In Mexico and the Southwestern United States, the cheery sound of drug ballads belies dark, explicit stories of drug lords and the cocaine trade. This popular genre is often accompanied by violence. Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Many iconic songs are preserved in the National Recording Registry. The Registry also preserves speeches and radio broadcasts -- but how exactly are these recordings chosen? Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Psychologists have determined that certain types of music can raise or lower stress levels -- but can this practice work in an airport? Listen in and learn more Stuff From the B-Side in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

The tabla is an extraordinarily popular percussion instrument in India, capable of producing a surprising variety of sounds. Tune in for a closer look at the history, techniques and modern use of the tabla in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Music therapy is often used to soothe and calm people -- but some believe music can also be used to help individuals on the autism spectrum. Join Mark and John as they take a closer look at music and autism in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Musicians are masters of memorization. Members of jazz groups and orchestras must often play long pieces that require a surprising level of concentration and recall. Tune in and learn more about music and memory in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

With digital sales becoming the new norm for music purchases, the compact disc is certainly endangered, and may become extinct. Join John and Mark as they pick a few CDs that music fans should hold onto in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

A good soundtrack can often make the difference between an above-average film and a cinematic masterpiece. Tune in as Mark and John review some of Hollywood's greatest film scores in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Hip hop has often been haunted by a reputation for violence, especially when it comes to the practice of beef, or conflicts between performers. Tune in and learn more about hip-hop's most notorious (and tragic) beef in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Most people recognize the theremin as that weird noise during the chorus of the Beach Boys' song "Good Vibrations." Join Mark and John as they take a closer look at the strange sound of the theremin in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.