First listen: Alabama Shakes

I don't get the backlash against Alabama Shakes (here's just one example). The band is getting lots of hype because its soulful, bluesy rock is really good.

NPR is offering a free steam of Alabama Shakes' debut album "Boys and Girls" before its retail release on April 10. "Boys and Girls" isn't perfect, but it's a dynamic 36-minute debut that captures a young band with lots of upside.

The surprising roots of heavy metal

Heavy metal is a musical genre that's often maligned by critics and mainstream listeners as being stoopid and all flash, no substance. But hardcore fans -- even casual ones like me -- find music that's heavily layered, lyrically complex, physically complex, and ultimately, challenging. 

VH1 Classic's "Metal Evolution" is an excellent series that documents heavy metal and hard rock, and well worth watching. Of particular worthiness is Episode 1, in which host Sam Dunn traces the roots of metal and hard rock to classical, blues, even opera music. 

It's a fascinating study suggesting that in its base form, heavy metal isn't too disconnected from "heavy music," as classical music often strives to be. 

So this blind guy is driving a car ...

As you probably know, Google has been safely testing cars that drive themselves.

Why? The reasons are many but include dramatically reducing traffic congestion, saving gasoline, reducing the need for everyone to own a car -- and allow blind people to keep some of their independence.