Billy Strings (Ringo turning 85)

• “Big Money” – Jon Batiste (my Song Of The Summer)
  
• “Be Your Lady” – Galactica & Irma Thomas
• “Can’t Get Enough (Detroit Funk Mix)” – Nick Behnan
• “That Lady” – The Isley Brothers
• “Down To The River” – The War & Treaty
  
• “Time Spent In Los Angeles'” – Dawes (Taylor Goldsmith turning 40)
• “One Way Or Another” – Blondie (Debby Harry turning 80)
• “All I Really Want To Do” – Valerie June
• “You Gotta Serve Somebody” – Mavis Staples (at The Aretha next week)
• “Wreck” – Neko Case
• “Be Cool (demo)” – Joni Mitchell
• “Tea Leaf Prophecy” – Herbie Hancock w/Joni Mitchell

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, lots of new music from Detroiters Carmel Liburdi, Kate Hinote Trio and Jack Spivey,

Plus, recognizing a couple artists who recently passed, some protest songs for Fourth of July weekend and more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for July 5, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Sleeves Up” – Crys Matthews
  
• “We March” – Prince
  
• “If Not For Love” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “If She Could See Me Now” – Lorde
• “Cemetery Road” – Kate Hinote Trio
• “Theme From Mannix” – Lalo Shiffrin (died June 26)
• “Ready For Love” – Mott The Hoople (Mick Ralphs, died June 23)
  
• “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” – Aretha Franklin (released 40 years ago this month)
• “Back In Time” – Huey Lewis & The News (released 40 years ago this week)
• “The Field” – Blood Orange
  
• “Devil I Know” – Kylee Phillips

• “Americans” – Janelle Monae
  
• “America” – Tracy Chapman
• “69” – Carmel Liburdi
• “Amber (11 AM)” – Cautious Clay
• “Forget My Name – Jack Spivey (ft. Sami Ray)
  
• “Cruisin'” – D’Angelo (released 30 years ago this month)
• “Chicago” – Sufjan Stevens (released 20 years ago this month)
• “From” – Bon Iver
• “Who’ll Stand With Us?” – Dropkick Murphys
• “When Will We Be Paid” – The Staple Singers
  
• “Bye Bye 25” – Kim Gordon
• “It Keeps The Lights On” – The Accidentals
• “I Need You” – Jon Batiste

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, we reconnect with Paul Thorn! We first met Paul in 1997 when he made his debut (after a brief career as a nationally ranked middle-weight fighter). Paul just turned 60, and is still making music, including his 12th album called “Life Is Just A Vapor.”

Also featured, acoustic Prince and a Prince cover, archive stuff from Amy Ray, Joan Armatrading, Ani DiFranco and more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Acoustic Café Playlist for July 6, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Everybody Laughs” – David Byrne
• “Tomboy” – Maia Sharp
• “I’ll Go Anywhere” – Mustafa
• “Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing” – Ken Pomeroy
• “Shapes & Sizes” – Joan Armatrading (1995 in-studio performance)
• “Free (acoustic)” – Prince
• “Little Red Corvette” – Steve Poltz (1999 in-studio performance)
• “Chicken Wing” – Paul Thorn (in-studio guest)
• “Life Is Just A Vapor” – Paul Thorn (in-studio guest)
• “Nose On The Grindstone” – Tyler Childers
• “bare” — vraell
• “Against All Odds” – Mark Erelli
• “Why Should The Fire Die?” – Nickel Creek (2005 in-studio performance)
• “Hold On” – Leon Bridges
• “Smooth Sailing” – Leon Bridges
• “Suture Up You Future” – QOTSA
• “Old Devil Moon” – dodie
• “A Mighty Thing” – Amy Ray (2023 in-studio performance)
• “Paris (Ooh La La) (acoustic)” – Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
• “Lucky Love” – Jon Muq
• “Needle In The Hay” – Elliott Smith
•  “Worthy” – Ani Difranco (1995 in-studio performance)
• “Promises (9 AM) — Cautious Clay
• “Wait” – Paul Thorn (in-studio guest)
• “Old Melodies” – Paul Thorn (in-studio guest)

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, it’s the annual Canada Day Show, ahead of the July 1 holiday.

“Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder.”

– Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for June 28, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “The Canadian Dream” – Sam Roberts Band
  
• “Baseball” – Sara Dufour
  
• “Red Future” – Snotty Nose Rez Kids
• “The Cobbler” – Matt Andersen
• “Consistency” – Tanika Charles
• “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” – The Guess Who
• “Dopamine” – Jon Vinyl
• “Canadian” – Billy Raffoul
  
• “Mhepo” – Munya Mataruse
• “Total Cinema” – Ken Yates
• “Girls Like You” – Sofia Camara
  
• “Yellow” – Tegan & Sara
• “Human Nature” – Sloan
• “Rolodex” – Logan Richard
  

• “Better Broken” – Sarah McLachlan
  
• “Home” – Aysanabee
• “Listen2Me” – foxwarren
• “Poets” – Tragically Hip
• “Eleanor Rigby” – Oscar Peterson
  
• “Life Is A Highway” – Tom Cochrane
  
• “Walking In Sunshine” – Brandon Isaac
  
• “Nothing Is Perfect” – Metric
  
• “My People” – AHI
  
• “The Night Loves Us” – Alan Doyle
• Qujannamiik” – The Jerry Cans
• “Pour que tu m’aimes encore” – Celine Dion
• “Acadian Driftwood” – The Band

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Jensen McRae joins us in the studio for songs from her second release, “I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!” Starting her career just before the pandemic, Jensen is now reflecting on life and love in her late 20s.

Also featured, some songs from the COVID Summer of 2020, and in-studio archives from The Head & The Heart in 2013, Nilufer Yanya in 2018 and Kathleen Edwards in 2002!

See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Acoustic Café Playlist for June 29, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Back At The Start” – Patty Griffin
• “Fly” – Patty Griffin
• “Sioux Falls” – Wild Horses
• “The Darkness Gets The Best Of You” – The Devil Makes Three
• “Human Touch” – Kathleen Edwards
• “Mercury” – Kathleen Edwards (2003 in-studio performance)
• “Savannah” – Jensen McRae (in-studio guest)
• “Novelty” – Jensen McRae (in-studio guest)
• “My Darling My Dear” – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
• “Eggs In The Morning” – aron!
• “Punisher” – Phoebe Bridgers (June, 2020)
• “That’s The Way The World Goes Round” – Norah Jones (June 2020)
• “A Bus Ain’t A Home” – Luke Tyler Shelton
• “Living And Dying And In Between” – CAAMP
• “Rushmere” – Mumford & Sons
• “Butchered Tongue” – Hozier
• “Chase Me” – Nilufer Yanya (2022 in-studio performance)
• “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” – I’m With Her
• “Robin’s Egg” – Iron & Wine + I’m With Her
• “After The Setting Sun” – The Head And The Heart
• “Let’s Be Still” – “After The Setting Sun” – The Head And The Heart (2013 in-studio performance)
•  “Dopamine” – Jon Vinyl
• “Let Me Be Wrong” – Jensen McRae (in-studio guest)
• “Praying For Your Downfall” – Jensen McRae (in-studio guest)

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, it’s back to The Leon Loft for another session with The Devil Makes Three! The band recently released their first album in about seven years, titled “Spirits,” and played some of the new tunes at The Loft back in May.

Also featured, a new collection of Elliott Smith covers is on the way, The White Stripes‘ acoustic classic, performances from Jill Sobule, Cowboy Junkies, Mon Rovia and more.

See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Acoustic Café Playlist for June 22, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “And She Was” – David Byrne & Caetano Veloso
• “Little Ghost” – The White Stripes
• “Lost In Translation” – Uwade
• “Wild And Clear And Blue”  – I’m With Her
• “Rake” – Cowboy Junkies (2023 in-studio performance)
• “I Kissed A Girl” – Jill Sobule
• “Que Sera Sera” – Jill Sobule (1997 in-studio performance)
• “Half As High” – The Devil Makes Three (in-studio guests)
• “Ghosts Are Real” – The Devil Makes Three (in-studio guests)
• “4+20” – The Wandering Hearts
• “S P E Y S I D E” – Bon Iver
• “Cold War” – Olive Klug
• “Rust” – Mon Rovia (2025 in-studio performance)
• “Room On The Porch” – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo w/Ruby Amanfu
• “Green Green Rocky Road” – Muireann Bradley
• “But Not For Me” – Grant Perez
• “Do What Feeds Your Soul” – Kyshona (2022 in-studio performance)
• “Tomorrow Tomorrow” – Brad Mehldau & Daniel Rossen
• “Shadow In The Frame” – Daniel Rossen (2023 in-studio performance)
• “Independence Day” – Elliott Smith
• “No Champagne (6 AM)” – Cautious Clay
•  “Holding On” – The Devil Makes Three (in-studio guests)
• “Spirits” –The Devil Makes Three (in-studio guests)
• “The Devil Wins” – The Devil Makes Three (in-studio guests)