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All Songs Considered

English, Music, 1 season, 509 episodes, 6 days, 8 hours, 15 minutes
About
Hosts/nerds Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton are your friendly music buddies with the week's best new music discoveries, including conversations with emerging artists, icons and more. Hear songs that can completely change your day, with humor, heart and (sometimes) a whole lot of noise. Directions for use: Morning commute, the gym, or alone time. (If rash persists, discontinue use.)
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 25

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the week's most compelling new releases. Featured albums:• Amythyst Kiah, Still + Bright• Soccer Mommy, Evergreen• Laura Marling, Patterns in Repeat• Elmiene, Anyway I Can• Anna Butterss, Mighty VertebratePlus: A discussion of unconventional album release strategies.Check out the complete list of albums out Oct. 25 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/25/202447 minutes, 4 seconds
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Alt.Latino's new music round-up: Elsa y Elmar, Alih Jey and Little Jesus

Anamaria Sayre brings some exciting new sounds coming out Mexico City (while recording from Mexico City) including sweet new music from Colombian artist Elsa Y Elmar, while Felix Contreras shares new jazz-classical out of Barcelona and more.Songs featured in this episode:•Elsa y Elmar, "Palacio"•Alih Jey, "Luz de Gas"•Little Jesus, "Tierra Llamando A Sant"•Lucia Fumero, "Folklore II"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/23/202424 minutes, 11 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 19: The songs we can't stop playing this week

We debate the pros and cons of small-town living through the music of Christian Lee Hutson, Youth Lagoon, Bartees Strange and more in our biweekly update of the year's best songs.Featured artists and songs:1. Christian Lee Hutson: "Carousel Horses," from Paradise Pop. 102. Youth Lagoon: "My Beautiful Girl" (single)3. Memorials: "Cut It Like A Diamond," from Memorial Waterslides4. Bartees Strange: "Sober," from Horror5. Sam Phillips: "I Wanted To Be Alone," from A Boot And A Shoe (20th anniversary edition)6. Immanuel Wilkins: "MOTION" (feat. June McDoom) from Blues BloodEnjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.Questions, comments, suggetions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/22/202443 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 18

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce are your guides to this week's most compelling new musical offerings. For October 18, their selections include an array of ambitious, melodic and emotional new albums spanning genres. Plus: celebrating the arrival of a new music website and considering what drives us to write and talk about music in the first place.Featured albums:• Joy Oladokun, 'Observations From a Crowded Room'• CKay, 'EMOTIONS'• Kelly Lee Owens, 'Dreamstate'• Porridge Radio, 'Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me'• Bon Iver, 'SABLE,'Check out our longer list of albums out Oct. 18 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/18/202454 minutes, 36 seconds
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Celebrating the legacy of Celia Cruz

To celebrate the release of a new book from NPR Music, How Women Made Music, as well as the 50th anniversary this year of the album Celia & Johnny, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre walk through their favorite songs by the legendary Celia Cruz, alongside the artist's niece Linda Pritchett. Songs featured in this episode:• Celia Cruz, "Bemba Colorá"• Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, "Yiri Yiri Bon"• Celia Cruz, "La Negra Tiene Tumbao"• Celia Cruz, "Quimbara"• Celia Cruz, "Cuando Salí de Cuba"• Celia Cruz, "La vida es un carnaval"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/16/202433 minutes, 32 seconds
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The most terrifying film scores of all time

We celebrate spooky season with an unnerving mix of songs from our favorite horror movie scores, including The Shining, Under The Skin, Hereditary and more.Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] songs and films:1. Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind: "Main Title" and "Clockworks (Bloody Elevators)," from The Shining2. Mark Korven: "The Goat & The Mayhem," from The Witch3. Goblin: "Sighs," from Suspiria4. Hildur Guǒnadóttir: "The Door," from Chernobyl5. John Carpenter: "Main Title," from Halloween6. Colin Stetson: "Mothers & Daughters," from Hereditary7. Mica Levi: "Lipstick To Void," from Under the Skin8. Cristobal Tapia De Veer: "Laura Smile," from Smile9. Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow: "The Alien," from Annihilation10. Bobby Krlic: "Gassed," from MidsommarLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/15/202445 minutes, 30 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 11

The rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll, who has had a major breakthrough in Nashville in the last couple of years, leads the pack of the most exciting albums out on Friday, October 11. As NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and WRTI's Nate Chinen discuss, his new album Beautifully Broken is a powerful (and sometimes overwhelming) portrait of recovery and empathy for those grappling with addiction.Also on the show this week: The second album from punk teens The Linda Lindas feels like confirmation of a promising career; Samara Joy and Immanuel Wilkins put two different approaches to the modern jazz vocal album on display; E L U C I D combines influences from Miles Davis to Public Enemy into a harrowing experience of modern indie rap and Charli XCX's remix album leads us to consider the tradition of artists reworking their own songs.Featured albums:• Jelly Roll, 'Beautifully Broken'• The Linda Lindas, 'No Obligation'• Samara Joy, 'Portrait'• Immanuel Wilkins, 'Blues Blood'• E L U C I D, 'REVELATOR'Check out our long list of albums out Oct. 11 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/11/202452 minutes, 42 seconds
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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Rosalía, Twanguero and Wyatt Flores

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are back with a new music show, featuring Rosalía, Helado Negro, Wyatt Flores and more.Songs featured in this episode:• Twanguero, "Rumba #2"• Twanguero, "La Leyenda de Cañaveral"• Rosalía, "Omega (feat. Ralphie Choo)"• Wyatt Flores, "Oh Susanna"• Helado Negro, pablopablo, "Lejos De Más"• Troker, "El Novio (Versión Mariachi)"• Los Sufridos, Bad Gyal, "Duro de Verdad pt. 2"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/9/202431 minutes, 40 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 18: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Reflections on regret from beabadoobee and Bon Iver, deep sonic meditations from Nala Sinephro and Jill Fraser, and more updates to our running list of the year's best songs.Featured songs and artists:1. beabadoobee: "California," from This is How Tomorrow Moves2. Bon Iver: "S P E Y S I D E," from SABLE3. Mabe Fratti: "Kravitz," from Sentir que no sabe4. Jem: "Come On Closer," from Finally Woken (20th Anniversary Remastered Edition)5. Nala Sinephro: "Continuum 3," from Endlessness6. Jill Fraser: "Beautiful Summer," from Earthly PleasuresEnjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/8/202450 minutes, 28 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 4

NPR Music's Lars Gotrich and Sheldon Pearce round up the most exciting albums out this Friday, and reflect on the history of instrumental music as protest.Featured albums:• The Smile, 'Cutouts'• Blood Incantation, 'Absolute Elsewhere'• Half Waif, 'Meet Me at the Maypole'• Darius Jones, 'Legend of e'Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye)'• Yasmin Williams, 'Acadia'• Godspeed You! Black Emperor, 'NO​ ​TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28​,​340 DEAD'Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] a longer list of new albums out Oct. 4 and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/4/202438 minutes, 44 seconds
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The songs we can't stop playing on repeat

Alt.Latino is usually all about sharing new music across Latin America, but what about the older cuts Ana and Felix are obsessed with?On this episode, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras share the music they've been playing on repeat, from beloved classics by greats like Ella Fitzgerald to surprising new discoveries out of Mexico like Paloma Morphy.Songs featured in this episode:•Paloma Morphy, "me faltas tú"•George Shearing Quintet, "Juana Palangana"•Carin León and Bolela, "Aviso importante"•Chick Corea Trio, "Spain"•Alex Ferreira, "Un Cariñito"•Alex Ferreira, "Un Cariñito (Versión Acústica)"•Ella Fitzgerald, "Angel Eyes"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/2/202435 minutes, 34 seconds
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'How Women Made Music'

How Women Made Music, a new book out now from NPR, considers what the canon of popular music would look like without men.On this episode, we dig into the book and talk about the greatest albums and songs by women and other marginalized voices, with NPR Music's Ann Powers, contributor Marissa Lorusso and host Robin Hilton.Questions, comments, suggestions and feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/1/202442 minutes, 42 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 27

As NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers discuss on this week's episode, there's a thread of loss running through some of the most notable, thrilling albums out on September 27. From the self-titled, posthumous album by the Scottish electronic producer SOPHIE to the harsh, alien sounds created by Alan Sparhawk on White Roses, My God, his first solo album following the death of his wife Mimi Parker, who was also his musical partner for decades in the great band Low, tributes to loved ones lost and voices from the beyond abound. Plus: The star-studded debut album from Toronto poet and songwriter Mustafa, an adventurous bluegrass album (emphasis on grass) by roots champ Billy Strings, reliably adventurous R&B from Bilal and another posthumous release, the final release from the beloved electronic act Broadcast.Feedback, questions, comments or any suggestions always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/27/20241 hour, 2 minutes, 14 seconds
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Alt.Latino talks all the surprise nominations for the 2024 Latin Grammys

Wait a minute — does Alt.Latino actually agree with a lot of the Latin Recording Academy's nominations this year?Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through as many of the whopping 58 categories as they can in this episode dissecting the nominations for the upcoming ceremony.Songs featured in this episode:•Grupo Frontera, "CANSADO DE SUFRIR"•Grupo Frontera and Yahritza y Su Esencia, "LAS FLORES"•Grupo Frontera and Christian Nodal, "Ya Pedo Quién Sabe"•Dayme Arocena, "A fuego lento"•Hamilton de Holanda, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, "Saudade, Saudade"•Kali Uchis and Karol G, "Labios Mordidos"•Karol G, "MI EX TENÍA RAZÓN"•Latin Mafia, "Julieta"•Kevin Aguilar, "Bonita"•Nicolle Horbath, "Carmen"•Nicole Horts, "Bitch3"•Ana Frango Elétrico, "Dela"•Angélica Olivo, Juan Pablo Contreras, and Orquesta Latino Mexicana, "La Minerva - III. Himno a la Mujer"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/25/202447 minutes, 24 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 17: The songs we can't stop playing this week

We update our running list of the year's best songs with a slice of pop perfection from Oso Oso, harrowing sounds from Colin Stetson, a blissful journey with composer Christopher Rountree and more.Featured songs and artists:1. Oso Oso: "dog without its bark," from life till bones2. Christopher Rountree: "Almanac," from 3BPM3. Colin Stetson: "Hollowing," from The love it took to leave you4. Emily D'Angelo: "Freezing," from Freezing5. Lia Kohl: "Tennis Court Light, Snow," from Normal Sounds6. Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari, from Revolución DiamantinaQuestions, comments, suggestions or any feedback at all always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/24/202451 minutes, 37 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 20

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Lars Gotrich provide a guide the most exciting new releases out today. This week, the selections include some recordings that are new and some that are as much as a half-century old, verging on mythological. The producer Jamie xx began his career as a teenager making beats for the moody electronic band The xx. His solo recordings, including the new album In Waves, have tapped into a higher energy and a wider range of sounds. The saxophonist Nubya Garcia's new album, Odyssey, is as adventurous as the title sounds. And the Kansas City-based Blackstarkids swing between electronic pop, hip-hop and indie rock sounds that feel like they stepped off a time machine directly from the 1990s. Plus: A pair of releases that package previously unreleased material by Bob Dylan and Galaxie 500 sparks a conversation about bootlegs, alternate versions and other rare and unreleased favorites.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/20/20241 hour, 8 minutes, 24 seconds
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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Manu Chao, Linda Diaz and Solo Fernández

This week on Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras talk about an exciting new album from Manu Chao on the way — his first in 17 years — and their favorite recent songs from artists like the Dominican indie rock band Solo Fernández, ethereal pop from Tiny Desk Contest Winner Linda Diaz and more.Songs featured in this episode:•Janiero feat. André Viamonte, "LEGO"•Manu Chao, "São Paulo Motoboy"•Solo Fernández, "TELESCOPIO"•Solo Fernández, "BROOKLYN"•Solo Fernández, "TÚ NUNCA DEJARÁS DE SER POESÍA"•Linda Diaz feat. Solomon Fox, "Watching Ourselves Die"•Julieta Rada, "Baile del Candombe"•Amaia Miranda, "Mientras vivas brilla"•Nick Drake, "Pink Moon"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/18/202435 minutes, 46 seconds
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Arcade Fire's 'Funeral' at 20

We look back at Arcade Fire's monumental debut album, why it was so special, the ways it changed the musical landscape, and how it sounds two decades later. Questions, comments or any feedback at all always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/17/202443 minutes, 50 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 13

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the best music out this Friday, Sept. 13, including the 10th studio album by Miranda Lambert. Postcards From Texas is a new chapter for the onetime Nashville Star contestant who has become one of that industry town's most reliable songwriters and stars — and also a return to her home state.There's more, including a album by Robyn Hitchcock made up mostly of covers of songs from 1967, a year he describes as "a portal between childhood and the adult world." Plus: three ambitious albums by indie faves stretching their sounds, and a consideration of the way the classic "outlaw" label applies to the careers of women who break the rules.Featured albums:• Miranda Lambert, Postcards from Texas• Nilüfer Yanya, My Method Actor• Foxing, Foxing• Robyn Hitchcock, 1967: Vacations in the Past• My Brightest Diamond, Fight the Real TerrorFor the complete list of albums out Sept. 13 and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/13/202448 minutes, 37 seconds
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Alt.Latino's 'El Tiny' takeover is back — and this year it's all about love

'El Tiny' season at the Tiny Desk launches next week and this year it's all about love — familial and romantic, with drama fit for a telenovela. Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras preview this year's line-up, sharing a sneak peek at what 2024's 'El Tiny' has to offer.Songs featured in this episode:•Juanes, "Mala Gente"•Juanes, "A Dios Le Pido"•Ivan Cornejo, "Ya Te Perdí"•Okan, "La Reina Del Norte"•Eladio Carrión, "Mama's Boy"•Daniel, Me Estás Matando, "Lo Hice, Te Dejé"•Danny Ocean, "Me Rehúso"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/11/202422 minutes, 18 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 16: The songs we can't stop playing this week

We update our running list of the year's best songs with the shapeshifting rock of Caleb Landry Jones, Angélica Garcia's dystopian grooves, a searing look at infidelity from Damien Jurado and more.Featured songs and artists:1. Caleb Landry Jones: "Hey Dawn," from Hey Gary, Hey Dawn2. Angélica Garcia: "El Que," from Gemelo3. Damien Jurado & The Fremont Abbeye: "Sheets ('24)," from Sheets ('24)4. Laura Marling: "Patterns," from Patterns In Repeat5. Carlos Ares: "Cigarra," from Peregrino6. Melt-Banana: "Stopgap," from 3+5Feedback, questions, comments or suggestions always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/10/202443 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 6

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers take you on a tour of the most exciting albums out Friday, Sept. 6Featured albums:• LL Cool J, 'The FORCE'• MJ Lenderman, 'Manning Fireworks'• Nala Sinephro, 'Endlessness'• The Dare, 'What's Wrong with New York?'• Toro Y Moi, 'Hole Erth'For the complete list of new albums out this week and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/6/20241 hour, 3 minutes, 22 seconds
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New music from Alt.Latino

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras play some of their favorite new songs from the last few months, featuring globe-spanning electronica from Colombian producer Sinego, border-crossing new music from La Doña, nuanced salsa from Spanish Harlem Orchestra and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/4/202431 minutes, 36 seconds
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Fall preview 2024

We look ahead to the final big push of releases for 2024, with fall albums from Mount Eerie, SOPHIE, Soccer Mommy, a newly discovered Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan recording and more.Featured albums:1. SOPHIE: SOPHIE2. Mount Eerie: Night Palace3. Dua Saleh: I Should Call Them4. Kim Deal: Nobody Loves You More5. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Chain Of Light6. Soccer Mommy: Evergreen7. Katie Gavin: What A Relief8. Oliver Coates: Throb, shiver, arrow of time9. Nubya Garcia: OdysseyOther most-anticipated releases for fall 2024:Bright Eyes: Five Dice, All ThreesJamie xx: In WavesThurston Moore: Flow Critical LucidityAlan Sparhawk: White Roses, My GodBilly Strings: Highway PrayersChristian Lee Hutson: Paradise Pop. 10Mickey Guyton: House On FireBroadcast: Distant Call - Collected Demos 2000-2006Dawn Richard, Spencer Zahn: Quiet in a World Full of NoiseOrla Gartland: Everybody Needs a HeroYasmin Williams: AcadiaThe Linda Lindas: No ObligationJapandroids: Fate & AlcoholLaura Marling: Patterns in RepeatPixies: The Night the Zombies CameCharley Crockett: Visions of Dallas Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/3/202442 minutes, 40 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 30

You know that mind-expanding feeling when an album — even one that fits solidly in a familiar genre — gives you something that feels brand new? This week on New Music Friday from All Songs Considered, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers find an abundance of brand new records that push boundaries.These ambitious albums, all out on August 30, 2024, represent a range of styles, energies and motivations, from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' sweeping rock epic Wild God to the irrepressible bounce of Doechii's shape-shifting Alligator Bites Never Heal to Laurie Anderson's Amelia, obsessed with the minutia of flight mechanics but capable of inducing swooning emotions as it puts the listener in the cockpit for the final flight of the album's namesake aviation pioneer.Plus: In the face of all these huge artistic swings, Ann and Daoud consider the state of art-rock, a musical category that has meant many different things to many different listeners over the years.Featured Albums:• Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Wild God• Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal• Enumclaw, Home In Another Life• Ellen Reid, Big Majestic• Laurie Anderson, Amelia• Jon Hopkins, RitualOther notable albums out August 30:• Emily D'Angelo, Freezing• Big Sean, Better Me Than You• Shemekia Copeland, Blame It on Eve• Tycho, Infinite Health• Zedd, Telos• Tank & the Bangas, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul• Caleb Caudle, Sweet Critters• Amy Rigby, Hang in There With Me• Noah Kahan, Stick Season (Live From Fenway Park)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/30/202456 minutes, 27 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 15: The songs we can't stop playing this week

The latest update to our running list of the year's best songs includes tips for staying engaged, being happy and letting go from Arooj Aftab, Great Grandpa, Japandroids and more.Featured artists and songs:1. Arooj Aftab: "Raat Ki Rani," from Night Reign2. The Smile: "Don't Get Me Started" (Single)3. Japandroids: "D&T," from Fate & Alcohol4. Peter Cat Recording Co.: "I Deny Me," from Beta5. Great Grandpa: "Kid" (Single)6. Yasmin Williams: "Virga (feat. Darlingside)," from AcadiaLike the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review in Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. Questions, comments or any other feedback always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/27/202447 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 23

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Sheldon Pearce are your guides to seven anticipated albums out Aug. 23. During the second half of the episode, the two dig into the mercurial nature of the album format in 2024.Featured albums:- Sabrina Carpenter, 'Short n' Sweet'- Lainey Wilson, 'Whirlwind'- Illuminati hotties, 'POWER'- Fontaines D.C., 'Romance'- Heems, 'Veena'- Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, 'Woodland'- Magdalena Bay, 'Imaginal Disk'See the longer list of albums out August 23 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/23/202449 minutes, 54 seconds
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The sound of Venezuelan protest music over the last 30 years

Over the past month thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets to protest the disputed election of president Nicolás Maduro, while Venezuelan artists like Danny Ocean use music to reflect on this political moment. But Ocean's work is just one data point in a long history of music from Venezuela that embodies the political opinions and emotions of those within the country and the diaspora.On this week's episode, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are joined by producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento to walk through crucial moments in Venezuela's political history over the last 30 years, and the music that soundtracked it.Songs featured in this episode:•Yordano, "Por estas calles"•Carlos Baute, "Yo me quedo en Venezuela"•Canserbero, "Es Épico"•Danny Ocean, "Me Rehúso"•Apache, "Rompiendo el Hielo"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney, with editorial support from Hazel Cills, Zach Thompson, Tony Cavin and Didi Schanche. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/21/202423 minutes, 8 seconds
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Nick Cave on the encounters that brought him to 'Wild God'

On August 30, the Australian-born rock titan Nick Cave will release Wild God, a new album with his band The Bad Seeds. It's a high point in Cave's career, and NPR Music's Ann Powers spoke with him about the struggles — personal, musical and religious — he faced on the road to making the album. Wild God is filled with songs about encounters with the divine, which does not always take a benevolent form. And it follows a decade in which Cave, having publicly faced tragedy in his own life, has evolved from post-punk's louchest fallen angel into a revered figure among his audience in a new way: a dignified seeker whose courage and wisdom resounds beyond musical boundaries thanks to advice he has shared in interviews, writing projects and public appearances. Perhaps it's not surprising that so many of the songs reckon with the moment of revelation or transformation, or the demand for conversion from a As for the state of his own religious conviction, Cave says that the struggle is the point: "I would say I'm in the process of conversion," he tells Powers. Wherever he is on that road, he's found something ecstatic to share.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/20/20241 hour, 42 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 16

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Hazel Cills give you a quick rundown of the most notable albums out Friday, Aug. 16, including Post Malone's country project, F-1 Trillion, Tinashe's seventh LP Quantum Baby, and Charly Bliss's first new record in five years.Featured Albums:- Tinashe, Quantum Baby- Post Malone, F-1 Trillion- Charly Bliss, Forever- Morgan Wade, Obsessed- Starflyer 59, Lust For Gold- Palehound, Live at First Congregational ChurchVisit https://npr.org/music to see the longer list of Aug. 16 releases and stream our New Music Friday playlist.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/16/202446 minutes, 7 seconds
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The funniest songs of all time

"Weird Al" Yankovic helps curate a mix of some of the funniest songs of all time, from classics like Tom Lehrer's "The Elements," to more fringe discoveries from The Hazzards, Tonio K. and more.Note: This episode originally ran on Apr. 9, 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/13/202450 minutes, 4 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out August 9

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers survey the new albums out August 9, ranging from Ravyn Lenae's focused R&B to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's scuzzed-up glam-rock and an elegant solo piano album recorded by Japanese pop star and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto just months before his death in 2023. Plus: A new album made by 39-year-old American bassist esperanza spalding and 81-year-old Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento leads to a discussion of collaborations across generations.Featured Albums:• Ravyn Lenae, Bird's Eye• Beabadoobee, This Is How Tomorrow Moves• King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Flight b741• Latto, Sugar Honey Iced Tea• Ryuichi Sakamoto, Opus• Oso Oso, Life Till Bones• Thee Marloes, Perak• Milton Nascimento & esperanza spalding, Milton + esperanzaLinks: • Sidney Madden's interview with Latto from season 2 of Louder Than A Riot• Ann Powers reviews Zach Bryan's Springsteen-mythologizing album The Great American Bar Scene• Watch a Tiny Desk (Home) concert by Milton Nascimento and esperanza spalding recorded in Nascimento's living room in Rio de JaneiroLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/9/202453 minutes, 39 seconds
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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Danny Ocean, Girl Ultra and Superfónicos

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre run through their favorite new music, including new work from Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean in the midst of the country's political crisis, Girl Ultra leaning into her techno side, funky, electro-cumbia from Superfónicos and more.Songs featured in this episode:•Superfónicos, "Renaceré"•Girl Ultra, "lalala"•Fuerza Regida, "TUQLO"•Danny Ocean, "por la pequeña Venecia"•Lisa Morales, "Hermanitas in the Rain"•Jazz Orishas, "Deniye"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/7/202430 minutes, 17 seconds
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The golden age of slacker rock

Thirty years after the release of Beck's "Loser," we look back at its impact on the rise of slacker rock and how we still hear its influence today.Note: This episode originally ran on Feb. 27, 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/6/202459 minutes, 3 seconds
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The golden age of slacker rock

Thirty years after the release of Beck's "Loser," we look back at its impact on the rise of slacker rock and how we still hear its influence today.Note: This episode originally ran on Feb. 27, 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/6/202459 minutes, 3 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out August 2

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce dig deep into the latest release by bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, who, more than 30 years into her career, continues to melt the boundaries between genres. Her latest album, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, is being released on the centennial of the birth of the author and activist, and overflows with musical, political and historical ideas.Daoud and Sheldon also share new albums and EPs by Khalid, Orville Peck, Moses Sumney, Maren Morris, Smashing Pumpkins, Killer Mike and more. Featured Albums:• Meshell Ndegeocello, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin• Khalid, Sincere• Orville Peck, Stampede• Moses Sumney, Sophcore• Maren Morris, Intermission• Killer Mike, Songs for Saints and SinnersOther notable albums out August 2:• Smashing Pumpkins, Aghori Mhori Mei• Chrystabelle and David Lynch, Cellophane Memories• JPEGMAFIA, I Lay Down My Life For You• Brigitte Calls Me Baby, The Future Is Our Way Out• Los Lonely Boys, Resurrection• Tones and I, Beautifully Ordinary• X, Smoke & Fiction• WHY?, The Well I Fell IntoLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/2/202448 minutes, 30 seconds
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S.O.S.: Songs of summer

These aren't the big bangers and Top 40 hits designed to capitalize on the typical summer vibes. We instead play the songs that feel like summer or say summer to us.Featured artists and songs:1. Kaytranada and Rochelle Jordan: "Lover/Friend," from 'Timeless'2. HUGEL: "Patadas de Ahogado / LATIN MAFIA (Rework)" (single)3. Keaton Henson: "Sandwalking," from 'Somnambulant Cycles'4. Tems: "Love Me Je Je," from 'Born in the Wild'5. Karol G: "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" (single)6. Mary Lattimore: "I Spent the Day Inside" (single)Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review in Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. Questions, comments, suggestions and any other feedback always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/30/202444 minutes, 38 seconds
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Alt.Latino's guide to Chicano soul

The genre commonly referred to as "Chicano soul" has that "you know it if you hear it" kind of sound. It's a bicultural interpretation of late 1950s and early '60s African American R&B ballads by Mexican American youth, influenced by the operatic style of Mexican rancheras. Broken hearts, unrequited love and loving the wrong person are often the main themes.Real talk: it's the smooth, bilingual vocals of Malo's 1972 hit "Suavecito" expressing the thrill of a new love that is still heard at lowrider car shows or the pleas of "You're Still A Young Man' by Tower of Power, to name a few examples. This week Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre unpack the genre and how the tradition is being reborn by a crew of young artists making it sparkle anew. Songs featured in this episode:•Malo, "Suavecito"•Joe Bataan, "I Wish You Love, P1. 1"•Tower of Power, "You're Still A Young Man"•Thee Sacred Souls, "Can I Call You Rose?"•The Altons, "Soon Enough"•Thee Sinceers feat. Joey Quinones, "Seems Like"•Mikey Jimenez, "Takin' All My Lovin'"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/24/202428 minutes, 27 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 14: The songs we can't stop playing this week

We update our running tally of the year's best songs with a return from Moses Sumney, 2022 Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador, Orville Peck's collaboration with Beck and more.Featured songs and artists:1. Orville Peck and Beck: "Death Valley High," from Stampede2. Nilüfer Yanya: "Call It Love," from My Method Actor3. Alisa Amador: "Woke Up Today," from Multitudes4. Moses Sumney: "Gold Coast," from Sophcore5. Neil Young and Crazy Horse: "Helpless," from Early Daze6. Rema: "YAYO," from HEISLike the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review in Apple podcasts or wherever you listen.Questions, comments, suggestions and feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/23/202445 minutes, 17 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 19

This week on New Music Friday from All Songs Considered, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Stephen Thompson listen to a grab bag of new releases out on July 19, including what's being called the last Childish Gambino album ever, returns by public radio faves Los Campesinos and Dr. Dog and a vibe-heavy follow-up made by the creators of one of the longest-running Billboard singles of all time, just in time to greet the the heat waves of summer 2024 (sorry).Then, one of the week's biggest albums sends Daoud and Stephen down a rabbit hole in which they attempt to figure out what happened to the blockbuster soundtrack and why, in the aftermath of an exceptional example from 2023, there might be an opportunity to revive the form. Featured albums• Childish Gambino, 'Bando Stone & the New World'• Los Campesinos, 'All Hell'• Denzel Curry, 'King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2'• Glass Animals, 'I Love You So F****** Much'• Dr. Dog, 'Dr. Dog'• Jimin, 'Muse'• Various Artists, 'Twisters: The Album' OSTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/19/202456 minutes, 39 seconds
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Breathe: Songs to calm your nerves

We pause to take a deep breath this week and chill out with a mix designed to slow the blood and calm the nerves, including the one song scientists say can reduce anxiety by up to 65%.Note: This episode originally ran on March 26, 2024.Featured songs and artists:• Marconi Union: "Weightless"• Mary Lattimore: "Wawa by the Ocean" from 'Collected Pieces'• Van-Anh Nguyen and Noshika Masuda: "Spiegel im Spiegel" by Arvo Pärt• Brian McBride: "Girl Nap" from 'The Effective Disconnect' • Laraaji: "Meditation No. 1" from 'Day of Radiance'• Arooj Aftab: "Saans Lo" from 'Vulture Prince'• Eluvium: "One" from 'Talk Amongst The Trees'• Enya: "Watermark" from 'Watermark'• Adele: "Somoene Like You" from '21'• Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, John Pritchard & London • Philharmonic Orchestra: "O Mio babbino caro" from 'Kiri Te Kanawa Sings Puccini and Verdi'• Yo La Tengo: "Our Way To Fall" from 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out'• Cassandra Jenkins: "Hard Drive" from 'An Overview of Phenomenal Nature'• Ruth Laredo: "Clair de Lune" from 'My First Recital'• Rachika Nayar: "Our Wretched Fantasy" from 'Heaven Come Crashing'• Radiohead: "Everything in its Right Place" from 'Kid A'• Clem Snide: "Nick Drake Tape" from 'A Beautiful EP'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/16/20241 hour, 2 minutes, 58 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 12

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen present the noteworthy albums out July 12, including new releases by Nashville iconoclast Sturgill Simpson, poignant lyricist Cassandra Jenkins, pop rebel Remi Wolf and more.Visit npr.org for the long list of albums out July 12 and playlists of their top songs.Read Ann Powers' review of Zach Bryan's The Great American Bar Scene here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/12/202445 minutes, 51 seconds
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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Omar Apollo, Karol G and Papo Vazquez

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre round up their favorite new tracks, including heartbroken music from Omar Apollo, a mix of jazz and Afro-Puerto Rican sounds from Papo Vazquez and a controversial new merengue electrónico track from Karol G.Songs featured in this episode:•Omar Apollo, "Empty"•Los Cenzontles, "Different Drum"•Mabe Fratti, "Oidos" and "Intento fallido"•Karol G, "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido"•Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Hamilton de Holanda, "Mandalagh"•Papo Vazquez and Mighty Pirates Troubadours, "Plena Pa'Los Apache"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/10/202428 minutes, 24 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 13: The songs we can't stop playing this week

The latest update to our running list of the year's best songs includes new ones from Wilco and Omar Apollo, an ode to friendship from Charli XCX and Lorde and more.Featured songs and artists:1. Wilco: "Hot Sun," from 'Hot Sun Cool Shroud'2. Charli XCX and Lorde: "The girl, so confusing version with lorde" (single)3. Sondre Lerche: "You Are Impossible," from 'Two Way Monologue (20th Anniversary Edition)'4. Omar Apollo: "Plane Trees" (feat. Mustafa), from 'God Said No'5. Remy Bond: "Summer Song" (feat. Air) (single)6. Cassandra Jenkins: "Petco," from 'My Light, My Destroyer'Like the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.Questions, comments, suggestions or any other feedback always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/9/202444 minutes, 57 seconds
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'Born In The U.S.A.' at 40

With the Fourth of July week here, we look at an album all about the messy, complicated and wonderful culture of America: Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A., which recently turned 40 years old.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/2/202430 minutes, 53 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 28

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Anamaria Sayre give you the lowdown on Omar Apollo's new LP, Lil Yachty's collaboration with James Blake, and the fourth album by Hiatus Kaiyote.Featured albums:- Omar Apollo, 'God Said No'- Lil Yachty & James Blake, 'Bad Cameo'- Hiatus Kaiyote, 'Love Heart Cheat Code'Visit npr.org/music to see the entire list of albums out June 28 and stream our New Music Friday playlist.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/28/202434 minutes, 2 seconds
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In Conversation: Edgar Barrera

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras visit the Miami studio of the Latin pop super-producer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/26/202433 minutes, 1 second
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The Contenders, Vol. 12: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Our updated list of the year's best songs includes a sweet reflection from beabadoobee, Nathy Peluso's wildly infectious "Aprender A Amar," the mind-blowing virtuosity of pianist Yuja Wang and more.Featured songs and artists:1. Nathy Peluso: "APRENDER A AMAR," from 'GRASA'2. Jakob Lindberg: "Musette" and "Tombeau" from 'Robert de Visée: Theorbo Solos'3. Brijean: "Workin' On It," from 'Macro'4. Yuja Wang: "Danzón No. 2 (Marquez)," from 'The Vienna Recital'5. beabadoobee: "Coming Home," from 'This Is How Tomorrow Moves'6. Grupo Frontera & NICKI NICOLE: "DESQUITE," from JUGANDO A QUE NO PASA NADA'Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review!Question, comments or any feedback always welcome at [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/25/202444 minutes, 31 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 21

The first half of 2024 has been stuffed with blockbuster albums, and as we reach the midpoint of the year, we've got one more to add to the list. On this week's episode of New Music Friday from All Songs Considered, Hazel Cills and Anamaria Sayre discuss the new album from the breakout star of the Mexican Regional movement. Peso Pluma's new Éxodo sees the singer branching out with new sounds and new collaborators.Also out this week: the always captivating Kehlani gets adventurous on Crash and the Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini fashions an album of songs out of letters written to a friend's mother. Featured Albums:• Peso Pluma, 'Éxodo'• Kehlani, 'Crash'• Emiliana Torrini, 'Miss Flower'Other notable albums out June 21:• Wild Up, 'Julius Eastman Vol. 4: The Holy Presence'• Gracie Abrams, 'The Secret of Us'• Lake Street Dive, 'Good Together'• Linda Thompson, 'Proxy Music'• Various Artists, 'Miles Away: One'• Been Stellar, 'Scream from New York, NY'• Daryl Hall, 'D'• Jim Lauderdale, 'My Favorite Place'• Kate Nash, '9 Sad Symphonies'• Sumac, 'The Healer'• Various Artists, 'Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/21/202442 minutes, 41 seconds
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The best songs of 2024 (so far)

With the first half of the year almost behind us, we hit pause to reflect on some of the best tracks we've gotten so far, from Chappell Roan, Brittany Howard, Pedro The Lion and more.Featured songs:• Chappell Roan: "Good Luck, Babe!" (single)• Pedro the Lion: "Modesto," from 'Santa Cruz'• Tyla: "Safer," from 'TYLA'• Blondshell: "Docket (feat. Bully)" (single)• Helado Negro: "Colores Del Mar," from 'Phasor'• Jessica Pratt: "World on a String," from 'Here In The Pitch'• Mk.gee: "I Want," from 'Two Star & The Dream Police'• Madi Diaz: "God Person," from 'Weird Faith'• Brittany Howard: "Power to Undo," from 'What Now'Like the show? Tell your friends and leave us a review. Feedback, questions, comments welcome at [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/18/202449 minutes, 50 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 14

This week, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers steer the New Music Friday podcast straight into the oncoming Father's Day weekend, following the lead of country superstar Luke Combs, whose new album Fathers & Sons is a heartfelt meditation on what it means to fill both of those roles. It's Combs' first album since his cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" landed him on the pop charts last year. Also this week: Raveena, whose won over many fans at NPR Music with her 2022 album Asha's Awakening, excavates the sounds of millennial pop and R&B on Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain and a long-celebrated 1974 bootleg of Paul McCartney and Wings playing live in the studio gets an official release.Featured Albums:• Luke Combs, 'Fathers & Sons'• Raveena, 'Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain'• Paul McCartney & Wings, 'One Hand Clapping'Other notable albums out June 14:• The Decemberists, 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again'• Normani, 'Dopamine'• PJ Morton, 'Cape Town to Cairo'• This is Lorelei, 'Box for Buddy, Box for Star'• Jess Cornelius, 'Care/Taking'• Sadler Vaden, 'Dad Rock'• Don Tolliver, 'Hardstone Psycho'• Hermanos Gutiérrez, 'Sonido Cósmico'• Sam Morton, 'Daffodils & Dirt'• John Cale, 'POPtical Illusion'• Isobel Campbell, 'Bow to Love'• John Grant, 'The Art of the Lie'• Lalah Hathaway, 'VANTABLACK'• Moby, 'always centered at night'• Zsela, 'Big For You'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/14/202446 minutes, 25 seconds
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Alt.Latino's favorite music of 2024 (so far)

To mark the halfway point of 2024, Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and NPR Culture Desk producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run down their favorite releases of the year so far, from a career-defining release from Nathy Peluso, a leveling up from Argentina rapper Trueno, introspective jazz from Melissa Aldana and so much more.Songs featured in this episode:•Trueno, "Tranky Funky"•Kali Uchis, "Dame Beso //Muévete"•Lau Noah ft. Gaby Moreno, "Aunque Suene Bonito"•Carlos Ares, "Amigo"•Angelica Garcia, "Gemini"•Melissa Aldana, "I Know You Know"•Nathy Peluso, "Legendario"•Reyna Tropical, "Cartagena"•Daymé Arocena (feat. Vicente García), "A Fuego Lento"•Akapellah (feat. Al2 El Aldeano, Faker), "Ni Con Money"•The Marias, "Run Your Mouth"•Grupo Frontera, "Me Hizo Un Favor"•Alvaro Diaz, Feid, "Gatitas Sandungueras Vol. 1"Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/12/202428 minutes, 35 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 11: Jason Mantzoukas

Actor, comedian and music superfan Jason Mantzoukas joins us to update our running list of the year's best songs, with lots of crate-digging curiosities. With host Robin Hilton and NPR Music's Lars Gotrich.Featured artists and songs:1. Dancer: "Bluetooth Hell," from '10 Songs I Hate About You'2. The Superwomen: "Lowlands," from 'Someone Like Me'3. Oluko Imo: "Glory of Om," from 'Glory of Om'4. Mekit Dolan Muqam Group: "Jula Muqam" from 'Bayawan'5. The Short Dark Strangers & The Shady M************: "We're Not Animals," from The Short Dark Strangers & The Shady M************6. Morgul Blade: "Heavy Metal Wraiths," from 'Heavy Metal Wraiths'Also Noted:- Mary Lattimore * Walt McClements: "Nest of Earrings," from 'Rain on the Road'- Somesurprises: "Be Reasonable," from 'Perseids'- Mohammad Syfkhan: "Do You Have a Lover or Not?" from 'I Am Kurdish'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/11/20241 hour, 2 minutes, 52 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 7

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Hazel Cills shepherd you through the many huge albums out today, including new records by Kaytranada, Charli XCX and so much more.Featured albums:- Kaytranada, 'Timeless'- Charli XCX, 'brat'- Pedro the Lion, 'Santa Cruz'Other notable albums:- Tems, Born in the Wild- Angelica Garcia, 'Gemelo'- Alisa Amador, 'Multitudes'- Peggy Gou, 'I Hear You'- Marina Allen, 'Eight Pointed Star'To see the entire list of June 7 releases and stream our New Music Friday playlists, visit nprmusic.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/7/202450 minutes, 19 seconds
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Advice for graduates: Listeners share songs, lessons from high school

Listeners share songs that take them back to the final days of high school, and the lessons they impart.Featured artists and songs:1. Baz Luhrmann: "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)"2. Feist: "I Feel It All," from 'The Reminder'3. Brad Paisley: "Letter to Me," from '5th Gear'4. Green Day: "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)," from 'Nimrod'5. Wiz Khalifa: "See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth)," from 'Furious 7'6. Rickie Lee Jones: "We Belong Together," from 'Pirates'7. Cloud Cult: "You'll Be Bright (Invocation Part 1)," from 'Light Chasers'8. Ke$ha: "TIK TOK," from 'Animals'9. The Head and the Heart: "Rivers and Roads," from 'The Head and the Heart'10. Simple Minds: "Don't You (Forget About Me)," from 'The Breakfast Club'Like the show? Tell your friends and leave us a review.Feedback always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/4/202448 minutes, 21 seconds
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Jack Antonoff on surviving grief, regret and working out life's uncertainties

The producer, singer and songwriter talks with Rachel Martin, host of NPR's new podcast Wild Card, about some of life's biggest questions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/3/202427 minutes, 11 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 31

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich are your guides to this week's new releases.Featured albums:• Arooj Aftab, 'Night Reign'• Shaboozey, 'Where I've Been, isn't Where I'm Going'• Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Nathan Salsburg & Tyler Trotter, 'Hear the Children Sing The Evidence'Other notable albums out May 31:• Richard Thompson, 'Ship To Shore'• Dos Monos, 'Dos Atomos'• Anna Tivel, 'Living Thing'• Beak>, '>>>>'• Swamp Dogg, 'Blackgrass'• Thou, 'Umbilical'• Chris Housman, 'Blueneck'• Psychic Temple, 'Doggie Paddlin' Thru the Cosmic Consciousness'• John Muq, 'Flying Away'• Robin Holcomb, 'One Way or Another, Vol. 2'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/31/202448 minutes, 38 seconds
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The National Recording Registry's best Spanish language songs (and what it's missing)

The Library of Congress' National Recording Registry is more than just a collection of music and sound — it's a reflection of who we are as a country. In April, two new Spanish language songs were added to the registry: Juan Gabriel's "Amor Eterno" and Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante."This week on Alt.Latino, Felix and Ana take the opportunity to dive into the Spanish language songs that have made it into the historic collection, as well as share their dream picks for what should be chosen next.Songs featured in this episode:•Héctor Lavoe, "El Cantante"•Juan Gabriel, "Amor Eterno (En Vivo [En el Palacio de Bellas Artes])"•Buena Vista Social Club, "Chan Chan"•Buena Vista Social Club, "Orgullecida"•Buena Vista Social Club, "El Carretero"•Santana, "Oye Como Va"•Lydia Mendoza, "Mal Hombre (Cold-Hearted Man)"•Dizzy Gillespie feat. Chano Pozo, "Manteca"•Ivy Queen, "Quiero Bailar"•Jose Feliciano, "El Reloj"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/29/202435 minutes, 10 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 10: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Our biweekly update of the year's best tracks is a mix full of "the hurries and the worries" from Alkaline Trio, wistful reflections from Lake Street Dive, Cindy Lee's sprawling double album and more.Like the show? Tell your friends and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Feedback always welcome: [email protected] artists and songs:1. Alkaline Trio: "Teenage Heart," from 'Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs'2. Lake Street Dive: "Twenty-Five," from 'Good Together'3. Les Savy Fav: "Void Moon," from 'OUI, LSF'4. La Luz: "Poppies," from 'News of the Universe'5. Cindy Lee: "Wild Rose," from 'Diamond Jubilee'6. Four Tet: "Loved" from 'Three'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/28/202444 minutes, 51 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 24

On our survey of the week's most exciting new albums, WRTI's Nate Chinen and NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce get all wrapped up in the amniotic embrace of a new album by a guru of the L.A. ambient-jazz scene.The new album by Carlos Niño & Friends is called Placenta. If you know anything about Niño, you'll probably be able to guess that the subject that title suggests — pregancy and childbirth — are taken very seriously. Those "Friends" are crucial too: Niño has become a central figure in a scene whose reverberations are starting to be felt well beyond the community itself, and are drawing more artists in. You can hear Niño on André 3000's flute album New Blue Sun, and André returns the favor here.Also this week: The fourth album by DIIV sees the indie rock group leaning into shoegaze-inspired sounds, and Andrew Bird creates an album in tribute to the "Golden Era" jazz tunes of the 1930s and '40s he heard on Sunday morning radio shows as a young adult in Chicago.Featured Albums:• Carlos Niño & Friends, Placenta• DIIV, Frog in Boiling Water• Andrew Bird Trio, Sunday Morning Put-On Other notable albums out May 24: • Tiny Habits, All For Something• Vince Staples, Dark Times• Alex Sipiagin, Horizons• Machinedrum, 3FOR82• Joshua Moshier, semipermanence• Nathy Peluso, GrasaLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/24/202442 minutes, 48 seconds
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Songs that hit you hard (2023)

We asked listeners to tell us about a song they ugly cried to or just couldn't stop playing. On this episode, we share some of their picks and the stories behind them.Note: This episode originally ran on Dec. 26, 2023Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/21/202449 minutes, 21 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 17

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Hazel Cills discuss new releases by Billie Eilish, Portishead's Beth Gibbons and Rapsody.Featured albums:- Billie Eilish, 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'- Rapsody, 'Please Don't Cry'- Beth Gibbons, 'Lives Outgrown'Other notable albums out May 17:- Shellac, 'To All Trains'- The Avett Brothers, 'The Avett Brothers'- V/A, 'Everyone's Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense'- Mach-Hommy, '#RICHAXXHAITIAN'- Cage the Elephant, 'Neon Pill'- of Montreal, 'Lady on the Cusp'- Wu-Lu, 'Learning To Swim On Empty'- Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band, 'Loophole'- The Lovely Eggs, 'Eggistentialism'- Kaia Kater, 'Strange Medicine'- Álvaro Díaz, 'SAYONARA'- ZAYN, 'Room Under the Stairs'- One Step Closer, 'All You Embrace'- A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, 'Better Off Alone'- Crumb, 'AMAMA'- Lightheaded, 'Combustible Gems'- Pallbearer, 'Mind Burns Alive'- Joywave, 'Permanent Pleasure'- Blitzen Trapper, '100's of 1000's, Millions of Billions'- Payroll Giovanni, 'Have Money, Have Heart' EP- UFOmammut, 'Hidden'- SQÜRL, 'Music for Man Ray'- pub, 'process the wise'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/17/202437 minutes, 2 seconds
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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Wyatt Flores, Danny Ocean and Grupo Frontera

Ana and Felix collect their favorite recent releases from the past few months, including new material from the breakout regional band Grupo Frontera, a country/Latin cross-over in the music of Wyatt Flores, a new song from groundbreaking rapper Mala Rodriguez and more.Songs featured in this episode:•Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, "Mas Que Nada"•Luis Muñoz, "Crescent Moon"•Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada [Explicit]"•Alih Jay, "Bang Bang (Mi Baby Me Mató)"•Cher, "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)"•Grupo Frontera, "Me Hizo Un Favor"•Wyatt Flores, "Half Life"•Danny Ocean, "Cero Condiciones [Explicit]"•Fabiola Méndez, "Lamento en Celinés"•Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, "EL ÚNICO"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/15/202432 minutes, 49 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 9: The songs we can't stop playing this week

We update our running list of the year's best songs with new ones from Dominic Fike, Willow, Kamasi Washington, Illuminati Hotties and more.Featured artists and songs:1. WILLOW: "run!" from 'empathogen'2. Dominic Fike: "hi grace" from '14 minutes'3. Kamasi Washington, George Clinton & D Smoke: "Get Lit," from 'Fearless Movement'4. Illuminati Hotties: "Can't Be Still" (single)5. Caroline Shaw & Sō Percussion: "To Music," from 'Rectangles and Circumstance'6. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross: "L'ouef" from 'Challengers' OSTLike the show? Tell your friends and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Feedback always welcome: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/14/202439 minutes, 15 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 10

This week's episode of New Music Friday from All Songs Considered showcases artists stretching limits across a wide spectrum of genres. NPR Music editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre dig into the most exciting albums out May 10, 2024, from a juggernaut of the Mexican regional scene experimenting with song forms and sounds from across Latin America to an R&B singer getting loose after portraying a jazz icon to a blockbuster collection of contemporary indie artists pulled together for the soundtrack of a discombobulating movie rooted in the 1990s. Featured Albums:• Grupo Frontera, Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada• Andra Day, Cassandra (cherith)• Various Artists, I Saw the TV Glow Original SoundtrackOther notable albums out May 10:• Yaya Bey, Ten Fold• Les Savy Fav, OUI LSF• I. Jordan, I Am Jordan• Ryan Castro, El Cantante del Ghetto• Amen Dunes, Death Jokes• Arab Strap, I'm totally fine with it don't give a f*** anymore• Brad Mehldau, After Bach II• Brad Mehldau, Après Fauré• Chick Corea & Béla Fleck, Remembrance• Chief Keef, Almighty So 2• Conway the Machine, Slant Face Killah• Dehd, Poetry• Gunna, One of Wun• How To Dress Well, I Am Toward You• Jim White and Marisa Anderson, Swallowtail• Kelsey Waldon, There's Always a Song• Kings of Leon, Can We Please Have Fun• Mick Harvey, Five Ways to Say Goodbye• Morgan Guerin, Tales of the Facade• Myriam Gendron, Mayday• Orville Peck, Stampede, Vol. 1• Pokey LaFarge, Rhumba Country• Shannon & the Clams, The Moon Is In The Wrong Place• Villagers, That Golden TimeLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/10/202444 minutes, 17 seconds
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Mother's Day Special: Celebrating moms and the music they loved

Get your hanky out. With Mother's Day nearing, listeners share the songs that remind them of their moms and the deeply moving stories behind them.Featured songs and artists:1. Hoagy Carmichael: "Stardust"2. Christina Aguilera: "Beautiful"3. Jeannie C. Riley: "Harper Valley PTA"4. Stevie Wonder: "Isn't She Lovely"5. Kermit the Frog: "Rainbow Connection"6. Phyllis Hyman: "You Know How to Love Me"7. MILCK: "Oh, Mother"8. Christina Perri: "You Are My Sunshine"9. The Tokens: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"10. Four Tops: "Reach Out I'll Be There"11. Sweet Honey in the Rock: "Wanting Memories"Enjoy the show? Tell your friends and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Feedback? Drop us an email: [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/7/202441 minutes, 21 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 3

On the May 3 episode of New Music Friday, NPR Music's Hazel Cills and WRTI's Nate Chinen discuss the week's essential new albums, including Radical Optimism, from the dance-pop superstar Dua Lipa. The songs on Radical Optimism are mostly in the vein of Dua Lipa's earlier work, but that itself might be reason to keep a militantly sunny attitude: A parade of hits from her last album, Future Nostalgia, proved to have incredible staying power — "Levitating" hung around in the top 10 of Billboard's Hot 100 chart for nearly a year — and she contributed to last year's cultural juggernaut Barbie with "Dance the Night." Still, Hazel and Nate say the new album offers hints of a few surprising artistic developments in her sound.Radical Optimism isn't the only album out this week that demands attention. New records by the inimitable folk songwriter Jessica Pratt and the always ambitious jazz maestro and saxophonist Kamasi Washington focus their own sounds in new and highly rewarding ways. Featured Albums:• Dua Lipa, 'Radical Optimism'• Jessica Pratt, 'Here in the Pitch'• Kamasi Washington, 'Fearless Movement'Other notable albums out May 3:• Willow, 'empathogen'• Mdou Moctar, 'Funeral for Justice'• Steph Richards, 'Power Vibe'• Charlotte Day Wilson, 'Cyan Blue'• Luke Stewart's Silt Trio, 'Unknown Rivers'• 4batz, 'u made me a st4r'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/3/202444 minutes
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Alt.Latino's favorite Tiny Desk Contest entries

It's the 10th annual Tiny Desk contest and there's been a strong showing of Latin artists behind desks across the United States and Puerto Rico.Felix and Ana sifted through all the entries and pulled their favorites from artists with roots all across the Americas. And if one of them ends up winning, you can thank us for the introduction.Songs featured in this episode:•Cathia, "Taza de Café"•Manu Manzo, "Celos"•Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices, "Quiero Volver"•Flaco el Jandro, "Lluvia Pesada"•Los Quinceañeros, "Guero"•La Doña, "Loser Girl"•Alejandro Aranda, "Pieces"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/1/202437 minutes, 5 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 8: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Brittany Luse, host of NPR's It's Been A Minute, joins All Songs Considered's Robin Hilton to update our running list of the year's best songs. Featured artists and songs:1. Ekko Astral: "Baethoven," from 'pink balloons'2. Nubiyan Twist: "Carry Me (feat. Seun Kuti)," from 'Find Your Flame'3. T-Bone Burnett: "He Came Down," from 'The Other Side'4. Bien et Toi: "So Long (feat. Paris Texas)," from 'London Safari II'5. Bnny: "Missing," from 'One Million Love Songs'6. Chanel Beads: "Unifying Thought," from 'Your Day Will Come'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/30/202436 minutes, 58 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 26

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce discuss new albums from St. Vincent, Charley Crockett, Iron & Wine and more.Feature Albums:• St. Vincent, 'All Born Screaming'• Charley Crockett, '$10 Cowboy'• Iron & Wine, 'Light Verse'• Maria Chiara Argirò, 'Closer'Other notable albums out April 26:• Neil Young and Crazy Horse, 'FU##IN' UP'• PartyNextDoor, 'PartyNextDoor 4'• Justice, 'Hyperdrama'• Anitta, 'Funk Generation'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/26/202438 minutes, 23 seconds
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Cruel songs for the cruelest month

Is April, as T.S. Eliot put it, the cruelest month? We reflect on the question with a mix that's both cringe-inducing and hilarious, from the cruelest takedowns to the most insidious earworms.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/23/202450 minutes, 33 seconds
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New Music Friday: Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets' and the best albums out April 19

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills dig into Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' which hit streaming services last night, and share a handful of other new albums out Friday, April 19.Featured Albums:• Taylor Swift, 'The Tortured Poets Department'• Bbymutha, 'Sleep Paralysis'• claire rousay, 'sentiment'• Pearl Jam, 'Dark Matter'Other notable albums out April 19:• Stephanie Lambring, 'Hypocrite'• Cadence Weapon, 'ROLLERCOASTER'• Tei Shi, 'Valerie'• Ekko Astral, 'pink balloons'• Bill Frisell, 'Orchestras'• BIG|BRAVE, 'A Chaos of Flowers'• Blue Lab Beats, 'Blue Eclipse'• Chanel Beads, 'Your Day Will Come'• Local Natives, 'But I'll Wait For You'• Gangrene (The Alchemist & Oh No), 'Heads I Win, Tails You Lose'• Brian Eno, 'Eno'• Cloud Nothings, 'Final Summer'• Melvins, 'Tarantula Heart'• Mozzy, 'CHILDREN OF THE SLUMS'• Lucy Rose, 'This Ain't The Way You Go Out'• Pillow Queens, 'Name Your Sorrow'• A Certain Ratio, 'It All Comes Down To This'• Cavalier, 'Different Type Time'• Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds, 'That Delicious Vice'• T Bone Burnett, 'The Other Side'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/19/202450 minutes, 24 seconds
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Alt.Latino's New Music Roundup: Young Miko, The Mavericks and more

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite new music, from Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko's boundary-pushing new music, to Alejandro Escovedo's genre-bending rock and Angelica Garcia's electro-cumbia.Songs featured in this episode:• Young Miko, "Tamagotchi"• The Mavericks, "Moon & Stars (with Sierra Ferrell)"• Angelica Garcia, "Juanita"• Alejandro Escovedo, "Castañuelas"• Nella, Yendry, "Veinte Años"• Sheila E., "Bemba Colorá (ft. Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar)"Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/17/202440 minutes, 1 second
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The Contenders, Vol. 7: The songs we can't stop playing this week

This week's update to our list of the year's best songs includes thunderous shoegaze from Wisp, a classic Cuban piano piece from Dánae Olano, a deeply moving story from Pedro The Lion and more.Featured artists and songs:1. Pedro The Lion: "Modesto," from 'Santa Cruz'2. Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly: "Destejer," from 'Mestizx'3. Sheila E.: "Bemba Colorá (feat. Gloria Estefan)," from 'Bailar'4. Lizzy McAlpine: "I Guess," from 'Older'5. Dánae Olano: "Danzón para la abuela" from 'Children's Corner'6. Wisp: "Pandora" from 'Pandora' EPQuestions, comments, feedback, suggestions? Emaill us: [email protected] up for our newsletter to keep up with the latest from NPR Music, including Tiny Desks, new playlists, features and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/16/202447 minutes, 52 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 12

NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce and WRTI's Nate Chinen take you through the biggest new releases of the week, including Maggie Rogers, Shabaka Hutchings and more.Featured albums:- Shabaka, 'Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace'- Maggie Rogers, 'Don't Forget Me'- Lizz Wright, 'Shadow'- Leyla McCalla, 'Sun Without the Heat'Other notable albums out April 5:- METZ, 'Up On Gravity Hill'- Caroline Davis & Wendy Eisenberg, 'Accept When'- girl in red, 'I'M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!'- Future & Metro Boomin, 'We Still Don't Trust You'- V/A, 'My Black Country - The Songs of Alice Randall'- Still House Plants, 'If I don​'​t make it, I love u'- Clarissa Connelly, 'World of Work'- Meshell Ndegeocello, 'Red Hot and Ra: The Magic City'- Bad Bad Hats, 'Bad Bad Hats'- Dave Douglas, 'GIFTS'- BODEGA, 'Our Brand Could Be Yr Life'- English Teacher, 'This Could Be Texas'- James Elkington & Nathan Salsburg, 'All Gist'- Mark Knopfler, 'One Deep River'- The Ophelias, 'Ribbon' EP- Tusks, 'Gold'- Raphael Schön, 'Heart Times'- Sunburned Hand of the Man, 'Nimbus'- Rejoicer, 'This Is Reasonable'- Aaron Lee Tasjan, 'Stellar Evolution'- Dolo Percussion, 'DOLO 6'- Baby Blue, 'Of My Window'- The Reds, Pinks & Purples, 'Unwishing Well'- Water Damage, 'In E'- Will Hoge, 'Tenderhearted Boys'- Jess Ribeiro, 'Summer of Love'- Sunbeam Sound Machine, 'Soft Signal' EPLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/12/202446 minutes, 14 seconds
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Songs to make you laugh, with 'Weird Al' Yankovic

"Weird Al" Yankovic helps curate a mix of some of the funniest songs of all time, from classics like Tom Lehrer's "The Elements," to more fringe discoveries from The Hazzards, Tonio K. and more.Featured artists and songs:1. Tonio K: "H-A-T-R-E-D"2. Robbie Fulks: "Fountains of Wayne Hotline"3. Tenacious D: "Tribute"4. Spike Jones: "Der Fuehrer's Face"5. Bill Oddie: "BLIMPHT"6. The Hazzards: "Just A Temp"7. Garfunkel and Oates: "Google"8. Tom Lehrer: "The Elements"9. Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Erika Henningsen, Ashley Park & Busy Philipps: "Famous 5eva"10. Flight of the Conchords: "Hiphopopotamus Vs. Rhymenocerous (Featuring Rhymenocerous And The Hiphopapoatumus)"11. Shel Silverstein: "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take The Garbage Out"12. Weird Al: "One More Minute"13. Weird Al: "The Saga Continues"14. Bad Lip Reading: "Seagulls! (Stop It Now)"15. Fun With Animals: "Goin' To Pasadena"16. Spinal Tap: "Big Bottoms"17. The Lonely Island: "Lazy Sunday"Feedback, questions, comments, suggestions? Email us: [email protected] the NPR Music newsletter to keep up with the latest Tiny Desks, playlists, features and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/9/202454 minutes, 37 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 5

It's a big week for fans of early aughts rock bands, with new releases from The Black Keys and Vampire Weekend hitting streaming services. Kick back with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and World Cafe host Raina Douris as they run through the new albums you need to know about.Featured albums:1. The Black Keys, 'Ohio Players'2. Vampire Weekend, 'Only God Was Above Us'3. Katie Pruitt, 'Mantras'4. Khruangbin, 'A La Sala'Other notable releases for April 5, 2024:• Phosphorescent, 'Revelator'• Grace Cummings, 'Ramona'• Young Miko, 'att.'• Adam Wiltzie, 'Eleven Fugues For Sodium Pentothal'• Fabiana Palladino, s/t• Vegyn, 'The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions'• Benson Boone, 'Fireworks and Rollerblades'• Jane Weaver, 'Love in Constant Spectacle'• José James, '1978'• Lizzy McAlpine, 'Older'• Melissa Aldana, 'Echoes of the Inner Prophet'• Mount Kimbie, 'The Sunset Violent'• Pernice Brothers, 'Who Will You Believe'• Sheila E., 'Bailar'• Sinkane, 'We Belong'• TisaKorean, 'MUMU 8818'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/5/202440 minutes, 48 seconds
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Tracing the history of Latino artists making country music

The release of Beyoncés Cowboy Carter has sparked a national conversation about who gets to sing country music and the complex roots of the genre. Which got Alt.Latino thinking — what about the Latinos in country?This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras travel to Austin, Texas to speak with AmeriChicana musician Carrie Rodriguez about the difference between violin and fiddle, strings and "strangs," and who gets to play country music.Songs featured:•Carin Leon, Leon Bridges: "It Was Always You (Siempre Fuiste Tu)"•Cuco Sanchez: "La Cama de Piedra"•Merle Haggard: "Big City"•Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys: "San Antonio Rose"•Robert Earl Keen: "Feelin' Good Again"•Chip Taylor, Carrie Rodriguez: "Dirty Little Texas Story"•Eva Garza: "Quiero Verte Una Vez Mas"•Rick Trevino: "Doctor Time"•Ruben Ramos: "Crying Time"•Sammy Arriaga: "Tennessee Whiskey - Spanglish"•The Mavericks: "There Goes My Heart"•Louie TheSinger: "Come and Take It"•Carrie Rodriguez: "I Dreamed I Was Lola Beltran"•Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino, and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/4/202437 minutes, 7 seconds
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Everything you need to know about Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter'

Our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour dig into the highly anticipated Cowboy Carter and consider whether Beyoncé is knocking down the doors of the country establishment, or looking for validation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/3/202434 minutes, 21 seconds
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The Contenders Vol. 6: The songs we can't stop playing this week

We update our running list of the year's best songs with Charlotte Day Wilson's beguiling "Canopy," wry punk from Gustaf, a breathtaking new solo work from Adrianne Lenker and more.Featured artists and songs:1. Gustaf: "Starting and Staring," from 'Package, Pt. 2'2. Mustafa: "Imaan" (Single)3. Adrianne Lenker: "No Machine," from 'Bright Future'4. Charlotte Day Wilson: "Canopy," from 'Cyan Blue'5. Gary Clark Jr.: "Maktub," from 'JPEG RAW'6. Nourished by Time: "Hell of a Ride," from 'Catching Chickens'Questions, comments, suggestions, general feedback? Email us: [email protected] up for the NPR Music newsletter to keep up with the Tiny Desks, playlists, features and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/2/202444 minutes, 38 seconds
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What do we really want from Shakira?

Shakira just released her first album in seven years, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, and most listeners and critics have high praise. But this episode of Alt.Latino puts the record to the test. Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and NPR's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento talk about what makes a Shakira record a Shakira record, how pop artists reinvent themselves and loving your favorite artists even if you don't always love their music.Songs featured in this episode:•Shakira: "Puntería"•Shakira: "La Fuerte"•Shakira: "Obtener un Si"•Shakira: "El Jefe"•Paul Simon: "You Can Call me Al"•Shakira: "Cómo Dónde y Cuándo"•Santana: "Smooth"•Shakira: "Cohete"•Karol G, Shakira: "TQG"•Miles Davis: "Bitches Brew"•Shakira: "Monotonía"•Shakira: "Escondite Ingles"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino, and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/30/202423 minutes, 4 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 29

Beyoncé's breathlessly-anticipated Act II: Cowboy Carter is finally here, and NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce shares his initial reactions after staying up late to listen to the album as soon as it hit streaming services. But Queen Bey isn't the only artist with a new album worthy of discovery and dissection this week, and Sheldon is joined by Ann Powers to talk about a handful of other albums that deserve celebration. Those include a pair of albums — by Reyna Tropical and Kelly Moran — shaped by tragedy and its aftermath.Featured albums:1. Beyoncé, Act II: Cowboy Carter2. Reyna Tropical: Malegría3. Kelly Moran: Moves in the Field4. Chastity Belt: Live, Laugh, LoveOther notable releases for March 29, 2024:• Alejandro Escovedo, Echo Dancing• Chicano Batman, Notebook Fantasy• Dawn Landes, The Liberated Woman's Songbook• Jim White, All Hits: Memories• Kenny Chesney, BORN• Rico Nasty & Boys Noize, HVRDC0RE DR3MZ EP• Ride, Interplay• Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Revelations• Shabazz Palaces, Exotic Birds of Prey• Sheryl Crow, EvolutionLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/29/202441 minutes, 38 seconds
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Relax: Songs to calm the nerves

It's music to the rescue on this week's All Songs Considered, with a mix of songs to slow the blood, including the one track scientists believe can reduce anxiety by up to 65%.Featured songs and artists:• Marconi Union: "Weightless"• Mary Lattimore: "Wawa by the Ocean" from 'Collected Pieces'• Van-Anh Nguyen and Noshika Masuda: "Spiegel im Spiegel" by Arvo Pärt• Brian McBride: "Girl Nap" from 'The Effective Disconnect' • Laraaji: "Meditation No. 1" from 'Day of Radiance'• Arooj Aftab: "Saans Lo" from 'Vulture Prince'• Eluvium: "One" from 'Talk Amongst The Trees'• Enya: "Watermark" from 'Watermark'• Adele: "Somoene Like You" from '21'• Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, John Pritchard & London • Philharmonic Orchestra: "O Mio babbino caro" from 'Kiri Te Kanawa Sings Puccini and Verdi'• Yo La Tengo: "Our Way To Fall" from 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out'• Cassandra Jenkins: "Hard Drive" from 'An Overview of Phenomenal Nature'• Ruth Laredo: "Clair de Lune" from 'My First Recital'• Rachika Nayar: "Our Wretched Fantasy" from 'Heaven Come Crashing'• Radiohead: "Everything in its Right Place" from 'Kid A'• Clem Snide: "Nick Drake Tape" from 'A Beautiful EP'Visit our site to see the Top 10 songs scientists say are the most relaxing.Feedback? Write us: [email protected] the NPR Music newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/26/20241 hour, 2 minutes, 58 seconds
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In conversation: Tierra Whack opens up

NPR Music's Rodney Carmichael interviews the rap visionary about her new album, faking it until you make it and why success breeds suicidal thoughts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/23/202456 minutes, 38 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 22

Though it isn't quite as packed with huge names as last week, we're digging through another robust assortment of terrific albums. Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Stephen Thompson open by hailing Tigers Blood, the latest album from a singer-songwriter — Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee — who sounds more assured and potent than ever.Plus: inescapably catchy global pop from South African singer Tyla, genre-straddling roots music from Sierra Ferrell, indescribable electronic compositions from Jlin and more.Featured albums:1. Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood2. Tyla, Tyla3. Sierra Ferrell, Trail of Flowers4. Jlin, AkomaOther notable releases for March 22:• Rosie Tucker, 'Utopia Now!'• Empress Of, 'For Your Consideration'• Adrianne Lenker, 'Bright Future'• The Jesus and Mary Chain, 'Glasgow Eyes'• Future & Metro Boomin, 'We Don't Trust You'• SiR, 'HEAVY'• Good Morning, 'Seven'• Tatyana, 'It's Over'• Aoife O'Donovan, 'All My Friends'• Brothers Osborne, 'Break Mine'• Cakes da Killa, 'Black Sheep'• Matt Champion (of Brockhampton), 'Mika's Laundry'• Gary Clark Jr., 'JPEG RAW' • Glass Beams, 'Mahal' • Gossip, 'Real Power'• Julia Holter, 'Something in the Room She Moves' • Nourished by Time, 'Catching Chickens' EP • Rosali, 'Bite Down'• Shakira, 'Las Mujeres La No Lloran' Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/22/202445 minutes, 7 seconds
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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Elsa y Elmar, Julieta Eugenio, Esteman and more

The weather's heating up and so are the music releases. The hosts of Alt.Latino share their most quintessentially them picks, with Latin jazz across the board from Felix and indie pop-rock bops from Ana. The two sit down to ping-pong favorite picks back and forth from different parts of the country — plus, Felix puts Ana's picks to an impromptu test.Featured tracks:Lara Project, "Extraños"Julieta Eugenio, "Breath I"Esteman, Villano Antillano, "Noches de Verano"Rodrigo Recabarren, Pablo Menares, Yago Vazquez, "Santiago"Elsa y Elmar, "Entre Las Piernas"Hurray For The Riff Raff, "Hawkmoon"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/21/202426 minutes, 46 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 5: Our running list of the year's best songs

We update our tally of the year's best contenders with the effervescent Bombay Bicycle Club, Residente's epic and profound "313," cellist Maya Beiser's take on Terry Riley's "In C" and more.Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and NPR Music's Tom Huizenga join host Robin HiltonFeatured Artists And Songs:1. Bombay Bicycle Club: "Willow (feat. Lucy Rose)," from 'Fantasies'2. Ela Taubert: "Como Paso" (single)3. Jlin: "Sodalite (feat. Kronos Quartet)," from 'Akoma'4. Maya Hawke: "Missing Out," from 'Chaos Angel'5. Residente: "313" from 'LAS LETRAS YA NO IMPORTAN'6. Maya Beiser: "In C," from 'Maya Beiser x Terry Riley: In C'Questions, comments, feedback? Email us: [email protected] to the show sponsorship-free and support public radio with NPR Music +.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/19/202455 minutes, 22 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 15

It feels like the first major springtime release week of 2024. Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss the hotly awaited album by Kacey Musgraves and the full-length debut by Tierra Whack, plus more. Featured albums: 1. Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well2. Tierra Whack, World Wide Whack3. Justin Timberlake, Everything I Thought It Was4. The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis, The Messthetics and James Brandon LewisOther notable releases for March 15• Four Tet, Three• The Black Crowes, Happiness Bastards• Charles Lloyd, The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow• The Dandy Warhols, Rockmaker• Holly Humberstone, work in progress EP• Flo Milli, Fine Ho, Stay• Elcamino, The Game Is The GameLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/15/202458 minutes, 37 seconds
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Spring preview 2024

World Cafe's Raina Douris joins NPR's Sheldon Pearce and host Robin Hilton to talk about the most anticipated albums out this spring, including new ones from Vampire Weekend, Waxahatchee, Portishead's Beth Gibbons and more.Featured artists, albums and songs:Reyna Tropical: "Conexión Ancestral" from 'Malegría,' out March 29Yaya Bey: "Chasing the Bus" from 'Ten Fold,' out May 10METZ: "Entwined (Street Light Buzz)" from 'Up On Gravity Hill,' out April 12Vampire Weekend: "Gen X Cops" from 'Only God Was Above Us,' out April 5Shabaka: "End of Innocence" from 'Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace,' out April 12Beth Gibbons: "Floating on a Moment" from 'Lives Outgrown,' out May 17Waxahatchee: "365" from 'Tigers Blood,' out March 22Amen Dunes: "Rugby Child" from 'Death Jokes,' out May 10girl in red: "Doing It Again" from 'I'm Doing It Again Baby!' out April 12See a list of more of NPR Music's most anticipated albums for spring 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/12/202450 minutes, 54 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 8

A wave of springtime releases might be just around the corner, but the biggest albums out this week are keeping things cool in an enticing variety of ways. Ann Powers and Hazel Cills discuss what Jack Antonoff, Norah Jones, Moor Mother's Camae Ayewa and Kim Gordon have in common, besides a common release date.Featured albums:1. Kim Gordon, The Collective2. Bleachers, Bleachers3. Norah Jones, Visions4. Moor Mother, The Great BailoutOther notable releases for March 8:• Ariana Grande, Eternal Sunshine• Bolis Pupul, Letter to Yu• Judas Priest, Invincible Shield• YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Compliments of Gravedigger Mountain• Oisin Leech, Cold Sea• Cyrille Aimée, à Fleur de Peau• Dion, Girl Friends• Chris Potter, Eagle's Point• Torrey, Torrey• Daniel Carter and Stefan Christoff, In the wind now• homeshake, CD Wallet• Pixies, At the BBC• Meatbodies, Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom• Ronnie Lion, Spanish Town• Vanessa Bedoret, Eyes• Charles Moothart, Black Holes Don't Choke• Anja Huwe, Codes• Erika Angell, The Obsession With Her Voice• The Rhythm Method, Peachy• The Hanging Stars, On A Golden Shore• astrel k, The Foreign Department• Observers, The Age of the Machine EntitiesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/8/202453 minutes, 40 seconds
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Sounds from Havana: A brief history of Cuban music

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras visited Cuba and give us an audio-rich tour of Havana.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/6/202424 minutes, 20 seconds
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The Contenders, Vol. 4: Our running list of the year's best songs

Brittany Luse, host of NPR's It's Been A Minute, joins NPR's Stephen Thompson and host Robin Hilton to update our running tally of songs that could end up on NPR Music's best-of-the-year lists.Featured Tracks:1. Empress Of: "Feminine," from For Your Consideration2. Rosie Tucker: "All My Exes Live In Vortexes," from UTOPIA NOW!3. Patrick Watson: "Perfect Day" (Single)4. Summer Banton: "Boyfriend" (Single)5. Madi Diaz: "God Person," from Weird Faith6. Friko: "Get Numb To It," from Where we've been, Where we go from hereLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/5/202446 minutes, 16 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 1

Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce discuss Faye Webster's Underdressed at the Symphony and a handful of the week's other brand new albums on which a musician's personality seems to be embodied by their voice — even when the music is completely instrumental. Featured albums:1. Faye Webster, Underdressed at the Symphony2. ScHoolboy Q, Blue Lips3. Julian Lage, Speak To Me4. Sheer Mag, Playing FavoritesOther notable releases for March 1:Paula Cole, LoJacob Collier, Djesse Vol. 4Everything Everything, MountainheadNils Frahm, DayHannah Frances, Keeper of the ShepherdBen Frost, Scope NeglectLiam Gallagher & John Squire, Liam Gallagher & John SquireAlbert Hammond, Body of WorkJahari Massamba Unit, Karriem Riggins & Madlib, YHWH is LOVEKaiser Chiefs, Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth AlbumLang Lang, Saint-SaënsMannequin Pussy, I Got HeavenMinistry, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSESPissed Jeans, Half DivorcedThat Mexican OT, Texas TechnicianUranium Club, Infants Under the BulbYard Act, Where's My Utopia?De La Soul, 3 Feet High and Rising (35th Anniversary Edition)Linda Smith, Nothing Else Matters and So I Liked Spring (reissues)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/1/202446 minutes, 7 seconds
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Beck's 'Loser' at 30 and the golden age of slacker rock

Nothing on mainstream radio sounded like Beck's "Loser" when it dropped in 1994. Thirty years later, we explain why, look at its impact on the rise of slacker rock and how we still hear it today.With KEXP's Cheryl Waters, NPR's Stephen Thompson and host Robin Hilton.Beck tracks featured in this episode:From 'Mellow Gold':"Loser""Truck Driving Neighbor Downstairs (Yellow Sweat)" "Beercan""Black Hole" From 'Stereopathetic Soulmanure':"Satan Gave Me A Taco" "Rowboat" From 'One Foot in the Grave':"One Foot in the Grave"Also featured:Basehead: "Brand New Day" from 'Play with Toys'Ween: "Push Th' Little Daisies" from 'Pure Guava' King Missile: "Detachable Penis" from 'Happy Hour'Pussy Galore: "Brick" from 'Sugars*** Sharp'The Lemonheads: "Half The Time" from 'Lovey'Guided By Voices: "#2 in the Model Home Series" from 'Vampire on Titus'Sebadoh: "Soul and Fire" from 'Bubble & Scrape'Pavement: "Cut Your Hair" from 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain'Alex G: "Runner" from 'God Save the Animals'Courtney Barnett: "History Eraser" from 'The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas'Frankie Cosmos: "Apathy" from 'Vessel'Beck: "F**** With My Head (Mountain Dew Rock)" from 'Mellow Gold'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/27/202459 minutes, 3 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 23

Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss Hurray for the Riff Raff's career-defining new album The Past Is Still Alive, along with a trio of other thrilling new releases that reveal the distinct strengths of the musicians behind them. Featured albums:1. Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Past Is Still Alive2. Erika de Casier, Still (released Wednesday, Feb. 21)3. Real Estate, Daniel4. Mary Timony, Untame The TigerOther notable releases out Feb. 23:• Daymé Arocena, Alkemi• glaive, a bit of a mad one• Glitterer, Rationale• Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru, Souvenirs• Corb Lund, El Viejo• Mama Zu, Quilt Floor• MGMT, Loss of Life• Laetitia Sadier, Rooting for Love• Nadine Shah, Filthy Underneath• Rafael Toral, Spectral Evolution• TWICE, With YOU-thLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/23/202451 minutes, 9 seconds
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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Residente, La Yegros and El Cuarteto de Nos

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre round up their favorite new music, including Southern Cone rock and cumbia, atmospheric vocals from the U.S. and even some delicate yet emotionally powerful music from the Catalan region of Spain.Featured songs:El Cuarteto de Nos: "Chivo Expiatorio (En Vivo)"Helado Negro: "Best For You and Me"La Yegros: "Bodas de Plumas"Lau Noah: "If a tree falls in love with a river"Daymé Arocena: "A Fuego Lento" (feat. Vicente García)Residente: "Ron En El Piso"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/21/202423 minutes, 23 seconds
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Chilling out with the songs we can't stop listening to this week

Host Robin Hilton hangs with composer and artist Julia Holter and NPR's Lars Gotrich to gab about their favorite new music, including the calming sounds of Helado Negro, Daisy Rickman and more.Featured artists and songs:1. Jessica Pratt: "Life Is" from 'Here In The Pitch'2. Deerlady: "Masterpieces" from 'Greatest Hits'3. Helado Negro: "Colores Del Mar" from 'Phasor'4. Julia Holter: "Spinning" from 'Something in the Room She Moves'5. Daisy Rickman: "Signpost to the Stars" from 'Howl'6. Frances Chang: "Spiral in Houston" from 'Psychedelic Anxiety'7. Jessika Kenney & Eyvind Kang: "Ocean" from 'Azure'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/20/202451 minutes, 39 seconds
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New Music Friday: 5 albums out Feb. 16, plus 'Rhapsody in Blue' still thrills at 100

NPR Music's Felix Contreras and WRTI's Nate Chinen run down new albums by Gaby Mareno, Les Amazones d'Afrique and more. Then, Nate Chinen is joined by NPR Music's Tom Huizenga to discuss the legacy and controversy around George Gershwin's masterpiece, "Rhapsody in Blue," which celebrated its centennial this week.Featured albums out Feb. 16:• Gaby Moreno, 'Dusk'• Mike McGinnis +9, 'Outing: Road Trip II'• Mike LeDonne and the Groover Quartet, 'Wonderful!'• Nathalie Joachim, 'Ki moun ou ye'• Les Amazones d'Afrique, 'Musow Danse'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/16/20241 hour, 8 minutes, 39 seconds
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Mix messages: Listeners share the songs that say 'I've got a crush on you'

We asked listeners to tell us about a time they put a song on a mixtape or playlist to woo a crush. On this week's show, we share some of those songs ... and find out if they worked.Featured Songs:1. Peter Gabriel: "In Your Eyes"2. Depeche Mode: "Somebody"3. Erykah Badu: "Kiss Me On My Neck"4. Madness: "It Must Be Love"5. Mirah: "Dreamboat"6. Q-Tip: "Vivrant Thing"7. The Kinks: "Tired of Waiting for You"8. The Magnetic Fields: "I Don't Want To Get Over You"9. The Modern Lovers: "I Wanna Sleep In Your Arms"10. Mazzy Star: "Fade Into You"Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/13/202441 minutes, 8 seconds
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New Music Friday: Brittany Howard and a new era of musical masters

Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce listen to the new albums out on Feb. 9 — including Brittany Howard's What Now — and find themselves wondering about the cultural value of virtuosity in 2024.Featured albums:1. Brittany Howard, What Now2. Joel Ross, nublues3. Boldy James & Nicholas Craven, Penalty of Leadership (released Jan. 12)4. Kali Malone, All Life Long5. Sonic Youth, Walls Have Ears6. Usher, Coming HomeOther notable albums out Feb. 9:• Helado Negro, PHASOR• Chelsea Wolfe, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She• Madi Diaz, Weird Faith• Declan McKenna, What Happened To The Beach?• Little Simz, Drop 7 EP• Shygirl, Club Shy EP• Kelela, RAVE:N, The Remixes • Mk.gee, Two Star & The Dream Police• Ducks Ltd., Harm's Way• David Nance & Mowed Sound, David Nance & Mowed Sound• Split System, Vol. 2• The Telescopes, Growing Eyes Become String
2/9/202456 minutes, 2 seconds
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The greatest Boleros of all-time

Nothing captures the agony of love, loss, hope and redemption like the song form known across all of Latin America: the bolero.Last December, UNESCO declared the bolero "an intangible cultural heritage of humanity" and "an indispensable part of the Latin American sentimental song." And given that Valentine's Day is coming up, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre did something special this week, in honor of this news: they asked some of their favorite artists and show listeners to share their most-loved boleros, and break down exactly what makes them so special. Join Felix and Ana as they laugh, cry and sing a little to the love songs of the ages.And be sure to check out the playlists we made for this episode, feature Ana and Felix's picks, as well as the selections from featured artists and listeners, on Spotify and Apple Music.Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
2/8/202431 minutes, 23 seconds
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The Billy Joel single is actually great, and other songs we had to share this week

Host Robin Hilton hangs with NPR's Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce to geek out about the new Billy Joel, Kim Gordon, Shygirl, Nia Archives and more.
2/6/202449 minutes, 25 seconds
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A recap of the 2024 Grammys

Our friends at NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour break down the major winners and highlights from the 2024 Grammy Awards.
2/5/202429 minutes, 1 second
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New Music Friday: What Were The Grammys Made For?

Ann Powers, Sidney Madden and Stephen Thompson make predictions ahead of Sunday night's 66th annual Grammy Awards. Notable albums out Feb. 2:• The Last Dinner Party, Prelude to Ecstasy• J Mascis, What Do We Do Now• Kirin J Callinan, If I Could Sing• Lee Scratch Perry, King Perry• Paul McCartney & Wings, Band on the Run (Underdubbed Mixes)• The Paranoid Style, The Interrogator• Liquid Mike, Paul Bunyan's Slingshot• Vijay Iyer, Linda May Han Oh, Tyshawn Sorey, Compassion• Jenny Sturgeon & Boo Hewerdine, Outliers
2/2/202454 minutes, 11 seconds
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Why we still love Green Day

With Green Day's stellar new album, Saviors, the 20th anniversary of American Idiot and 30th anniversary of Dookie, NPR's Daoud Tyler-Ameen, Stephen Thompson and Robin Hilton look at the band's legacy.
1/30/20241 hour, 9 minutes, 57 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 26 (and why they deserve reviews)

There's plenty about Wall of Eyes, the new album by the British rock trio The Smile, to remind you of Radiohead, the band with which The Smile shares Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. But there's something about The Smile that resists feeling like Radiohead redux, and on this week's episode Ann Powers, Tom Huizenga and Sheldon Pearce get to the bottom of what makes Wall of Eyes so satisfying on its own terms.Plus: Discussion of a week's worth of great albums leads to a conversation about the state of music criticism, which took a blow last week when the long-standing, much-beloved, occasionally-hated website Pitchfork was folded into the men's magazine GQ and much of its staff laid off. Featured Albums for January 26, 2024:1. Patricia Kopatchinksaja, Reto Bieri, Polina Leschenko — Take 32. Benny the Butcher — Everybody Can't Go3. Katy Kirby — Blue Raspberry4. The Smile — Wall of Eyes
1/26/20241 hour, 6 minutes, 39 seconds
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In Conversation: Ana Tijoux returns after a 10-year break

In this week's Alt.Latino episode, Chilean rapper and singer Ana Tijoux talks to hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre about her new album, Vida, and why it took so long to return to the studio.
1/24/202432 minutes, 11 seconds
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Why the Oscar-winning score for 'All Quiet On The Western Front' still gives chills

With the announcement of the 96th annual Oscar nominees, we're revisiting our conversation with Volker Bertelmann, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Score last year for All Quiet On The Western Front.
1/23/202429 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Music Friday: 21 Savage's 'American Dream'

NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce, Rodney Carmichael and Sidney Madden dig into hip-hop superstar 21 Savage's new album, his notorious ICE arrest and what it means to capture the American dream.Noteworthy albums out January 19:- Sleater-Kinney, Little Rope- Green Day, Saviors- Eladio Carrión, Sol María- Ana Tijoux, Vida- Brittney Spencer, My Stupid Life- Mary Halvorson, Cloudward- Ethan Iverson, Technically Acceptable- glass beach, plastic death- ericdoa, DOA- Neck Deep, Neck Deep- Fredo Bang, Yes, I'm Sad- Keyon Harrold, Foreverland- Jozef Van Wissem, The Night Dwells In The Day- Oren Ambarchi, Jim O'Rourke & Keiji Haino, With pats on the head, just one too few evil one too many is good that's all it is- Mali Obomsawin and Magdalena Abrego, Greatest Hits
1/19/202446 minutes, 2 seconds
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The songs we can't stop playing this week

Host Robin Hilton hangs with NPR Music's Anamaria Sayre and Tom Huizenga to share their current musical obsessions, from the solo piano of Philip Glass to the garage punk of Sprints, Spain's super chill Club del Rio and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Lavinia Meijer: "The Departure" from Winter2. Xavi: "La Diabla (Single)3. Faye Webster and Lil Yachty: "Lego Ring" from Underdressed at the Symphony4. Philip Glass: "Opening," from Philip Glass Solo5. Club del Rio: "Una Vida" (Single)6. Sprints: "Literary Mind" from Letter to SelfEnjoying the show? Tell your friends and leave a review for us wherever you listen to podcasts. Feedback welcome at [email protected]
1/16/202449 minutes, 59 seconds
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Setting our sights on the biggest music stories of the 2024

To ring in the new year, NPR Music's critics take over the latest episode of New Music Friday to offer predictions about the artists, genres and stories that might dominate conversations about music in 2024. Ann Powers, Rodney Carmichael and Nate Chinen join editor Jacob Ganz to discuss whether Usher's Super Bowl performance or Dua Lipa's new sound could launch these hardworking artists to new levels of ubiquity. Is it possible for either to one steal some of the spotlight that Beyoncé and Taylor Swift dominated last year?
1/12/202451 minutes, 43 seconds
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New Music From Alt.Latino

Hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre share the latest new songs that live rent-free in their heads.Featured songs:Candeleros, "Le Quedan Dos"Cuco, "When The Day Comes To An End (DJ Sliink Remix)"Gaby Moreno, "Dance the Night Away"Ed Maverick, "Lagunas"Helado Negro, "I Just Want To Wake Up With You"Ana Tijoux, "Tania"
1/10/202419 minutes, 8 seconds
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2024 Preview: The year's most anticipated albums

We take a spin through the albums we're most excited about for this year, including Sleater-Kinney, Brittany Howard, Hurray for the Riff Raff and more, plus a few rumored releases.Featured Albums:1. Sleater-Kinney — Little Rope2. The Smile — Wall of Eyes3. Brittany Howard — What Now4. Mary Timony — Untame the Tiger5. Lee Scratch Perry — King Perry6. Grandaddy — Blu Wav7. Hurray for the Riff Raff — The Past Is Still Alive8. serpentwithfeet — GRIP9. Chelsea Wolfe — She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She10. Erika de Casier — StillOther notable releases for 2024:Jan. 12: Kid Cudi — InsanoJan. 12: Kali Uchis — OrquideasJan. 19: Green Day — SaviorsJan. 26: Future Islands — People Who Aren't There AnymoreJan. 26: Torres — What an enormous roomJan. 26: Ty Segall — Three BellsFeb. 9: Helado Negro — PHASORFeb. 16: Laura Jane Grace — Hole In My HeadFeb. 16: IDLES — TANGKFeb. 29: Jacob Collier — Djesse Vol. 4March 1: Sheer Mag — Playing FavoritesMarch 8: Bleachers — BleachersMarch 29: Chastity Belt — Live Love Laugh
1/9/202451 minutes, 4 seconds
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Viking's Choice goes back to the future

Our resident Viking, Lars Gotrich, connects epic Japanese storytelling, soul-sampling powerviolence, ambient rap and beautiful noise through thematic webs of history and memory. Featured Artists and Albums:• Matmos: "Music or Noise?" from Return to Archive• PoiL Ueda: "Kokô part 2" from Yoshitsune • Mayssa Jallad: "Baynana" from Marjaa: The Battle of the Hotels• Ruth Anderson & Annea Lockwood: "For Ruth" from T​ê​te​-​à​-​t​ê​te• Zulu: "Lyfe Az a Shorty Shun B So Ruff" from A New Tomorrow • Yungwebster: "Stay FOCUSSSS [fast+reg]" from Yungwebster• Liis Ring: "after-image I: nothing stands still" from Homing• Chuquimamani-Condori: "Breathing" from DJ E• Sunwatchers: "World People" from Music Is Victory over Time Follow the Viking's Choice mixtape and newsletter.
1/2/202440 minutes, 55 seconds
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Listeners share the songs that moved them the most in 2023

We asked listeners to tell us about a song they ugly cried to, or just couldn't stop playing in 2023. On this episode we share some of their picks and the stories behind them.
12/26/202353 minutes, 16 seconds
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Alt.Latino's favorite music of 2023

While 2022 may have been a year completely dominated by a certain sad summer reggaeton album, 2023 drew its power from a set of familiar sounds that took on new prominence: tubas, accordions and a whole lot of lively, sneakily danceable beats.
12/20/202341 minutes, 4 seconds
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The 2023 'All Songs Considered' holiday extravaganza

Our annual celebration of the season returns with a trip back to the snowy cabin in the woods where it all began, as we attempt once again to throw a holiday party for the ages.
12/19/20231 hour, 6 minutes, 25 seconds
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Regional Goes Global, Part 3: How a magical Mexican town keeps banda tradition alive

You know all those tubas and brass instruments you hear behind your favorite regional Mexican hits? That's banda sinaloense and this week Alt.Latino wraps up the Regional Goes Global series with a visit to Sinaloa, Mexico, the birthplace of the genre.Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras visit the picturesque town Mocorito, a pueblo magico where tradition and pride in the musical heritage runs deep. That's the case even among members of the drug cartels, which are responsible for some of the country's societal ills. It's a complex story as passionate and heartfelt as the music that stretches from the hills of Sinaloa to this side of the U.S.-Mexico border.Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Lilly Quiroz, Suraya Mohamed, Josephine Nyounai and Natalia Fidelholtz. The editor for this episode is Jacob Ganz, and our project manager is Grace Chung. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
12/15/202327 minutes, 54 seconds
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The best songs of 2023

NPR Music's Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and host Robin Hilton to spin and discuss the best songs of the year, from Olivia Rodrigo, 100 gecs, Noname, J Noa and more.
12/12/20231 hour, 12 minutes
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The best songs of 2023

NPR Music's Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and host Robin Hilton to spin and discuss the best songs of the year, from Olivia Rodrigo, 100 gecs, Noname, J Noa and more.
12/12/20231 hour, 12 minutes
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Talking about the best albums of 2023

It's that time of year again. Over the next few weeks at NPR.org and here on the All Songs Considered podcast, we'll be sharing lists of and conversations about the best music of 2023. We're kicking things off with the standout albums of the year. Gathered on the show are NPR Music's three main critics: Rodney Carmichael, who writes about hip-hop and R&B; Nate Chinen of WRTI, who covers jazz and classical and Ann Powers, maven of pop, rock, folk, country and a little of everything else. Speaking with editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen, the trio dives into a heavy and heady year to discuss the releases that inspired the most vivid feelings, and together make a case — in an era when singles and playlists drive the industry numbers — for the album as a still-indispensable art form.The fun won't stop there. Stay tuned for more conversations about the songs that made us drop everything and the tours that turned into vessels for community. There will be lists of our favorite releases on NPR.org and conversations about the sounds and stars that defined the year, enough to keep you listening well into 2024.
12/5/202352 minutes, 32 seconds
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Regional Goes Global, Part 2: A band finds its voice amid a storm of controversy

For the second episode of Alt.Latino's regional Mexican music series, hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras interview the rising family band Yahritza y Su Esencia in its hometown of Yakima, Washington. The two discover that the U.S.-Mexico border looms large in this regional Mexican moment, especially for Yahritza y Su Esencia — not strictly because of the music's obvious Mexican roots, but also the ways in which the border can create an "us" and "them" dynamic. The band's struggles with musical and personal identity also reflect the real struggles that millions of US-born folks with Mexican heritage face. And what started as a musical journey for Ana and Felix, has now become a personal journey.Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Janice Llamoca, Shelby Hawkins, Suraya Mohamed and Natalia Fidelholtz. The editor for this episode is Jacob Ganz and our project manager is Grace Chung. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
11/29/202333 minutes, 16 seconds
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Guest DJ: Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel is back with I/O, his first studio album of all-new songs in more than 20 years. To mark the occasion, we're revisiting a conversation and guest DJ session we with did with the singer when he was touring for the 25th anniversary of his album So.
11/28/202333 minutes, 38 seconds
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Thanksgiving edition: Songs about your family

Sure, there are lots of songs for Christmas and other holidays, but what about Thanksgiving? On this episode we share stories and songs that remind our listeners of time spent with families.
11/21/202335 minutes, 1 second
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Nov. 17

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the pairing of 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, drumless Daft Punk and more.
11/17/202318 minutes, 39 seconds
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Regional Goes Global, Part 1: Finding Peso Pluma's music revolution in Nashville

Earlier this year, Peso Pluma — a 24-year-old who grew up in between Guadalajara, Jalisco and San Antonio — became the first regional Mexican artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Something in the music industry was changing. Streaming numbers for regional Mexican shot up astronomically, as the musical stylings of banda and norteño made their way onto the Coachella main stage and burgeoning stars like Peso Pluma began to book their first U.S. tours in major markets. But what accounted for regional Mexican's rise? And what does the genre's continued popularity say about not just changing trends in the Latin music industry, but the changing shape of America? For the next three episodes of Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras dive into the regional Mexican explosion, revealing the complex relationships both Mexicans and Mexican Americans have with identity from either side of the border. In this first episode, Felix and Anamaria travel to Nashville, Tenn. to witness Peso Pluma's performance and to try to understand the root of the phenomenon, through their own personal experiences and the people they meet along the way.Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Janice Llamoca and Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Shelby Hawkins, Suraya Mohamed, Natalia Fidelholtz and Lauren Migaki. The editor for this episode is Jacob Ganz and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
11/15/202333 minutes, 1 second
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Exclusive: André 3000 reveals why his new solo album has no bars — and no boundaries

For the first time in nearly two decades, André 3000 is releasing an album of new music. New Blue Sun, set to be released this Friday, Nov. 17, is a stunning 87-minute mind-bender, minimalist and experimental, tribal and transcendent. One thing it is not, however, is a rap record. In a conversation with NPR Music's Rodney Carmichael, the legendary musician talks about creativity, grief and inspiration, about finding his voice in a new instrument, and explains why he took his music in a wildly unexpected direction. You can read the full interview with André 3000 at NPR.org/music.
11/14/20231 hour, 13 minutes, 21 seconds
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What we learned from our parents' record collections

The holiday season is a time for reflection — so, we're reflecting on music, with stories and memories from listeners who recall what they first discovered from their parents' record collections.
11/13/202340 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Nov. 10

The week's best albums include the gothic Heaven Knows from PinkPantheress, a meticulously recreated — and legendary — Bob Dylan concert from Cat Power, Mon LaFerte's seductive Autopoiética and more.Featured Albums:1. PinkPantheress — Heaven KnowsFeatured Songs: "Another Life (feat. Rema)," "Nice to Meet You (feat. Central Cee)," "Blue"2. Cat Power — Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Concert HallFeatured Songs: "Fourth Time Around," "Ballad of a Thin Man," "She Belongs to Me," "Just Like a Woman"3. Mon LaFerte — AutopoiéticaFeatured Songs: "Autopoiética," "Tenochtitlan," "40 y MM," "Casta Diva"4. Aïsha Devi — Death is HomeFeatured Song: "Immortelle"5. mxmtoon — plum blossom (revisited)Featured Song: "1-800-DATEME (revisited)"6. Chris Stapleton — HigherFeatured Song: "White Horse"7. Lila Blue — Sweet Pea Featured Song: "Sweat Pea"8. Aesop Rock — Integrated Tech SolutionsFeatured Song: "Infinity Fill Goose Down"9. R.E.M. — UpFeatured Song: "Lotus"Other notable releases for Nov. 10:AJR — The Maybe ManBeirut — HadselBrandy — Christmas With BrandyDaneshevskaya — Long is the TunnelJelani Blackman — The Heart of ItScream — DC SpecialTyvek — Overground
11/10/202326 minutes, 40 seconds
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How AI helped The Beatles do the impossible

Mind-blowing AI tools made it possible for The Beatles to release what they're calling their last song, "Now And Then." To mark the occasion, we're revisiting a conversation with producer Giles Martin, who used the same AI to remix the original mono recordings of The Beatles album Revolver.
11/7/202339 minutes, 53 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Nov. 3

The week's best albums include rapper and singer Tkay Maidza's menacing yet beautiful Sweet Justice, the ever-shifting jazz rock of Sen Morimoto's Diagnosis, Actress' spellbinding LXXXVIII and more.Featured Albums:1. Tkay Maidza — Sweet JusticeFeatured Songs: "WUACV," "Ring-A-Ling," "Ghost!," "Free Throws," "WASP"2. Sen Morimoto — DiagnosisFeatured Songs: "Bad State," "Feel Change," "St. Peter Blind," "Pain"3. Actress — LXXXVIIIFeatured Songs: "Push Power," "M2," "Typewriter World," "Its me"4. Resavoir — ResavoirFeatured Song: "Inside Minds"5. Kevin Abstract — BlanketFeatured Song: "Blanket"6. Hilary Woods — Acts of LightFeatured Song: "Burial Rites"Other notable releases for Nov. 3:Cold War Kids — Cold War KidsIan Sweet — SUCKERJean-Michael Jarre — OXYMOREWORKSJimmy Buffett — Equal Strain on All Parts (final album)Joey Alexander — ContinuanceJung Kook — GOLDENKevin Drew — AgingKing Creosote — I DESLaura Veirs — Phone OrphansMatmos — Return to ArchiveMichael Franti & Spearhead — Big Big LoveSemisonic — Little Bit of SunSnail Mail — Valentine DemosThe Struts — Pretty Vicious
11/3/202326 minutes, 23 seconds
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Tunes that got you through your teens

We asked listeners to send us stories about a time when music came to the rescue, particularly when they were growing up. On this episode we share some of those stories, along with the music they say helped them get through their teens.
10/31/202344 minutes, 44 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Oct. 27

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the long-awaited sophomore full-length from Black Pumas, Peruvian electronic artist Sofia Kourtesis, The Mountain Goats and more.Featured Albums:1. Black Pumas — Chronicles of a DiamondFeatured Songs: "More Than A Love Song," "Gemini Sun," "Angel," "Hello," "Rock and Roll"2. Sofia Kourtesis — MadresFeatured Songs: "Funkhaus," "Vajkoczy," "Habla Con Ella," "Estación Esperanza (feat. Manu Chao)"3. The Mountain Goats — Jenny from ThebesFeatured Songs: "Fresh Tattoo," "Only One Way," "Going to Dallas"4. María José Llergo — ULTRABELLEZAFeatured Song: "RUEDA, RUEDA"5. Mint Field — Aprender a SerFeatured Song: "Respiro Profundo"6. Taylor Swift — 1989 (Taylor's Version) Featured Song: "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)"7. Shabazz Palaces — Robed in RarenessFeatured Song: "Binoculars (feat. Royce The Choice)"8. Nirvana — In Utero (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe)Featured Song: "Heart-Shaped Box (Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena - January 7, 1994)"Other notable releases for Oct. 27:Angie McMahon — Light, Dark, Light AgainDJ Shadow — Action AdventureDuran Duran — DANSE MACABREThe Gaslight Anthem — History BooksThe Kills — God GamesMayer Hawthorne — For All TimeMike Reed — The Separatist PartyOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark — Bauhaus StaircasePoppy — ZigWild Nothing — Hold
10/27/202326 minutes, 39 seconds
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Tunes that terrify

With Halloween coming up we thought we'd revisit an episode featuring songs that rattle the nerves, from Bernard Herman, Iron Maiden and yes, Sufjan Stevens, plus a whole lot more.
10/24/202334 minutes, 44 seconds
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In conversation: Maluma on becoming a dad, hustling across genres and reggaeton's rise

The Colombian singer Maluma has a lot to be excited about these days — a world tour, a new album and a shot at exploring a different part of his humanity: being a parent.The artist has often felt a sense of responsibility: to support up and coming artists he seeks out on social media and to showcase a more joyful, loving side of Colombia to the world. And, now, responsibility is about to take on a whole new meaning.Following a tear-filled performance at the Tiny Desk, the artist sat down with Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre to talk about what it means now to have two loves of his life.Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
10/21/202317 minutes
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Oct. 20

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include U.K. singer-songwriter Sampha, a Rolling Stones comeback and more.Featured Albums: 1. Sampha — LAHAIFeatured Songs: "Dancing Circles," "Stereo Colour Cloud (Shaman's Dream)," "What If You Hypnotise Me (feat. Léa Sen)," "Spirit 2.0," "Only"2. The Rolling Stones — Hackney DiamondsFeatured Songs: "Bite My Head Off," "Depending On You," "Dreamy Skies," "Mess It Up," "Sweet Sounds Of Heaven," "Whole Wide World"3. Glen Hansard — All That Was East Is West of Me NowFeatured Songs: "The Feast Of Saint John," "Sure As The Rain," "Bearing Witness"4. Dylan LeBlanc — CoyoteFeatured Song: "Dust"5. Helena Deland — Goodnight Summerland (Out Oct. 13)Featured Song: "Bright Green Vibrant Day"6. Valee & Michael Vincent Waller — ValeedationFeatured Song: "Tailor Swift"Other notable releases for Oct. 20:awakebutstillinbed — Chaos Takes the Wheel and I Am a PassengerBlink-182 — ONE MORE TIME...Blues Traveler — Traveler's SoulBombay Bicycle Club — My Big DayBoys Like Girls — Sunday At FoxwoodsDevo — 50 Years Of De-Evolution (1972-2023)Emily Wolfe — The BlowbackIsrael Nash — OzarkerKatie Von Schleicher — A Little Touch of Schleicher in the NightLost Girls (Jenny Hval & Håvard Volden) — SelvutsletterPip Blom — BobbieSalt-N-Pepa — Very Necessary (30th Anniversary Edition)Sleaford Mods — More Uk Grim EPSummer Walker — Girls Need Love (Girls Mix)Vince Guaraldi — A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (first-ever release)
10/20/202325 minutes, 34 seconds
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Songs we should retire

With the retirement of longtime All Songs host Bob Boilen, we're looking back and sharing some of our favorite episodes from over the years. This week we've got songs we should retire — songs that are undeniably great, that we truly love — and that get overplayed way too much.
10/17/202334 minutes, 4 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Oct. 13

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Australian pop star Troye Sivan, singer-songwriter Jamila Woods and more.
10/13/202330 minutes, 56 seconds
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Songs that make you cry

With Bob Boilen retiring, we're taking time to remember some of our favorite episodes from over the years, including this one about the songs that make you cry, featuring stories from listeners about the music that moves them and why.
10/10/202341 minutes, 17 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Oct. 6

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the rapper Earl Sweatshirt, the return of Sufjan Stevens and more.1. Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist — Voir DireFeatured Song: "27 Braids"2. Sufjan Stevens — JavelinFeatured Song: "Goodbye Evergreen"3. Jolie Holland — Haunted MountainFeatured Song: "Highway 72"
10/6/202323 minutes, 36 seconds
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Bob Boilen's farewell show: Songs that say 'goodbye'

Twenty three years after creating and hosting All Songs Considered, Bob Boilen is retiring. But before he goes, we've got a special send-off, featuring a surprise guest list of his favorite artists.You'll hear from Brian Eno, Sharon Van Etten, Jeff Tweedy, Mitski and a whole lot more.
10/2/20231 hour, 22 minutes, 53 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Sept. 29

The best albums out now include singer Jorja Smith's soaring but solitary full-length Falling or Flying, an inspired, messy affair from Cherry Glazerr, Becky G's ode to Mexican Regional and more.Featured Albums: 1. Jorja Smith — Falling or FlyingFeatured Songs: "Try Me," "Little Things," "Falling or Flying," "Backwards," "She Feels"2. Cherry Glazerr — I Don't Want You AnymoreFeatured Songs: "Bad Habit," "Touched You With My Chaos," "I Don't Want You Anymore"3. Becky G — ESQUINASFeatured Songs: "2NDO CHANCE (feat. Ivan Cornejo)," "CHANEL (feat. Peso Pluma)," "CUIDADITO (feat. Chiquis)," "QUERIDO ABUELO"4. Blonde Redhead — Sit Down For DinnerFeatured Songs: "Before," "Sit Down For Dinner Pt. 1," "Kiss Her Kiss Her"5. Wilco — CousinFeatured Songs: "Infinite Surprise," "Levee," "Ten Dead," "Sunlight Ends"Lightning Round: Jlin — PerspectiveLydia Loveless — Nothing's Gonna Stand In My Way Again (Released Sept. 22)MJ Nebreda — Arepa MixtapeMolly Burch — DaydreamerOther notable releases for Sept. 29:Addison Grace — Diving LessonsAnimal Collective — Isn't It Now?Armand Hammer — We Buy Diabetic Test StripsCode Orange — The AboveEd Sheeran — Autumn VariationsDessa — Bury The Ledehemlocke springs — going... going... GONE!Maxo — Debbie's SonOneohtrix Point Never — Again
9/29/202335 minutes, 11 seconds
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Why the Mexican American pop star Becky G always identifies as '200%'

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Becky G, right after her forthcoming Tiny Desk performance, to talk about the cultural mash-up of her music, her philosophy for working with women in the industry and representing her Mexican heritage at Coachella. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
9/27/202323 minutes, 6 seconds
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New Mix: Olivia Rodrigo, Sufjan Stevens, Katie Von Schleicher, more

NPR Music's Hazel Cills and Marissa Lorusso join host Bob Boilen to share their favorite new tracks. Featured Artists And Songs: 1. Katy Kirby: "Cubic Zirconia" (Single) 2. Daneshevskaya: "Somewhere In the Middle," from Long Is the Tunnel 3. Olivia Rodrigo: "love is embarrassing," from GUTS 4. Sufjan Stevens: "Will Anybody Ever Love Me?" from Javelin 5. Katie Von Schleicher: "Every Step Is an Ocean," from A Little Touch of Schleicher in the Night 6. Marina Herlop: "La Alhambra," from Nekkuja
9/26/202344 minutes, 7 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Sept. 22

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Doja Cat's Scarlet, Kylie Minogue's Tension, yeule's genre-hopping softscars and more.Featured Albums: 1. Doja Cat — ScarletFeatured Songs: "Demons," "97," "Go Off," "Often"2. Mykki Blanco — Postcards From ItaliaFeatured Songs: "Tequila Casino Royale," "Holidays In The Sun," "Love Fell Down Around Me," "Magic On My Back"3. yeule — softscarsFeatured Songs: "4ui12," "software update," "x w x," "dazies," "fish in the pool"4. Kylie Minogue — TensionFeatured Songs: "You Still Get Me High," "Padam Padam," "10 Out Of 10," "Story"5. Loraine James — Gentle ConfrontationFeatured Songs: "Let U Go (ft. keiyaA)," "Gentle Confrontation," "Glitch the System (Glitch Bitch 2)," "I DM U," "One Way Ticket To the Midwest (Emo) [feat. Corey Mastrangelo]"Lightning Round:Doechii — "Pacer" (single)DUFFY x UHLMANN — Doubles Moemaw Naedon and C. Scott — Yinztroducing... The National — Laugh TrackOther notable releases for Sept. 22:Bakar — HaloBibio — Sunbursting (EP)The Breeders — Last Splash (30th Anniversary Edition)Brent Cobb — Southern StarCHAI — CHAIChappell Roan — The Rise and Fall of a Midwest PrincessDevendra Banhart — Flying WigGrails — Anches En MaatGrrrl Gang — Spunky!Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids — Afro Futuristic DreamsKEN mode — VOIDLydia Loveless — Nothing's Gonna Stand In My Way AgainPkew Pkew Pkew — Siiick DaysRoosevelt — EmbraceTeenage Fanclub — Nothing Lasts Forever
9/22/202331 minutes, 15 seconds
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AltLatino dissects the Latin Grammy noms, from snubs to love

Anamaria Sayre, Felix Contreras and producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento sit down to talk some real chisme this week — a special episode dedicated to the Latin Grammy nominations. Was there really a regional snub and what does it say about the way we choose to elevate our own art? Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
9/20/202328 minutes, 16 seconds
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Viking's Choice: MxPx, Daniel Bachman, Matana Roberts, more

Bob Boilen will retire from NPR on Oct. 2, and he decided to spend one of his final episodes hosting All Songs Considered with NPR Music's resident Viking, Lars Gotrich, for a mix of pop punk, meticulously cut-up banjo drone, worlds-collapsing free jazz and fingerstyle guitar. Featured Songs And Artists: 1. MxPx: "What I Tell Myself" from Find a Way Home 2. Slant: "Criminal" from Demo 2023 3. Daniel Bachman: "Summer's fingers sweetly linger (Everywhere on every side)" from When the Roses Come Again 4. Matana Roberts: "shake my bones" from Coin Coin Chapter Five: In the garden... 5. Svitlana Nianio: "Episode III" from Transilvania Smile, 1994 6. Liam Grant: "Androscogging River Ragg" from Amoskeag
9/19/202346 minutes, 41 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Sept. 15

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Corinne Bailey Rae's Black Rainbows, Mitski's The Land Is Inhospitable And So Are We, a stunning debut from Ralphie Choo and more.Featured Albums:1. Corinne Bailey Rae — Black RainbowsFeatured Songs: "Erasure," "Peach Velvet Sky," "A Spell, A Prayer," "New York Transit Queen"2. Mitski — The Land Is Inhospitable And So Are WeFeatured Songs: "I Don't Like My Mind," "When Memories Snow," "The Frost," "The Deal," "I Love Me After You"3. Ralphie Choo — SUPERNOVAFeatured Songs: "MÁQUINA CULONA (feat Mura Masa)," "BULERÍAS DE UN CABALLO MALO," "WHIPCREAM (feat. Paris Texas)," "TANGOS DE UNA MOTO TRUCADA"4. Vagabon — Sorry I Haven't CalledFeatured Songs: "Lexicon," "Do Your Worst," "Can I Talk My S***?," "Nothing to Lose"Lightning Round:The Beaches — Blame My ExJóhann Jóhannsson — A Prayer to the DynamoKiller Mike — MICHAEL (Deluxe)Madison Beer — Silence Between SongsPharoah Sanders — PharoahOther notable releases for Sept. 15:Baroness — StoneBombino — SahelCarlos Niño & Friends — (I'm just) Chillin', on FireCleo Sol — HeavenChristone "Kingfish" Ingram — Live In LondonDemi Lovato — RevampedDengue Fever — Ting MongExplosions in the Sky — EndK. Flay — MONO Luluc — DiamondsShakey Graves — Movie of the WeekS. Carey & John Raymond — ShadowlandsTeddy Swims — I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Pt. 1)Vic Mensa — VictorWoods — PerennialWorriers — Trust Your Gut
9/15/202328 minutes, 51 seconds
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A preview of this year's 'El Tiny' lineup

This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras preview the artists coming to play Tiny Desk performances for their 'El Tiny' takeover, including indie explosion Kali Uchis returning home to Colombian beats, pop star Becky G debuting some Mexican regional soul and "La Caballota" herself Ivy Queen boasting pure boricua pride. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Cher Vincent. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
9/13/202322 minutes, 50 seconds
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Nirvana's 'In Utero' at 30

Thirty years ago this month, Nirvana released what would be its third and final album, In Utero. To mark the milestone, we revisit our 2013 conversation with surviving members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic (for what was then In Utero's 20th anniversary) about how the album came to be.
9/12/202341 minutes, 49 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Sept. 8

The best albums out this week include Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS, James Blake's Playing Robots Into Heaven, Yussef Dayes' Black Classical Music and more. Featured Albums:1. Olivia Rodrigo — GUTSFeatured Songs: "get him back!" "all-american bitch," "ballad of a homeschooled girl," "the grudge"2. Jalen Ngonda — Come Around and Love MeFeatured Songs: "Come Around and Love Me," "It Takes a Fool," "Give Me Another Day"3. Anjimile — The KingFeatured Songs: "Mother," "Genesis," "Black Hole," "The King"4. James Blake — Playing Robots Into HeavenFeatured Songs: "Big Hammer," "If You Can Hear Me," "Fall Back," "Fire The Editor," "I Want You to Know"5. Yussef Dayes — Black Classical MusicFeatured Songs: "Afro Cubanism," "Marching Band (feat. Masego)," "Birds of Paradise," "Black Classical Music (feat. Venna & Charlie Stacey)," "Early Dayes," "Cowrie Charms (feat. Leon Thomas & Barbara Hicks)"Lightning Round: Allison Russell — The ReturnerRomy — Mid AirSparklehorse — Bird MachineSylvester — Private Recordings, August 1970Other notable releases for Sept. 8:Apollo Brown & Planet Asia — SardinesAshley McBryde — The Devil I KnowBlind Boys of Alabama — Echoes Of The SouthThe Chemical Brothers — For That Beautiful FeelingCourtney Barnett — End of the DayGaika — DriftIrreversible Entanglements — Protect Your LightLaufey — BewitchedRóisín Murphy — Hit ParadeTeezo Touchdown — How Do You Sleep At Night?Tinashe — BB/ANG3LTyler Childers — Rustin' in the RainV — LayoverZZ Ward — Dirty Shine
9/8/202336 minutes, 38 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Sept. 1

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the jagged indie-rock of Rabbit Rabbit from Speedy Ortiz, hip-hop royalty Illa J's No Traffic and more.Featured Albums:1. Speedy Ortiz — Rabbit RabbitFeatured Songs: "Ghostwriter," "Ballad of Y&S," "Scabs," "Kim Cattrall"2. Illa J — No TrafficFeatured Songs: "Off the Tap," "Circus," "Get Down (feat. AmpFiddler)," "Snaps," "OG Funk"3. Puma Blue — Holy WatersFeatured Songs: "Hounds," "O, The Blood!," "Falling Down," "Pretty"4. Slowdive — everything is aliveFeatured Songs: "alife," "prayer remembered," "shanty"Lightning Round: L'Rain — "Pet Rock" (Single)Ama Lou — I Came Home Late Kendra Morris — I Am What I'm Waiting For Jeff Rosenstock — HELLMODEOther notable releases for Sept. 1:The 1975 — Live From GorillaAesop Rock — Skelethon (10 Year Anniversary Edition)dadá Joãozinho — tds bem GlobalDream — to whoever wants to hear EPField Music — light is gone 2Ghost of Vroom — Ghost of Vroom 3Icona Pop — Club RomantechLarry Fleet — Earned ItLaya — Bet That EPThe Natvral — Summer of No LightNeil Young — Odeon BudokanTaake — Et Hav av Avstand
9/1/202326 minutes, 42 seconds
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A lot of songs about ice cream

As summer break comes to a close for many and students head back to school, we take a moment to celebrate one of the season's greatest joys: ice cream. It turns out there are a lot of songs about this delightful treat. So, for this week's episode, we're sharing a show from our archives all about ice cream and the (many) ways it's inspired bands and artists over the years.Note: This episode originally ran on July 12, 2016
8/29/202352 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug. 25

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include global sensation Burna Boy, rising R&B star Victoria Monét and more.
8/25/202333 minutes, 52 seconds
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The hip-hop verse that changed my life

From our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour: What makes for an unshakable rap verse — the kind that shifts your world view and sticks around years after the first time you encountered it? This month marks 50 years since the birth of hip-hop, so we reached out to some NPR colleagues and a few hip-hop luminaries and asked them what hip-hop verse changed their lives.
8/23/202332 minutes, 28 seconds
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A conversation with Paul Simon

Singer Paul Simon surprised fans earlier this year by releasing Seven Psalms, his first album since 2018. It was surprising not because so much time had passed, but because he had originally said his previous album, In the Blue Light, would be his last. In an interview with All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen, Simon said he was ready to retire from music and pursue other creative projects, like painting. This week, we go back to that 2018 conversation when Simon first announced he was done making new music. He talks about his dreams, the creative process and life's biggest questions. "We don't have the capacity to understand the great mysteries of life and God or no God or infinity," Simon says. "We just can't get it. It's beyond us, but that's fine."
8/22/202337 minutes, 14 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug. 18

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new releases from Jon Batiste, Hozier, Rhiannon Giddens, Cautious Clay and more.Featured Albums:1. Jon Batiste — World Music RadioFeatured Songs: "BOOM FOR REAL," "Hello, Billy Bob," "Be Who You Are (feat. JID, NewJeans & Camilo)," "Uneasy (feat. Lil Wayne)"2. Hozier — Unreal UnearthFeatured Songs: "Anything But," "De Selby (Part 1)," "Eat Your Young," "Butchered Tongue," "Who We Are"3. Genesis Owusu — StrugglerFeatured Songs: "Leaving The Light," "Stay Blessed," "Freak Boy," "That's Life (A Swamp)"4. Rhiannon Giddens — You're the OneFeatured Songs: "Way Over Yonder," "You Louisiana Man," "If You Don't Know How Sweet It Is"5. Cautious Clay — KARPEHFeatured Songs: "Fishtown," "102 Years of Comedy (Intro)," "Karpehs Don't Flinch"Lightning Round: DeYarmond Edison — EPOCHQuavo — Rocket PowerReneé Rapp — Snow AngelTalking Heads — Stop Making Sense (Deluxe Edition)Other notable releases for Aug. 18:Alana Springsteen — Twenty SomethingBirdy — PortraitsBobby Rush — All My Love For YouFiddlehead — Death is Nothing To UsGrace Potter — Mother RoadMargaret Glaspy — Echo The DiamondMick Jenkins — The PatiencePanda Bear, Sonic Boom & Adrian Sherwood — Reset In DubRuss — SANTIAGOShamir — Homo AnxietatemTash Sultana — Sugar EP.Teddy Thompson — My Love of Country
8/18/202333 minutes, 37 seconds
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: DannyLux, Kali Uchis and Dario Acosta Teich

This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, including Mexican bedroom pop from Bratty, jazz from Argentinian composer Dario Acosta Teich, a new song from rising regional star DannyLux and more. To hear more of Alt.Latino's favorite music, follow our Spotify and Apple Music playlists. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited, mixed and produced by Janice Llamoca. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
8/16/202325 minutes, 53 seconds
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A conversation with Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson, lead guitarist and songwriter for The Band, died Aug. 9 at the age of 80. For this remembrance, we're sharing an encore presentation of a conversation Robertson had with All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen in 2018, on the 50th anniversary of The Band's seminal album Music From Big Pink.Note: This interview originally published Aug. 8, 2018.
8/15/202327 minutes
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug. 11

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Noname's long-awaited Sundial, Karol G's Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), a long-lost Neil Young release and more.Featured Albums:1. Noname — SundialFeatured Songs: "Oblivion (feat. Atyoni & Common)," "Beauty Supply," "Namesake"2. Jungle — VolcanoFeatured Songs: "Us Against the World," "Candle Flame (feat. Erick the Architect)," "Dominoes," Every Night"3. Neil Young — Chrome DreamsFeatured Songs: "Will to Love," "Like a Hurricane," "Look Out for My Love"4. Joell Ortiz & L'Orange — SignatureFeatured Songs: "Uncle Chris Car," "Therapeutic," "OG," "One Day"5. Son Lux — Alternate FormsFeatured Songs: "Ransom (All Innocence)," "Alternate Worlds (Alternate Life)," "Easy (Fight to Forget)," "No Crimes (New History)"Lightning Round: Bonnie "Prince" Billy — Keeping Secrets Will Destroy YouG Flip — DrummerKarol G — Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season)Tash Sultana — "Bitter Lovers (feat. BJ The Chicago Kid)" (Single)Other notable releases for Aug. 11:K.A.A.N. — The Death of a Rapper Lawrence English & Lea Bertucci — Chthonic Les Imprimés — Rêverie Louis Cato — Reflections Peter McPoland — Piggy Public Image Ltd. — End of WorldSpencer Zahn — Statues I $uicideboy$ — I No Longer Feel The Razor Guarding My Heel (V)Suzi Quatro & KT Tunstall — Face to Face Trippe Redd — A Love Letter To you 5
8/11/202335 minutes, 8 seconds
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Hip-hop is 50. Its formula for global domination? Staying local

When DJ Kool Herc spun records at a small party in the Bronx in August of 1973, no one would have predicted his unique style would give birth to the most influential and dominant music in the world: hip-hop. In this special episode, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the genre by looking at how and why the music has managed to remain a local phenomenon, even as it's taken hold of the world, and what's happening in some of the country's most vibrant scenes.
8/10/20231 hour, 1 minute, 20 seconds
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Encore: How Son Lux scored 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'

This week, Son Lux returns with Alternate Forms, the band's first new album since releasing its beloved score to the film Everything Everywhere All At Once. To mark the occasion, we're sharing an encore presentation of our interview with Son Lux frontman Ryan Lott about how the band managed to score one of the most awarded — and bonkers — films of all time.This interview originally ran on Feb. 20, 2023.
8/8/202327 minutes, 24 seconds
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In conversation: Athlete-turned-rapper Eladio Carrión on the fine art of practice

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with the Puerto Rican hip-hop artist Eladio Carrión to discuss what drives him, learning Spanish through music and how he's changing the game of Latin rap. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Cher Vincent, with production support from Suraya Mohamed and Robin Hilton. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
8/2/202326 minutes, 36 seconds
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New Mix: Mitski, Irreversible Entanglements, Sally Anne Morgan, more

NPR Music's Lars Gotrich joins All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen to share their favorite new tracks of the week.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Meurtrières: "Ronde De Nuit," from Ronde De Nuit2. Sally Anne Morgan: "Awake," from Carrying3. Mitski: "Bug Like an Angel," from The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We4. GUJI: "I Like to Hang Out in China," from GUJI5. Irreversible Entanglements: "Free Love," from Protect Your Light6. Activity: "Careful Let's Sleepwalk," from Spirit in the Room
8/1/202341 minutes, 8 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 28

The best albums out this week include new ones from Post Malone, Carly Rae Jepsen, composer and singer Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Joni Mitchell's surprise performance at Newport last year and more.Featured Albums:1. Post Malone — AUSTINFeatured Songs: "Texas Tea," "Something Real," "Don't Understand," "Mourning"2. Georgia — EuphoricFeatured Songs: "It's Euphoric," "Give It up for Love," "Live Like We're Dancing (Part II)," "Friends Will Never Let You Go"3. Beverly Glenn-Copeland — The Ones AheadFeatured Songs: "Harbour (Song For Elizabeth)," "People of the Loon," "Stand Anthem"4. Carly Rae Jepsen — The Loveliest TimeFeatured Songs: "Anything to Be With You," "Shy Boy," "Kollage," "So Right," "Stadium Love"5. Joni Mitchell — At Newport Featured Songs: "Both Sides, Now," "Just Like This Train," "Amelia (feat. Taylor Goldsmith)," "Summertime"Lightning Round:Chika — SAMSON: THE ALBUMMadeline Kenney — A New Reality Mind Paris Texas — MID AIRStevie Nicks — Stevie Nicks Complete Studio Albums & Rarities Other notable releases for July 28:Aphex Twin — Black Box Life Recorder 21f / in a Room7 F760Bethany Cosentino — Natural DisasterThe Budos Band — Frontier's EdgeBush Tetras — They Live in My HeadChief Xian aTunde Adjuah — Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lightning The Clientele — I Am Not There AnymoreDarlingside — Everything Is AliveFly Anakin — Skinemaxxx (Side B)Jessy Lanza — Love HallucinationNite Bjuti — Nite BjutiTravis Scott — UTOPIA
7/28/202335 minutes, 35 seconds
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New Mix: Big Thief, Squirrel Flower, more

NPR Music's Hazel Cills and critic Marissa Lorusso join All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen to share their favorite new tracks of the week.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Mary Jane Dunphe: "Stage of Love," from Stage of Love2. Squirrel Flower: "When A Plant Is Dying," from Tomorrow's Fire3. Saya Gray: "DIZZY PPL BECOME BLURRY," from QWERTY4. SPELLLING: "Under the Sun," from SPELLLING & the Mystery School5. Josaleigh Pollett: "Empty Things," from In the Garden, by the Weeds6. Sivan Levy: "Jacaranda," from side:s EP7. Big Thief: "Vampire Empire" (Single)
7/25/202343 minutes, 32 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 21

K-Pop convention-breakers NewJeans drop their second EP this week, along with new ones from Andrew Bird, Fatboi Sharif, the super-stacked Barbie soundtrack, a rare Nina Simone recording and more.Featured Albums:1. New Jeans — Get UpFeatured Songs: "ETA," "Super Shy," "ASAP" 2. Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove — DecayFeatured Songs: "Designer Drugs," "Phantasm," "The 6th Floor," "Dimethyltryptamine," "Green Winged Shoulder Padding"3. Andrew Bird — Outside ProblemsFeatured Songs: "Festivus," "Mormon House Party," "Mancey"4. Various — Barbie The AlbumFeatured Songs: Dua Lipa, "Dance the Night"; Lizzo, "Pink"; Sam Smith, "Man I Am"; GAYLE, "butterflies"; Billie Eilish, "What Was I Made For"; Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (with Aqua), "Barbie World"5. Nina Simone — You've Got to LearnFeatured Songs: "Blues for Mama," "Mississippi Goddamn," "You've Got to Learn"Lightning Round: Blur — The Ballad of DarrenLucki — s*x m*ney dr*gs (released July 14)MJ Lenderman — "Rudolph" (Single)Mother Tongues — Love in a Vicious WayOther notable releases for July 21:Allegra Krieger — I Keep My Feet on the Fragile PlaneBabyface Ray — Summer's MineGuided By Voices — Welshpool FrilliesGreta Van Fleet — StarcatcherMehmet Ali Sanlıkol & Whatsnext? — Turkish Hipster: Tales From Swing To Psychedelic Nils Lofgren — MountainsParis Texas — MID AIR
7/21/202338 minutes
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In conversation: How YEИDRY uses music to bridge worlds

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre speaks with YEИDRY, the Dominican-born, Italian-raised singer about using music as a tool to marry her two worlds. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
7/19/202329 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Mix: Courtney Barnett, Grandaddy, Lowland Hum, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite discoveries of the week.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Grandaddy: "The Town where I'm Livin Now," from Sumday: Excess Baggage2. Liza Anne: "Rainbow Sweater," from (Single)3. Courtney Barnett & Stella Mozgawa: "Life Balance," from End Of The Day (music from the film Anonymous Club)4. Lowland Hum: "Together (In That Way)," from From Self, With Love5. Raia Was: "If You're Asking (I'm Offering)," from Captain Obvious6. Yard Act: "The Trench Coat Museum," from (Single)
7/18/202339 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 14

The best albums out this week include Beautiful and Brutal Yard from rapper J Hus, the ragged rock of Palehound, vivid reflections on life in your 20s from country singer Alana Springsteen and more.Featured Albums:1. Kool & The Gang — People Just Wanna Have FunFeatured Songs: "Go Get It," "Let's Party (feat. Sha Sha Jones)," "That's What I Love About You," "My Weakness"2. Alana Springsteen — TWENTY SOMETHING: Figuring It OutFeatured Songs: "twenty something," "chameleon," "when we were friends"3. Mahalia — IRLFeatured Songs: "In My Head (feat. Joyce Wrice)," "Ready," "Terms and Conditions," "It's Not Me, It's You (feat. Destin Conrad)," "Wassup (feat. Kojey Radical)"4. J Hus — Beautiful and Brutal YardFeatured Songs: "Who Told You (feat. Drake)," "Bim Bim," "Cream (feat. CB)"5. Palehound — Eye on the BatFeatured Songs: "The Clutch," "Independence Day," "Head Like Soup," "My Evil"Lightning Round:Haviah Mighty — Crying CrystalsRauw Alejandro — PLAYA SATURNORita Ora — You & ITessa Violet — MY GOD!Other notable releases for July 14:Blake Mills — Jelly RoadHilary Hahn — Eugène Ysaÿe: Six Sonatas for Violin Solo, op. 27IDMAN — RiskLauren Spencer-Smith — MirrorLindstrøm — Everyone Else is a StrangerMarc Ribot's Ceramic Dog — ConnectionPVRIS — EVERGREENTECH N9NE — Bliss
7/14/202333 minutes, 32 seconds
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New Mix: Margo Price, Palehound, Talking Heads (Live), more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Palehound: "Independence Day," from Eye on the Bat2. Talking Heads: "Cities (Live)," from Stop Making Sense (Deluxe Edition) [Live]3. Margo Price: "Strangers in a Strange Land," from A Song For Leon4. Hania Rani: "Dancing with Ghosts" (feat. Patrick Watson), from Ghosts5. Laufey: "Promise," from Bewitched6. Margaret Glaspy: "Act Natural," from Echo The Diamond
7/11/202335 minutes, 55 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 7

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the return of PJ Harvey, the continued arrival of Dominic Fike, Little Dragon, Aluna and more.Featured Albums:1. Aluna — MYCELiUMFeatured Songs: "The Way I'm Wired," "Kiss It Better"2. Dominic Fike — SunburnFeatured Songs: "Sick," "How Much Is Weed?" "Ant Pile"3. ANOHNI and the Johnsons — My Back Was A Bridge For You To CrossFeatured Songs: "Rest," "It Must Change," "Sliver Of Ice"4. Little Dragon — Slugs of LoveFeatured Songs: "Slugs of Love," "Kenneth," "Tumbling Dice"5. PJ Harvey — I Inside the Old Year DyingFeatured Songs: "Lwonesome Tonight," "Seem an I," "A Child's Question, August" Lightning Round:Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band — Kings HighwayThe Japanese House — In The End It Always DoesJulie Byrne — The Greater WingsSampha — "Spirit 2.0" (Single)Other notable releases for July 7:AJ Suede — Ark FlashingtonAlayna — Self Portrait Of A Woman UnravelingAlice Phoebe Lou — ShelterJim O'Rourke — Hands That Bind (OST)Local Natives — Time Will Wait For No OneThe Pink Spiders — FreakazoidTaylor Swift — Speak Now (Taylor's Version)Various — The Endless Coloured Ways: The Songs Of Nick Drake
7/7/202334 minutes, 11 seconds
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PJ Harvey on how she turned her epic poem 'Orlam' into a potent new album

The singer talks with NPR Music's Ann Powers about Harvey's album I Inside the Old Year Dying, a ragged, highly crafted adaptation of her epic poem Orlam. It's a work that runs on the rhythm of the seasons and captures the beauty, fantastical rawness and occasional horror of English rural life.
7/6/202340 minutes, 22 seconds
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Alt.Latino picks the best music of 2023 (so far)

Hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite albums of 2023 so far, from the modern corridos tumbados of Peso Pluma, a new, reimagined version of one of Fito Paez's greatest albums, dream pop from Y La Bamba and more. Plus: a run down of regional Mexican's current explosion. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
7/5/202331 minutes, 28 seconds
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Favorite New Artists Of 2023 (So Far)

On this edition of All Songs Considered, we asked NPR member stations to pick their favorite new artists of 2023.1. Blondshell: "Olympus," from 'Blondshell'2. Hannah Jadagu: "What You Did," from 'Aperture'3. Nat Myers: "Yellow Peril," from 'Yellow Peril'4. Abraham Alexander: "Tears Run Dry," from 'SEA/SONS'5. Madison McFerrin: "Stay Away (From Me)," from 'I Hope You Can Forgive Me'6. Peter One: "Cherie Vico," from 'Come Back To Me'
6/27/202331 minutes, 35 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on June 23

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include a self-titled dopamine hit from Coi Leray, the return of Big Freedia, Kelly Clarkson, a debut from Tommy Prine and more.Featured Albums:1. Coi Leray — COIFeatured Songs: "Black Rose," "Bops," "Bitch Girl," "My Body"2. Big Freedia — Central CityFeatured Songs: "$100 Bill (feat. Ciara)," "Central City Freestyle," "Bigfoot," "Big Time"3. Tommy Prine — This Far SouthFeatured Songs: "Crashing Again," "By the Way," "Some Things"4. Kelly Clarkson — ChemistryFeatured Songs: "favorite kind of high," "my mistake," "skip this part"5. Arthur Russell — Picture of Bunny RabbitFeatured Songs: "The Boy With a Smile," "Picture of Bunny Rabbit"Lightning Round:Bishop Briggs — When Everything Went DarkLloyd Cole — On PainPortugal. The Man — Chris Black Changed My LifeSleep Sinatra — Incorruptible Saints (feat. Televangel)Other notable releases for June 23:Amanda Shires, Bobbie Nelson — Loving YouEliza Gilkyson — Home Jason Mraz — Mystical Magical Rhythmical RideKim Petras — Feed The BeastLunice — OPEN M. Ward — Supernatural ThingPeso Pluma — GenesisWallice — Mr. Big ShotThe Watson Twins — HollerWye Oak — Every Day Like the LastYoung Thug — BUSINESS IS BUSINESS
6/23/202332 minutes, 12 seconds
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In conversation: Sheila E. on faith, family and her eclectic music career

Alt.Latino's Felix Contreras sits down with percussion icon Sheila Escovedo, aka Sheila E., to talk about the influence of the Bay Area on her music, holding her own in the face of music industry sexism and why drumming is a language of its own. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
6/21/202333 minutes, 57 seconds
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New Mix: FIZZ, Luluc, Silvana Estrada, more

Have you heard dodie's new band? Looking for some ethereal sonic adventures? On this week's All Songs Considered, NPR Music's Hazel Cills along with Marissa Lorusso (hopefully) turn you on to something new, beginning with FIZZ, the new crazy fun band from dodie.Featured Artists And Songs:1. FIZZ: "High In Brighton," from The Secret To Life2. L'Rain: "New Year's UnResolution," (Single)3. Glasser: "Vine," from crux4. Allegra Krieger: "Lingering," from I Keep My Feet on the Fragile Plane5. Silvana Estrada: "Milagro y Desastre," from (Single)6. Luluc: "Diamonds," from Diamonds
6/20/202335 minutes, 45 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on June 16

The best releases out this week include Killer Mike's first solo album in more than a decade, the majestic return of Iceland's Sigur Rós, the legendary Bettye LaVette, Asake and more.Featured Albums:1. Bettye LaVette — LaVette!Featured Songs: "Mess About It (feat. Ray Parker & Jon Batiste)," "Hard to Be a Human," "Plan B"2. Killer Mike — MichaelFeatured Songs: "Two Days (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)," "Motherless," "Down By Law (feat. Cee-Lo Green)," "Scientists & Engineers (feat. Andre 3000, Future & Eryn Allen Kane)," "Something for the Junkies (feat. Fabo & Minister Louis Farrakhan)"3. Sigur Rós — ÁTTAFeatured Songs: "Klettur," "Skel," "Mór"4. Asake — Work Of ArtFeatured Songs: "2:30," "Lonely at the Top," "What's Up My G"5. Meshell Ndegeocello — The Omnichord Real BookFeatured Songs: "Georgia Ave. (feat. Josh Johnson)," "Good Good (feat. Jade Hicks & Josh Johnson)," "Call the Tune" Lightning Round: Ambré — who's loving you? Hand Habits — Sugar the BruiseMemorrhage — MemorrhageWild Up — Julius Eastman Vol. 3: If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?Other notable releases for June 16:Balmorhea — Pendant WorldBen Howard — Is It?Boris & Uniform — Bright New DiseaseDeer Tick — Emotional ContractsKing Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard — PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless DamnationKool Keith — Black Elvis 2Queens of the Stone Age — In Times New RomanSon Volt — Day of the DougYusuf / Cat Stevens — King of a Land
6/16/202336 minutes, 36 seconds
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Jónsi talks about 'ÁTTA,' the new album by Sigur Rós

On this special edition of All Songs Considered, Bob Boilen speaks with Jónsi, from the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, about ÁTTA, that group's first studio album in more than 10 years. Coming out 26 years after they released their first album, ÁTTA is music the group made over years, first in informal reunions in Jónsi's basement before and during the COVID pandemic, and eventually in collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra. The unmistakable singer talks about how it felt to have the band playing together again after a decade and reveals some of the meaning behind the first single from the album.
6/15/202328 minutes, 48 seconds
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New Mix: Bob Dylan, Sparks, Darlingside, Annie Bartholomew, more

Bob Boilen shares new songs (in one case, a new recording) from a few of his favorite artists, plus discoveries from Montana and Alaska.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Bob Dylan: "When I Paint My Masterpiece," from Shadow Kingdom2. Annie Bartholomew: "All for the Klondike's Gold," from Sisters of White Chapel3. Darlingside: "Eliza I See," from Everything Is Alive4. Sparks: "Nothing Is As Good As They Say It Is," from The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte5. Alaska Reid: "Back To This," from Disenchanter6. Buck Meek: "Haunted Mountain," from Haunted Mountain
6/13/202334 minutes, 54 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on June 9

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from Amaarae, Janelle Monáe, King Krule, Keaton Henson and more.Featured Albums:1. Amaarae — Fountain BabyFeatured Songs: "Counterfeit," "Angels in Tibet," "Sex, Violence, Suicide Pt. 2," "Come Home to God"2. King Krule — Space HeavyFeatured Songs: "Hamburgerphobia," "That Is My Life, That Is Yours," "Pink Shell"3. Jenny Lewis — Joy'AllFeatured Songs: "Joy'All," "Chain of Tears," "Puppy and a Truck"4. Janelle Monáe — The Age of PleasureFeatured Songs: "Champagne Shit," "Black Sugar Beach," "Phenomenal (feat. Doechii)," "Lipstick Lover"5. Keaton Henson — House PartyFeatured Songs: "I'm Not There," "Holiday," "Envy," "Hooray"Lightning Round:Emile Mosseri — Heaven Hunters Feeble Little Horse — Girl With FishSquid — O Monolith Youth Lagoon — Heaven is a JunkyardOther notable releases for June 9:Andy Stack & Jay Hammond — Inter PersonalChristine and the Queens — Paranoia, Angels, True LoveThe Dead Milkmen — Quaker City Quiet PillsDream Wife — Social LubricationGabriel Ólafs — Lullabies For Piano And CelloJason Isbell and the 400 Unit — WeathervanesJayda G — GuyJess Williamson — Time Ain't AccidentalJonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa — Jarak QaribakThis Is The Kit — Careful Of Your Keepers
6/9/202336 minutes, 35 seconds
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Eduardo Cabra, Santa Fe Klan and Elsa y Elmar

This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, including new work from the prolific Eduardo Cabra, surprisingly straight-ahead regional from Santa Fe Klan and a premiere of a new song from Elsa y Elmar.
6/7/202324 minutes, 1 second
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Viking's Choice: Anjimile, High Rise, Fatoumata Diawara, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and NPR Music's Lars Gotrich share their favorite new tracks including new music from the Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara, the Swedish ambient rock artist SOLE and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Dorotheo: "Las Nubes," from Nada Escrito 2. Fatoumata Diawara: "Dambe," from London Ko 3. High Rise: "Outside Gentiles," from Dispersion 4. Anjimile: "The King," from The King5. Laure Boer: "Lapin," from Les cit​é​s englouties 6. SOLE: "nous (feat. Chamoon)," from våra liv
6/6/202346 minutes, 26 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on June 2

Hear the powerfully poetic Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? from McKinley Dixon, a scorcher from Bully, Aisha Badru's Learning to Love Again, the first new solo album in 15 years from Ben Folds and more.Featured Albums:1. McKinley Dixon — Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?Featured Songs: "Run, Run, Run," "Hanif Reads Toni," "Live! From the Kitchen Table (feat. Ghais Guevara)"2. Bully — Lucky For YouFeatured Songs: "Hard to Love," "Lose You (feat. Soccer Mommy)," "All I Do"3. Aisha Badru — Learning to Love AgainFeatured Songs: "Path of Least Resistance," "Inside," "Move"4. Ben Folds — What Matters MostFeatured Songs: "What Matters Most," "Clouds with Ellipses," "Kristine from the 7th Grade," "Moments (feat. Tall Heights)"5. W.I.T.C.H. — ZangoFeatured Songs: "Waile," "Avalanche of Love (feat. Sampa the Great)"Lightning Round:Foo Fighters — But Here We AreJuan Wauters — Wandering RebelLazy Salon — BellisToosii — NAUJOUROther notable releases for June 2:The Aquadolls — CharmedBob Dylan — Shadow KingdomCowboy Junkies — Such Ferocious BeautyJack Johnson — In Between DubKenny Rogers — Life is Like a SongLinda May Han Oh — The Glass HoursMoneybagg Yo — Hard to LoveNoel Gallagher's High Flying Birds — Council SkiesProtomartyr — FormalRufus Wainwright — FolkocracyTanya Tucker — Sweet Western Sound
6/2/202333 minutes, 26 seconds
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How the 'scarcity mindset' enforces the unwritten rules of rap

Over the last nine episodes, Louder Than A Riot has tackled the unwritten rules of rap that hold the whole culture back. For the show's finale, we dig into the root of all those rules: the scarcity mindset. It's the belief that access and resources are so limited for those marginalized in hip-hop that you have to fight tooth and nail for them, and that only one can make it to the top at a time.
6/1/202356 minutes, 12 seconds
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Remembering Tina Turner

Our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour remember the legendary Tina Turner, who died last week at the age of 83, leaving behind an indelible legacy that spanned decades across the music world, the stage, and the screen.
5/30/202320 minutes, 45 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 26

The best albums out this week include Lil Durk's Almost Healed, reflections on surviving your 20s from Arlo Parks and Miya Folick, Gia Margaret's Romantic Piano, a new Kassa Overall project and more.Featured Albums:1. Lil Durk — Almost HealedFeatured Songs: "Same Side (feat. Rob49)," "Therapy Session," "Never Again," "All My Life (feat. J. Cole)"2. Arlo Parks — My Soft MachineFeatured Songs: "Dog Rose," "Bruiseless," "Purple Phase," "Pegasus (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)"3. Gia Margaret — Romantic PianoFeatured Songs: "Ways of Seeing," "Cicadas," "Juno"4. Kassa Overall — ANIMALSFeatured Songs: "Clock Ticking (feat. Danny Brown & Wiki)," "Still Ain't Find Me (feat. Tomoki Sanders, Bendji Allonce, Mike King & Ian Finklestein)"5. Miya Folick — ROACHFeatured Songs: "Get Out of My House," "Oh God," "Cartoon Clouds"Lightning Round:Alex Anwandter — El Diablo en el CuerpoAnna Thorvaldsdottir — ARCHORA / AIŌNSparks — The Girl is Crying in Her LatteWande Coal — Legend or No LegendOther notable releases for May 26:Bayonne — Temporary TimeHenry Threadgill — The Other OneJanai Shankar — Hot & Cold Kari Faux — REAL B*TCHES DON'T DIE!Kevin Morby — More Photographs (A Continuum)MeeeZ — [red album]M. Sage — Paradise CrickMatchbox Twenty — Where The Light GoesMike Oldfield — Tubular Bells - 50th Anniversary CelebrationMaya Ongaku — Approach to AnimaShirley Collins — Archangel HillSimply Red — TimeWater From Your Eyes — Everyone's CrushedWolf Eyes — Dreams in Splattered Lines
5/26/202336 minutes, 30 seconds
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Like poppa, like son: Rodney Carmichael

On this episode of Louder Than A Riot, something a little different: It's part meditation, part conversation — between host Rodney Carmichael and writers Kiese Laymon and Jamilah Lemieux — about beats, rhymes and life. For Rodney, interrogating misogynoir in hip-hop means confronting some hard questions — as a man, and especially as a father. As Rodney thinks about raising the next generation without replicating his mistakes, he's looking more closely at how hip-hop shaped his definition of masculinity.
5/25/202357 minutes, 51 seconds
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In conversation: Cellist Mabe Fratti on embracing imperfections and going to extremes

Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre sits down with the experimental, Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti to discuss the admiration she's developed for imperfection, finding a musical community in Mexico City and how religion sparked a personal rebellion. Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Robin Hilton. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
5/24/202336 minutes, 57 seconds
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New Mix: Tiny Desk Contest winner Little Moon, ANOHNI, yeule and more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and NPR Music editor Hazel Cills share their favorite new tracks of the week and highlight this year's new Tiny Desk Contest winner, the Springville, Utah, band Little Moon.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Little Moon: "Wonder Eye" (Single)2. yeule: "sulky baby" (Single)3. Sweeping Promises: "Eraser," from Good Living Is Coming For You4. Cola: "Keys Down If You Stay" (Single)5. ANOHNI & The Johnsons: "It Must Change," from My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross6. Chris Farren: "Cosmic Leash," from Doom Singer
5/23/202342 minutes, 10 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 19

A joint project from the rapper Aminé and producer KAYTRANADA tops our list of the best albums out this week, along with new ones from Paul Simon, Kesha, Sufjan Stevens and more.Featured Albums:1. Aminé & Kaytranada — KAYTRAMINÉFeatured Songs: "Who He Iz," "Westside," "Ugh Ugh," "K&A"2. Kesha — Gag OrderFeatured Songs: "Only Love Can Save Us Now," "Fine Line," "Peace & Quiet," "Living in My Head"3. Paul Simon — Seven Psalms4. Hannah Jadagu — ApertureFeatured Songs: "What You Did," "Admit It," "Warning Sign"5. Sufjan Stevens, Timo Andres & Conor Hanick — ReflectionsFeatured Songs: "Reflexion," "Ekstasis," "Mnemosyne"Lightning Round:Alex Lahey — The Answer is Always YesBrandy Clark — Brandy ClarkSir Chloe — I Am The DogSummer Walker — CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFEOther notable releases for May 19:Califone — villagersDave Matthews Band — Walk Around the MoonDef Leppard — Drastic SymphoniesGraham Nash — NowJealous of the Birds — HinterlandJuanes — Vida CotidianaMandy, Indiana — I've Seen A WayMega Bog — End of EverythingThe Milk Carton Kids — I Only See the MoonMoor Mother — Jazz Codes (Deluxe Version)Pony — VelveteenRobert Ellis — Yesterday's NewsSalami Rose Joe Louis — AkousmatikousTanlines — The Big MessTemps — PARTY GATOR PURGATORYTinariwen — AmatssouYes — Mirror to the Sky
5/19/202334 minutes, 13 seconds
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Rico Nasty, the 'strong Black woman' trope and how you get your power back

Rico Nasty's music creates a haven for heavy emotions. And in a world that paints Black girls showing any emotion as too much, having a place to release anger and anxiety is essential. But when Rico joined the 2021 Playboi Carti tour, his fans harassed her repeatedly and that safety was stripped away. On this episode of Louder Than A Riot, we talk with Rico about keeping a brave face, hear from a fan who was there in the crowd, and ask: When the outlet for your anger is shut down, how do you get your power back?
5/18/202352 minutes, 1 second
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In conversation: Karol G on her life as a 'happy heartbreak girl'

While coming up with the concept for her new album Mañana Será Bonito, Colombian superstar Karol G had an epiphany that would change her life: what if she was just more herself? Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre sits down with global phenom Karol G to chat about the singer's latest evolution.Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Robin Hilton. Our editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
5/17/202329 minutes, 11 seconds
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New Mix: Fred again.. and Brian Eno, Youth Lagoon, dodie, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a collaboration between Fred again.. and Brian Eno, the return of Youth Lagoon, the dub ensemble African Head Charge and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Youth Lagoon: "The Sling," from Heaven Is a Junkyard2. This Is The Kit: "More Change," from Careful of Your Keepers3. dodie: "Special Girl," from dodie (Live at NPR's Tiny Desk) - EP4. African Head Charge: "Microdosing," from A Trip to Bolgatanga5. Brian Eno & Fred again..: "Come On Home," from Secret Life6. Grandbrothers: "Adrift," from Late Reflections
5/16/202333 minutes, 52 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 12

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include debuts from singer Madison McFerrin, the U.K. electronic duo Overmono, deep grooves from Rahill, Céline Dion, Belinda Carlisle and more.Featured Albums:1. Overmono — Good LiesFeatured Songs: "Good Lies," "Is U," "Skulled"2. Madison McFerrin — I Hope You Can Forgive MeFeatured Songs: "Fleeting Melodies," "Utah," "God Herself," "Run"3. Belinda Carlisle — KismetFeatured Songs: "Sanity," "If U Go"4. Rahill — Flowers At Your FeetFeatured Songs: "Fables (feat. Beck)," "I Smile for E," "Tell Me," "Gone Astray," "Ode to Dad"5. Céline Dion — Love Again (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)Featured Songs: "Love Again (from the Motion Picture Soundtrack)," "Love of My Life," "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"Lightning Round:Aespa — MY WORLD - The 3rd Mini Album - EPBOKANI DYER — RADIO SECHABA RP Boo — Legacy Volume 2Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya — OrbweavingOther notable releases for May 12:Alison Goldfrapp — The Love InventionBC Camplight — The Last Rotation of EarthBela Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer — As We Speak (feat. Rakesh Chaurasia)Bruce Cockburn — O Sun O MoonDaisies — Great Big Open SkyEluvium — (Whirring Marvels In) Consensus RealityThe Jonas Brothers — The AlbumMoby — Resound NYCSexmob — The Hard WayVarious — KPOP (Original Broadway Cast Recording)War — The Remixes
5/12/202333 minutes, 45 seconds
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How Saucy Santana pushes back against stale standards in hip-hop

On this episode of Louder Than A Riot, we talk with Saucy Santana, a viral TikTok rapper who isn't shy about rocking a beat face, trimmed beard, acrylic nails and booty shorts, all of which have become his calling card. But in an industry that values marketability and reinforces masculinity to a toxic level, how can femme-presenting gay men sidestep from being considered viral jokes to become undeniable stars?
5/11/202346 minutes, 54 seconds
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New Mix: Rufus Wainwright, PJ Harvey, Rhiannon Giddens, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a new one from PJ Harvey ahead of her first studio album in seven years, a Neil Young cover by Rufus Wainwright and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Rhiannon Giddens: "You're the One," from You're the One2. Rufus Wainwright: "Harvest," from Folkocracy3. Hand Habits: "Private Life," from Sugar the Bruise4. PJ Harvey: "A Child's Question, August," from I Inside the Old Year Dying5. Wila Frank: "Tonight," from Black Cloud6. Strange Ranger: "She's On Fire," from Pure Music
5/9/202329 minutes, 7 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 5

The best albums out this week include the nostalgia-fueled, future-looking Soul,PRESENT from Q, a staggering collaboration between billy woods and Kenny Segal, yMusic's self-titled album and more.Featured Albums:1. Q — Soul,PRESENTFeatured Songs: "WELCOME TO THE SOUL, PRESENT," "TODAY," "STEREO DRIVER," "LOVE"2. Emily King — Special OccasionFeatured Songs: "Medal," "Who Wants My Love," "This Year"3. Artemis — In Real TimeFeatured Songs: "Empress Afternoon," "Penelope," "Timber," "Whirlwind"4. Billy Woods & Kenny Segal — MapsFeatured Songs: "Soft Landing," "Facetime (feat. Samuel Herring)," "Waiting Around (feat. Aesop Rock)," "Soundcheck (feat. Quelle Chris)"5. yMusic — YMUSICFeatured Songs: "Three Elephants," "The Wolf"Lightning Round:Atmosphere — So Many Other Realities Exist SimultaneouslyDurand Jones — Wait Til I Get OverMagos Herreras — AireRoomful of Teeth — Rough MagicOther notable releases for May 5:The Album Leaf — Future FallingArmani White — The Road to Casablanco.Bailen — Tired HeartsCian Nugent — She Brings Me Back to the Land of the LivingConway the Machine — Won't He Do ItDavid Wax Museum — You Must Change Your LifeDrain — Living ProofEd Sheeran — - [Subtract]Gaby Moreno — X Mí (Vol. 1)Immaterial Possession — Mercy of the Crane FolkOnyx — Blood On Da XRodney Crowell — The Chicago SessionsRudy Royston — DAYSam Sweeney & Louis Campbell — ShapesSBTRKT — The Rat RoadSmashing Pumpkins — AtumSQÜRL — Silver Haze
5/5/202337 minutes, 15 seconds
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iLoveMakonnen and hip-hop's troubled relationship with masculinity

How has hip-hop affected perceptions of Black masculinity? We unpack that question through the story of iLoveMakonnen, a rapper who has navigated different realms of masculinity his entire life, and faced backlash from the industry for being unapologetically himself.
5/4/202356 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Mix: Balmorhea, Hayden Pedigo, Julie Christmas, more

NPR Music's Lars Gotrich joins All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen to share his favorite new sonic adventures in the loud and weird, including Bodywash, the Rắn Cạp Đuôi Collective and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Julie Christmas: "Not Enough" (single)2. Bodywash: "Perfect Blue," from I Held The Shape While I Could3. Rắn Cạp Đuôi: "What Cherubs," from *14. Hayden Pedigo: "Elsewhere," from The Happiest Times I Ever Ignored5. Balmorhea: "Step Step Step," from Pendant World6. The Aaltos: "Känner du en vän," from GRAMMOFON - MISSIONEN
5/2/202349 minutes, 5 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on April 28

The singer and rapper Labrinth, beloved for his score to the HBO show Euphoria, drops his latest album this week, along with new ones from Jessie Ware, Smokey Robinson, Joy Oladokun and more.Featured Albums:1. Labrinth — Ends & BeginsFeatured Songs: "Kill For Your Love," "Everything," "Power Couple"2. Jessie Ware — That! Feels Good!Featured Songs: "Freak Me Now," "Beautiful People"3. Joy Oladokun — Proof of LifeFeatured Songs: "Spotlight (available only on CD and vinyl)," "Changes," "Taking Things For Granted," "We're All Gonna Die"4. Baby Rose — Through And ThroughFeatured Songs: "Fight Club (feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow)," "Stop the Bleeding," "I Won't Tell (feat. Smino)"5. Smokey Robinson — GasmsFeatured Songs: "How You Make Me Feel," "Beside You," "Gasms"Lightning Round: Dreamer Isioma — Princess ForeverIndigo De Souza — All of This Will EndThe National — First Two Pages of FrankensteinTony Shhnow — Love StreakOther notable releases for April 28:Arturo O'Farrill — Legacies Avalon Emerson — & the Charm Bebe Rexha — BebeDiplo — Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2, Swamp Savant Great Lake Swimmers — Uncertain CountryJFDR — MuseumJim Legxacy — homeless n**** pop musicJosh Ritter — Spectral LinesJoseph — The SunNeil Gaiman & Fourplay String Quartet — Signs of LifeNew Breed Brass Band — Made in New OrleansPeach PRC — Manic Dream Pixie Rickie Lee Jones — Pieces Of TreasureSkinny Pelembe — Hardly the Same SnakeTaj Mahal — SavoyY La Bamba — LuchaYUNGMORPHEUS — From Whence It Came
4/28/202332 minutes, 52 seconds
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Kim Osorio, 'The Source' and hip-hop's overdue reckoning with misogynoir

In this episode of Louder Than A Riot, we ask what it means to speak up in a culture where it's always been safer to keep quiet. In 2006, Kim Osorio, then editor-in-chief of The Source, sued the magazine and its owners for workplace sexual harassment. Nearly two decades later, hip-hop still has not had a true reckoning around sexual misconduct. The Louder team talks with former Source writers who take us behind the scenes at the hip-hop bible and the circumstances that led to the suit. Activist Tarana Burke, creator of "Me Too," also reflects on how this case could have put hip-hop ahead of the curve on reckoning with misogynoir.
4/27/20231 hour, 53 seconds
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Bad Bunny, Grupo Frontera, Becky G and more

This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, kicking things off with a surprising collab from Bad Bunny and regional Mexican group Grupo Frontera. Plus, new music from Becky G, Gaby Moreno, Esteman and more. This episode of 'Alt.Latino' was produced by Robin Hilton. Our editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistants are Jerusalem Truth and Sofia Seidel and our intern is Pilar Galván. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
4/26/202325 minutes, 40 seconds
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New Mix: Cowboy Junkies, Michael Stipe, Wallice, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a collaboration between Tiny Desk contest winner Gaelynn Lea and Michael Stipe, the LA-based singer known as Wallice and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Michael Stipe (feat. Gaelynn Lea): "Give Me A Hand," from EarthPercent x Earth Day '23 Compilation Album2. Abraham Alexander (feat. Mavis Staples): "Déjà Vu," from SEA/SONS3. Bees in a Bottle: "Wet Widow," from The Sun Left and Took The Moon With It4. Wallice: "Best Friend," from Mr Big Shot5. Cowboy Junkies: "What I Lost," from Such Ferocious Beauty6. Angelo De Augustine: "Another Universe," from Toil and Trouble
4/25/202330 minutes, 52 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on April 21

The debut studio album from Agust D (Suga) of BTS is out this week, along with new ones from Everything But the Girl, the rapper and producer Alfa Mist, Rodrigo y Gabriela and more.Featured Albums:1. Everything But the Girl — FuseFeatured Songs: "Nothing Left to Lose," "When You Mess Up"2. Alfa Mist — VariablesFeatured Songs: "Borderline," "Foreword," "Aged Eyes"3. Agust D — D-DayFeatured Songs: "Haegum," "D-Day"4. Rodrigo y Gabriela — In Between Thoughts... A New WorldFeatured Songs: "True Nature," "The Ride of the Mind," "The Eye That Catches The Dream"5. Easy Star All-Stars — Ziggy StardubFeatured Songs: "Ziggy Stardust (feat. The Skints)," "Hang On To Yourself (feat. Fishbone and JohnnyGo Figure)"Lightning Round Picks:Lael Neale — Star EatersSt. Paul & The Broken Bones — Angels in Science FictionWorldtown SoundSystem — House of LoveZombie Juice — Love Without ConditionsOther notable releases for April 21:Cinder Well — CadenceEsther Rose — Safe To RunThe Heavy — AMENHunter Hayes — Red SkyPearl & The Oysters — Coast 2 CoastThe Smashing Pumpkins — AtumTïesto — DRIVEYoungBoy Never Broke Again — Don't Try This At Home
4/21/202331 minutes, 46 seconds
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In conversation: Girl Ultra on Mexico City's 'haunted' energy

Across her evolving discography, which includes everything from R&B ballads to danceable electronic beats, Girl Ultra has solidified her approach to deep, dark songs of love and heartbreak. In this episode of Alt.Latino, host Anamaria Sayre sits down with the up-and-coming Mexico City singer to talk lost loves, why the city is "haunted" and how she copes with a nostalgic heart.
4/19/202333 minutes, 36 seconds
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New Mix: Indigo De Souza, Speedy Ortiz, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and NPR Music's Marissa Lorusso and Hazel Cills share their favorite new music of the week, including the first new Speedy Ortiz song in five years.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Indigo De Souza: "You Can Be Mean," from All of This Will End2. Peter One: "Cherie Vico," from Come Back to Me3. Speedy Ortiz: "Scabs" (Single)4. Bully: "Days Move Slow," from Lucky For You5. Charlotte Cornfield: "Cut and Dry," from Could Have Done Anything6. Laura Wolf: "Calligraphy and Calculations," from Shelf Life
4/18/202335 minutes, 25 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on April 14

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Black Thought from The Roots, the quietly powerful return of Feist and more.Featured Albums:1. El Michels Affair & Black Thought — Glorious Game2. Feist — Multitudes3. Abraham Alexander — SEA/SONS4. Petite Noir — MotherFather5. Kara Jackson — Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?Lightning Round: Dinner Party — Enigmatic SocietyGoGo Penguin — Everything Is Going to Be OKNatalie Merchant — Keep Your CourageThe Tallest Man on Earth — Henry St.Fenne Lily — Big Picture
4/14/202330 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on April 7

Our favorite new releases for April 7, 2023, include:1. Daniel Caesar — Never Enough 2. Wednesday — Rat Saw God 3. Fly Anakin — Skinemaxxx (Side A) 4. Yaeji — With a Hammer 5. Brandee Younger — Brand New Life Lightning Round:Walter Smith III — return to casual Shame Gang — Better Late Than Never Braid — Frame & Canvas (25th Anniversary Edition)Overcoats — Winner Daughter — Stereo Mind Game
4/7/202329 minutes, 47 seconds
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How Trina flipped the script on stereotypes of Black women in rap

How did the "bad bitch" replace the "ride or die chick" in hip hop? In this episode of Louder Than A Riot we talk to the original baddest herself, Trina, about how her career flipped the script on dusty old stereotypes of Black women in rap, and left men down bad. We also sit down with Trick Daddy, the man that put her on, to hear how he feels to see her shining; and check in with Latto, a rapper carrying the torch that Trina set aflame 25 years ago.
4/6/202358 minutes, 13 seconds
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New Mix: Zoon, Shirley Collins, Orchestra Gold, Pry, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and NPR Music's Lars Gotrich share their favorite new music of the week, including the African psych-rock group Orchestra Gold, shoegaze from Zoon and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Jeremy Kiran Fernandes: "Sun and Rain," from Inside the Harmonic Prism2. Orchestra Gold: "Segou Heat," from Medicine3. Pry: "Chasing Ambulance," from The Party's Over4. Shirley Collins: "High and Away," from Archangel Hill5. Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru: "Jerusalem," from Jerusalem6. Zoon: "Gaagige," from Bekka Ma'iingan
4/4/202340 minutes, 17 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on March 31

NPR Music's picks for the best new albums out this week include Chlöe's In Pieces, the debut full-length from boygenius, South African singer Nakhane's Bastard Jargon and more.Featured Albums:1. Chlöe — In PiecesFeatured songs: "Told Ya (feat. Missy Elliott)," "Body Do," "Cheatback," "Pray It Away"2. B. Cool-Aid — Leather Blvd.Featured songs: "ChalkRoundIt (Talk abt it) (feat. Ladybug Mecca)," "So Soft Salon (feat. DJ Harrison, Demae, Nita Darling & Funky Chunky)," "Wassup (feat. Devin Morrison, Pher & MoRuf)"3. Nakhane — Bastard JargonFeatured songs: "The Caring," "Tell Me Your Politik (feat. Moonchild Sanelly & Nile Rodgers)"4. boygenius — the recordFeatured Songs: "Satanist," "Not Strong Enough," "Revolution 0," "We're In Love"5. Baaba Maal — BeingFeatured songs: "Boboyillo (feat. Rougi)," "Mbeda Wella (feat. Paco Lenol)," "Casamance Nights"Lightning Round: NOIA - GiselaThe New Pornographers — Continue As GuestPursuit Grooves — 100 SeamsTyler, The Creator — Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate SaleOther notable releases for March 31:Alberta Cross — Sinking ShipsBarrie — 5KBuzzy Lee — Internal AffairsCity and Colour — The Love Still Held Me NearDamien Jurado — Sometimes You Hurt the Ones You HateDeerhoof — Miracle-LevelThe Hold Steady — The Price Of ProgressLarry June & The Alchemist: The Great EscapeLIES — LiesTwo Shell — Lil SpiritsWild Child — End of the WorldWilliam Tyler & The Impossible Truth — Secret StratosphereThe Zombies — Different Game
3/31/202333 minutes
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Beauty is in the eye of the male gaze: DreamDoll, Baby Tate and Doechii

In our latest episode of Louder Than A Riot we look at how the male gaze looms over hip-hop. Those under its watchful eye feel objectified or shamed if they don't give it what it wants to see. We share the stories of three artists who are pushing back on the male gaze in their personal relationships, social interactions and even industry-wide.
3/30/202351 minutes, 38 seconds
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In conversation: How Camilo Lara is Mexico's musical 'double agent'

Anamaria Sayre, host of NPR's Alt.Latino, sits down with world-building producer and Mexican Institute of Sound frontman Camilo Lara to talk about using his fearless intuition to help artists find their voice in the burgeoning hub of Latin music.
3/29/202329 minutes, 25 seconds
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New Mix: Ólafur Arnalds and Ella McRobb, Protomartyr, The Antlers, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including two surprising and wonderful collaborations.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Ólafur Arnalds (feat. Ella McRobb): "and we'll leave it there..." (Single)2. The Antlers: "I Was Not There" (Single)3. Sissoko Segal Parisien Peirani: "Ta Nyé," from Les Égar​é​s4. Lauren Early: "Good Girl Bad Boy," from Don't Take My Dream Away5. Protomartyr: "Make Way," from Formal Growth In The Desert6. Faten Kanaan: "Ebla," from Afterpoem
3/28/202344 minutes, 11 seconds
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How Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily conjured Love In Exile

Contributor Nate Chinen interviews the three musicians behind the new improvisational supergroup Love In Exile about their new album, the mysteries of how songs emerge from improvisation and most crucially, how the music they create is an expression of how they listen to each other.
3/27/202339 minutes, 10 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on March 24

The Atlanta rapper and singer 6LACK, Lana Del Rey, R&B singer Yaya Bey, the veteran rock group Depeche Mode and more are among the artists dropping our picks for the best new albums out this week.Featured Albums:1. 6LACK — Since I Have A LoverFeatured Songs: "Inwood Hill Park," "Cold Feet," "Talkback," "Chasing Feeling"2. Lana Del Rey — Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd Featured Songs: "Peppers (feat. Tommy Genesis)," "Jon Batiste Interlude," "Margaret (feat. Bleachers)," "Judah Smith Interlude," "A&W"3. Yaya Bey — Exodus the North StarFeatured Songs: "when saturn returns," "exodus the north star"4. Lankum — False LankumFeatured Songs: "Clear Away in the Morning," "Fugue III," "Lord Abore and Mary Flynn"5. Depeche Mode — Memento MoriFeatured Songs: "My Cosmos Is Mine," "Always You," "People Are Good," "My Favourite Stranger"Lightning Round: Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily — Love in ExileBenny Sings — Young HeartsCaroline Rose — The Art of ForgettingFall Out Boy — So Much (For) StardustKele — The Flames, Pt. 2Lemar — Page In My HeartPink Floyd — The Dark Side of the Moon (50th Anniversary)Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro — RRSophie B Hawkins — Free MyselfOther notable releases for March 24:03 Greedo — Halfway ThereBabymetal — The Other OneThe HIRS Collective — We're Still HereJimin — FACEKate Davis — Fish BowlMeg Myers — TZIA Nickel Creek — CelebrantsPurling Hiss — Drag on GirardSpectacular Diagnostics — Raw Lessons
3/24/202337 minutes, 11 seconds
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The overlooked legacy of Sha-Rock, hip-hop's first female MC

In our latest episode of Louder Than A Riot we break down legacy: who gets to leave one in hip-hop and who gets left out. Decades before hip-hop's current renaissance of women rappers, there was MC Sha-Rock. Despite her influence on future generations, her contribution to the craft of hip-hop is not widely known.
3/23/202347 minutes, 32 seconds
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New Mix: Kara Jackson, Sofia Kourtesis, Ratboys and more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen is joined by NPR Music's Hazel Cills and Marissa Lorusso to share their favorite new tracks of the week. Featured Songs And Artists: 1. Kara Jackson: "pawnshop," from Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?2. feeble little horse: "Tin Man," from Girl with Fish3. MIIRRORS: "Sinistry," from Motion And Picture4. Savannah Conley: "More Than Fine," from Playing the Part of You Is Me5. Sofia Kourtesis: "Madres," (Single)6. Ratboys: "Black Earth, WI," (Single)
3/21/202342 minutes, 39 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on March 17

Our shortlist of the week's best new releases includes an incredible collection of cover songs from the rapper T-Pain, an EP from Hozier, labyrinthine surprises from Princess Nokia and more.Featured Albums:1. T-Pain — On Top of the CoversFeatured Songs: "War Pigs," "Tennessee Whiskey," "Don't Stop Believin'," "A Change Is Gonna Come"2. Hozier — Eat Your YoungFeatured Songs: "Eat Your Young," "All Things End," "Through Me (The Flood)"3. Princess Nokia — i love you but this is goodbyeFeatured Songs: "The Fool," "Happy," "Closure"4. 100 gecs — 10,000 gecsFeatured Songs: "Dumbest Girl Alive," "Frog On The Floor," "Billy Knows Jamie"5. Yves Tumor — Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)Featured Songs: "Echolalia," "Meteora Blues," "Heaven Surrounds Us Like A Hood"Lightning Round:Genevieve Artadi — Forever ForeverNiklas Paschburg — Panta RheiSo!YoON! — Episode1: LoveUnknown Mortal Orchestra — V Other notable releases for March 17:All Time Low — Tell Me I'm AliveThe Band of Heathens — Simple ThingsFIDLAR — That's LifeGideon — More Power, More PainModerat — Even More D4taTei Shi — Badd PremonitionU2 — Songs of Surrender
3/17/202331 minutes, 48 seconds
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Megan Thee Stallion, Tory Lanez and the impact of misogynoir on rap

In our season two debut of Louder Than A Riot, we look at how the Tory Lanez trial sparked a real divide in hip-hop and stoked the coals on a 50-year battle for Black women to be heard. In this episode, we take you into Megan Thee Stallion's testimony to unpack the impact of misogynoir on rap.
3/16/202337 minutes, 7 seconds
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In conversation: Why Mexican pop icon Julieta Venegas doesn't call herself a pioneer

Anamaria Sayre from NPR Music's Alt.Latino sits down with Mexican pop icon Julieta Venegas to discuss her role as a trailblazing female vocalist and mom to a daughter with impeccably cool music taste.
3/15/202328 minutes, 21 seconds
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How does De La Soul sound in the streaming era?

Author and professor Oliver Wang and writer Matthew Ritchie join NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce to talk through one of the most storied catalogs in hip-hop history, now available online for the first time.
3/14/202351 minutes, 41 seconds
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Coming Thursday: Louder Than A Riot Season 2

Hear a preview from our upcoming season two of Louder Than A Riot, NPR Music's deep dive on the collision of rhyme and punishment in America.
3/13/20234 minutes, 43 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on March 10

Miley Cyrus' insanely anticipated Endless Summer Vacation is finally here, along with new music from Fever Ray, The War and Treaty, Meet Me @ The Altar and more.Featured Albums:1. Miley Cyrus — Endless Summer VacationFeatured Song: "Flowers"2. The War and Treaty — Lover's GameFeatured Songs: "Ain't No Harmin' Me," "Yesterday's Burn," "Up Yonder"3. Fever Ray — Radical RomanticsFeatured Songs: "Shiver," "Carbon Dioxide," "Kandy"4. Meet Me @ The Altar — Past // Present // FutureFeatured Songs: "T.M.I," "Say It (To My Face)"5. Jane Bunnett and Maqueque — Playing With FireFeatured Songs: "Tempus Fugit," "Human Race"Lightning Round:King Khan — The Nature of ThingsLonnie Holley — Oh Me Oh MyNia Archives — Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha WallShalom — SublimationOther notable releases for March 10:Ali Farka Touré — VoyageurDeath Cab For Cutie — Asphalt Meadows (Acoustic)EBK Young Joc — Hotboiiz:4LManchester Orchestra — The Valley of VisionRarelyalways — WORKFrankie Rose — Love as ProjectionH. Hawkline — Milk for FlowersSleaford Mods — UK GRIM
3/10/202330 minutes, 46 seconds
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New Mix: Shame, Amber Arcades, Kimi Djabaté, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week including, songs from Shame, Amber Arcades, Kimi Djabaté and more. Featured Songs and Artists: 1. Shame, "Adderall," from Food For Worms2. H. Hawkline, "Milk For Flowers," from Milk For Flowers3. Kimi Djabaté, "Afonhe," from Dindin4. Arthur Moon, "Ghost Ranch," from Chaos! Chaos! Chaos! Side B 5. Amber Arcades, "Contain," from Barefoot on Diamond Road 6. Water From Your Eyes, "Barley," from Everyone's Crushed
3/7/202333 minutes
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on March 3

The best albums out this week include Kali Uchis' Red Moon in Venus, a self-titled joint from the Jamaican American artist Masego, singer and guitarist Jen Cloher's ode to the mess of life and more.Featured Albums:1. Kali Uchis — Red Moon in VenusFeatured Songs: "Hasta Cuando," "Como Te Quiero Yo," "Worth the Wait (feat. Omar Apollo)"2. Masego — MASEGO Featured Songs: "What You Wanna Try," "Afraid of Water," "Black Anime"3. Yazmin Lacey — Voice NotesFeatured Songs: "Legacy," "Where Did You Go?"4. Jen Cloher -- I Am the River, The River is MeFeatured Songs: "My Witch," "Mana Takatāpui," "The Wild," "Being Human"5. Chiiild — Better Luck in the Next LifeFeatured Songs: "(Running Out Of) Hallelujahs," "Good For Now (feat. Lucky Daye)"Lightning Round:Adi Oasis — Lotus GlowHello Mary — Hello MarySpektral Quartet & Julia Holter — Behind the WallpaperOther notable releases for March 3:Kate NV — WOWMacklemore — BENObject of Affection — Field of AppearancesRadio Supernova — ParatiisiWilliam Basinski — The Clocktower at the BeachXiu Xiu — Ignore GriefZulu — A New Tomororw
3/3/202328 minutes, 11 seconds
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Karol G, Y La Bamba, The Latin Dead and more

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras, hosts of NPR's Alt.Latino, round up their favorite new music from the last few months.
3/1/202322 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Mix: Anna B Savage, Daisies, Neil Gaiman & FourPlay String Quartet, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including songs from Anna B Savage, Daisies, Pest Control, Neil Gaiman & FourPlay String Quartet and more.Featured Songs And Artist: 1. Daisies: "Is It Any Wonder," from Great Big Open Sky 2. Anna B Savage: "The Ghost," from inFLUX 3. Pest Control: "Total Distraction," from Don't Test The Pest4. Neil Gaiman & FourPlay String Quartet: "In Transit," from Signs of Life 5. Mohamad Zatari Trio: "Black Tea," from Istehlal6. Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily: "To Remain/To Return," from Love In Exile
2/28/202352 minutes
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How the score for 'All Quiet on the Western Front' made a familiar tale surprising

Composer Volker Bertelmann explains why he wanted to "destroy the film" with his score, how he used a centuries-old instrument for the cause and what it meant as a German to dive deep into this story.
2/27/202324 minutes, 56 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Feb. 24

The best new albums out this week include Cracker Island from Gorillaz, the 30th anniversary of Naughty By Nature's 19 Naughty III, Gracie Abrams' Good Riddance and more.Featured Albums:1. Gorillaz — Cracker IslandFeatured Songs: "Oil (feat. Stevie Nicks)," "Tormernta (feat. Bad Bunny)," "Silent Running (feat. Adeleye Omotayo)"2. Naughty By Nature — 19 Naughty III - 30th AnniversaryFeatured Songs: "Hip Hop Hooray," "Daddy Was A Street Corner," "It's On (Beatnuts Remix)"3. quinnie — flounderFeatured Songs: "emblem," "touch tank," "man"4. Gracie Abrams — Good RiddanceFeatured Songs: "Where do we go now?," "I should hate you"5. Christian McBride's New Jawn — PrimeFeatured Songs: "East Broadway Rundown," "Head Bedlam"Lightning Round:Buster Williams — UnalomeKate Fagan — I Don't Want to Be Too Cool [Expanded Ed.]Laraaji — Segue to InfinityNeutral Milk Hotel — The Collected Works of Neutral Milk HotelOther notable releases for Feb. 24:Adam Lambert — High DramaAlgiers — ShookThe Church — The HypnogogueDierks Bentley — Gravel & GoldGruff Rhys — The Almond and the SeahorseIris DeMent — Workin' on a WorldLogic — College ParkMiss Grit — Follow the CyborgPhilip Selway — Strange DanceShame — Food for WormsRuss Millions — One Of A KindThe Strokes — Singles, Vol. 1U.S. Girls — Bless This Mess
2/24/202330 minutes, 46 seconds
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New Mix: Lana Del Rey, Sidney Gish, beabadoobee, more

NPR Music's Marissa Lorusso and Hazel Cills join Bob Boilen to share their favorite new tracks, including an epic new song from Lana Del Rey and a love song from beabadoobee.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Lana Del Rey: "A&W," from Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd2. Sidney Gish: "Filming School" (Single)3. Seán Barna, "Benjamin Whishaw Smiled," from An Evening at Macri Park4. Caroline Rose, "The Doldrums," from The Art of Forgetting5. Avalon Emerson, "Sandrail Silhouette" (Single)6. beabadoobee, "Glue Song" (Single)
2/21/202343 minutes, 31 seconds
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How Son Lux scored 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'

Son Lux frontman Ryan Lott reveals how the band was able to keep pace with the frenetic, shape-shifting storytelling of Everything Everywhere All At Once, without missing its ultimate beat: love.
2/20/202326 minutes, 12 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Feb. 17

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from Caroline Polachek, UK producer, rapper and filmmaker Wesley Joseph, P!NK, the Boston rock group Pile and more.Featured Albums:1. Caroline Polachek — Desire, I Want To Turn Into YouFeatured Songs: "Pretty In Possible," "Fly To You (feat. Grimes and Dido)"2. Wesley Joseph — GLOWFeatured Songs: "COLD SUMMER," "SUGAR DRIVE (feat. Dean)"3. Pile — All FictionFeatured Songs: "Loops," "Poisons," "Blood," "Gardening Hours"4. P!NK — TRUSTFALLFeatured Songs: "TRUSTFALL," "Just Say I'm Sorry (feat. Chris Stapleton)," "Kids In Love (feat. First Aid Kit)," "When I Get There"5. Tianna Esperanza — TerrorFeatured Songs: "Terror," "Lewis," "Princess Slit and the Raincoat Prince," "Granada"Lightning Round:crushed — extra lifeLisel — Patterns For Auto-tuned Voices and DelayJaimee Harris — Boomerang TownSkrillex — Quest for FireOther notable releases for Feb. 17:@ — Mind Palace MusicAnna B Savage — in|FLUXAvey Tare — 7sFree Range — PracticeLeon Lee Dorsey & Mike Clark — Cantaloupe IslandLowly — Keep Up The Good WorkRon Sexsmith — The Vivian LineScreaming Females — Desire PathwaySimona Premazzi — Wave In GravityVarious Artists — Transmissions from Total Refreshment Centre
2/17/202332 minutes, 18 seconds
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In conversation: How the U.S.-Mexico border shaped Adrian Quesada's fluid sound

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras from NPR's Alt.Latino sit down with prolific producer and creator Adrian Quesada to discuss his experimental approach to border-driven, sonic expression.
2/15/202327 minutes, 42 seconds
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New Mix: Fantastic Negrito, Death Cab For Cutie, Indigo De Souza, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including re-imagined acoustic music from Fantastic Negrito, new Death Cab for Cutie and more.Featured Songs And Artist:1. Miya Folick: "Get Out Of My House," from Roach2. Fantastic Negrito: "Drifting Away," from Grandfather Courage3. Death Cab for Cutie: "The Plan," from Asphalt Meadows (Acoustic)4. Cinder Well: "Two Heads, Grey Mare," from Cadence5. Indigo De Souza: "Younger & Dumber," from All of This Will End6. Samana: "Two Wrongs," (Single)
2/14/202336 minutes, 43 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Feb. 10

The best albums out this week include Paramore's first new full-length in nearly six years, mind-blowing sonic explorations from Kelela and Liv.e, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Yo La Tengo and more.Featured Albums:1. Paramore — This Is WhyFeatured Songs: "You First," "C'est Comme Ca," "This Is Why"2. Liv.e — Girl in the Half PearlFeatured Songs: "Ghost," "A Slumber Party?," "Our Father," "Snowing!"3. Kelela — RavenFeatured Songs: "On the Run," "Contact," "Happy Ending"4. Black Belt Eagle Scout — The Land, The Water, The SkyFeatured Songs: "Fancy Dance," "Blue," "My Blood Runs Through This Land"5. Yo La Tengo — This Stupid WorldFeatured Songs: "This Stupid World," "Sinatra Drive Breakdown"Lightning Round: Andy Shauf — NormBrainorchestra — It Means A LotKING VISION ULTRA — SHOOK WORLDPearla — Oh Glistening Onion, The Nighttime Is ComingOther notable releases for Feb. 10:Amber Arcades — Barefoot on Diamond RoadThe Brian Jonestown Massacre — The Future is Your PastLisa O'Neil — All Of This Is ChanceTennis — PollenYou Me At Six — Truth Decay
2/10/202328 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Mix: The Tallest Man On Earth, Yo La Tengo, Nanna, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a reflection on lost youth from The Tallest Man On Earth, the debut solo album from Of Monsters And Men singer Nanna and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. The Tallest Man on Earth: "Every Little Heart," from Henry St.2. Fenne Lily: "Lights Light Up" (Single)3. Yo La Tengo: "Tonight's Episode," from This Stupid World4. Youth in a Roman Field: "It'll Pass," from Get Caught Trying5. Nanna: "Godzilla" (Single)6. Juni Habel: "Rhythm of the Tides," from Carvings
2/7/202337 minutes, 8 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Feb. 3

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include RAYE's long-awaited debut, My 21st Century Blues, SYML's stirring The Day My Father Died, the return of Shania Twain and more.Featured Albums:1. SYML — The Day My Father DiedFeatured Songs: "Chariot," "Howling (feat. Lucius)," "Lost Myself (feat. Guy Garvey)," "The Day My Father Died"2. RAYE — My 21st Century BluesFeatured Songs: "The Thrill Is Gone," "Oscar Winning Tears," "Hard Out Here"3. Joe Chambers — Dance KobinaFeatured Songs: "Gazelle Suite," "Caravanserai"4. Young Fathers — Heavy HeavyFeatured Songs: "Geronimo," "I Saw," "Tell Somebody"5. Shania Twain — Queen of MeFeatured Song: "Pretty Liar"Lightning Round Picks:Epik High — StrawberryThe Go! Team — Get Up Sequences Part TwoJames Brandon Lewis — Eye of IRobert Forster — The Candle and the FlameOther notable releases for Feb. 3:Ben Wolfe — UnjustBest Fern — Earth Then AirFantastic Negrito — Grandfather CourageHamish Hawk — Angel NumbersLoscil & Lawrence English — Colours of AirM(h)aol — Attachment StyleThe Psychotic Monks — Pink Colour SurgerySomebody's Child — Somebody's ChildSunny War — Anarchist GospelTropical F*** Storm — SUBMERSIVE BEHAVIORVarious — Ears of the People: Ekonting Songs from Senegal and the Gambia
2/3/202331 minutes
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In conversation: Cimafunk on the complex African lineage of his music

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Erik Rodríguez of Cimafunk to talk about how he's created his singular sound, the complex African lineage of his music and why his band is his "tribe."
2/1/202333 minutes, 35 seconds
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New Mix: Jana Horn, Debashish Bhattacharya, Lankum, more

NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich joins Bob Boilen for a show full of sonic adventures in hopes of stretching your musical boundaries, including three songs that are over eight minutes long.Featured Songs and Artists:1. Jana Horn: "After All This Time," from The Window is the Dream2. Anna Mieke: "Go Away from My Window," from Theatre3. Nabalayo: "mtwapa siren," from INSHA4. Lankum: "Go Dig My Grave," from False Lankum5. PoiL Ueda: "Dan No Ura - Part 1," from PoiL Ueda6. Debashish Bhattacharya: "The Sound of the Soul," from The Sound of the Soul
1/31/202357 minutes, 42 seconds
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Guest DJ Tom Verlaine (2006)

Tom Verlaine spins everything from Charles Mingus to The Day the Earth Stood Still soundtrack.
1/29/20230
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Jan. 27

The best albums out this week include A Reckoning from Kimbra, Sam Smith's deeply personal and powerful Gloria, jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin's Phoenix and more.Featured Albums:1. Kimbra — A ReckoningFeatured Songs: "la type (feat. Pink Siifu & Tommy Raps)," "save me," "foolish thinking (feat. Ryan Lott)"2. Sam Smith — GloriaFeatured Songs: "Unholy (feat. Kim Petras)," "I'm Not Here To Make Friends," "Love Me More," "Gloria"3. Lakecia Benjamin — PhoenixFeatured Songs: "Amerikkan Skin (feat. Angela Davis)," "Supernova (feat. Wayne Shorter)"4. Samia — HoneyFeatured Songs: "Amelia," "Pink Balloon," "Sea Lions," "Breathing Song"5. Jonah Yano — Portrait of a DogFeatured Songs: "Always," "So Sweet"Lightning Round:Bob Dylan — Fragments - Time Out of Mind Sessions 1996-1997 The Bootleg Series Vol. 17Joe Henry — All the Eye Can SeeNite Bjuti — "Mood (Liberation Walk)" (single)Popcaan — Great Is HeOther notable releases for Jan. 27:The Arcs — Electrophonic ChronicAva Max — Diamonds & DancefloorsBass Drum of Death — Say I Won'tElle King — Come Get Your WifeF***** Up — One DayHammock — Love in the VoidMeg Baird — FurlingSG Lewis — AudioLust & HigherLove
1/27/202331 minutes, 2 seconds
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New Mix: boygenius, The National, Baaba Maal, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including the return of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus as boygenius, The National and more.Featured Songs and Artists:1. boygenius: "$20," from the record2. The National: "Tropic Morning News," from First Two Pages of Frankenstein3. Niklas Paschburg & lùisa: "Darkside of the Hill," from Panta Rhei4. Miss Grit: "Lain (phone clone)," from Follow the Cyborg5. Baaba Maal: "Agreement," from Being6. The Hackles: "Damn the word," from What a beautiful thing I have made
1/24/202336 minutes, 50 seconds
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In conversation: Fabi Reyna learned to listen to her revolutionary intuition

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre sits down with Fabi Reyna of Reyna Tropical to talk about the process of trusting yourself, how music saved her life and moving forward after losing her creative collaborator Sumohair.
1/18/202326 minutes, 50 seconds
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New Mix: Peter Gabriel, Vagabon, Steady Holiday, more

New music from Peter Gabriel's first album of all new songs in 20 years. Also, Daughter has their first album of all new songs; it's been seven years for them. Plus, a heavy beat from Vagabon, wisdom from Steady Holiday and more.Featured Artists and Songs:1. Peter Gabriel: "Panopticom," from i/o2. Daughter: "Be On Your Way," from Stereo Mind Game3. Vagabon: "Carpenter," (Single)4. Steady Holiday: "The Balance," from Newfound Oxygen5. Gina Birch: "I Play My Bass Loud," from I Play My Bass Loud6. The Trials of Cato: "Aberdaron," from Gog Magog
1/17/202336 minutes, 2 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Jan. 13

The week's best new albums include a genre-spanning masterpiece from singer Margo Price, a tribute to the '80s from Seven Davis Jr., Belle and Sebastian, jazz trumpeter Derrick Gardner and more.Featured Albums:1. Margo Price — StraysFeatured Songs: "Light Me Up," "Time Machine," "Radio," "Anytime You Call"2. Seven Davis Jr. — savedbythebellFeatured Songs: "zero press," "wendy & lisa," "savedbythebell" 3. poolblood — moleFeatured Songs: "my little room," "wfy," "beam"4. Belle & Sebastian — Late DevelopersFeatured Songs: "So In the Moment," "When You're Not With Me," "Late Developers"5. Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets — Pan AfricaFeatured Songs: "The Sixth Village," "Djemba Kan," "Highlife Suite"Lightning Round: Jamee Cornelia — Art School DropoutJoesef — Permanent DamageLusillón — Pensando mucho y malObituary — Dying of EverythingWhitehorse — I'm Not Crying, You're CryingOther notable releases for Jan. 13: BabyTron — Bin Reaper 3: New TestamentDeclaime & Madlib — In the Beginning Vol. 3Gaz Coombes — Turn the Car AroundJulia Wolf — Good Thing We StayedLincoln — Everything Is WrongSkyzoo — The Mind of a Saint Stile Antico — The Golden Renaissance: William Byrd
1/13/202332 minutes, 34 seconds
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New Mix: Kate Davis, Rozi Plain, M(h)aol, Fievel Is Glauque, more

NPR Music's Hazel Cills and Marissa Lorusso join host Bob Boilen to share their favorite new tracks of the week, including the jagged sounds of Dublin's M(h)aol, former jazz prodigy and singer Kate Davis and more.Featured Artists and Songs:1. Decisive Pink: "Haffmilch Holiday" (Single)2. Artist: "Friendship Is Frequency," from Mind Palace Music3. Kate Davis: "Consequences," from Fish Bowl4. Fievel Is Glauque: "Days of Pleasure," from Flaming Swords5. Rozi Plain: "Help," from Prize6. M(h)aol: "THERAPY," from Attachment Styles
1/10/202336 minutes, 32 seconds
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Peeling back layers of the 'Glass Onion' score

For Glass Onion, composer Nathan Johnson had to navigate and illuminate the film's conflicting range of emotions. He found endless possibilities within an orchestra.
1/6/202326 minutes, 3 seconds
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In conversation: The Cuban roots of rock and roll

Can you hear the cha-cha-cha in The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"? Or the mambo in Ray Charles' "What'd I Say"? This week, our friends at Alt.Latino take a closer look at the Cuban roots of rock and roll.
1/4/202328 minutes, 30 seconds
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In conversation: The enduring spark of Selena

Since her death in 1995, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez' legacy has spread far beyond her Tejano music roots. This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode and explores how Selena became a powerful symbol of Latina identity.
12/28/202229 minutes, 15 seconds
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Viking's Choice 2022: Outer Sounds Around the World

On this year-end episode, NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich takes host Bob Boilen around the globe to experience Vietnamese ambient, Chilean speed metal and auto-tune'd Ghanaian gospel music. Featured Tracks and Artists: • BKO: "Sadiona" from Djine Bora• Cheba Wahida: "Jrouli Jrouli" from Jrouli • Sơn FM: "Go Into the Mountains" from Points of Light (ST​๐​๐​๗​)• Switchblade: "夜に踊る" from Blue Matter • Romperayo: "El Borracho" from Así No Se Puede Muchaches• La Colonie de Vacances: "L'amour universel" from ECHT• No Home: "Emerald Green Mirror" from Young Professional • Vórtize: "Mundo Bipolar" from ¡Tienes Que Luchar!• Linda Ayupuka: "Yine Faamam" from God Created Everything For more, follow the Viking's Choice playlist and subscribe to the newsletter.
12/27/202244 minutes, 6 seconds
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The All Songs Considered Holiday Cruise

In 2018, Steve Martin, John Legend, William Shatner and more joined Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton for All Songs Considered's annual holiday extravaganza, which unfolded like a bad high school play.
12/22/202255 minutes, 39 seconds
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Holiday Mix: A Latin music Christmas

¡Felices fiestas y'all! This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2014 to enjoy the music of D.C. Latino choir, Cantigas.
12/21/202229 minutes, 55 seconds
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Poll Results: Listeners Pick the Best Albums of 2022

Bob Boilen, Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson gather in a studio for the first time in nearly 3 years to count down NPR Music listeners' top 10 albums of 2022.
12/20/202254 minutes, 1 second
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Countdown: The Top 10 Songs of 2022

NPR's Ann Powers, Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre and contributor (and NPR Music alum) LaTesha Harris join host Robin Hilton to countdown the top 10 songs of 2022, as selected by the NPR Music team, contributors and partner stations.See NPR Music's top 100 songs, top 50 albums and more.
12/15/202236 minutes, 28 seconds
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The best Latin music of 2022

Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre sits down with Rolling Stone's Julyssa Lopez and NPR Music contributor Stefanie Fernández to talk about (some of) their favorite albums of the year. Show notes: You can help us improve Alt.Latino by taking some time to answer questions about the show. Please tell us what you like and how we could improve by going to npr.org/altlatinosurvey.
12/14/202233 minutes, 36 seconds
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Countdown: The Top 10 Albums of 2022

NPR's Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce join critic Christina Lee and host Robin Hilton to countdown the top 10 albums of 2022, as selected by the NPR Music team, contributors and partner stations.See NPR Music's list of the top 50 albums from 2022 and more.
12/12/202241 minutes, 41 seconds
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In conversation: Why cumbia is the musical backbone of Latin America

Whether you're from Ushuaia or East Los Angeles, you've likely heard cumbia blaring from a stereo. This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2015 and takes a closer look at the musical backbone of the Americas.
12/7/202229 minutes, 54 seconds
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Countdown: The Top 10 Rock Albums of 2022

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen joins NPR Music's Hazel Cills and Marissa Lorusso to count down NPR Music's top 10 rock albums of 2022. Featured songs and artists:10. Kevin Morby: "This Is a Photograph," from This Is a Photograph9. Soul Glo: "Jump!! (Or Get Jumped!!!)((by the future))," from Diaspora Problems8. Special Interest: "Foul," from Endure7. caroline: "Dark blue," from caroline6. Hurray for the Riff Raff: "PRECIOUS CARGO," from LIFE ON EARTH5. Alvvays: "Pharmacist," from Blue Rev4. Wet Leg: "Angelica," from Wet Leg3. Nilüfer Yanya: "stabilise," from PAINLESS 2. Alex G: "No Bitterness," from God Save the Animals1. Big Thief: "Spud Infinity," from Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In YouRead the ranked list the year's most essential rock music, along with a short list of personal favorites, by NPR Music staff and contributors.
12/6/20221 hour, 1 minute, 44 seconds
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In conversation: Linda Ronstadt on embracing her Mexican heritage

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Linda Ronstadt, who recently released her book Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands, to talk about her Mexican heritage, wanting to sing in Spanish earlier in her career and not feeling like the "quintessential American girl."
11/30/202229 minutes, 35 seconds
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Planet Money Records Vol. 2: The Negotiation

Our friends at Planet Money are trying something we thought All Songs listeners might find as fascinating as we do: They're trying to start their own record label to release a single song. It's a song about inflation, recorded in 1975... and never released until now.(This episode is part two of a series)Listen to "Inflation" on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, Amazon Music & Pandora.Subscribe to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney
11/29/202227 minutes, 36 seconds
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How cinematic guitar music reconnected Hermanos Gutiérrez as brothers

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez to talk about their musical legacy, sad songs and creating strong familial bonds through music. Show notes: You can help us improve Alt.Latino by taking some time to answer questions about the show. Please tell us what you like and how we could improve by going to npr.org/altlatinosurvey.
11/23/202230 minutes, 24 seconds
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Planet Money Records Vol. 1: Earnest Jackson

Our friends at Planet Money are trying something we thought All Songs listeners might find as fascinating as we do: They're trying to start their own record label to release a single song. It's a song about inflation, recorded in 1975... and never released until now.(This episode is part one of a series)Listen to "Inflation" on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, Amazon Music & Pandora.Subscribe to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney
11/21/202225 minutes, 49 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Nov. 18

The best albums out this week include rapper Roddy Ricch's emotional Feed Tha Streets III, Weyes Blood's majestic And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow, Honey Dijon's Black Girl Magic and more.Featured Albums:1. Roddy Ricch — Feed Tha Streets IIIFeatured Songs: "King Size," "Fade Away," "Letter 2 My Son"2. Weyes Blood — And In The Darkness, Hearts AglowFeatured Songs: "It's Not Just Me, It's Everybody," "The Worst Is Done," "God Turn Me Into a Flower," "In Holy Flux"3. Röyksopp — Profound Mysteries IIIFeatured Songs: "The Night (feat. Alison Goldfrapp)," "Just Wanted To Know (feat. Astrid S)," "The Next Day (feat. Jamie Irrepressible)"4. Honey Dijon — Black Girl MagicFeatured Songs: "Downtown (feat. Annette Brown & Nikki-O)," "Work (feat. Cor.Ece, Dave Giles II & Mike Dunn)," "Love Is A State Of Mind (feat. Ramona Renea)," "Drama (feat. Rimarkable & Dope Earth Alien)" 5. Cautious Clay — Thin Ice On The CakeFeatured Songs: "Burning Up Slow," "Camp Anonymous," "Sarah Tonin"Lightning Round:Daniel Bachman — Almanac Behinddumhi — Uncle MilesFousheé — softCOREOther notable releases for Nov. 18:-(16)- — Into DustAdrian Quesada – Jaguar SoundBilly Strings — Me/And/DadBrockhampton — The FamilyCaitlin Rose — CAZIMIIcewear Vezzo — Paint the CityKrill — Alarm No Hris (vinyl reissue)Neil Young & Crazy Horse — World RecordPeggy Lee — Norma Deloris Egstrom From Jamestown, North Dakota (50th Anniv. Ed.)Phony Ppl — EuphonyusThe Wombats — Is This What It Feels Like To Feel Like This?
11/18/202226 minutes, 10 seconds
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How Silvana Estrada cultivates intimacy and generosity in her live performances

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Silvana Estrada to talk about vulnerability, bringing light into her shows and the lessons her parents have given her. Show notes: You can help us improve Alt.Latino by taking some time to answer questions about the show. Please tell us what you like and how we could improve by going to npr.org/altlatinosurvey.
11/16/202233 minutes, 24 seconds
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New Mix: Radiohead's Philip Selway, Yo La Tengo, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a new solo release from Radiohead drummer Philip Selway, a new project with R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry and more.Featured Songs and Artists:1. Philip Selway: "Check For Signs Of Life," from Strange Dance2. Among Authors: "Fears We Hold" (Single)3. Lisa O'Neill: "Old Note," from All Of This Is Chance4. The Bad Ends: "Thanksgiving 1915," from The Power and The Glory5. Yo La Tengo: "Fallout," from This Stupid World
11/15/202231 minutes, 49 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Nov. 11

Our picks for the best albums out this week include the Spanish-language remix of Run The Jewels' RTJ4, Bruce Springsteen's tribute to classic soul, the debut from Memphis rapper GloRilla and more.Featured Albums:1. Run The Jewels — RTJCU4TROFeatured Songs: "JU$T," "santa calamif***"2. Bruce Springsteen — Only the Strong SurviveFeatured Songs: "Soul Days," "I Forgot To Be Your Lover," "Turn Back the Hands of Time"3. Christine And The Queens (as Redcar) — les adorables étoiles (prologue)Featured Songs: "Ma bien aimee bye bye," "My birdman" 4. GloRilla — Anyways, Life's Great...Featured Songs: "Blessed," "F.N.F. (Let's Go)," "PHATNALL"5. Bill Frisell — FourFeatured Songs: "Claude Utley," "Waltz For Hal Wilner"Lightning Round:claire rousay — a heavenly touch (vinyl reissue)Duval Timothy — Meeting with a Judas TreeErnest Hood — Back to the WoodlandsMorris Day — Last CallOther notable releases for Nov. 11:Actress — Dummy Corporation Ben LaMar Gay — Certain ReveriesGold Panda — The WorkHeather Trost — Desert FlowersHomeboy Sandman — Still ChampionIllogic — The TransitionJordana — I'm Doing Well, Thanks For AskingLyrics Born — Vision BoardNas — King's Disease IIIPuck — Best FriendSharon Van Etten — We've Been Going About This All Wrong (Deluxe Edition)The Sonora Pine — II (vinyl reissue)Tyondai Braxton — Telekinesis Wizkid — More Love, Less Ego
11/11/202226 minutes, 42 seconds
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How making original music again helped Natalia Lafourcade grow her 'inner garden'

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre of NPR's Alt.Latino sit down with Natalia Lafourcade to talk about interpreting old songs, taking things slow and releasing her first album of original material in seven years.
11/9/202230 minutes, 40 seconds
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Songs that make you feel good

In this encore episode from 2011, Bob Boilen, Robin Hilton, and All Songs Considered listeners share the songs that lift them up, inspire them to whistle, dance in public and move on from hardship.
11/8/202237 minutes, 37 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Nov. 4

Our picks for the best albums out this week include a droll, sometimes comical, sometimes graphic debut from the Atlanta duo Coco & Clair Clair, five new and totally different records from SAULT and more.Featured Albums:1. Coco & Clair Clair — SexyFeatured Songs: "8 AM," "Bad Lil Vibe," "The Hills," "Love Me"2. R.A.P. Ferreira — 5 to the Eye with StarsFeatured Songs: "fighting back," "mythsysizer instinct," "ours," "tennessee farmer jutsu"3. Phoenix — Alpha ZuluFeatured Songs: "Season 2," "Winter Solstice," "Artefact"4. Big Joanie — Back HomeFeatured Songs: "In My Arms," "Cactus Tree"5. SAULT — AIIR, Earth, Today & Tomorrow, UNTITLED (God), 11Featured Songs: "4am," "Heal The World," "Valley of the Ocean," "Together," "Life We Rent But Love Is Rent Free," "Love Is All I Know"Lightning Round:Connie Constance — Miss PowerFirst Aid Kit — PalominoMarvin Tate's D-Settlement — Marvin Tate's D-SettlementSurya Botofasina — Everyone's ChildrenOther notable releases for Nov. 4:Ami Dang — The Living World DemandsCaleb Landry Jones — Gadzooks Vol. 2Daniel Avery — Ultra TruthDrake — Her LossTropical Gothclub — Tropical GothclubEzra Collective — Where I'm Meant To Beh. Pruz — again, thereJakob Bro & Joe Lovano — Once Around the RoomLecrae — Church Clothes 4The Lone Bellow — Love Songs For LosersOkay Kaya — SAPRayland Baxter — If I Were A ButterflySpecial Interest — EndureTeddy Swims — Sleep Is ExhaustingThe Welcome Wagon — Esther
11/4/202227 minutes, 33 seconds
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The genre-subverting composer Angélica Negrón on embracing all sides of her identity

Alt.Latino's Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Angélica Negrón to talk about the importance of representation, making music with plants and what inspired her to begin composing.
11/2/202227 minutes, 34 seconds
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The Best Music of October

Open Mike Eagle confronted the past, Natalia Lafourcade returned to original songwriting, Katie Crutchfield and Jess Williamson collaborated as Plains, Víkingur Ólafsson intimately played piano and Maral deconstructed an ancestral groove.Featured Tracks and Artists:1. Open Mike Eagle: "Burner Account" and "For DOOM" from Component System with the Auto Reverse 2. Natalia Lafourcade: "María la Curandera" from De Todas las Flores 3. Plains: "Hurricane" and "Abilene" from I Walked With You A Ways 4. Víkingur Ólafsson: Robert Schumann's Study in Canonic Form, Op. 56, No. 1 and Béla Bartók's 3 Hungarian Folks Songs from Csík, III. 'White Lily' via From Afar5. Maral: "Mari's Groove" from Ground GrooveOur panel's additional recommendations for October: • Palm, Nicks and Grazes• Loyle Carner, hugo• Moin, PasteMore from NPR Music: • Interview: Open Mike Eagle• Review: Plains, I Walked With You A Ways • Víkingur Ólafsson: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
11/1/202226 minutes, 41 seconds
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You've never heard The Beatles' 'Revolver' sound like this

The technology used to remix the 56-year-old album is hard to fathom. But, with the help of producer Giles Martin, Revolver now sounds like a brand new album from a young band still putting out records.
10/31/202239 minutes, 24 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Oct. 28

The best albums out this week include Smino's Luv 4 Rent, Icelandic singer Ásgeir's Time On My Hands, a staggering new work from Benjamin Clementine and more.Featured Albums:1. Smino — Luv 4 RentFeatured Tracks: "Pro Freak," "Blu Billy," "Pudgy"2. Nosaj Thing — ContinuaFeatured Tracks: "We Are," "Look Both Ways"3. Ásgeir — Time on My HandsFeatured Tracks: "Time on My Hands," "Borderland," "Limitless"4. Benjamin Clementine — And I Have BeenFeatured Tracks: "Residue," "Lovelustreman," "Delighted"5. Ghost Funk Orchestra — A New Kind Of LoveFeatured Tracks: "Your Man's No Good," "Quiet Places"Lightning Round:Cakes da Killa — SvengaliFatboi Sharif & Noface — Preaching in HavanaField Guide — Field GuideJunior Boys — Waiting GameOther Notable Releases:Babehoven — Light Moving TimeThe Beatles — Revolver (Super Deluxe)Dear Nora — human futuresDIGAWOLF — INI (Spirit)Lee Fields — Sentimental FoolMartha — Please Don't Take Me BackShow Me The Body — Trouble The WaterTrampled By Turtles — AlpenglowTyshawn Sorey Trio +1 with Greg Osby — The Off-Off Broadway Guide to Synergism (Live)Yung Gravy - Marvelous
10/28/202225 minutes, 16 seconds
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Why Carlos Santana's divisive, spiritual 'Caravanserai' wasn't 'career suicide'

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre from NPR's Alt.Latino sit down with Carlos Santana to talk about nurturing his spirit, growing as an artist and 50 years of Caravanserai.
10/27/202229 minutes, 19 seconds
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A Halloween mix: Phoebe Bridgers and Andrew Bird, Sunny War, John Cale, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a collaboration between Phoebe Bridgers and Andrew Bird, John Cale's first new album in a decade and more.Featured Songs and Artists:1. Sunny War: "No Reason," from Anarchist Gospel2. Andrew Bird & Phoebe Bridgers: "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain" (Single)3. Seán Barna: "Everyone's a Queen on Halloween" (Single)4. John Cale: "STORY OF BLOOD (feat. Weyes Blood)," from MERCY5. Weyes Blood: "Grapevine," from And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow6. Micah Frank & Chet Doxas: "Ave Maria (Featuring Mary Lattimore)," from The Music of Hildegard von Bingen Part One
10/26/202246 minutes, 8 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Oct. 21

The best albums out this week include Taylor Swift's Midnights, powerful meditations on race and identity from U.K. rapper Loyle Carner, the transfixing sounds of singer iLe and more.Featured Albums:1. Taylor Swift — MidnightsFeatured Songs: "Lavender Haze," "Vigilante S***," "Karma," "Sweet Nothing"2. Loyle Carner — hugoFeatured Songs: "Hate," "Nobody Knows," "Georgetown"3. Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn — PigmentsFeatured Songs: "Cerulean," "Vantablack" "Sandstone"4. iLe — NacarileFeatured Songs: "Ningún Lugar," "traguito"5. Nick Hakim — COMETAFeatured Songs: "Feeling Myself," "Something," "Ani"Lightning Round:Bibio — BIB10Frankie Cosmos — Inner World PeaceTegan & Sara — CrybabyOther Notable Releases:a-ha — True NorthAlice Boman — The Space BetweenArchers of Loaf — Reason in DeclineArctic Monkeys — The CarBabyface — Girls Night OutCarly Rae Jepsen — The Loneliest TimeDry Cleaning — StumpworkGoat — Oh DeathJesse Harris — Silver Balloon Jeezy & DJ Drama — SnofallMeghan Trainor — Takin' It BackRubblebucket — Earth WorshipSimple Minds — Direction of the HeartSloan — SteadyTakuya Kuroda — Midnight CrispWiki & subjxct 5 — Cold Cuts
10/21/202228 minutes, 49 seconds
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How the rhythms and resilience of Puerto Rico shape iLe's music

Alt.Latino's Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with iLe to talk about salsa music, Puerto Rico's role in her art and being la bebé of the family.
10/19/202235 minutes, 38 seconds
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New Mix: Sevdaliza, Mabe Fratti, The Arcs, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a song for oppressed women worldwide from Sevdaliza, the experimental cellist Mabe Fratti, Billy Strings performing with his dad and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. The Arcs: "Keep On Dreamin'," from Electrophonic Chronic2. Sevdaliza: "Woman Life Freedom" (Single)3. Pearla: "The Place With No Weather," from Oh Glistening Onion, The Nighttime Is Coming4. Eszter Balint: "The First Day," from I HATE MEMORY!5. Billy Strings: "Long Journey Home," from Me/and/Dad6. Mabe Fratti: "Esta Vez," from Se Ve Desde Aquí
10/18/202233 minutes, 49 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Oct. 14

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the long-awaited return of M.I.A., plus new records from Tove Lo, The 1975, Mykki Blanco and more.Featured Albums:1. M.I.A. — MataFeatured Songs: "The One," "Popular"2. Tove Lo — Dirt FemmeFeatured Songs: "2 Die 4," "Suburbia"3. Mykki Blanco — Stay Close to MusicFeatured Songs: "Trust A Little Bit," "Family Ties," "French Lessons," "Carry On"4. The 1975 — Being Funny in a Foreign LanguageFeatured Songs: "I'm In Love With You," "When We Are Together"5. Ryuichi Sakamoto — Exception (Original Soundtrack)Featured Songs: "Opening For Exception," "Collusion," "Operating The Drone"Lightning Round: Lil Baby — It's Only MeMavi — Laughing So Hard It HurtsAO Gerber — Meet Me at the GloamingPlains — I Walked With You a WaysBetty Who — Big!
10/14/202228 minutes, 7 seconds
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Presenting Alt.Latino: The rapper Farruko on finding God — and a whole new sound

From our friends at Alt.Latino, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Carlos Efrén Reyes Rosado to talk about creating the character of Farruko, developing a relationship with God and spreading a message of love.
10/13/202219 minutes, 57 seconds
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A Sigur Rós masterpiece turns 20, plus Samia, JFDR, the sounds of Ghana and more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares gorgeous new music from the Ghana-born artist Okaidja Afroso, a spare reflection from the singer Samia, the 20th anniversary edition of the Sigur Rós album ( ) and more.1. Okaidja Afroso: "Gidi Gidi," from Jaku Mumor2. Lydia Ramsey: "Revival," from Like A Dream3. Samia: "Kill Her Freak Out" (Single)4. JFDR: "The Orchid" (Single)5. Sigur Rós: "Untitled #7 (Jacobs Studio Sessions)," from ( ) Remastered
10/11/202234 minutes, 32 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Oct. 7

WILLOW's first single, "Whip My Hair," came out just shy of the singer's 10th birthday. Now 21, she's returned with her fifth full-length album, titled . The record has big arena-rock vibes to go with its spiky pop-punk songcraft, and it effectively captures WILLOW's gift for conveying deeply felt emotions and the thrum of anxiety. We've also got new albums from genre-smashing singer, rapper and multi-instrumentalist NNAMDÏ, arty rapper Open Mike Eagle, dance-music producer TSHA and the venerated space-jazz ensemble Sun Ra Arkestra. Featured Albums: 1. WILLOW — Featured Songs: "WHY?," "ur a " 2. NNAMDÏ — Please Have a Seat Featured Songs: "Armoire," "ANXIOUS EATER," "Careful" 3. Open Mike Eagle — Component System With the Auto Reverse Featured Songs: "79th and Stony Island," "I Retired Then I Changed My Mind," "Peak Lockdown Raps" 4. TSHA — Capricorn Sun Featured Songs: "OnlyL (feat. Nimmo)," "Giving Up (feat. Mafro)," "Running," "Sister," "Anxious Mind (feat. Clementine Douglas)" 5. Sun Ra Arkestra — Living Sky Featured Songs: "Somebody Else's Idea," "Marshall's Groove," "Night of the Living Sky," "Firefly" Lightning Round: Quavo & Takeoff — Only Built for Infinity Links Fatnice — Vanglorious Say She She — Prism Collapsing Stars — Chapter
10/7/202228 minutes, 41 seconds
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Presenting Alt.Latino: Carla Morrison on Latinx mental health and her new sound

From our friends at Alt.Latino, Felix Contreras sits down with Carla Morrison to talk about her new sound, the importance of mental health and the art of the Parisian non.
10/5/202226 minutes, 28 seconds
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The Best Music of September

Tyler Childers went to church, Makaya McCraven sampled himself, Sudan Archives got silly and sexy, Alex G distilled his production quirks and Björk stuck her toes in the earth. Featured Tracks and Artists:1. Tyler Childers: "Old Country Church (Jubilee Version)" from Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? 2. Makaya McCraven: "Seventh String" from In These Times 3. Sudan Archives: "Selfish Soul" from Natural Brown Prom Queen 4. Alex G: "Miracles" from God Save the Animals 5. Björk: "Fungal City" from Fossora Our panel's additional recommendations for August: • Lou Turner, Microcosmos• SiR, "Nothing Even Matters"• Sonja, Loud ArriverRead the NPR Music review:• Makaya McCraven, In These Times• Sudan Archives, Natural Brown Prom Queen • Alex G, God Save the Animals
10/3/202236 minutes, 58 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Sept. 30

It's been five years since Björk last released an album, but now the Icelandic icon is back with a deeply inventive set called Fossora. Every sound on the record feels as if it's springing into the mix from a different direction, as her vibrant voice shares space with everything from bass clarinets to the voices of Björk's own offspring. Fossora was inspired, at least in part, by the death of the singer's mother, but joy also abounds. We've also got the star-packed major-label debut of veteran rapper Freddie Gibbs, a reinvention for the long-running jazz group The Bad Plus, the return of U.K. pop star Craig David and a wild electro-pop record from Shygirl. Featured Albums: 1. Björk — Fossora Featured Songs: "Fossora," "Mycelia," "Sorrowful Soil" 2. Freddie Gibbs — $oul $old $eparately Featured Songs: "Pain and Strife (feat. Offset)," "CIA" 3. The Bad Plus — The Bad Plus Featured Songs: "Sun Wall," "Stygian Pools," "In the Bright Future" 4. Craig David — 22 Featured Songs: "DNA," "My Heart's Been Waiting for You," "Teardrops" 5. Shygirl — Nymph Featured Songs: "Firefly," "Coochie (a bedtime story)," "Nike," Missin u"Lightning Round: Kid Cudi — Entergalactic Various Artists — The Birdsong Project Vol. V Adam Blackstone — Legacy (out Sept. 23) Various Artists — Blue Note Re:imagined II Ashley McBryde — Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville Tyler Childers — Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?
9/30/202227 minutes, 27 seconds
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Presenting Alt.Latino: Why Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador almost gave up music

From our friends at Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador to talk about intentionality in community building, almost quitting music and finding nourishment in her art.Correction: An earlier version of this episode incorrectly said Linda Diaz won the 2021 Tiny Desk Contest. She won in 2020.
9/28/202228 minutes, 40 seconds
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The 20th anniversary edition of Wilco's 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,' Julia Jacklin, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen samples a massive, 20th anniversary edition of Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and shares his favorite new tracks of the week, from Brian Eno, Julia Jacklin and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Wilco: "Ashes of American Flags (Stravinsky mix)," from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Deluxe Edition)2. Brian Eno: "We Let It In," from FOREVERANDEVERNOMORE3. Luke Sital-Singh: "Blind Missiles," from Dressing Like a Stranger4. JEAN DAWSON: "PIRATE RADIO*," from CHAOS NOW*5. Julia Jacklin: "Moviegoer," from PRE PLEASURE6. Steady Holiday & Bedouine: "People Take Pictures of Each Other" (Single)
9/27/202233 minutes, 35 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Sept. 23

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include veteran folksinger Beth Orton, Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré and more.Featured Albums: 1. Peter Matthew Bauer — Flowers Featured Songs: "Chiyoda, Arkansas, Manila," "Flowers" 2. Beth Orton — Weather Alive Featured Songs: "Lonely," "Fractals" 3. Vieux Farka Touré & Khruangbin — Ali Featured Songs: "Mahine Me," "Savanne" 4. Caroline Shaw & Attacca Quartet — Evergreen Featured Songs: "Other Song," "The Evergreen Stem" 5. Makaya McCraven — In These Times Featured Songs: "Dream Another," "The Title" Lightning Round: The Comet Is Coming — Hyper-Dimensional Expansion Beam Young RJ — World Tour Angelica Sanchez Trio — Sparkle Beings Alex G — God Save the Animals Nils Frahm — Music for Animals
9/23/202224 minutes, 48 seconds
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Presenting Alt.Latino: How Rosalía found her confidence

From our friends at Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre sits down with Spanish superstar Rosalía, who just earned eight Latin Grammy nominations, to talk about her musical inspirations, divine sensuality and constant pull to transform.
9/21/202228 minutes, 37 seconds
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New Mix: Will Sheff, Beth Orton, Miya Folick, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including the return of Beth Orton, a solo debut from Okkervil River's Will Sheff, Miya Folick and more.Featured songs and artists:1. Courtney Marie Andrews: "These Are The Good Old Days," from Loose Future2. Beth Orton: "Forever Young," from Weather Alive3. Miya Folick: "Oh God," from 2007 - EP4. Hand Habits & Amelia Meath: "Under The Water" (Single)5. Will Sheff (feat. Cassandra Jenkins): "In the Thick of It," from Nothing Special6. Hammered Hulls: "Boilermaker's Notch," from Careening
9/20/202233 minutes, 49 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Sept. 16

The superstar K-pop girl group BLACKPINK is one of the biggest pop juggernauts in the world, with billions of streams and massive world tours to its name. Born Pink, its second full-length album — and "full-length" is relative here, since we're talking about eight songs in under 25 minutes — promises to further expedite BLACKPINK's domination of the U.S. charts. We've also got new projects from Brazilian-born electro-pop artist LYZZA, Afropop-inspired R&B singer-songwriter Miloe, Tiny Desk Contest-winning singer-songwriter Quinn Christopherson and dance-pop star Rina Sawayama. On this week's New Music Friday, Radio Milwaukee's Tarik Moody and NPR Music contributors Christina Lee and Cyrena Touros join guest host Stephen Thompson.Featured Albums: BLACKPINK — Born Pink Featured Songs: "Typa Girl," "Pink Venom," "Hard to Love"LYZZA — Mosquito Featured Songs: "Lucky You," "Hold Me," "Heathens Call (feat. Backxwash)" Miloe — gaps Featured Songs: "elastic," "rewind (feat. PawPaw Rod)"Quinn Christopherson — Write Your Name In Pink Featured Songs: "Uptown," "Evelene" Rina Sawayama — Hold the Girl Featured Songs: "Catch Me in the Air," "Hold the Girl," "Forgiveness" Lightning Round: Mura Masa — Demon Time Pink Siifu & Real Bad Man — Real Bad Flights The Beths — Expert in a Dying Field Jesca Hoop — Order of Romance Death Cab for Cutie — Asphalt Meadows Wilco — Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Super Deluxe Edition) Gogol Bordello — Solidaritine
9/16/202227 minutes, 51 seconds
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Presenting Alt.Latino: Omar Apollo on the power of inclusion

From our friends at NPR's Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre sits down with R&B darling Omar Apollo to talk about his experiences growing up in Indiana and becoming a role model for queer Latinx kids.
9/14/202228 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Mix: The Comet Is Coming, Anna Tivel, Winter, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen returns with some of his favorite tracks of the week, including new ones from the groundbreaking reggae artist Horace Andy, singer-songwriter Anna Tivel and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Horace Andy: "Feverish," from Midnight Scorchers2. The Comet is Coming: "TECHNICOLOUR," from Hyper-Dimensional Expansion Beam3. Very Very: "Strange Occasion" (Single)4. Anna Tivel: "Outsiders," from Outsiders5. Winter: "good," from What Kind of Blue Are You?6. Mama's Broke: "How It Ends," from Narrow Line
9/13/202233 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out Sept. 9

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include genre-straddling polymaths Santigold and Sudan Archives, R&B sensation Ari Lennox and more.Featured Albums: Ari Lennox — age/sex/location Featured Songs: "Queen Space (feat. Summer Walker)," "Hoodie" Sudan Archives — Natural Brown Prom Queen Featured Songs: "Copycat (Broken Notions)," "Chevy S10," "Yellow Brick Road, TDLY (Homegrown Land)" The Paranoyds — Talk Talk Talk Featured Songs: "Freak Out," "Single Origin Experience," "Sunburn" Sampa the Great — As Above, So Below Featured Songs: "Lane (feat. Denzel Curry)," "Can I Live"Santigold — Spirituals Featured Songs: "High Priestess," "Ain't Ready," "My Horror," "Shake" Lightning Round: Son Little — Like Neptune Jackson Wang — Magic Man Oliver Sim — Hideous Bastard Built To Spill — When the Wind Forgets Your Name Madison Cunningham — Revealer
9/9/202228 minutes, 50 seconds
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This episode is 'For The Birds'

A massive new collection of more than 240 songs and spoken word recordings — all about birds — features work from Andrew Bird, Kamasi Washington, Laurie Anderson, Alice Coltrane, Cassandra Jenkins, Yo-Yo Ma, Beck and more.
9/7/202232 minutes, 8 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Sept. 2

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include rapper Psalm One, the veteran metal band Megadeth, English singer Yungblud and more. Featured Albums:1. Yungblud — YungbludFeatured Songs: "Memories (feat. WILLOW)," "Tissues"2. Psalm One X Custom Made — Bigg PerrmFeatured Songs: "Cristalle Jr.," "Pitchfork Score"3. Megadeth — The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!Featured Songs: "Night Stalkers (feat. Ice-T)"4. Living Hour — Someday Is TodayFeatured Songs: "Feelings Meeting (feat. Jay Som)," "Hump"5. Stereolab — Pulse of the Early Brain (Switched On Vol. 5)Featured Songs: "Laissez Faire," "ABC," "Symbolic Logic of Now!"
9/2/202225 minutes, 11 seconds
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The Best Music of August

Punches flew from the Mountain Goats, Roc Marciano and The Alchemist teamed up, Tomu DJ took unexpected turns, Julia Jacklin looked deep within, Eli Winter opened up and Tommy McLain returned. Featured Tracks and Artists:1. The Mountain Goats: "Wage Wars Get Rich Die Handsome" from Bleed Out2. Roc Marciano & The Alchemist: "JJ Flash" from The Elephant Man's Bones 3. Tomu DJ: "Optimistic" from Half Moon Bay 4. Julia Jacklin, "Ignore Tenderness" from Pre Pleasure5. Eli Winter: "Dayenu" from Eli Winter6. Tommy McLain: "Somebody" from I Ran Down Every Dream Our panel's additional recommendations for August: Young Nudy, EA MonsterDiamanda Galás, Broken GargoylesQuinn Christopherson, "Celine" Danger Mouse & Black Thought, Cheat CodesEight, Delight in Eight
9/1/202229 minutes, 30 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug. 26

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week, including the highly anticipated third album by Atlanta rapper J.I.D. and a massive Blondie box set. Featured Albums:1. J.I.D — The Forever Story Featured Songs: "Dance Now," "Better Days," "Raydar"2. Stella Donnelly — Flood Featured Songs: "Lungs," "Morning Silence," "How Was Your Day?"3. Miguel Zenón — Müsica De Las Americas Featured Songs: "Opresion Y Revolucion," "Tainos Y Caribes"4. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith — Let's Turn It Into Sound Featured Songs: "Locate," "Have You Felt Lately?"5. Blondie — Against the Odds: 1974-1982 Featured Songs: "Rapture" "The Tide Is High (Demo Version)," "Heart of Glass"Lightning Round:Carolyn Malachi — Counter NarrativesJulia Jacklin — Pre PleasureRegina Spektor — 11:11 + Papa's BootlegsValerie June — Under CoverMeechy Darko — Gothic LuxuryOther notable releases for August 26:blackbear — In Loving MemoryBret McKenzie — Songs Without JokesChris Forsyth — Evolution Here We ComeDiamanda Galás — Broken GargoylesEmbrace — How To Be a Person Like Other PeopleEyedress — Full Time LoverEzra Furman — All of Us FlamesIngrid Andress — Good PersonMarcus King — Young BloodMuse — Will Of The PeoplePantha du Prince — Garden GaiaPianos Become the Teeth — DriftSélébéyone — Xaybu: The UnseenSpice — EmancipatedWilliam Orbit — The PainterYellowjackets — Parallel Motion
8/26/202228 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug. 19

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from Hot Chip, the R&B singer Tink, Shemekia Copeland, singer-songwriter Anna Tivel and more.Featured Albums:1. Hot Chip — Freakout/ReleaseFeatured Songs: "Down," "Freakout/Release," "Miss the Bliss," "The Evil That Men Do"2. Terence Etc. — VortexFeatured Songs: "In Contemplation of Clair's Scent," "Infinence or Infinity," "The Merchant of Flatbush"3. Anna Tivel — OutsidersFeatured Songs: "Outsiders, "Black Umbrella," "The Basement"4. Tink — Pillow TalkFeatured Songs: "Mine," "Drunk Text'n"5. Shemekia Copeland — Done Come Too FarFeatured Songs: "Too Far To Be Gone," "The Talk," "Fell in Love with a Honky," "Gullah Geechee," "The Dolls are Sleeping"Lightning Round: Andrew Combs — SundaysInternet Money — We All We GotMuna Ileiwat — Twenty-SevenTHICK — Happy NowOther notable releases for Aug. 19:AITCH — Close to HomeCass McCombs — HeartmindDemi Lovato — HOLY FVCKEli Winter — Eli WinterKim Myhr — Sympathetic MagicLoudon Wainwright III — Lifetime AchievementMadonna — Finally Enough Love: 50 Number OnesMarketa Irglova — LilaThe Mountain Goats — Bleed OutPanic! At The Disco — Viva Las VengeanceRöyksopp — Profound Mysteries IISilversun Pickups — Physical Thrills The Soft Pink Truth — Was It Ever Real?
8/19/202228 minutes, 2 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug. 12

The best new albums out this week include Cheat Codes from Danger Mouse and Black Thought, a stunning debut from singer and TikTok phenom Bella Poarch, Hudson Mohawke's Cry Sugar and more.Featured Albums: 1. Danger Mouse & Black Thought — Cheat CodesFeatured Songs: "Strangers," "Aquamarine"2. Bella Poarch — DollsFeatured Songs: "Dolls," "Build a Bitch"3. Hudson Mohawke — Cry SugarFeatured Songs: "Rain Shadow," "Ingle Nook," "Stump," "Behold"4. Beastie Boys — Check Your Head (Deluxe Edition)Featured Songs: "Jimmy James," "Gratitude," "So What'Cha Want (Butt Naked Version)," "Pass the Mic (Pt. 2, Skills To Pay The Bills)"5. NIKI — NicoleFeatured Songs: "Keeping Tabs," "Take A Chance With Me," "Facebook Friends"Lightning Round:Andy Bey — Experience and Judgment Peter Mulvey & SistaSrings — Love is the Only ThingSylvan Esso — No Rules SandyTomu DJ — Half Moon BayOther notable releases for Aug. 12:Boris — Heavy Rocks (2022)Pale Waves — UnwantedPanda Bear & Sonic Boom — ResetPavement — Slanted and Enchanted (30th Anniversary Edition)Rat Tally — In My Car
8/12/202228 minutes, 14 seconds
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New Mix: dodie, Vieux Farka Touré & Khruangbin, Young Jesus, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a new project from Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield and Jess Williamson, a Vieux Farka Touré--Khruangbin collaboration and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Plains: "Problem With It," from I Walked With You A Ways2. dodie: "Got Weird" (Single)3. Spring Summer: "Mountaineer," from T.E.A.R.S4. Vieux Farka Touré & Khruangbin: "Savanne," from Ali5. Hermanos Gutiérrez: "El Bueno Y El Malo," from El Bueno Y El Malo6. Young Jesus: "Ocean (feat. Tomberlin)," from Shepherd Head
8/9/202233 minutes, 12 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug. 5

NPR Music's picks for the best releases out this week include a potent new EP from the rapper Doechii, hyper-pop from Pussy Riot, roots salsa from Colombia's Meridian Brothers and more. Featured Albums:1. Doechii — she / her / black bitchFeatured Tracks: "Bitches Be," "Swamp Bitches," "Persuasive"2. Meridian Brothers & El Grupo Renacimiento — Meridian Brothers & El Grupo RenacimientoFeatured Tracks: "Bomba Atómica," "Metamorfosis"3. AJ Suede — Oil On CanvasFeatured Tracks: "Growing Diamonds," "Wonder," "Monochrome"4. Pussy Riot — MATRIARCHY NOWFeatured Tracks: "PRINCESS CHARMING," "PLASTIC," "POOF BITCH"5. Planet Drum — In The GrooveFeatured Track: "King Clave"Lightning Round:Alexia Bomtempo — DOCE CARNAVALAraceli Poma — "Agua de Olvido"Art Moore — Art MooreVarious — Rise Jamaica!Other notable releases for Aug. 5:Bobby Shmurda — BodBoyCalvin Harris — Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2Fireboy DML — PlayboyKokoroko — Could We Be MoreLee Bains III & The Glory Fires — Old-Time FolksMall Grab — What I BreatheNeil Young — Noise & FlowersT Bone Burnett — The Invisible Light: Spells
8/5/202228 minutes, 10 seconds
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The Best Music of July

Maggie Rogers leveled up and Beyoncé dropped another album we'll think about all year. But Johnny Gandelsman also took us across America, Bear1Boss super-smashed rap and Caterina Barbieri found immanence in synths. Featured Tracks and Artists:1. Maggie Rogers: "Shatter" from Surrender2. Beyoncé: "PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA" from RENAISSANCE 3. Johnny Gandelsman: "Surrender to the Adventure for Musician & Tape: 1. Blossom / American Dream" and "O for Violin & Voices" from This is America: An Anthology 2020-20214. Bear1Boss: "$$$" from Bear1Boss5. Caterina Barbieri: "Canticle of Cryo" from Spirit ExitOur panel's additional recommendations for July: • Adam Kent, Tania León: Teclas de mi piano• Gwenno: Tresor• Kali Malone: Living TorchSee also:• Maggie Rogers' summer mixtape sweats with sweetness• Caterina Barbieri's rapturous electronica was forged in deep solitude
8/1/202227 minutes, 25 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 29

Beyoncé's Renaissance isn't the only big release out now. NPR Music's other picks for the week's best new albums include Maggie Rogers' Surrender, the debut from DOMI & JD Beck and more.Featured Albums:1. Beyoncé — RenaissanceFeatured Tracks: "PURE/HONEY"2. Maggie Rogers — SurrenderFeatured Tracks: "Want Want," "Horses," "Shatter," Different Kind of World" 3. DOMI & JD Beck — NOT TiGHTFeatured Tracks: "BOWLING," TAKE A CHANCE," "WHATUP," "PILOT"4. Lava La Rue — Hi-Fidelity Featured Tracks: "Don't Trip," "Motel," "Cry Baby," "Don't Come Back"5. Florist — FloristFeatured Tracks: "Red Bird Pt 2 (Morning)," "Spring in Hours"Lightning Round:King Princess — Hold On BabySnarky Puppy — "Bet" (single)Tems — "No Woman No Cry" (single)Wilder Maker — Male ModelsOther notable releases for July 29:Amanda Shires — Take It Like A Man Chat Pile — God's Country Deaton Chris Anthony — Sid the Kid Hayley Kiyoko — PANORAMAJosh Rouse — Going PlacesObijuan & YUNGMORPHEUS — Slang CasinoOf Montreal — Freewave Lucifer fckPhony — AT SOME POINT YOU STOP$uicideboy$ — Sing Me a Lullaby My Sweet TemptationTedeschi Trucks Band — I Am The Moon: III, The Fall
7/29/202227 minutes, 37 seconds
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The power of Beyoncé is about to change music... again

Due out this Friday, July 29, Beyoncé's Act I Renaissance has generated a massive wave of anticipation. In this round-table discussion, we breakdown why we're excited, why it matters and what we might expect.
7/26/202238 minutes, 8 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 22

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from Flo Milli, Jack White, Rico Nasty, Joey Bada$$, The Sea And Cake's Sam Prekop and John McEntire, and more.Featured Albums:1. Flo Milli — You Still Here, Ho?Featured Tracks: "Conceited," "Pay Day," "On My Nerves"2. Jack White — Entering Heaven AliveFeatured Tracks: "I've Got You Surrounded (With My Love)," "A Tip from You to Me," "Taking Me Back (Gently)," "Queen of the Bees"3. Rico Nasty — Las RuinasFeatured Tracks: "Skullflower," "Messy," "Gotsta Get Paid," "Easy"4. Joey Bada$$ — 2000Featured Tracks: " Eulogy," "Show Me"5. Sam Prekop & John McEntire — Sons OfFeatured Tracks: "A Ghost At Noon," "A Yellow Robe"Lightning Round: Beach Bunny — Emotional CreatureJitwam — ThirdThe Koreatown Oddity — ISTHISFORREAL?Other notable releases for July 22:Ben Harper — Bloodline MaintenanceChannelers — Time, Space and ThoughtDawes — Misadventures Of DoomscrollerImperial Triumphant — Spirit of EcstasyThe Kooks — 10 Tracks to Echo in the DarkNina Nastasia — Riderless HorseOceans of Slumber — Starlight and AshODESZA — The Last GoodbyePool Kids — Pool KidsRafael Anton Irisarri - Agitas Al SolRZA & Bobby Digital — RZA Presents: Bobby Digital and the Pit of SnakesThe Sadies — Colder StreamsShe & Him — Melt Away: A Tribute To Brian WilsonTanya Tagaq — Tongues North Star RemixesThor Harris — Doom Dub IITy Segall — "Hello, Hi"See more of the best new music out now via NPR Music's #Nowplaying
7/22/202225 minutes, 32 seconds
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New Mix: The 1975, The Beths, King Princess, Danielle Ponder, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite tracks of the week, including new ones from The 1975, Tiny Desk Contest contestant Danielle Ponder, The Black Angels and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Madi Diaz: "Hangover" (Single)2. Danielle Ponder: "So Long," from Some of Us Are Brave3. King Princess: "Cursed," from Hold On Baby4. The Beths: "Expert in a Dying Field," from Expert in a Dying Field5. The 1975: "Part of the Band," from Being Funny In a Foreign Language6. The Black Angels: "Firefly," from Wilderness of MirrorsWatch videos for each track and more at the All Songs Considered website.
7/20/202230 minutes, 45 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 15

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Lizzo's Special, the ramshackle pop of Superorganism, beabadoobee, a genre-defying solo release from The Internet's Steve Lacy and more.Featured Albums:1. Lizzo — SpecialFeatured Songs: "About Damn Time," "Grrrls"2. beabadoobee — BeatopiaFeatured Songs: "10:36," "See You Soon," "Ripples," "Talk"3. Steve Lacy — Gemini RightsFeatured Songs: "Mercury," "Helmet," "2geteher (Enterlude)"4. Superorganism — World Wide PopFeatured Songs: "Flying," "Teenager," "Black Hole Baby"5. Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad with Katalyst — JID 013Featured Songs: "Juneteenth," "Summer Solstice"Lightning Round: Attia Taylor — Space Ghostblack midi — HellfireLil Silva — Yesterday is HeavyInterpol — The Other Side of Make-BelieveOther notable releases for July 15:The A's — FruitAmirtha Kidambi & Luke Stewart — Zenith/NadirArp — New PleasuresElf Power — Artificial Countrysidesj-hope — jack in the boxJoVia Armstrong — The Antidote SuiteM. Geddes Gengras — Expressed, I Noticed SilenceOzomatli — Marching OnRonnie Foster — Reboot
7/15/202227 minutes, 51 seconds
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New Mix: Margo Price, renforshort, The Mountain Goats, Tianna Esperanza, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen's favorite new tracks of the week include a stirring collaboration with Margo Price, Mavis Staples and Adia Victoria, a "training montage" from The Mountain Goats and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Margo Price: "Fight to Make It (feat. Mavis Staples & Adia Victoria)" (Single)2. The Mountain Goats: "Training Montage," from Bleed Out3. Tianna Esperanza: "Princess Slit and the Raincoat Prince" (Single)4. renforshort: "i miss myself," from dear amelia5. Wilder Maker: "Against Numbers (feat. Katie Von Schleicher)," from Male Models6. Indigo Sparke: "Pressure in My Chest," from Hysteria
7/12/202234 minutes, 54 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on July 8

R&B singer Brent Faiyaz's reflective Wasteland, Metric's epic Formentera, a meditative instrumental record from producer Apollo Brown and more make our shortlist for the best albums out this week.Featured Albums: 1. Brent Faiyaz — WASTELANDFeatured songs: "PRICE OF FAME," "GRAVITY," "DEAD MAN WALKING"2. Metric — FormenteraFeatured songs: "Doomscroller"3. Apollo Brown — This Must Be The PlaceFeatured songs: "Catching Moments"4. Anna Butterss — ActivitiesFeatured songs: "Doo Wop" 5. renforshort — dear ameliaFeatured songs: "better off" Lightning Round: Burna Boy — Love, DaminiNoSo — Stay Proud of Merei brown — XenoWu-Lu — LOGGERHEADOther notable releases for July 8:Delicate Steve — After HoursEmmanuel Jal — ShangahThe Faim — Talk TalkKaty J Pearson — Sound of the MorningLaura Veirs — Found LightMegadeth — The Sick, The Dying... and the Dead!Neil Young & Crazy Horse — ToastRae Morris — Rachel@FairylandRapport — Floating Through the WonderwaveTye Tribbett — All Things NewTyshawn Sorey Trio — Mesmerism Vancouver Sleep Clinic — Fallen ParadiseWet — Pink Room
7/8/202226 minutes, 50 seconds
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New Mix: Sylvan Esso, Ondara, Momma, Nora Brown and more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite tracks of the week, including a surprising new single from Sylvan Esso, the L.A. rock duo known as Momma, the singer-songwriter Ondara and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Sylvan Esso: "Your Reality" (Single)2. Nora Brown: "Little Satchel," from Long Time To Be Gone3. Lindsay Clark: "Evening Star," from Carpe Noctem4. Yard Act & Elton John: "100% Endurance" (Single)5. Momma: "Motorbike," from Household Name6. Ondara: "An Alien In Minneapolis," from Spanish Villager No. 3
7/6/202234 minutes, 57 seconds
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The Best Music of June

June brought us The Suffers' socially conscious party music, Saya Gray's headphones-worthy debut, GIVĒON's R&B ballads, Regina Spektor's elaborate songwriting and Petrol Girls' amped-up punk.Featured Tracks and Artists:1. The Suffers: "Don't Bother Me" and "Yada Yada" from It Starts with Love2. Saya Gray: "I FOUND A FLOORBOARD UNDER THE SOIL!" from 19 Masters3. GIVĒON: "Scarred" from Give Or Take4. Regina Spektor "One Man's Prayer" from Home, before and after5. Petrol Girls: "Preachers" from Baby Our panel's additional recommendations for June:• S.G. Goodman, Teeth Marks• Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler, For All Our Days That Tear the Heart• Beyoncé, "BREAK MY SOUL" • SZA, "Jodie" • Linda Ayupuka, God Created Everything Discover NPR Music's favorite albums and songs of 2022 (so far).
7/1/202228 minutes, 48 seconds
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Norah Jones reflects on 20 years of 'Come Away With Me'

The singer explains why Blue Note Records rejected her first version of the beloved album and shares her original, previously unheard tracks, now released for a 20th anniversary edition of the record.Plus a deep dive on the album with NPR Music's Ann Powers, WBGO and Jazz Night In America's Nate Chinen and host Robin Hilton.
6/28/202238 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out June 24

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from the electro-pop band MUNA, R&B singer GIVĒON, country star Jimmie Allen, Soccer Mommy and more.Featured Albums:1. MUNA — MUNAFeatured Song: "What I Want"2. GIVĒON — Give or Take Featured Song: "Lost Me"3. Soccer Mommy — Sometimes, Forever Featured Song: "Don't Ask Me"4. Jimmie Allen — Tulip Drive Featured Song: "what i'm talkin' 'bout"5. Lupe Fiasco — DRILL MUSIC IN ZIONFeatured Song: "AUTOBOTO (feat. Nayirah)"Lightning Round• Ella Fitzgerald — Ella at the Hollywood Bowl: The Irving Berlin Songbook• Katie Alice Greer — Barbarism• Dear Silas — It's Giving SELF LOVE!• Regina Spektor — Home, before and after• Luke Combs — Growin' Up• Arooj Aftab — Vulture Prince (Deluxe Edition)• Zola Jesus — Arkhon• Various Artists — Elvis (OST)• Joan Shelley — The Spur
6/24/202228 minutes, 33 seconds
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New Mix: Dry Cleaning, Jesca Hoop, Alex G, Rubblebucket, Jake Blount, Marlon Williams

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares an anthemic call to action from Jesca Hoop, a song for a stressed-out brain from Dry Cleaning, and two tunes inspired by television shows.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Jesca Hoop: "Hatred Has a Mother," from Order of Romance2. Jake Blount: "Didn't It Rain," from The New Faith3. Alex G: "Runner," from God Save the Animals4. Rubblebucket: "Morning in the Sun" (Single)5. Marlon Williams: "Thinking of Nina," from My Boy6. Dry Cleaning: "Don't Press Me," from Stumpwork
6/22/202229 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on June 17

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from R&B singer Yaya Bey, the shape-shifting rock of Bartees Strange, Perfume Genius, DJ and producer J. Rocc and more.Featured Albums:1. Yaya Bey — Remember Your North StarFeatured Songs: "alright," "rolling stoner," "meet me in brooklyn"2. Bartees Strange — Farm to TableFeatured Songs: "Mulholland Dr.," "Hold the Line," "Hennessy," "Cosigns"3. Wild Up — Julius Eastman, Vol. 2: Joy BoyFeatured Songs: "Stay On It," "Touch Him When (Heavy)," "Joy Boy"4. J. Rocc — A Wonderful LetterFeatured Songs: "Keep On (Yeah)," "Pajama Party," "Dancing With the Best"5. Perfume Genius — Ugly SeasonFeatured Songs: "Teeth," "Cenote," "Scherzo"Lightning Round: Erica Banks — Diary of The Flow QueenHarkin — Honeymoon SuiteKevin Gates — KhazaRY X — Blood MoonOther notable releases for June 17:Alanis Morissette — The Storm Before the CalmCarlos Simon & Marco Pave' — Requiem for the EnslavedFlasher — Love is YoursFoals — Life is YoursHercules & Love Affair — In AmberInfinity Knives & Brian Ennals — King CobraLogic — Vinyl DaysMt. Joy — Orange BloodSound of Ceres — Emerald Sea
6/17/202228 minutes, 38 seconds
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New Mix: S.G. Goodman, The A's, The Beths, Tamino, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares new tracks from Belgian-Egyptian singer Tamino, Sylvan Esso's Amelia Meath and Daughter of Sword's Alexandra Sauser-Monnig together as The A's and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. The A's: "He Needs Me," from Fruit2. S.G. Goodman: "Dead Soldiers," from Teeth Marks3. The Beths: "Silence Is Golden," from Expert In A Dying Field4. Madison Cunningham: "Hospital," from Revealer5. Katie Bejsiuk: "Olive, Ny" from The Woman on the Moon6. Tamino: "The First Disciple," from Sahar
6/14/202233 minutes, 57 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on June 10

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Nature's World from the Chicago hip-hop duo Mother Nature, FKJ's VINCENT, a meditative album from Japanese composer Midori Takada and more. Featured Albums:1. FKJ — VINCENTFeatured Songs: "Let's Live," "Greener"2. ELUCID — I Told BessieFeatured Songs: "Ghoulie," "Smile Lines"3. Nick Mulvey — New MythologyFeatured Songs: "Mecca," "Star Nation"4. Mother Nature & Renzell — Nature's WorldFeatured Song: "Midnight Garden"5. Midori Takada — You Who are Leaving to Nirvana and Cutting Branches for a Temporary ShelterFeatured Songs: "Kannon Daiji," "Cutting Branches for a Temporary Shelter (In the Morning)"Lightning Round:BTS — ProofFlora Purim — If You Will (physical release)Julius Rodriguez — Let Sound Tell AllShearwater — The Great AwakeningOther notable releases for June 10:Bloomsday — Place to LandCarrie Underwood — Denim & RhinestonesFree the Robots — KaduwaGeorge Ezra — Gold Rush KidJoyce Manor — 40 Oz. to FresnoJudah & The Lion — RevivalMapache — Roscoe's DreamMax Richter — The New Four SeasonsMoonchild Sanelly — PhasesVance Joy — In Our Own Sweet TimeYann Tiersen — 11 5 18 25 18
6/10/202226 minutes, 22 seconds
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New Mix: Death Cab For Cutie, Sylvan Esso, Lou Reed, NoSo, more

All Songs host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week including the return of Death Cab for Cutie, a rare demo from Lou Reed, the singer-songwriter known as NoSo, Sylvan Esso and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Sylvan Esso: "Sunburn" (Single)2. Annie Hamilton: "Exist," from the future is here but it feels kinda like the past3. Death Cab for Cutie: "Roman Candles," from Asphalt Meadows4. NoSo: "Parasites," from Stay Proud of Me5. Tess Parks: "Wow," from And Those Who Were Seen Dancing6. Lou Reed: "I'm Waiting for the Man - May 1965 Demo," from Words & Music, May 1965
6/7/202232 minutes, 36 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on June 3

The week's best new albums include Fantastic Negrito's White Jesus Black Problems, Angel Olsen's Big Time, rapper Namir Blade's sci-fi-inspired Metropolis, 070 Shake's You Can't Kill Me and more.Featured Albums:1. Fantastic Negrito — White Jesus Black ProblemsFeatured Songs: "Venomous Dogma," "In My Head"2. Angel Olsen — Big TimeFeatured Songs: "All The Flowers," "Big Time"3. 070 Shake — You Can't Kill MeFeatured Songs: "Cocoon," "The Body," "Wine And Spirits"4. Namir Blade — MetropolisFeatured Song: "BoA"5. Editrix — Editrix II: Editrix Goes To HellFeatured Song: "Cowboy"Lightning Round:700 Bliss — Nothing to Declare (released May 27)Horsegirl — Versions of Modern PerformanceS.G. Goodman — Teeth MarksPost Malone — Twelve Carat ToothacheOther notable releases for June 3:Andrew Bird — Inside ProblemsChronophage — ChronophageGWAR — The New Dark AgesJasmyn — In the Wild (former Weaves lead singer)Merzbow & Lawrence English — Eternal StalkerMichael Franti & Spearhead — Follow Your HeartPurity Ring — Graves Queen of Jeans — Hiding in PlaceRemi Wolf — Juno DeluxeThe Suffers — It Starts with LoveTash Sultana — MTV Unplugged (Live In Melbourne)
6/3/202227 minutes, 8 seconds
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The Best Music of May

May brought us Bad Bunny's stacked summer album, Kendrick Lamar's unsettled opus, Ravyn Lenae's otherworldly debut, Julia Reidy's microtonal guitar dissonance and Ethel Cain's haunted pop. Featured Tracks and Artists:1. Bad Bunny: "Después de la Playa" and "Otro Atardecer" from Un Verano Sin Ti2. Kendrick Lamar: "N95" and "Mother I Sober" from Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers 3. Ravyn Lenae: "Where I'm From (feat. Mereba)" from Hypnos 4. Julia Reidy: "World in World" from World in World 5. Ethel Cain: "Family Tree" from Preacher's DaughterOur panel's additional recommendations for May: • My Chemical Romance, "The Foundations of Decay" • Flores, The Lives They Left• Leikeli47, Shape Up
6/1/202227 minutes, 17 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 27

The best albums out this week include Wilco's double-length Cruel Country, a debut from the singer UMI, the latest installment in Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge's Jazz Is Dead series and more.Featured Albums:1. Jean Carne, Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Adrian Younge — JID012Featured Songs: "Black Love," "Visions"2. Wilco — Cruel CountryFeatured Songs: "I Am My Mother," "The Plains," "A Lifetime To Find"3. X Alfonso — Ancestros Sinfonicos Featured Song: "Yakuma Kareré"4. UMI — Forest in the CityFeatuared Song: "what would u do?"5. Nduduzo Makhathini — In the Spirit of NTUFeatured Songs: "Mama," "Emlilweni"Other notable releases for May 27:Brian Jackson — This Is Brian JacksonBright Eyes — A Collection of Songs Written and Recorded 1995-1997, Letting Off the Happiness and Fevers and MirrorsDehd — Blue SkiesHAAi — Baby, We're AscendingIsaac Dunbar — Banish the BansheeJonny Greenwood — The Power of the Dog OST (physical release)Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith & Emile Mosseri - I Could Be Your Dog / I Could Be Your MoonLiam Gallagher — C'MON YOU KNOWMaria BC — HyalineRosie Carney — I Wanna Feel HappySean Paul — ScorchaSofie Birch — HolotropicaStars — From Capelton HillSteve Earle & The Dukes — Jerry Jeff
5/27/202226 minutes, 56 seconds
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Presenting 'Pop Culture Happy Hour': Kendrick Lamar's 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers'

In this special episode from our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour, host Stephen Thompson talks with critics Christina Lee and Marcus J. Moore about Kendrick Lamar's new double album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. It's been five years since Lamar released his previous album, DAMN. Since then, he's won a Pulitzer Prize, been nominated for an Oscar, and become a parent. But Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, is anything but a breezy victory lap. Lamar examines generational trauma, sexual politics, and his own attempts to grow amid high expectations and heavy introspection.
5/24/202222 minutes, 48 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 20

The best albums out this week include Harry's House from Harry Styles, jazz pianist Joey Alexander's Origin, new ones from R&B singer Ravyn Lenae, rapper Boldy James, Porridge Radio and more.Featured Albums:1. Harry Styles — Harry's HouseFeatured Tracks: "Music for a Sushi Restaurant," "Grapejuice"2. Joey Alexander — OriginFeatured Tracks: "Remembering," "Summer Rising"3. Ravyn Lenae — HypnosFeatured Tracks: "3D," "Inside Out," "Xtasy"4. Porridge Radio — Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the SkyFeatured Tracks: "Back to the Radio," "End of Last Year"5. Boldy James & Real Bad Man — Killing NothingFeatured Track: "Game Time"Other notable releases for May 20:Charlie Hickey — Nervous At NightCraig Finn — A Legacy of RentalsFlume — PalacesHanson — Red Green BlueJoe Rainey — NiinetaKronos Quartet — Mỹ LaiLykke Li — EYEYEMary Lattimore & Paul Sukeena — West Kensingtonmxmtoon — risingSOAK — If I never know you like this againUffie — Sunshine Factory
5/20/202225 minutes, 32 seconds
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New Mix: Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador, SOAK, Jens Lekman, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen introduces this year's Tiny Desk Contest winner, Alisa Amador, plus new music from SOAK, the identical twins duo Companion, Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Alisa Amador: "Milonga accidental" (Single)2. Jens Lekman: "The Linden Trees Are Still in Blossom," from The Linden Trees Are Still in Blossom3. Companion: "If I Were a Ghost," from Second Day of Spring4. SOAK: "purgatory," from If I never know you like this again5. Jasmyn: "Cruel Moon," from In The Wild
5/17/202229 minutes, 21 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 13

Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Leikeli47's Shape Up, Florence + the Machine's Dance Fever and more are on our shortlist of the week's best new albums.Featured Albums: 1. Kendrick Lamar — Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers2. Leikeli47 — Shape UpFeatured Track: "Chitty Bang"3. Florence + the Machine — Dance FeverFeatured Track: "Choreomania"4. Quelle Chris — DEATHFAMEFeatured Track: "King in Black"5. Tank and the Bangas — Red BalloonFeatured Track: "Communion in My Cup"6. John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter & Daniel Davis — FirestarterFeatured Track: "Charlie's Rampage"Other notable releases for May 13:The Black Keys — Dropout BoogieKevin Morby — This Is A PhotographMandy Moore — In Real LifeMary Halvorson — Amaryllis and BelladonnaMonophonics — Sage MotelPkew Pkew Pkew — Open BarSam Gendel & Antonia Cytrynowicz — Live a LittleSay Sue Me — The Last Thing LeftThe Smile — A Light For Attracting AttentionThey Hate Change — Finally, New
5/13/202231 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Mix: Regina Spektor, Stella Donnelly, Tomberlin, More

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares the "most astonishing song" he's heard this year: Regina Spektor's "Up The Mountain," plus Stella Donnelly's "Lungs," the many colors of MABUTA and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Regina Spektor: "Up The Mountain," from Home, before and after2. Rachel Bobbitt: "More" (Single)3. Shane Cooper & MABUTA: "Finish The Sun," from Finish The Sun4. Tomberlin: "idkwntht," from i don't know who needs to hear this...5. Kathryn Joseph: "The Burning of Us All," from For You Who Are the Wronged6. Stella Donnelly: "Lungs," from Flood
5/10/202241 minutes, 35 seconds
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A conversation with Bonnie Raitt

Jewly Hight from member station WNXP talks with Bonnie Raitt about the folk-and-blues legend's new album Just Like That... and how she's navigated five decades of storied music-making.
5/8/202222 minutes, 10 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 6

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Sharon Van Etten's We've Been Going About This All Wrong, Jack Harlow's Come Home The Kids Miss You, Arcade Fire's WE and more.Featured Albums:1. Jack Harlow — Come Home The Kids Miss YouFeatured Tracks: "Nail Tech," "First Class"2. Ibeyi — Spell 31Featured Tracks: "Made of Gold," "Sister 2 Sister"3. Arcade Fire — WEFeatured Tracks: "Age of Anxiety I," "End of the Empire"4. IDK & KAYTRANADA — Simple.Featured Track: "Dog Food"5. Sharon Van Etten — We've Been Going About This All WrongFeatured Tracks: "Headspace," "Born"Other notable releases for May 6:!!! — Let It Be BlueBad Bunny — Un Verano Sin TiBelle And Sebastian — A Bit of PreviousBryan Ferry — Love Letters Ella Mai — Heart On My SleeveEmile Sandé — Let's Say For InstanceJermiside & The Expert — The Overview EffectJOYFULTALK — Familiar ScienceKikagaku Moyo — Kumoyo IslandMidland — The Last Resort: Greetings FromOtoboke Beaver — Super ChamponSuki Waterhouse — I Can't Let GoSunflower Bean — Headful of Sugar
5/6/202230 minutes, 12 seconds
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The Best Music of April

April brought us albums from a re-energized Pusha T, reggae legend Horace Andy, Myra Melford's improvised suite, Syd's broken-hearted R&B ballads and Straw Man Army's paranoid-but-expansive post-punk. Featured Albums:1. Horace Andy: "Watch Over Them" from Midnight Rocker2. Pusha T: "Dreamin of the Past" from It's Almost Dry3. Myra Melford's Fire and Water Quintet: "VII" from For the Love of Fire and Water4. Syd: "CYBAH" from Broken Hearts Club5. Straw Man Army: "Human Kind" from SOSOther notable releases for April:• Fontaines D.C. — Skinty Fia • Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder — Get On Board • Joel Ross — The Parable of the Poet • Miles Okazaki's Trickster Quartet — Thisness • Albert Ayler — Revelations • Vince Staples — Ramona Park Broke My Heart• Omar Apollo — Ivory• Bonnie Raitt — Just Like That...• The Linda Lindas — Growing Up• Wet Leg — Wet Leg
5/2/202227 minutes, 3 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on April 29

The week's best new albums include Toro y Moi's spectacular MAHAL, hard-hitting rap from the New Jersey hip-hop duo Dälek's Precipice, R&B singer Kehlani's blue water road and more.Featured Albums:1. Toro y Moi — MAHALFeatured Tracks: "Magazine," "The Medium"2. Girlpool — ForgivenessFeatured Track: "Nothing Gives Me Pleasure"3. Dälek — PrecipiceFeatured Tracks: "Devotion (When I Cry The Wind Disappears)," "Boycott"4. Kehlani — blue water roadFeatured Tracks: "wish i never" and "wondering/wandering"5. Let's Eat Grandma — Two RibbonsFeatured Tracks: "Watching You Go," "Strange Conversations"6. Girl Ultra — El SurFeatured Tracks: "Bombay," "Nade Que Hacer"Other notable release for April 29: Bloc Party — Alpha GamesBurnt Pink — Afterlife DubCongotronics International — Where's The One?Corb Lund — Songs My Friends WroteDiane Coffee — With PeopleEbi Soda — Honk If You're SadThe Head and the Heart — Every Shade Of BlueKelly Lee Owens — LP8Melody's Echo Chamber — Emotional EternalMiranda Lambert — PalominoRöyksopp — Profound MysteriesWilliam Basinski & Janek Schaefer — ...On Reflection
4/29/202226 minutes, 33 seconds
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New Mix: Phoebe Bridgers, Wilco, Quinn Christopherson, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a live recording for the 20th anniversary of Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, a new single from Phoebe Bridgers and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Lizzy McAlpine: "weird (ft. Laura Elliot)," from five seconds flat2. Flasher: "Love Is Yours," from Love Is Yours3. Fontaines D.C.: "Roman Holiday," from Skinty Fia4. Phoebe Bridgers: "Sidelines" (Single for Hulu's Conversations with Friends)5. Quinn Christopherson: "2005" (Single)6. Wilco: "Reservations (Live at The Pageant, St. Louis, MO 7/23/02)," from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Deluxe Edition)
4/26/202234 minutes, 43 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on April 22

The best albums out this week include It's Almost Dry from Pusha T, space rock from Spiritualized, a gorgeous ambient record from OHYUNG, a rediscovered Charles Mingus live recording and more.Featured Albums:1. Pusha T — It's Almost DryFeatured Tracks "Let the Smokers Shine the Coupes," "Dreaming of the Past," "Just So You Remember," "I Pray For You"2. Jorge Drexler — Tinta y TiempoFeatured Tracks: "El Plan Maestro," "¡Oh, Algoritmo!"3. Ben Marc — Glass EffectFeatured Track: "Way We Are"4. Spiritualized — Everything Was BeautifulFeatured Tracks: "Always Together With You," "Crazy"5. Charles Mingus — The Lost Album from Ronnie Scott'sFeatured Track: "Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress, Then Silk Blues"6. OHYUNG — imagine naked!Featured Track: "symphonies sweeping"Other notable releases for April 22:• Becca Stevens & Attacca Quartet — Becca Stevens & Attacca Quartet• Bill Evans — Inner Spirit: The 1979 Concert at the Teatro General San Martín, Buenos Aires • Bonnie Raitt — Just Like That...• Charles Mingus — Mingus Three (Deluxe Edition)• claire rousay — everything perfect is already here• Fontaines D.C. — Skinty Fia• Hatchie — Giving the World Away• Jason Aldean — GEORGIA• King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard — Omnium Gatherum• Mister Goblin — Bunny• Patrick Watson — Better in the Shade• Roger Eno — The Turning Year• S. Carey — Break Me Open
4/22/202233 minutes, 34 seconds
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New Mix: Pink Floyd, Patrick Watson, Sonny Singh, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite tracks of the week, including a surprise return from Pink Floyd and uplifting songs from Sonny Singh, Patrick Watson and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Pink Floyd: "Hey, Hey, Rise Up (featuring Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox)" (Single)2. Sonny Singh: "Aisee Preet," from Chardi Kala3. Tuba Skinny: "Trickster's Rag," from Magnolia Stroll4. Charlie Hickey: "Dandelions," from Nervous At Night5. Patrick Watson & La Force: "Height of the Feeling," from Better in the Shade6. The Good Ones: "I Dream Someday To Have a Home," from Rwanda...You See Ghosts, I See Sky
4/19/202233 minutes, 30 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 5 albums out on April 15

NPR Music picks the best new albums out this week, including new releases by Kaitlin Butts, Samora Pinderhughes, Mal Blum and more.Featured Albums:1. Kaitlin Butts — what else can she doFeatured Song: "it won't always be this way"2. Samora Pinderhughes — GRIEFFeatured Song: "Masculinity"3. Mal Blum — Ain't It Nice
Featured Song: "Everybody Loves You"4. Jerry Paper — Free TimeFeatured Song: "Just Say Play"5. Dave Brubeck Trio — Live From Vienna 1967Featured Song: "St. Louis Blues"Other notable releases for April 15:• Joel Ross — The Parable of the Poet• Flock of Dimes — Head of Roses (Phantom Limb• Digga D — Noughty By Nature• Kurt Vile — (watch my moves)• Spanish Love Songs — Brave Faces, Etc.
4/15/202225 minutes, 41 seconds
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New Mix: Joan Shelley, Craig Finn, Florist, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite tracks of the week, including new ones from singer Joan Shelley, Florist, The Hold Steady's Craig Finn and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Florist: "Red Bird Pt. 2 (Morning)," from Florist2. Joan Shelley: "The Spur," from The Spur3. Sadurn: "snake," from Radiator4. Dana Gavanski: "I Kiss The Night," from When It Comes5. Craig Finn: "Messing With the Settings," from A Legacy of Rentals6. dani mack: "Someday"7. Medicine Singers: "Daybreak," from Medicine Singers
4/12/202241 minutes, 18 seconds
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New Music Friday: The best releases out on April 8

It's a crazy-packed release day with new albums from Camila Cabello, Omar Apollo, an all-star collaboration with Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., Girl Talk and Smoke DZA, Syd's Broken Hearts Club and more.Featured Albums: 1. Omar Apollo — IvoryFeatured Songs: "Talk," "En El Ovido"2. Syd — Broken Hearts ClubFeatured Song: "BMHWDY"3. Girl Talk, Big K.R.I.T., Wiz Khalifa, Smoke DZA — Full Court PressFeatured Song: "Fly the Coop"4. Camila Cabello — FamiliaFeatured Song: "Psychofreak"5. BANKS — SerpentinaFeatured Song: "Meteorite"Other notable releases for April 8:Calexico — El MiradorCoi Leray — TrendsetterDeer Scout — WoodpeckerFather John Misty — Chloe and the Next 20th CenturyFivio Foreign — B.I.B.L.E.Hiatus Kaiyote — Mood Variant (The Remixes)Jack White — Fear of the DawnJohnnyswim — JohnnyswimKae Tempest — The Line Is A CurveThe Linda Lindas — Growing UpOrville Peck — BroncoSon Lux — Everything Everywhere All At Once (OST)Vince Staples — Ramona Park Broke My HeartWet Leg — Wet Leg
4/8/202224 minutes, 55 seconds
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The Best Music of March

March's best new music includes Kilo Kish's pop treatise on this game called life, Jenny Hval's philosophy on art-making, Soul Glo's punk rage and more. Featured Music:1. Kilo Kish: "DISTRACTIONS III: SPOILED ROTTEN" from AMERICAN GURL2. Jenny Hval: "American Coffee" from Classic Objects3. Soul Glo: "Jump! (Or Get Jumped!!!) ((by the future))" from Diaspora Problems4. rusowsky, "pikito" 5. Jóhann Jóhannsson: "The Mountain View, the Majesty of the Snow-Clad Peaks, from a Place of Contemplation and Reflection" from Drone MassOther notable releases for March:• Lous and The Yakuza, "Kisé"• Cécile McLorin Salvant — Ghost Song • Charli XCX — Crash • Rosalia — MOTOMAMI• Emmanuelle Parrenin — Targala, la maison qui n'en est pas une
4/4/202228 minutes, 46 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on April 1

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from the Bronx rapper T-Shyne, Sondre Lerche, the Canadian pop singer known as LIGHTS and more. Featured Albums: 1. T-Shyne — Confetti NightsFeatured Track: "Feed the Fam" 2. Pillow Queens — Leave the Light OnFeatured Track: "Be By Your Side"3. Sondre Lerche — Avatars of LoveFeatured Track: "Summer in Reverse"4. LIGHTS — PEPFeatured Track: "Money in the Bag"5. GGGOLDDD — This Shame Should Not Be MineFeatured Track: "Spring"Other notable releases for April 1: Big Cheeko — Block Barry WhiteCarpenter Brut — Leather TerrorChristian Lee Hutson — QuittersDuster — TogetherField Works — StationsMeshuggah — ImmutableMolly Tuttle & Golden Highway — Crooked TreeNight Palace — Diving RingsPUP — THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBANDRed Hot Chili Peppers — Unlimited Love
4/1/202226 minutes, 50 seconds
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Records That Changed Our Lives: Finding hope in Tracy Chapman and 'Brand New Eyes'

What record changed your life? NPR Music's Turning the Tables, which challenges sexism in the pop music canon, asked writers that question. Every week in March, we're diving into their answers.
3/30/202229 minutes, 11 seconds
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New Mix: Angel Olsen, Perfume Genius, Soccer Mommy, more

All Songs host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including songs of love from Angel Olsen and Soccer Mommy, a new one from the upcoming Perfume Genius album Ugly Season and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Perfume Genius: "Pop Song," from Ugly Season2. Zola Jesus: "Lost," from Arkhon3. Arooj Aftab: "Udhero Na (feat. Anoushka Shankar)," from Vulture Prince (Deluxe Edition)4. Angel Olsen: "All The Good Times," from Big Time5. Saya Gray: "IF THERE'S NO SEAT IN THE SKY (WILL YOU FORGIVE ME???)," from 19 MASTERS6. Soccer Mommy: "Shotgun," from Sometimes, Forever
3/29/202236 minutes, 42 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on March 25

Our picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from Nashville singer Maren Morris, the Jamaican rapper and singer Koffee, London's Afro-funk group Ibibio Sound Machine, Barrie and more.Featured Albums: 1. Maren Morris — Humble QuestFeatured Tracks: "Humble Quest" and "Nervous"2. Koffee — GiftedFeatured Track: "Shine"3. Ornette Coleman — Genesis of Genius: The Contemporary AlbumsFeatured Track: "Lorraine"4. Barrie — BarbaraFeatured Track: "Jersey"5. Ibibio Sound Machine — ElectricityFeatured Tracks: "Protection from Evil" and "Truth No Lie"Other notable releases for March 25:Aldous Harding — Warm ChrisBuddy — SuperghettoCamp Cope — Running with the HurricaneDenzel Curry — Melt My Eyez See Your FutureDestroyer — Labyrinthitis Machine Gun Kelly — mainstream selloutRema — Rave & RosesWalter Martin — The Bear
3/25/202224 minutes, 45 seconds
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Records That Changed Our Lives: Defying Gatekeepers

What record changed your life? NPR Music's Turning the Tables, which challenges sexism in the pop music canon, asked writers that question. Every week in March, we're diving into their answers.
3/23/202230 minutes, 43 seconds
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New Mix: Arcade Fire, Valerie June, The Smile, Andrew Bird, more

All Songs host Bob Boilen's mix this week includes the joy of Valerie June, a new project from Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, with Sons Of Kemet's Tom Skinner, called The Smile, and more.Featured Tracks and Artists:1. Brittany Davis: "I Choose to Live," from I Choose to Live EP2. Valerie June: "Use Me" (Single)3. Arcade Fire: "Lightning I, II," from WE4. The Smile: "Skrting On the Surface" (Single)5. Congotronics International: "Where's The One?," from Where's The One?6. Andrew Bird: "Atomized" (Single)7. Typhoon: "New Wife," from Underground Complex EP
3/22/202243 minutes, 38 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on March 18

Two of the year's most anticipated albums — Rosalía's MOTOMAMI and Charli XCX's CRASH — drop today, along with Johann Johannsson's posthumous Drone Mass, Yumi Zouma's Present Tense and more. Featured Albums:1. Rosalía — MOTOMAMIFeatured tracks: "CUUUUuuuuuute," "BULERÍAS," "SAOKO"2. Jóhann Jóhannsson — Drone MassFeatured tracks: "Two is Apocryphal," "Take the Night Air"3. Raw Poetic & Damu The Fudgemunk — Laminated SkiesFeatured Tracks: "Open Roads," "Chewing Gum"4. Charli XCX — CRASHFeatured Tracks: "Crash," "Yuck"5. Yumi Zouma — Present TenseFeatured Track: "Astral Projections"Other notable releases for March 18:Bladee & Ecco2K — CrestBroadcast — Microtronics, Mother is the Milky Way, Maida Vale SessionsCypress Hill — Back in BlackMattiel — Georgia GothicMidlake — For the Sake of Bethel WoodsRuth Slenczynska — My Life in MusicSonic Youth — In/Out/In
3/18/202233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Records That Changed Our Lives, Grown Woman Edition

What record changed your life? NPR Music's Turning the Tables, which challenges sexism in the pop music canon, asked writers that question. Every week in March, we're diving into their answers.
3/16/202230 minutes, 30 seconds
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New Mix: Belle and Sebastian, Scout laRue Willis, Gang of Youths, More

All Songs host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including some powerful story-songs, from a drug-filled fling to lies learned about a lost father, an underwater journey and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Curse Of Lono: "So Damned Beautiful (feat. Tess Parks)," from People In Cars2. Gang of Youths: "you in everything," from angel in realtime3. Belle and Sebastian: "Unnecessary Drama," from A Bit of Previous4. Niia: "Forward," from OFFAIR:Mouthful of Salt5. Deer Scout: "Peace with the Damage," from Woodpecker6. Scout laRue Willis: "Shouldn't I Be" (Single)
3/15/202239 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on March 11

Our shortlist for the best albums out this week includes Rex Orange County's WHO CARES?, the immediately transfixing Getaway from singer Orion Sun, the genre-hopping sounds of Jenny Hval and more.Featured Albums: 1. Orion Sun — GetawayFeatured Tracks: "intro" and "without you"2. Rex Orange County — WHO CARES?Featured Tracks: "SHOOT ME DOWN" and "KEEP IT UP"3. Fly Anakin — FrankFeatured Tracks: "Love Song (Come Back)" and "Bread"4. Jenny Hval — Classic ObjectsFeatured Track: "Cemetery of Splendor"5. Irma Thomas — Full Time Woman, The Lost Cotillion Album (on vinyl)Featured Track: "Adam and Eve"Other notable releases for March 11:Alex Cameron — Oxy MusicBenny the Butcher — Tana Talk 4The Boo Radleys — Keep On With FallingBOYO — Echoes Like MemoriesDrug Church — Hygiene Fatboi Sharif & LoneSword — Cyber City SocietyLoop — SonancyLucky Daye — CANDYDRIP
3/11/202226 minutes, 18 seconds
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Records That Changed Our Lives, Teen Edition: 'Tidal,' 'Blacks' Magic,' Beyoncé's '4'

What record changed your life? NPR Music's Turning the Tables, which challenges sexism in the pop music canon, asked writers that question. Every week in March, we're diving into their answers.
3/9/202236 minutes, 13 seconds
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New Mix: Regina Spektor, a Son Lux collaboration with David Byrne and Mitski, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a collaboration between Mitski, David Byrne and Son Lux, the return of Regina Spektor and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Son Lux, Mitski, David Byrne: "This Is A Life," from Everything Everywhere All At Once2. Regina Spektor: "Becoming All Alone," from Home, before and after3. Suz Slezak: "Loneliness Is Measured," from Our Wings May Be Featherless4. Kevin Morby: "This Is A Photograph," from This Is A Photograph5. Sharon Van Etten: "Used To It" (Single)6. Superorganism: "Teenager (feat. CHAI & Pi Ja Ma)," from World Wide Pop
3/8/202234 minutes
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on March 4

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Belgian singer and rapper Stromae's first new music in nearly a decade, the blood-slowing sounds of The Weather Station and more.Featured Albums:1. Stromae — MultitudeFeatured Tracks: "L'enfer," "Santé" and "Déclaration"2. Nilüfer Yanya — PainlessFeatured Tracks: "the dealer," "L/R" and "midnight sun"3. RZA & DJ Scratch — Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu TheaterFeatured Track: "Pugilism"4. Kojey Radical — Reason to SmileFeatured Track: "Silk"5. The Weather Station — How Is It That I Should Look At The Stars?Featured Track: "Ignorance"Other notable releases for March 4:Band of Horses — Things Are GreatCécile McLorin Salvant — Ghost SongDolly Parton — Run, Rose, RunJordan Rakei — BruisesKAINA — It Was A HomeMadi Diaz — Same History, New FeelingsPeach Pit — From 2 to 3Roy Montgomery — AudiotherapyTom Caruana — Strange Planet
3/4/202226 minutes, 45 seconds
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Records That Changed Our Lives: How Kate Bush and Yoko Ono challenged us

What record changed your life? NPR Music's Turning the Tables, which challenges sexism in the pop music canon, asked writers that question. Every week in March, we're diving into their answers.
3/2/202226 minutes, 24 seconds
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A Punjabi space epic and a laid-back throwback — NPR's favorite music of February

February's best new music includes a double album by Big Thief, Raveena's ambitious sophomore effort, Pusha T's old-school polish, Joyce DiDonato's wordless wondering and caroline's calming, crazy quilt of sound. Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Big Thief — Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in YouFeatured songs: "Spud Infinity" and "Dried Roses"2. Raveena — Asha's AwakeningFeatured song: "Mystery"3. Pusha T, "Diet Coke"4. Joyce DiDonato — EDENFeatured song: "The Unanswered Question"5. caroline — carolineFeatured song: "Dark blue"Other notable releases for February:• Hurray for the Riff Raff — LIFE ON EARTH• Mitski -- Laurel Hell• Erin Rae — Lighten Up• Chris Farren — Death Don't Wait (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)• Los Bitchos — Let the Festivities Begin!• Saba — Few Good Things
3/1/202229 minutes, 28 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on Feb. 25

Robert Glasper returns this week with Black Radio III, the latest in his ongoing fusion of jazz, rap, hip-hop and R&B. Other notable albums this week include new ones from SASMI, EARTHGANG and more. Featured Albums:1. Robert Glasper — Black Radio IIIFeatured Tracks: "Why We Speak" and "In Tune"2. SASAMI — SqueezeFeatured Track: "Say It"3. Sevdaliza — Raving DahliaFeatured Track: "Everything Is Everything"4. EARTHGANG — Ghetto GodsFeatured Track — "Amen"5. Emily Wells — Regards to the EndFeatured Tracks: "All Burn, No Bridge" and "David's Got A Problem"Other notable releases for Feb. 25:Aspidistrafly — Altar of DreamsAvishai Cohen — Naked TruthAvril Lavigne — Love SuxBambara — Love on My MindBasia Bulat — The Gardencaroline — carolineIsaiah Collier & The Chosen Few: "Lift Every Voice" (single)King Hannah — I'm Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me Superchunk — Wild LonelinessTears for Fears — The Tipping Point
2/25/202230 minutes, 11 seconds
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New Mix: Sevdaliza, Porridge Radio, Fantastic Negrito, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks this week, including the "femmenoid" sounds of Sevdaliza, Tiny Desk contest winner Fantastic Negrito Porridge Radio and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Porridge Radio: "Back To The Radio," From Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder To The Sky2. Sevdaliza: "High Alone," From Raving Dahlia (EP)3. Fantastic Negrito: "Highest Bidder," From White Jesus Black Problems4. Daniel Rossen: "Unpeopled Space," From You Belong There5. Roedelius & Story: "Nurzu," From 4 Hands6. Charbonneau / Amato: "Évaporations," From Synth Works Vol. 2
2/22/202241 minutes, 46 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on Feb. 18

The week's best new music includes the deep grooves and heady soul of Khruangbin and Leon Bridges, an epic tale in sound from Beach House, the return of queer country pioneers Lavender Country and more. Featured Albums1. Khruangbin & Leon Bridges — Texas MoonFeatured songs: "B-Side" and "Doris"2. Beach House — Once Twice MelodyFeatured song: "Modern Love Stories"3. Hurray for the Riff Raff — LIFE ON EARTHFeatured song: "POINTED AT THE SUN" 4. Kendra Morris — Nine LivesFeatured song: "Dry"5. Lavender Country — Blackberry RoseFeatured song: "All Disillusions Behind"Other notable releases for Feb. 18:Anwar HighSign — Live N*gga Prophecy Big K.R.I.T. — Digital Roses Don't DieMAITA — I Just Want to Be Wild For YouMetronomy — Small WorldRokia Koné & Jacknife Lee — BamananSally Shapiro — Sad CitiesThe Shout Out Louds — HouseShovels & Rope — ManticoreTennyson — Rot
2/18/202223 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Mix: The Suffers, S. Carey, Lady Dan, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and NPR Music editor Hazel Cills share their favorite new tracks of the week, including the soulful sounds of The Suffers, the frenetic electronica of Whatever The Weather and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Lady Dan: "Not In Love" (Single)2. Maria BC: "The Only Thing," from Hyaline3. Maylee Todd: "Show Me," from Maloo4. Whatever The Weather: "17°C," from Whatever The Weather5. S. Carey: "Break Me Open," from Break Me Open6. Yungchen Lhamo: "Awakening," from Awakening7. The Suffers: "How Do We Heal (ft. Bryce The Third and Son Little" (Single)
2/15/202238 minutes, 38 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on Feb. 11

NPR Music's picks for the week's best albums include Mary J. Blige's Good Morning Gorgeous, the sonic wonders of alt-j, spiritual guidance from Raveena, a new solo record from Eddie Vedder and more.Featured Albums: 1. Mary J. Blige — Good Morning GorgeousFeatured Track: "On Top"2. alt-J — The DreamFeatured Track: "Bane"3. Raveena — Asha's AwakeningFeatured Tracks: "Kathy Left 4 Khatmandu" and "The Internet Is Like Eating Plastic"4. Shamir — HeterosexualityFeatured Track: "Caught Up"5. Eddie Vedder — EarthlingFeatured Track: "Power of Right"Other notable releases for Feb. 11:Big Thief — Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In YouBuke and Gase & Rahrah Gabor — Buke and Gase & Rahrah GaborClaire Rousay & More Eaze — Never Stop Texting MeEmpath — VisitorFrank Turner - FTHCJoss Stone — Never Forget My LoveMoonchild — StarfruitPriscilla Block — Welcome to the Block PartySpoon — Lucifer on the SofaTrupa Trupa — B Flat AVoivod — Synchro AnarchyZeal & Ardor — Zeal & Ardor
2/11/202225 minutes, 39 seconds
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A conversation with Questlove on his 'Summer of Soul' soundtrack

In this special episode, our friends at the It's Been A Minute podcast talk with musician and filmmaker Questlove about the recently released soundtrack to his 2001 documentary Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised). Host Sam Sanders chats with Questlove about the long history of Black erasure and the memorable performances from The 5th Dimension, Stevie Wonder (playing the drums!), Mavis Staples, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone and many more.
2/10/202229 minutes, 28 seconds
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New Mix: Lucy Dacus, illuminati hotties, Madi Diaz with Waxahatchee, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a collaboration between Madi Diaz and Waxahatchee, "Kissing Lessons" from Lucy Dacus and more.Featured Artist and Songs:1. Lucy Dacus: "Kissing Lessons" (Single)2. Madi Diaz w/ Waxahatchee: "Resentment (New Feelings Version)" (Single)3. illuminati hotties: "Sandwich Sharer" (Single)4. Luna Li (ft. beabadoobee): "Silver Into Rain," from Duality5. River Whyless: "Heaven and Light," from Monoflora6. Norma Waterson: "Bright Shiny Morning," from Bright Shiny Morning
2/8/202229 minutes, 50 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on Feb. 4

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the final trap album from Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz, '80s-flavored pop from Mitski, Animal Collective's return to form and more.Featured Albums:1. 2 Chainz — Dope Don't Sell ItselfFeatured tracks: "10 Bracelets" and "Million Dollars Worth Of Game"2. Mitski — Laurel HellFeatured track: "Stay Soft"3. Animal Collective — Time SkiffsFeatured track: "Strung With Everything"4. Saba — Few Good ThingsFeatured tracks: "Survivor's Guilt" and "2012"5. Erin Rae — Lighten UpFeatured track: "California Belongs to You"Other notable releases for Feb. 4:Black Country, New Road — Ants From Up ThereCate Le Bon — PompeiiLord Kayso — More ChoresLos Bitchos — Let The Festivities Begin!The Reds, Pinks and Purples — Summer at Land's EndTank — R&B MONEY
2/4/202227 minutes, 37 seconds
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A (deep) conversation with Elvis Costello

In a career-spanning interview, the singer reflects on his decades-long life in music, from his earliest childhood memories to the artists who shaped his work and what his own songs have meant to others.
2/1/202249 minutes
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on Jan. 28

The Summer of Soul soundtrack is finally here, along with a breathtaking debut from singer Amber Mark, a mind-bender from jazz saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and more.Featured Albums: 1. Various — The Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)Featured Song: "Don'tcha Hear Me Callin' to Ya?"2. Lady Wray — Piece of MeFeatured Song: "Where Were You"3. Samm Henshaw — Untidy SoulFeatured Songs: "Thoughts and Prayers," "Chicken Wings," "Keyon (Interlude)"4. Amber Mark — Three Dimensions DeepFeatured Song: "One"5. Immanuel Wilkins — The 7th HandFeatured Song: "Don't Break"Other notable releases for Jan. 28:Anaïs Mitchell — Anaïs MitchellBabyface Ray — FaceBeirut — ArtifactsGreg Spero — The Chicago ExperimentSt. Paul & The Broken Bones — Alien Coast
1/28/202227 minutes, 27 seconds
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New Mix: PUP, Kaina, Uwade, More

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and NPR Music editor Marissa Lorusso share their favorite new music of the week, including the latest from PUP and the curious and beautiful sounds of Isik Kural.Featured artists and tracks:1. PUP: "Robot Writes A Love Song," from THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND2. MAITA: "Loneliness," from I Just Want To Be Wild For You3. KAINA: "Apple," from It Was a Home4. Uwade: "Do You See The Light Around Me?" (Single)5. Imarhan: "Achinkad," from Aboogi6. Isik Kural: "paperhat," from in february
1/25/202228 minutes, 53 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 6 albums out on Jan. 21

Emo rapper and singer iann dior, pianist Simone Dinnerstein, Americana singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan and more land on this week's shortlist for the best new releases out on Jan. 21. Featured Albums: 1. iann dior — on to better thingsFeatured Songs: "V12" and "hopeless romantic"2. Che Noir — Food For ThoughtFeatured Song: "Communion"3. Simone Dinnerstein — UndersongFeatured Songs: Erik Satie's "Gnossienne No. 3" and Philip Glass' "Mad Rush"4. Aoife O'Donovan — Age of ApathyFeatured Song: "Sister Starling" 5. Jana Horn — OptimismFeatured Song: "Optimism"6. Tanya Tagaq — TonguesFeatured Songs: "Earth Monster" and "Colonizer"Other notable releases for Jan. 21:Aurora - The Gods We Can TouchBoris — WBoy Harsher — The Runner (Original Soundtrack)Jake Xerxes Fussell — Good and Green AgainJanis Ian — The Light at the End of the LinePedro the Lion — HavasuYoung T & Bugsey — Truth Be Told
1/21/202228 minutes, 36 seconds
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New Mix: Shamir, Midlake, Anaïs Mitchell, Janis Ian, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks, including one from Hadestown creator Anaïs Mitchell, Frank Turner's dream-inspired ode to his late friend, Scott Hutchison and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Frank Turner: "A Wave Across A Bay," from FTHC2. Anaïs Mitchell: "On Your Way (Felix Song)," from Anaïs Mitchell3. Janis Ian: "Better Times Will Come," from The Light at the End of the Line4. Midlake: "Bethel Woods," from For The Sake of Bethel Woods5. Shamir: "Reproductive," from Heterosexuality6. Keeley Forsyth: "I Stand Alone," from Limbs
1/19/202238 minutes, 44 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 6 Albums Out Jan. 14

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include FKA Twigs' CAPRISONGS, SICK! from Earl Sweatshirt, joyful singalongs from The Lumineers and more.Featured Albums: 1. FKA Twigs — CAPRISONGSFeatured Songs: "papi bones" and "track girl interlude"2. Earl Sweatshirt — SICK!Featured Song: "God Laughs"3. The Lumineers — BrightsideFeatured Song: "Where We Are"4. Bonobo — FragmentsFeatured Song: "Rosewood"5. Cordae — From A Birds Eye ViewFeatured Song: "Champagne Glasses"6. Linying — There Could Be Wreckage HereFeatured Song: "Faith"Other notable releases for Jan. 14: Blood Red Shoes — GHOSTS ON TAPE; Broken Social Scene — Old Dead Young; Cat Power — Covers; Elvis Costello and The Imposters — The Boy Named If.
1/14/202226 minutes, 40 seconds
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New Mix: The Smile, Kae Tempest, Yard Act, More

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, along with NPR Music's curator of the weird and loud, Lars Gotrich.Featured Artists And Tracks:1. Kae Tempest: "More Pressure," from The Line Is A Curve2. Pigeon Pit: "Empties," from Feather River Canyon Blues3. Souk: "Sooner or Later," from Souk Demo4. Basia Bulat: "The Garden," from The Garden5. Barrie: "Quarry," from Barbara6. The Smile: "You Will Never Work In Television Again" (Single)7. Yard Act: "Rich," from The Overload
1/11/202238 minutes, 44 seconds
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Presenting: Pop Culture Happy Hour, on Spotify's corporate ad game, 'Wrapped'

Our friends at NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast take a look Spotify's annual end-of-year event, and viral sensation, 'Wrapped.' In 2019 the service started pairing its year-end listening data with eye-catching and extremely shareable graphics. But, when the algorithm curates so much of our listening experience... are we just creating a perpetual feedback loop?
12/30/202123 minutes, 53 seconds
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How Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan created Merge Records

In this special episode from NPR's How I Built This with Guy Raz, Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan talk about how, as college students in the late '80s, they created one of the most influential indie labels of all time, Merge Records
12/29/20211 hour, 22 minutes, 2 seconds
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The prophecies of Radiohead's 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac,' 20 years later

Our friends at NPR's Throughline podcast take a deep dive into the Radiohead albums Kid A and Amnesiac, examining the ways the band confronted the monsters around us and within us at the dawn of a new millennium.
12/28/202152 minutes, 44 seconds
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Viking's Choice 2021: Cassettes rule everything around me

NPR Music's Lars Gotrich offers a tribute to the Peruvian punk, chiptuned black metal and Brazilian dub that soundtracked his home office in 2021, cranked on a trusty tape machine. Music heard on this episode:• Morbo: "En el cubil" from ¿A Quién Le Echamos La Culpa? • Cara Neir: "Damnation" from Phase Out • Felinto: "Chroma" from Futuro Antigo Perpétuo • Wendy Eisenberg: "Don't move" from Bent Ring • Lucy Liyou: "Uncle" from Practice• Neo Geodesia: "Fanta Rouge" from 2562 Neon Flames• Maraudeur: "TWYWYS" from Puissance 4 • Myriam Gendron: "C'est dans les vieux pays" from Ma délire - Songs of love, lost & found • Bacon Grease: "What Do You Know" from The Slow Burn• Znous: "El-Mansiette" from Znousland 3
12/27/202150 minutes, 7 seconds
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Back to the cabin

When we held our first holiday extravaganza in 2012 (at a snow-covered cabin in the woods), nearly all of the guests we'd invited canceled. For 2019, we decided to return to the cozy cabin where it all began. What could possibly go wrong?
12/24/20211 hour, 1 second
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A holiday cruise

From 2018, hosts Bob and Robin decide to get away from it all with a holiday cruise to Bermuda. But nature inevitably runs its course and the gang finds itself stuck in the swirling vortex of the mystical Bermuda Triangle, desperate for some sort of passage back home.
12/23/202155 minutes, 55 seconds
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Journey to the North Pole

In this holiday episode originally aired in 2016. Bob and Robin take a train ride to the North Pole in hopes of rediscovering the true spirit of the season. Along the way they meet some special friends, including Kacey Musgraves, Connor Oberst, Japanese Breakfast and more.
12/22/20211 hour, 2 minutes, 9 seconds
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A holiday in space

Through a series of unexpected events, we find ourselves hurtling through outer space, on an urgent musical mission. Join us as we take a rocket ride to the stars, grow homesick for the holidays, and find comfort from a few special guests and friends, including Angel Olsen, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, our favorite spaceman (Dan Deacon, of course), and more. This episode originally aired in 2014.
12/21/20211 hour, 40 seconds
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A holiday party for the ages

Originally aired in 2012, our first holiday special landed us at a remote cabin in the woods where we (trust us!) held a party for the ages. The guest list for our night of music and tall tales included Kishi Bashi, Dan Deacon, Carrie Brownstein, Nellie McKay and more.
12/20/20211 hour, 11 minutes, 50 seconds
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How HBO's 'Insecure' changed the sound and scope of Black music

The groundbreaking HBO series, which just ended a five-year run, provided a platform for showcasing great, unknown Black artists and recast expectations for what R&B, rap and hip-hop can be.
12/17/202127 minutes
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The best songs and albums we missed in 2021

Members of the NPR Music team share their personal picks for the best songs or albums from 2021 that didn't make our final lists.1. dodie: "Hate Myself," from Build a Problem2. Tōth: "Turnaround (Cocaine Song)," from You And Me And Everything3. Flock of Dimes: "Price of Blue," from Head of Roses4. Blu DeTiger: "Vintage," from How Did We Get Here?5. doechii: "TRUTH," From Bra-Less6. girl in red: "Did You Come?" from if i could make it go quiet7. Moin: "Crappy Dreams Count," from Moot!8. Limp Bizkit: "Dad Vibes," from STILL SUCKS9. Madi Diaz: "Nervous," from History of a Feeling10. Tré Burt: "Funny Story (Song for Eva)," from You, Yeah, You11. Normani (feat. Cardi B): "Wild Side" (Single)12. Sarah Kinsley: "The King," from The King (EP)13. NIKARA: "Thick Girls," from NIKARA presents Black Wall Street14. Draco Rosa: "El Amor de Borikén," from Sound Healing 1:1115. Morgen Wurde feat. Maria Estrella: "Weiht," from Pop Ambient 2022
12/15/20211 hour, 22 minutes, 31 seconds
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Presenting: Alt.Latino's picks for the best singles of 2021

On this special episode, the Alt.Latino team discusses the best Latin music singles of 2021.
12/12/202150 minutes, 12 seconds
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Poll results: NPR listeners pick the top albums of 2021

See what our listeners picked as the top 20 albums released in 2021.
12/10/20211 hour, 6 minutes, 57 seconds
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Presenting: Alt.Latino's look back at the best albums of 2021

Each year NPR's Alt.Latino crew parses through hundreds of new Latin music releases in the hopes of finding the best of the genre. On this episode they share just a few of their favorites that stood out in 2021.
12/5/202142 minutes, 13 seconds
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Lil Nas X on 'MONTERO,' NPR Music's song of the year

A conversation with the singer, rapper, social-media sensation, and fashion icon about his groundbreaking pop banger "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)."
12/3/202118 minutes, 7 seconds
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Jazmine Sullivan unspools her 'Heaux Tales,' NPR Music's album of the year

The singer reveals the stories and inspiration behind her breathtaking album. Released in January, Heaux Tales held our gaze throughout the year, becoming NPR Music's pick for the best album of 2021.
12/1/202123 minutes, 55 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 5 albums out on Nov. 26

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the soundtrack for Paul Thomas Anderson's new film Licorice Pizza, Turkish funk from El Michels Affair, Julie Doiron and more.Featured Albums:1. Various — Licorice PizzaFeatured Songs: "Peace Frog" (The Doors) and "Licorice Pizza" (Jonny Greenwood)2. El Michels Affair — AbominableFeatured Song: "Cham Cham"3. Julie Doiron — I Thought of YouFeatured Song: "Cancel the Party"4. Cynic — Ascension CodesFeatured Song: "Mythical Serpents" 5. Spectacular Diagnostics — Ancient MethodsFeatured Song: "The Wall"
11/26/202123 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Mix: Beach House, Jasmyn, Mckenna Grace, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new songs of the week including Beach House's "Once Twice Melody," "Haunted House" from the actress Mckenna Grace, Medium Build and more.Featured Tracks:1. Beach House: "Once Twice Melody," from Once Twice Melody2. Medium Build: "Rabbit" (Single)3. Semler: "Prodigal Girl," from Late Bloomer EP4. Mckenna Grace: "Haunted House" (Single)5. Jasmyn: "Find the Light" (Single)6. Lizzy McAlpine: "doomsday" (Single)
11/23/202133 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 7 albums out on Nov. 19

Adele's long-awaited 30 tops NPR Music's picks for the best new albums out this week, along with new ones from Snoop Dogg, Makaya McCraven, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and more.Featured Albums:1. Adele — 30Featured track: "Oh My God"2. Snoop Dogg — AlgorithmFeatured tracks: "Big Subwoofer" and "Anxiety"3. Makaya McCraven — Deciphering the MessageFeatured track: "Black Rhythm Happening"4. Ben LaMar Gay — Open Arms to Open UsFeatured track: "Aunt Lola and the Quail"5. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss — Raise the RoofFeatured track: "Go Your Way"6. Apollo Brown & Stalley — BlacklightFeatured track: "Breathe"7. Coldcut — @0Featured track: "Star Ray" (performed by Julianna Barwick)Other notable releases for Nov. 19: Brian Wilson — At My Piano; Elbow — Flying Dream 1; Khemmis — Deceiver; Sting — The Bridge.
11/19/202131 minutes, 49 seconds
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New Mix: Big Thief, Pinegrove, FACESOUL, Maia Friedman, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new songs of the week, including a just-announced track from Big Thief, the London-based Somali artist known as FACESOUL, Pinegrove and more.Featured Tracks:1. Big Thief: "Time Escaping," from Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You2. Maia Friedman: "Where the Rocks Are," from Under the New Light3. Mirrors: "Una Rosa," from Mirrors4. Pinegrove: "Alaska," from 11-115. Why Bonnie: "Galveston" (Single)6. FACESOUL: "The Path," from YSRA
11/16/202132 minutes, 26 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 6 albums out on Nov. 12

The Bruno Mars-Anderson .Paak collab as Silk Sonic tops NPR Music's shortlist of the best albums out this week, along with new ones from Courtney Barnett, Aesop Rock, Jon Hopkins and more.Featured Albums: 1. Silk Sonic — An Evening with Silk SonicFeatured Songs: "Fly As Me" and "Blast Off"2. Atarashii Gakko — Snacktime!Featured Song: "Free Your Mind"3. Jon Hopkins — Music for Psychedelic TherapyFeatured Songs: "Love Flows over Us in Prismatic Waves" and "Sit Around the Fire"4. Courtney Barnett — Things Take Time, Take TimeFeatured Song: "Turning Green"5. Aesop Rock & Blockhead — GarbologyFeatured Song: "The Sea"6. Joell Ortiz — AutographFeatured Songs: "Uncle Chris Car" and "OG"Other notable releases for Nov. 12: Bill Charlap — Street of Dreams; IDLES — Crawler; Nirvana — Nevermind (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe); Taylor Swift — Red (Taylor's Version); They Might Be Giants — Book.
11/12/202127 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Mix: Jónsi, Julie Doiron, Rokia Koné, David Keenan, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including the stunning voice of West African singer Rokia Koné, new solo work from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi and more.Featured Tracks:1. Julie Doiron: "You Gave Me The Key," from I Thought Of You2. Cola: "Blank Curtain" (Single)3. David Keenan: "What Then Cried Jo Soap," from WHAT THEN?4. Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee: "N'yanyan," from BAMANAN5. Jónsi: "Pyralone," from Obsidian6. Sóley: "Desert," from Mother Melancholia
11/9/202133 minutes, 54 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 8 albums out on Nov. 5

NPR Music's picks for the best new albums out this week include ones from the Portland rapper Aminé, Snail Mail, composer and saxophonist Terrace Martin, the string ensemble Attacca Quartet and more.Featured Albums:1. Aminé — TWOPOINTFIVEFeatured Song: "OKWME"2. Attacca Quartet — Of All JoysFeatured Songs: "Mishima, 1957: Award Montage," "Miserere," "Fratres"3. Tasha — Tell Me What You Miss The MostFeatured Song: "Bed Song 1"4. Snail Mail — ValentineFeatured Song: "Mia"5. Terrace Martin — DronesFeatured Song: "Leave Us Be"6. Sloppy Jane — MadisonFeatured Songs: "Judy's Bedroom," "Overture" and "Lullaby Formica"7. Curtis Harding — If Words Were FlowersFeatured Song: "Hopeful"8. Remy Le Boeuf — Architecture of StormsFeatured Song: "The Melancholy Architecture of Storms"Other notable releases for Nov. 5: ABBA — Voyage; Diana Ross — Thank You; Hana Vu — Public Storage; Joan As Police Woman — The Solution is Restless; Radiohead — Kid A Mnesia; serpentwithfeet — DEACON'S GROVE; Summer Walker — Still Over It.
11/5/202136 minutes, 2 seconds
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The Best Music of October: NPR Staff Picks

Every month, we ask the NPR Music staff: What's the one song you couldn't escape? What's the one album to which you'll return all year? In October, we fell far into the music of Helado Negro and Jordan Peters, screamed along to Illuminati Hotties and Cerce, and meditated on the voices of Buffalo Nichols and Emily D'Angelo. Music featured on this episode:• Buffalo Nichols: "Another Man" from Buffalo Nichols• Jordan Peters, "Float (feat. Obed Calvaire)"• Emily D'Angelo: "Nausicaa" from enargeia• Helado Negro: "Aguas Frías" from Far In• Illuminati Hotties: "MMMOOOAAAAAYAYA" from Let Me Do One More• Cerce: "Fate" from Cowboy MusicFollow the #NowPlaying blog for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
11/1/202126 minutes
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New Music Friday: The top 10 albums out on Oct. 29

NPR Music picks the best new albums out this week, including new releases by Tori Amos, Mick Jenkins, Mon Laferte, The War on Drugs and more.Featured Albums1. The War on Drugs — I Don't Live Here AnymoreFeatured Song: "Change"2. Mick Jenkins — Elephant in the RoomFeatured Song: "Stiff Arm"3. Tori Amos — Ocean to OceanFeatured Song: "Speaking With Trees"4. Emily Scott Robinson — American SirenFeatured Song: "Let 'Em Burn"5. Lily Konigsberg — Lily We Need to Talk NowFeatured Song: "Alone"6. Eris Drew — Quivering in TimeFeatured Song: "Show U Love"7. Mon Laferte — 1940 CarmenFeatured Song: "Algo Es Mejor"8. Theon Cross — Intra-IFeatured Song: "40Tude"9. Lilli Lewis — AmericanaFeatured Song: "Wrecking Ball"10. Johnathan Blake — Homeward BoundFeatured Song: "Homeward Bound (For Ana Grace)"Other notable releases for October 29:Ed Sheeran — =; Migos — Culture III; Jónsi — Obsidian; Death Cab for Cutie — The Photo Album (20th Anniversary Edition); R.E.M. — New Adventures in Hi-Fi (25th Anniversary Edition); Spice Girls — Spice (25th Anniversary Edition); Johnny Cash — Bear's Sonic Journals: Johnny Cash at the Carousel Ballroom, April 24 1968; Maya Jane Coles — Night Creature; They Might Be Giants — BOOK; Charlotte Cornfield — Highs in the Minuses; Hayes Carll — You Get It All; Sam Evian — Time to Melt; Marissa Nadler — The Path of the Clouds; Mastodon — Hushed and Grim
10/29/202142 minutes, 32 seconds
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New Mix: Quinn Christopherson, mehro, Anjimile, IDLES, more

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including a new one from Tiny Desk contest winner Quinn Christopherson, the English punk group IDLES and more.Featured Tracks:1. IDLES: "The Beachland Ballroom," from Crawler2. Quinn Christopherson: "Bubblegum," from I Am Bubblegum (EP)3. Anjimile: "Stranger" (Single)4. mehro: "howling" (Single)5. Anna Leone: "Still I Wait," from I've Felt All These Things6. Scout LaRue Willis: "Love Without Possession"(Single)7. Chloe Lilac: "19" (Single)
10/26/202139 minutes, 29 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 8 albums out on Oct. 22

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out today include new ones from the K-pop singer CL, rapper and producer Wale, a new project from Tricky called Lonely Guest, Grouper and more.Featured Albums:1. CL — ALPHAFeatured song: "Chuck"2. Wale — Folarin IIFeatured song: "Name Ring Bells"3. Grouper — ShadeFeatured song: "Pale Interior"4. Helado Negro — Far InFeatured song: "Wake Up Tomorrow"5. angel du$t — Yak: A Collection of Truck SongsFeatured song: "Love is the Greatest" and "All the Way Dumb"6. Lonely Guest — Lonely GuestFeatured songs: "Atmosphere" and "Move Me"7. John Forté — Vessels, Angels & AncestorsFeatured song: "88"8. Circuit des Yeux — -ioFeatured song: "Sculpting the Exodus"Other notable releases for Oct. 22: Bedouine — Waysides; Jackson + Sellers — Breaking Point; John Coltrane — A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle; Lana Del Rey — Blue Banisters; My Morning Jacket — My Morning Jacket.
10/22/202132 minutes, 56 seconds
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Let It Be? No, Let's Remix The Beatles

Producer Giles Martin talks about a new 5-disc deluxe version of Let It Be, one of The Beatles' most complicated albums. Hear his remixed version of the album plus never-before-heard banter and outtakes.
10/19/202140 minutes, 34 seconds
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Presenting 'It's Been A Minute': Pop music's 'Latin Explosion' of 1999

This is the third and final installment in a special series from NPR's 'It's Been A Minute' podcast looking at important moments in the history of pop-music crossover. On this episode, Sam and his guests look at the so-called "Latin Explosion" of the late 1990s and ask who this historic if calculated moment was actually for, and what were the business considerations behind it? And what does "Livin La Vida Loca" have to do with all of it? You'll find all that out and more in this episode.
10/18/202134 minutes, 30 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 6 albums out on Oct. 15

Atlanta rapper Young Thug's Punk, Coldplay's Music of the Spheres, solo debuts from Finneas, Remi Wolf and more are among NPR Music's picks for the week's best new albums.Featured Albums: 1. Remi Wolf — JunoFeatured Song: "Anthony Kiedis"2. Coldplay — Music of the SpheresFeatured Song: "People of the Pride"3. Young Thug — PunkFeatured Song: "Tick Tock"4. Joy Crookes — SkinSong: "Poison"5. Finneas — OptimistFeatured Song: "The Kids Are All Dying"6. Pinkpantheress — to hell with itFeatured Song: "Noticed I cried" Other notable releases for Oct. 15: The Beatles — Let It Be (50th Anniversary Ed.); Dos Santos — City of Mirrors; Le Ren — Leftovers; Pokey LaFarge — In the Blossom of Their Shade; Xenia Rubinos — Una Rosa.
10/15/202122 minutes, 44 seconds
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New Mix: Mitski, Cate Le Bon, Big Thief, Shamir, more

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new music of the week, including a reflection on the cost of fame from Mitski, Shamir's "Gay Agenda," sweet "Change" from Big Thief and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Mitski: "Working for the Knife" (Single)2. Cate Le Bon: "Running Away," from Pompeii3. Big Thief: "Change," from Change EP4. Doran: "Old Moon," from Doran5. Kevin Morby & Hamilton Leithauser: "Virginia Beach" (Single)6. Shamir: "Gay Agenda" (Single)
10/13/202132 minutes, 44 seconds
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Presenting 'It's Been A Minute': Reassessing Janet Jackson's 'Control' and legacy

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Janet Jackson's Control. That album was her first real commercial hit and, looking back, helped redefine all of pop music. In the late '80s and '90s, Jackson was one of the biggest stars of our time — right up there with her brother, Michael and Madonna. And yet, Jackson isn't always given her due. In this special episode from NPR's It's Been A Minute podcast, host Sam Sanders explores why that is, how she made the album Control, and the incident — that lasted all but a second — that changed the course of her career.
10/11/202142 minutes, 26 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 10 albums out on Oct. 8

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include James Blake's Friends That Break Your Heart, new ones from Cimafunk, the underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere, Reba McEntire, and more. Featured Albums:1. James Blake — Friends That Break Your HeartFeatured Songs: "Foot Forward" and "Frozen"2. BadBadNotGood — Talk MemoryFeatured Song: "Beside April"3. Susana Baca — Palabras UrgentesFeatured Song: "Cambalache"4. Natalie Hemby — Pins and NeedlesFeatured Song: "Banshee"5. Various — Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows Vol. 2 (John Prine tribute album)Featured Song: "Summer's End" (Performed by Valerie June)6. Cimafunk — El AlimentoFeatured Song: "Sal De Lo Malo"7. Various — It's A Good, Good Feeling: The Latin Soul of Fania RecordsFeatured Song: "Soul Drummers" (Performed by Ray Baretto)8. Joshua Crumbly — ForEverFeatured Song: "KOLKATA"9. Atmosphere — WORD?Featured Song: "Fleetwood"10. Reba McEntire — Revived, Remixed, RevisitedFeatured Song: "Fancy"
10/8/202135 minutes, 26 seconds
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Presenting 'It's Been A Minute': The Lasting Legacy Of 'Soul Train'

Fifty years ago this month, the TV show Soul Train was first broadcast nationally. It brought Black music, dance, fashion and performance into viewers' homes every weekend and continued for more than 30 years. There was nothing like it on TV, and all these years later, there's been nothing like it since. On this special episode from the NPR podcast, It's Been A Minute with Sam Sanders, we look at the lasting impact of Soul Train and why it mattered.
10/6/202134 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Best Music of September: NPR Staff Picks

Every month, we ask the NPR Music staff: What's the one song you couldn't escape? What's the one album to which you'll return all year?Songs featured in this episode: • Ada Lea: "hurt" from one hand on the steering wheel the other sewing a garden • MUNA (Feat. Phoebe Bridgers), "Silk Chiffon"• Little Simz: "Standing Ovation" from Sometimes I Might Be Introvert• Mon Laferte: "Nothing Else Matters" from The Metallica Blacklist• Sun-El Musician (Feat. Simmy), "Higher"• Jon Hopkins: "Sit Around the Fire (Feat. Ram Dass & East Forest)" from Music for Psychedelic Therapy Follow the #NowPlaying blog for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
10/4/202141 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Music Friday: The top 7 albums out on Oct. 1

NPR Music's picks for the best new releases out this week include the long-awaited studio album from Philly rapper Meek Mill, a stunning record from Brandi Carlile, country singer Miko Marks and more.Featured Albums: 1. Meek Mill — Expensive PainFeatured Song: "Blue Notes 2"2. Brandi Carlile — In These Silent DaysFeatured Song: "Broken Horses"3. Ben Marc — Breathe SuiteFeatured Song: "Breathe Suite A"4. Tirzah — ColourgradeFeatured Song: "Hive Mind"5. Illuminati Hotties — Let Me Do One MoreFeatured Song: "Knead"6. Shad — TaoFeatured Song: "Black Averageness"7. Miko Marks — Race RecordsFeatured Song: "Hard Times"Other notable releases for Oct. 1: Dar Williams — I'll Meet You Here; Hovvdy — True Love; Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett — Love For Sale; Strand of Oaks — In Heaven.
10/1/202127 minutes, 14 seconds
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New Mix: Le Ren, Wet Leg, Ustad Saami, NoSo, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen's favorite new songs of the week include the funny, uplifting music of Wet Leg, a prayer for peace from 77-year-old Pakistani artist Ustad Saami and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Wet Leg: "Wet Dream" (Single)2. NoSo: "Suburbia" (Single)3. Nynke Laverman: "Stoarm" from Plant4. Nora Brown: "The Very Day I'm Gone" from Sidetrack My Engine5. Jane Fontana: "Untitled, No. 1" from In Situ EP6. Grace Cummings: "Heaven" from Storm Queen7. Le Ren: "I Already Love You" from Leftovers8. Ustad Saami: "Prayer for Peace" from east Pakistan sky
9/29/202146 minutes, 46 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On Sept. 24

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, a Sufjan Stevens collaboration with Angelo De Augustine, country singer Mickey Guyton and more.Featured Albums: 1. Anthony Hamilton — Love is the New BlackFeatured Song: "Love Is The New Black"2. Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine — A Beginner's MindFeatured Song: "Lady Macbeth In Chains"3. Kari Faux — Lowkey Superstar DeluxeFeatured Song: "While God Was Sleeping"4. Hayden Pedigo — Letting GoFeatured Song: "Some Kind of Shepherd"5. Mickey Guyton — Remember Her NameFeatured Song: "Different"6. Solemn Brigham — South Sinner StreetFeatured Songs: "Keep The Hope" and "Vice North"7. Japanese Breakfast — Sable Featured Songs: "Glider" and "Cartographer's Theme"8. Ada Lea — One Hand on the Steering Wheel The Other Sewing A GardenFeatured Song: "Oranges"Other notable releases for Sept. 24: Alessia Cara — In The Meantime; Andy Shauf — Wilds; Arturo O'Farrill — Dreaming in Lions; Caleb Landry Jones — Gadzooks Vol. 1; Laura Jane Grace — At War With Silverfish; NAO — And Then Life Was Beautiful; Poppy — Flux.
9/24/202132 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Mix: alt-J, Loney Dear, Amythyst Kiah, Bnny, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new songs of the week, including a new one from the Leeds rock band alt-J, Swedish singer-songwriter Loney Dear, Amythyst Kiah and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. alt-J: "U&ME," from The Dream2. Hyd: "Skin 2 Skin," from Hyd (EP)3. Amythyst Kiah: "Black Myself (Moby Remix)" (Single)4. La Luz: "Lazy Eyes and Dune," from La Luz5. Bnny: "Sure," from Everything6. Loney Dear: "Go Easy On Me Now (Sirens + emergencies)," from A Lantern and a Bell
9/22/202134 minutes, 21 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf: Meet Our Winner

In the seventh and final episode of Top Shelf, hear from the 2021 Tiny Desk Contest winner, Neffy: a rising singer-songwriter from Arlington, Va., with a breathtaking, soulful, inimitable voice.
9/20/202133 minutes, 39 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On Sept. 17

The debut album from singer and rapper Lil Nas X tops our list of the week's best releases, along with the 25th anniversary of Buena Vista Social Club, new ones from José González, Carly Pearce and more.Featured Albums: 1. Lil Nas X — MonteroFeatured Song: "Dead Right Now"2. Carly Pearce — 29: Written In StoneFeatured Song: "Diamondback"3. Charley Crockett — Music City USAFeatured Song: "Honest Fight"4. Adia Victoria — A Southern GothicFeatured Song: "Troubled Mind"5. Buena Vista Social Club — Buena Vista Social ClubFeatured Songs: "Chan Chan" and "El Diablo Suelto"6. José González — Local ValleyFeatured Song: "Visions"7. Sheila Jordan — Comes Love: Lost Session 1960Featured Song: "Ballad of the Sad Young Men"8. Moor Mother — Black Encyclopedia of the AirFeatured Song: "Vera Hall"Other notable releases for Sept. 17: Bob Dylan — Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 16; Cory Henry — Best of Me; James Vincent McMorrow — Grapefruit Season; Lindsey Buckingham — Lindsey Buckingham; Melissa Ethridge — One Way Out.
9/17/202137 minutes, 10 seconds
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New Mix: Tiny Desk Contest Winner Neffy, Snail Mail, My Morning Jacket, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite tracks of the week, including the Tiny Desk Contest-winning song from the singer, Neffy, new ones from Snail Mail, My Morning Jacket and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Neffy: "Wait Up" (Single)2. Aisha Badru: "Rebirth," from The Way Back Home EP3. Lily Konigsberg: "Sweat Forever," from Lily We Need To Talk Now4. Sloppy Jane: "Party Anthem," from Madison5. My Morning Jacket: "Love Love Love," from My Morning Jacket6. Snail Mail: "Valentine," from Valentine
9/15/202129 minutes, 41 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 11 Albums Out On Sept. 10

It's a packed release day, with new albums from the prince of reggaeton J Balvin, Kendrick Lamar collaborator and rising rapper Baby Keem, Kacey Musgraves, Andrew W.K. and more.Featured Albums: 1. Common — A Beautiful Revolution Pt 2Featured Song: "A Beautiful Chicago Kid"2. Kacey Musgraves — Star-CrossedFeatured Songs: "Cherry Blossom" and "Gracias A La Vida"3. J Balvin — JOSEFeatured Song: "La Familia"4. Yebba — DawnFeatured Song: "Boomerang"5. Andrew W.K. — God Is PartyingFeatured Songs: "Babalon" and "Goddess Partying"6. AZ — Doe or Die IIFeatured Song: "Check Me Out"7. Park Hye Jin — Before I DieFeatured Song: "Me Trust Me"8. Low — Hey WhatFeatured Song: "White Horses"9. Deb Never — Where Have All The Flowers GoneFeatured Song: "Stupid"10. Bomba Estéreo — DejaFeatured Song: "Agua"11. Baby Keem — The Melodic BlueFeatured Song: "Range Brothers"Other notable releases for Sept. 10: Heartless Bastards — A Beautiful Life; Matthew E. White — K Bay; Sleigh Bells — Texis; We Were Promised Jetpacks — Enjoy The View.
9/10/202138 minutes, 31 seconds
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New Mix: Andy Shauf, 79rs Gang, Opium Moon, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tunes of the week, including a profoundly moving reflection on Hurricane Katrina, a new story-song from Andy Shauf and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. 79rs Gang: "Stop The Water" (Single)2. Andrea von Kampen: "Water Flowing Downward," from That Spell3. Opium Moon: "Night," from Night + Day4. Claire Cronin: "Bloodless," from Bloodless5. Andy Shauf: "Spanish On The Beach" (Single)6. Marc Farre: "Prayer Flags," (Single)
9/8/202135 minutes, 53 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 7 Albums Out On Sept. 3

Our picks for the best new albums out this week come from the British rapper LIttle Simz, jazz pianist Kirk Lightsey, rising reggaeton singer Jhay Cortez, metal veterans Iron Maiden and more.Featured Albums:1. Little Simz — Sometimes I Might Be IntrovertFeatured Songs: "Introvert" and "The Rapper That Came To Tea"2. Jhay Cortez — TimelezzFeatured Song: "Los Bandoleros"3. Kirk Lightsey — I Will Never Stop Loving YouFeatured Song: "I Will Never Stop Loving You"4. Iron Maiden — SenjutsuFeatured Song: "Days Of Future Past"5. Lady Blackbird — Black Acid SoulFeatured Songs: "Five Feet Tall" and "Blackbird"6. Baby Queen — The YearbookFeatured Song: "Raw Thoughts"7. L'Orange — The World Is Still Chaos, But I Feel BetterFeatured Song: "Talk To Friendly Walls"Other notable releases for Sept. 3: Damu The Fudgemunk — Conversation Peace; Imagine Dragons — Mercury, Act I; Lady Gaga — Dawn Of Chromatica (remix album)
9/3/202130 minutes, 56 seconds
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The Best Music Of August: NPR Staff Picks

Every month, we ask the NPR Music staff: What's the one song you couldn't escape? What's the one album to which you'll return all year? In August, we got vulnerable with James Blake, leveled up with Foxing, cooed with PinkPantheress, discovered an obscure Polish composer via pianist Lucas Debargue, memorialized a member of Injury Reserve and went back in time to Lee Morgan's weekend residency at the Lighthouse. Songs heard on this episode: • James Blake: "Life is Not the Same" from Friends That Break Your Heart • Foxing: "Beacons" from Draw Down the Moon• PinkPantheress, "Just for me"• Lucas Debargue: "Nostalgie du pays" from Zal — The Music of Miłosz Magin • Injury Reserve: "Knees" from By the Time I Get to Phoenix • Lee Morgan: "Absolutions (Friday, Set 2)" from The Complete Live at the Lighthouse Follow the #NowPlaying blog for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
9/1/202128 minutes, 59 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf: Our Favorite 2021 Entries, Episode 6

Before we announce this year's winner, we're asking our judges to share their favorite entries in a weekly livestreamed series. In this episode, last year's winner, Linda Diaz, shares her picks.
8/30/202142 minutes, 40 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On Aug. 27

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out on Aug. 27 include new ones from CHVRCHES, Indigo De Souza, Terence Blanchard and more.Featured Albums 1. CHVRCHES — Screen Violence Featured Song: "Final Girl" 2. Madi Diaz — History Of A Feeling Featured Song: "Woman In My Heart" 3. Chapel Hart — The Girls Are Back In Town Featured Song: "You Can Have Him Jolene" 4. Tré Burt — You, Yeah, You Featured Song: "Sweet Misery" 5. GRIP — I Died For This?! Featured Song: "The Lox! (feat. Tate 228)" 6. Indigo De Souza — Any Shape You Take Featured Song: "Way Out" 7. Terence Blanchard — Absence Featured Song: "The Elders" 8. Andrew Cyrille Quartet — The News Featured Song: "Go Happy Lucky" Notable releases for Aug. 27: Halsey — If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power; Big Red Machine — How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?; Steve Gunn — Other You; Marisa Anderson & William Tyler — Lost Futures; The Bug — Fire; Yann Tiersen — Kerber; Mouse Rat — The Awesome Album; Nite Jewel — No Sun; Southern Avenue — Be The Love You Want; Carlos Henriquez — The South Bronx Story; Kenny Garrett — Sounds From The Ancestors
8/27/202140 minutes, 14 seconds
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New Mix: Big Thief, George Harrison, Circuit Des Yeux, Hand Habits, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite songs of the week, including a 50th anniversary edition of George Harrison's "Isn't It A Pity."1. George Harrison: "Isn't It A Pity," from All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary)2. Immersion, (feat. Laetitia Sadier): "Riding The Wave," from Nanocluster Vol. 13. Circuit des Yeux: "Dogma," from -Io4. Hand Habits: "Aquamarine," from Fun House5. Coco: "Knots," from Coco6. Big Thief: "Sparrow" (Single)
8/25/202136 minutes, 7 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf: Our Favorite 2021 Entries, Episode 5

Before we announce this year's Tiny Desk Contest winner, we're asking our judges to share their favorite entries in a weekly livestreamed series. In this episode, Jewly Hight shares her picks.
8/23/202147 minutes, 30 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On Aug. 20

NPR Music picks the best new albums out this week, including new releases by Lorde, Sturgill Simpson, Deafheaven and more.
8/20/202140 minutes, 56 seconds
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Guest DJ: Rodrigo Amarante

The great Brazilian-born, now Los Angeles-based musician has just put out Drama, his first solo album in seven years. We also hear music that changed his life, including songs from The Smiths and Gilberto Gil.
8/18/202149 minutes, 55 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf: Our Favorite 2021 Entries, Episode 4

Before we announce this year's Tiny Desk Contest winner, we're asking our judges to share their favorite entries in a weekly livestreamed series. In this episode, John Morrison shares his picks.
8/16/202139 minutes, 3 seconds
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New Music Friday: Aug. 13

Black Thought guests on a new one from the British duo Jungle, The Killers' Pressure Machine documents the hopes and horrors of rural America, Boldy James & The Alchemist team up again and more.Featured Albums:1. Jungle — Loving in StereoFeatured Songs: "Talk About It" and "Romeo"2. The Killers — Pressure MachineFeatured Songs: "Terrible Thing" and "West Hills"3. Boldy James & The Alchemist — Bo JacksonFeatured Song: "E.P.M.D."4. Falkner Evans — Invisible WordsFeatured Song: "Made Visible"5. Meet Me @ The Altar — Model CitizenFeatured Song: "Feel A Thing"6. El Michels Affair Meets Liam Bailey — Ekundayo InversionsFeatured Songs: "Conquer & Divide" and "Intro"7. Wednesday — Twin PlaguesFeatured Songs: "Toothache" and "Twin Plagues"Other notable releases for Aug. 13: Dan + Shay — Good Things; Devendra Banhart and Noah Georgeson — Refuge; Jade Bird — Different Kinds of Light; Joy Orbison — Still Slipping Vol. 1; $uicideboy$ — Long Term Effects of SUFFERING.
8/13/202133 minutes, 53 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf: Our Favorite 2021 Entries, Episode 3

Before we announce this year's Tiny Desk Contest winner, we're asking our judges to share their favorite entries in a weekly livestreamed series. In this episode, Tobe Nwigwe shares his picks.
8/9/202133 minutes, 35 seconds
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New Music Friday: Aug. 6

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include new ones from the R&B singer Tinashe, composer Max Richter and the greatest rap duo you've never heard of, Abstract Mindstate. Featured Albums:1. Abstract Mindstate — Dreams Still InspireFeatured Track: "I Feel Good" 2. Max Richter — ExilesFeatured Tracks: "Flowers Of Herself" and "Exiles"3. Laura Stevenson — Laura StevensonFeatured Tracks: "State" and "Mary"4. Tinashe — 333Featured Track: "333"5. Fuubutsushi — NatsukashiiFeatured Track: "Suzushii Kaze"6. Lingua Ignota — Sinner Get ReadyFeatured Tracks: "Pennsylvania Furnace" and "The Order of Spiritual Virgins"Other notable releases for Aug. 6: Barbra Streisand — Release Me 2; Eluvium — Virga II; Moritz Von Oswald Trio — Dissent; Ty Segal — Harmonizer.
8/6/202128 minutes, 31 seconds
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The Best Music Of July: NPR Staff Picks

In July, we found solace in veterans (Billy Bragg) and newcomers (Canary Room), witnessed personal transformations from IDK and WILLOW, hit funky grooves with William Parker and heard angels become mortal in a collaboration between Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine. Songs heard in this episode: • Billy Bragg: "I Will Be Your Shield" from The Million Things That Never Happened• Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine: "Reach Out" from A Beginner's Mind• Canary Room: "Christine" from Christine• WILLOW: "don't SAVE ME" from lately I feel EVERYTHING• IDK: "Hey Auntie" from USEE4YOURSELF • William Parker: "Tabasco" from Mayan Space StationFollow the #NowPlaying blog for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
8/3/202128 minutes, 17 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf: Episode 2 With Phoebe Bridgers

Before we announce this year's Tiny Desk Contest winner, we're asking our judges to share their favorite entries in a weekly livestreamed series. In this episode, Phoebe Bridgers shares her picks.
8/2/202147 minutes, 40 seconds
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New Music Friday: July 30

The sophomore full-length from Billie Eilish tops our shortlist of the best new albums out this week, along with a posthumous Prince record, Jack Antonoff's Bleachers, the singer Yola and more.Featured Albums: 1. Billie Eilish — Happier Than Ever Featured Song: "NDA"2. Isaiah Rashad — The House Is BurningFeatured Songs: "True Story" and "HB2U"3. Bleachers — Take the Sadness Out Of Saturday NightFeatured Songs: "Stop Making This Hurt" and "91"4. Los Lobos — Native SonsFeatured Song: "The World Is A Ghetto"5. Prince — Welcome 2 AmericaFeatured Song: "One Day We Will All Be Free"6. Torres — ThirstierFeatured Song: "Are You Sleep Walking?"7. Yola — Stand For MyselfFeatured Song: "If I Had To Do It All Again"8. Skirts — Great Big Wild OakFeatured Song: "Easy"Other notable releases for July 30: Leela James — See Me; LUMP — Animal; Naia Izumi — A Residency in the Los Angeles Area; Poise — Vestiges; Son Volt — Electro Melodier.
7/30/202134 minutes, 10 seconds
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New Mix: Steady Holiday, Ada Lea, Wet Leg, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen's favorite new tracks of the week include an amped-up Steady Holiday, late-'70s, post-punk sounds from Gustaf and Wet Leg, the calming guitar of Lanterna and more.Featured Songs:1. Steady Holiday: "Love Me 2" (Single)2. Gustaf: "Book," from Audio Drag For Ego Slobs3. Wet Leg: "Chaise Longue" (Single)4. Ada Lea: "damn," from one hand on the steering wheel the other sewing a garden5. The Colorist Orchestra & Howe Gelb (feat. Pieta Brown): "Sweet Pretender," from Not On The Map6. AHI: "Danger," from Prospect7. Lanterna: "Aix," from Hidden Drives
7/28/202136 minutes, 41 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf: Our Favorite 2021 Entries, Episode 1

Before we announce this year's Tiny Desk Contest winner, we're asking our judges to share their favorite entries in a weekly livestreamed series. First up: Tiny Desk producer Bobby Carter.
7/26/202141 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Music Friday: July 23

Kanye West's long-awaited (and much-hyped), DONDA tops our list of the best albums out this week, along with new ones from Leon Bridges, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Ledisi and more.Featured Albums:1. Kanye — DONDA2. Leon Bridges — Gold Diggers SoundFeatured Song: "Motorbike"3. Chiiild — Hope For SaleFeatured Song: "Wasting Time"4. Samia — ScoutFeatured Song: "As You Are"5. Christone "Kingfish" Ingram — 662Featured Song: "Too Young To Remember"6. Bardo — Everywhere Reminds Me Of SpaceFeatured Song: "Neon Light"7. Emma-Jean Thackray — YellowFeatured Song: "Venus"8. Ledisi — Ledisi Sings NinaFeatured Song: "Feeling Good"Other notable releases for July 23: Brittany Howard — Jaime Re-imagined; Dave — We're All Alone In This Together; Mega Bog — Life, And Another.
7/23/202135 minutes, 40 seconds
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New Mix: Soccer Mommy, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Nils Frahm, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen's favorite tracks of the week include a classic murder ballad reimagined by Bonnie "Prince" Billy, a new collaboration with Nils Frahm and F.S. Blumm, Soccer Mommy and more.Featured Tracks And Artists:1. Soccer Mommy: "rom com 2004" (Single)2. My Idea: "Stay Away Still," from That's My Idea EP3. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & Nathan Salzburg: "Stagger Lee" (Single)4. Hana Vu: "Maker" (Single)5. Devendra Banhart & Noah Georgeson: "In A Cistern," from Refuge6. F.S. Blumm & Nils Frahm: "Desert Mule," from 2X1=4
7/20/202133 minutes, 11 seconds
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New Music Friday: July 16

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include Willow's Lately I Feel Everything, new ones from Clairo and John Mayer, a posthumous release from Alice Coltrane and more.Featured Albums:1. Willow — Lately I Feel EverythingFeatured Songs: "Breakout" and "Xtra"2. Clairo — SlingFeatured Song: "Zinnias"3. Rodrigo Amarante — DramaFeatured Song: "Tao"4. John Mayer — Sob RockFeatured Song: "Guess I Just Feel Like"5. Cakes da Killa — MUVALAND Vol. 2Featured Song: "Lite Werk"6. Alice Coltrane — Kirtan: Turiya SingsFeatured Song: "Jagadishwar"7. John Vanderslice — I Can't Believe Civilization Is Still Going Here In 2021! Congratulations To All Of Us, Love DCBFeatured Song: "I Get A Strange Kind Of Pleasure From Just Hanging On"8. John Vanderslice — Ethical Jute Mouse: Lost Songs from Tiny Telephone 2001-2021Featured Song: "Advancing Army Clip"Other notable releases for July 16: Charlie Worsham — Sugarcane; Ida Mae — Click Click Domino; Jodi — Blue Heron; Karen Black — Dreaming Of You: 1971-1976; Pop Smoke — FAITH.
7/16/202135 minutes, 27 seconds
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New Mix: Courtney Barnett, Ben Gibbard And Tycho, Sparks, More

All Songs host Bob Boilen shares his favorite songs of the week, including a long-overdue celebration of Sparks, a Ben Gibbard collaboration with Tycho, the return of Courtney Barnett and more. Featured Songs And Artists:1. Sparks, Adam Driver & Marion Cotillard: "So May We Start (feat. Simon Helberg)," From Annette2. Courtney Barnett: "Rae Street," From Things Take Time, Take Time3. Indigo De Souza: "Kill Me," From Any Shape You Take4. Tycho & Benjamin Gibbard: "Only Love" (Single)5. Lala Lala: "DIVER," From I Want The Door To Open6. Mega Bog: "Station to Station," From Life, And Another
7/13/202137 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Music Friday: July 9

The best albums out this week include a revealing, self-titled release from rapper Vince Staples, Snoh Aalegra's Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies, Half Waif's Mythopoetics and more.Featured Albums: 1. Vince Staples — Vince StaplesFeatured Song: "Are You With That?"2. Attacca Quartet — Real LifeFeatured Songs: "Real Life" and "Drifting Circles"3. Snoh Aalegra — Temporary Highs in the Violet SkiesFeatured Songs: "Tangerine Dream" and "Indecisive"4. Half Waif — MythopoeticsFeatured Song: "Horse Racing"5. The Goon Sax — Mirror IIFeatured Song: "In The Stone"6. Les Filles de Illighadad — At Pioneer WorksFeatured Song: "Eghaas Malan"Other notable releases out on July 9: The Alchemist — Rapper's Best Friend 6; Rejjie Snow — Baw Baw Black Sheep; Royal Canoe — Sidelining; The Wallflowers — Exit Wounds.
7/9/202128 minutes, 57 seconds
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New Mix: Aldous Harding, Clairo, Matthew E. White, More

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tunes of the week, including one with The National's Aaron Dessner and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, a Jack Antonoff-produced song from Clairo and more.Featured Songs:1. Orla Gartland: "You're Not Special Babe," from Woman on the Internet2. Aldous Harding: "Old Peel" (Single)3. Matthew E. White: "Genuine Hesitation," from K Bay4. Big Red Machine: "Latter Days (feat. Anaïs Mitchell)," from How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?5. Dos Santos: "A Shot in the Dark" (Single)6. Clairo: "Blouse," from Sling7. jess joy: "her0," from PATREEARCHY
7/7/202140 minutes, 9 seconds
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New Music Friday: July 2

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out now include Chicago rapper G Herbo's 25, the wild euphoria of The Go! Team, singer Laura Mvula's first new music in five years and more.Featured Albums:1. The Go! Team — Get Up Sequences Part OneFeatured Song: "Let The Seasons Work"2. G Herbo — 25Featured Song: "Demands"3. Laura Mvula — Pink NoiseFeatured Song: "Conditional"4. Declaime and Madlib — In The Beginning Vol. 1Featured Song: "Cool Ways"5. boyband — Never Knows BestFeatured Song: "IRL"6. Izzy Johnson — Earth TonesFeatured Song: "Existing"
7/2/202125 minutes, 12 seconds
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Brandi Carlile On The Radical Vulnerability Of Joni Mitchell's 'Blue'

Brandi Carlile has become one of Joni Mitchell's greatest interpreters. NPR Music's Ann Powers talks with the singer-songwriter about her life with Blue, conversations with James Taylor and the gift Joni gave her.
6/29/202123 minutes, 25 seconds
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New Music Friday: June 25

Doja Cat, SAULT and Tyler, The Creator lead a crazy-packed day for new releases, along with Lucy Dacus, Cautious Clay and more. Featured Albums:1. Doja Cat — Planet HerFeatured Song: "Payday (feat. Yung Thug)"2. Tyler, The Creator — Call Me If You Get LostFeatured Song: "Lumberjack"3. SAULT — NINEFeatured Songs: "London Gangs" and "9"4. Hiatus Kaiyote — Mood ValiantFeatured Song: "Chivalry Is Not Dead"5. Lucy Dacus — Home VideoFeatured Song: "Hot & Heavy"6. Squirrel Flower — Planet (i)Featured Song: "Roadkill"7. Cautious Clay — Deadpan LoveFeatured Song: "Whoa"8. Faye Webster — I Know I'm Funny hahaFeatured Song: "Sometimes"9. Pom Pom Squad — Death of a CheerleaderFeatured Song: "Drunk Voicemail"10. Lightning Bug — A Color Of The SkyFeatured Song: "September Song, Pt. ii"Other notable releases for June 25: Cedric Burnside — I Be Trying; Hiss Golden Messenger — Quietly Blowing It; L'Rain — Fatigue; Matthew Dear — Preacher's Sigh And Potion: Lost Album; Modest Mouse — The Golden Casket; The Mountain Goats — Dark In Here.
6/25/202142 minutes, 49 seconds
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The Best New Artists Of 2021 (So Far)

Our favorite new artists of 2021 (so far) include Jay Som and Palehound together as Bachelor, the queer pop celebrations of girl in red, Olivia Rodrigo, the warped rap duo Paris Texas and more.1. Bachelor (Jay Som & Palehound): "Back Of My Hand," from Doomin' Sun 2. girl in red: "Serotonin," from if i could make it go quiet 3. Arlo Parks: "Hurt," from Collapsed in Sunbeams 4. Celeste: "Strange," from Not Your Muse5. mehro: "lightning," from SKY ON FIRE 6. dodie: "Hate Myself," from Build A Problem 7. Olivia Rodrigo: "brutal," from SOUR 8. Paris Texas: "A QUICK DEATH," from BOY ANONYMOUS
6/23/202140 minutes, 12 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On June 18

The best albums out this week include GoldLink's Haram!, H.E.R.'s Back of My Mind, a comic book soundtrack called Dark Nights: Death Metal, a debut album from trans punk Cher Strauberry and more.Featured Albums:1. Goldlink — Haram!Featured Songs: "Terrordome" and "Evian"2. Various — Dark Nights: Death MetalFeatured Song: "Diana" by Chelsea Wolfe3. H.E.R. — Back of My MindFeatured Song: "We Made It"4. Amythyst Kiah — Wary + StrangeFeatured Song: "Wild Turkey"5. Donnie — The Colored Section (20th Anniv.)Featured Song: "Beautiful Me"6. Ambar Lucid — Get Lost In The MusicFeatured Song: "The Door"7. Mykki Blanco — Broken Hearts & Beauty SleepFeatured Song: "Free Ride"8. Cher Strauberry — Chering Is CaringFeatured Song: "Swish And Spit"Other notable releases for June 18: Angelique Kidjo — Mother Nature; Azure Ray — Remedy; Francis Lung — Miracle; Hania Rani — Music For Film And Theater; Joan Armatrading — Consequences.
6/18/202135 minutes, 56 seconds
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New Mix: Lorde, Pokey LaFarge, The Go! Team, Azure Ray, More

Lorde talks about her new song, we get an update on the Tiny Desk contest, Pokey LaFarge recalibrates his sound, Illuminati Hotties go "Pool Hopping" and other great new songs to fall in love with.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Lorde: "Solar Power" (Single)2. Illuminati Hotties: "Pool Hopping," from Let Me Do One More3. Azure Ray: "Bad Dream," from Remedy4. The Go! Team: "A Bee Without Its Sting," from Get Up Sequences Part One5. The Goon Sax: "Psychic," from Mirror II6. Lea Thomas: "Howl," from Mirrors To The Sun7. Pokey LaFarge: "Get It 'Fore It's Gone," from In The Blossom of Their Shade
6/15/202139 minutes, 11 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 6 Albums Out On June 11

Sleater-Kinney's Path of Wellness, the thundering pop of Marina, Brooklyn rapper Skyzoo and the blood-slowing sounds of Dustin O'Halloran are among NPR Music's picks for the best music out on June 11.Featured Albums:1. Marina — Ancient Dreams In A Modern LandFeatured Songs: "Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land" and "Goodbye"2. Skyzoo — All The Brilliant ThingsFeatured Song: "St. James Liquors"3. Sleater-Kinney — Path of WellnessFeatured Song: "Path of Wellness"4. Jesse Markin — NoirFeatured Song: "This Is A Testament"5. Dustin O'Halloran — SilfurFeatured Song: "Opus 17"6. Ches Smith & We All Break — Path of Seven ColorsFeatured Song: "Here's The Light"Other notable releases for June 11: Dean Blunt — Black Metal 2; Garbage — No Gods, No Monsters; Migos — Culture III; Mind Maintenance — S/T; Polo G — Hall of Fame.
6/11/202128 minutes, 19 seconds
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New Mix: Jomoro With Sharon Van Etten, Naia Izumi, Laura Stevenson, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, featuring former Tiny Desk contest winner Naia Izumi, West African art-folk group The Narcotix, Laura Stevenson and more.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Laura Stevenson: "State," from Laura Stevenson2. Jomoro: "Nest," from Blue Marble Sky3. The Narcotix: "Lilith," from Mommy Issues EP4. Gone to Color: ""The 606" (feat. Jessie Stein,) from Gone To Color5. Naia Izumi: "Voodoo," from A Residency in the Los Angeles Area6. Maddie Jay: "Spiral," from CMYK EP
6/9/202134 minutes, 44 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On June 4

Rostam's beautifully transfixing Changephobia, Japanese Breakfast's Jubilee and Liz Phair's first new album in more than a decade are among NPR Music's picks for the best albums out on June 4.Featured Albums:1. Rostam — ChangephobiaFeatured Song: "Bio 18"2. Poté — A Tenuous Tale Of HerFeatured Song: "Valley"3. The Avalanches — Since I Left You (20th Anniv. Ed.)Featured Songs: "Frontier Psyychiatrist" and "Two Hearts In 3/4 Time"4. Loraine James — ReflectionFeatured Song: "Simple Stuff"5. Japanese Breakfast — JubileeFeatured Song: "Savage Good Boy"6. Liz Phair — Soberish Featured Song: "Spanish Doors"7. Tristen — Aquatic FlowersFeatured Song: "Complex"8. Juana Molina — SegundoFeatured Song: "Martin Fierro"Other notable releases for June 4: August Fannon and Defcee — We Dressed The City With Our Names; Hailu Mergia and The Walias Band — Tezeta; Joy Oladokun — In Defense Of My Own Hapiness; Lil Baby and Lil Durk — The Voice Of The Heroes; Wolf Alice — Blue Weekend.
6/4/202134 minutes, 47 seconds
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The Best Music Of May: NPR Staff Picks

In May, we swooned to Olivia Rodrigo's Sour, marveled at Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen, went back to the '90s with The Zolas, bathed in the opulent luxury of Sinéad Harnett's voice, got lost in Bill Laurance's piano universe, and jazz group Sound Prints expanded its possibilities. Songs featured on this episode: • Olivia Rodrigo: "jealousy, jealousy" from Sour• Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen, "Like I Used To"• The Zolas: "Yung Dicaprio" from Come Back to Life • Sinéad Harnett: "Stay" from Ready is Always Too Late• Bill Laurance: "Cables Rewired" from Cables Rewired• Sound Prints: "The Flight" from Other WorldsFollow the Press Pause playlist for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
6/1/202136 minutes, 25 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 6 Albums Out On May 28

NPR Music picks the best new albums out this week, including new releases by DMX, Bachelor, Mustafa, Natalia Lafourcade and more.Featured Albums:1. Bachelor — Doomin' SunFeatured Song: "Spin Out"2. DMX — ExodusFeatured Song: "Hold Me Down"3. Mustafa — When Smoke RisesFeatured Song: "Ali"4. Various Artists — Fire in Little AfricaFeatured Song: "City of Dreams"5. Mereba — AzebFeatured Song: "Rider"6. Natalia Lafourcade — Un Canto por México, Vol. 2Featured Song: "La Llorona"Notable releases for May 28: Black Midi — Cavalcade; GWAR — The Disc With No Name; k.d. lang — Makeover; Moby — Reprise; Porter Robinson — Nurture; Quivers — Golden Doubt; Lou Barlow — Reason to Live; Juanes — Origen; Scotch Rolex — Tewari
5/28/202128 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Mix: Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen, Mdou Moctar, Angélique Kidjo, More

This weeks All Songs Considered features a striking collaboration between Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen. I also share a conversation and music with Angélique Kidjo, psych-guitar from Mdou Moctar and more.1. Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen: "Like I Used To" (Single)2. Aerial East: "The Things We Build," from Try Harder3. Saint Sister: "Manchester Air," from Where I Should End4. Sunny Jain: "Where is Home," from Phoenix Rise 5. Angélique Kidjo: "Africa, One Of A Kind (feat. Mr Eazi & Salif Keita)," from Mother Nature6. Mdou Moctar: "Afrique Victime," from Afrique Victime
5/25/202145 minutes, 57 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 6 Albums Out On May 21

NPR Music picks the best new albums out this week, including new releases by Olivia Rodrigo, Allison Russell, Audrey Nuna and more.Featured Albums:1. Olivia Rodrigo — Sour Featured Song: "Brutal"2. Patrick Paige II — If I Fail, Are We Still Cool? Featured Song: "Curfew"3. Allison Russell — Outside ChildFeatured Song: "4th Day Prayer"4. Georgia Anne Muldrow — VWETO III Featured Song: "Old Jack Swing"5. Audrey Nuna — A Liquid Breakfast Featured Song: "Damn Right"6. Erika de Casier — Sensational Featured Song: "Polite"Notable releases for May 21: Twenty One Pilots — Scaled and Icy; Blake Shelton — Body Language; Counting Crows — Butter Miracle, Suite One; Mdou Moctar — Afrique Victime; CHAI — Wink; Lambchop, Showtunes; Lord Huron — Long Lost; Edmar Castañeda — Family; Sunny Jain — Phoenix Rise; Rising Appalachia — The Lost Mystique of Being in the Know; Claire George — The Land Beyond the Light; BLK JKS — Abantu: Before Humans
5/21/202131 minutes, 27 seconds
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New Mix: Sleater-Kinney, Lowland Hum Reimagining Peter Gabriel, More

1. Sleater-Kinney: "Worry With You," from Path of Wellness2. Billie Marten: "Human Replacement," from Flora Fauna3. Sleepersound: "Silence Otherwise," from Idle Voices4. Green-House: "Peace Piece," from SC255. Lowland Hum: "In Your Eyes," from So Low6. Briars of North America: "Sala," from Supermoon
5/18/202148 minutes, 50 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 7 Albums Out On May 14

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out on May 14 include Jorja Smith's Be Right Back, St. Vincent's homage to early '70s rock, a staggering new project from saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and more.Featured Albums:1. Jorja Smith — Be Right BackFeatured Song: "Digging"2. St. Vincent — Daddy's HomeFeatured Song: "Melting of the Sun"3. Paris Texas — Boy AnonymousFeatured Song: "Force of Habit"4. Maxine Funke — SéanceFeatured Song: "Quiet Shore"5. Giant Claw — Mirror GuideFeatured Song: "Until Mirror"6. Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet — Black to the FutureFeatured Song: "Let The Circle Be Unbroken"7. Billy Bang — Lucky ManFeatured Song: "Jungle Lullaby" Other notable releases for May 14: The Black Keys — Delta Kream; Damien Jurado — The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania; Fatima Al Qadiri — Medieval Femme; Holly Macve — Not the Girl; Juliana Hatfield — Blood; Rodrigo y Gabriela — The Jazz EP; Sarah Neufeld — Detritus.
5/14/202131 minutes, 20 seconds
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Tiny Desk Contest Family Hour

We brought together all six Tiny Desk Contest winners for some music and conversation. Hear the songs that earned them a ticket to the Tiny Desk, plus their advice for entering the Contest.
5/13/20211 hour, 17 minutes, 43 seconds
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New Mix: Torres, The Laura Marling Project LUMP, Rodrigo Amarante And More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including "the most fun song" Torres has ever written, the latest from Laura Marling's project called LUMP and more.1. Torres: "Don't Go Puttin Wishes in My Head," from Thirstier2. LUMP: "Animal (feat. Laura Marling & Mike Lindsay)," from Animal3. Caveman: "Like Me," from Smash4. Rodrigo Amarante: "Maré," from Drama5. koleżanka: "7th st/ 7th ave," from Place Is6. Water From Your Eyes: ""Quotations"," from Structure
5/12/202138 minutes, 13 seconds
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Dawn Richard Documents Her Mother's Dreams

WNXP's Jewly Hight shares a conversation with electronic dance artist Dawn Richard and her mom Debbie. Her new album, Second Line, grew out of Dawn's desire to better understand where her mom came from and what matters to her.
5/9/202122 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 7 Albums Out On May 7

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the intricately detailed pop of Dodie, a posthumous release from legendary drummer Tony Allen, a mind-blower from Daniel Bachman and more.Featured Albums:1. Dodie — Build A ProblemFeatured Song: "Special Girl"2. L'Orange & Namir Blade — Imaginary EverythingFeatured Song: "Nihilism"3. Daniel Bachman — AxacanFeatured Songs: "Blues in the Anthropocene" and "Year Of The Rat"4. Tony Allen — There Is No EndFeatured Song: "Stumbling Down"5. Sophia Kennedy — MonstersFeatured Song: "I'm Looking Up"6. James Brandon Lewis — Jesup WagonFeatured Song: "Lowlands of Sorrow"7. Nasimiyu — PotionsFeatured Song: "Parasite"Other notable releases for May 7: Angel Olsen — Song of the Lark and Other Far Memories; Iceage — Seek Shelter; Miranda Lambert — The Marfa Tapes (with Jack Ingram and John Randall); Squid — Bright Green Field; Sufjan Stevens — Convocations; Weezer — Van Weezer.
5/7/202130 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Best Music Of April: NPR Staff Picks

In April, we adored biting and beautiful indie rock from Pom Pom Squad and Flock of Dimes, witnessed Zao's metallic brutality, were transported by Catalan multi-instrumentalist Rita Payés and kora player Toumani Diabaté, and were reminded why we love ILOVEMAKONNEN. Songs featured on this episode: • Pom Pom Squad: "Head Cheerleader" from Death of a Cheerleader• Flock of Dimes: "Awake for the Sunrise" from Head of Roses• Zao: "Creator/Destroyer" from The Crimson Corridor • Rita Payés: "Nunca vas a comprender" from Como La Piel• Toumani Diabaté & London Symphony Orchestra: "Elyne Road" from Kôrôlén • ILOVEMAKONNEN: "So Saucy" from My Parade Follow the Press Pause playlist for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
5/3/202136 minutes, 26 seconds
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New Music Friday: April 30

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include girl in red's long-awaited debut, the Flying Lotus soundtrack for Yasuke and more.Featured Albums:1. girl in red — If I Could Make It Go QuietFeatured Song: "Serotonin"2. Dawn Richard — Second LineFeatured Song: "Bussifame"3. Ashley Monroe — RosegoldFeatured Song: "Siren"4. Shelley FKA Dram — S/TFeatured Song: "Rich And Famous"5. Amy Shark — Cry ForeverFeatured Songs: "The Wolves" and "Amy Shark"6. Matt Sweeney & Bonnie "Prince" Billy — SuperwolvesFeatured Song: "Make Worry For Me"7. Flying Lotus — YasukeFeatured Song: "African Samurai"Other notable releases for April 30: Amy Speace & The Orphan Brigade — There Used To Be Horses; Gojira — Fortitude; Julia Stone — Sixty Summers; Manchester Orchestra — The Million Masks of God; Marianne Faithful & Warren Ellis — She Walks In Beauty; Rosie Tucker — Sucker Supreme; Teenage Fanclub — Endless Arcade; Tōth — You And Me And Everything.
4/30/202130 minutes, 7 seconds
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New Mix: Manchester Orchestra, Ballaké Sissoko, Faye Webster, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including the calming sounds of Ballaké Sissoko, the plainspoken wisdom of singer Faye Webster and more.Featured Songs:1. No-No Boy: "The Best God Damn Band in Wyoming," from 19752. Faye Webster: "Cheers," from I Know I'm Funny haha3. Tōth: "Guitars Are Better Than Synthesizers for Writing Through Hard Times," from You And Me And Everything4. Ballaké Sissoko: "Kadidja," from Djourou5. Lau Noah: "Las Siete Lágrimas," 36. Manchester Orchestra: "Telepath," from The Million Masks of God
4/27/202131 minutes, 46 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 6 Albums Out On April 23

NPR Music's shortlist for the best albums out on April 23 includes Nashville singer and rapper Houston Kendrick's technicolor pop, Malian Kora player Toumani Diabaté, Dinosaur Jr. and more.1. Houston Kendrick — Small InfinityFeatured Song: "Ugly Vybes"2. Hannah Jadagu — What Is Going On?Featured Song: "Sundown"3. Dinosaur Jr. — Sweep It Into SpaceFeatured Song: "And Me"4. Arooj Aftab — Vulture PrinceFeatured Songs: "Suroor" and "Baghon Main"5. Toumani Diabaté and The London Symphony Orchestra — KorolenFeatured Songs: "Elyne Road" and "Cantelowes"6. Hasaan Ibn Ali — Metaphysics: The Lost Atlantic AlbumFeatured Song: "El Hasaan"Other notable releases for April 23: Alfa Mist — Bring Backs; Ethel Cain — Inbred; Jupiter Okwess — Na Kozonga
4/23/202127 minutes, 5 seconds
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New Mix: Lucy Dacus, Producer George Martin's Secret 'Ray Cathode' Project, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tunes of the week including a "Hot and Heavy" track from Lucy Dacus, and Beatles producer George Martin's little-known side project, Ray Cathode. 1. Lucy Dacus: "Hot & Heavy," from Home Video2. Uwade: "The Man Who Sees Tomorrow" (Single)3. Field Music: "When You Last Heard From Linda," from Flat White Moon4. Ray Cathode (George Martin and Maddalena Fagandini): "Time Beat" (Single)5. Ray Cathode (George Martin and Maddalena Fagandini): "Waltz In Orbit" (Single)6. Rosie Tucker: "Barbara Ann," from Sucker Supreme7. Smoothboi Ezra: "Stuck" from Stuck EP
4/20/202131 minutes, 24 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 6 Albums Out On April 16

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out on April 16 include the latest from UK rapper AJ Tracey, Norah Jones' first-ever live album, a feast of sonic wonders from Son Lux and more.Featured Albums:1. AJ Tracey — Flu GameFeatured Song: "Anxious"2. Norah Jones — Til We Meet AgainFeatured Song: "Cold, Cold Heart"3. Masabumi Kikuchi — HanamichiFeatured Song: "Ramona"4. London Grammar — Californian SoilFeatured Song: "America"5. Sharon Van Etten - Epic 10Featured Songs: "Don't Do It" and "Peace Signs"6. Son Lux — Tomorrows IIIFeatured Songs: "Come Recover" and "Unbind"Other notable releases for April 16: The Armed — ULTRAPOP; Conway the Machine — La Maquina; David Wax Museum — Euphoric Ouroboric.
4/16/202126 minutes, 46 seconds
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New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Phish's Page McConnell, Squirrel Flower, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new songs of the week including an ambient track from Sufjan Stevens, solo work from Phish's Page McConnell, Squirrell Flower and more. 1. Charlotte Jacobs: "Where You Want Me To," from The Shape of Wandering EP2. Damien Jurado: "Tom," from The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania3. Squirrel Flower: "Hurt A Fly," from Planet (i)4. Jess Locke: "Tell Me I'm Okay," from Don't Ask Yourself Why5. Mabe Fratti: "Hacia el Vacío," from Será Que Ahora Podremos Entendernos6. Sufjan Stevens: "Meditation V," from Convocations 7. Page McConnell: "Radio Silence," from Maybe We're The Visitors
4/14/202139 minutes, 44 seconds
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New Music Friday: April 9

A deeply personal and revealing record from Brockhampton, Dutch artist Benny Sings, breakout rapper Lakeyah, the Vijay Iyer Trio and more make NPR Music's picks for the best albums out on Apr. 9.Featured Albums:1. Benny Sings — MusicFeatured Song: "Nobody's Fault"2. Brockhampton — Roadrunner: New Light, New MachineFeatured Song: "The Light"3. Lakeyah — In Due TimeFeatured Song: "Look At Me"4. claire rousay — A Softer FocusFeatured Song: "Peak Chroma"5. Mon Laferte — SeisFeatured Song: "Se Me Va Quemar El Corazon"6. Matthew E. White & Lonnie Holley — Broken Mirror: A Selfie ReflectionFeatured Song: "Broken Mirror: A Selfie Reflection"7. Sheep, Dog & Wolf — Two MindsFeatured Song: "Two Minds"8. Cehryl — Time MachineFeatured Song: "Outside the Party, Inside the Dream"9. The Vijay Iyer Trio — UneasyFeatured Song: "Children of Flint"Other notable releases for April 9: Ballaké Sissoko — Djouro; Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble — Now; Max Richter — Voices 2; Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turissi — They're Calling Me Home; Taylor Swift — Fearless (Taylor's Version); Yaya Bey — The Things I Can't Take With Me.
4/9/202136 minutes, 42 seconds
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New Mix: Rhiannon Giddens, A Jay Som-Palehound Collaboration, First Aid Kit, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite songs of the week, including a Leonard Cohen cover from First Aid Kit, reflections on the comforts of home from Rhiannon Giddens and more. 1. Bachelor, (Jay Som & Palehound): "Stay in the Car," from Doomin' Sun2. Wallice: "Hey Michael," from Off The Rails EP3. Major Murphy: "Real," from Access4. Iceage: "Shelter Song," from Seek Shelter5. Rhiannon Giddens (feat. Francesco Turrisi): "Avalon," from They're Calling Me Home6. First Aid Kit: "Famous Blue Raincoat/Anthem," from Who By Fire7. Skullcrusher: "Song for Nick Drake," from Storm In Summer EP
4/6/202148 minutes, 25 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 7 Albums Out On April 2

NPR Music picks the best new albums out this week, including new albums by Leslie Jordan, Flock of Dimes, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and more.1. Nasty Cherry — The Movie EP Featured Song: "Six Six Six"2. Mello Music Group — Bushido Featured Song: "One of the Last (feat. Marlowe)"3. Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad with Gary Bartz — Jazz Is Dead 6Featured Song: "Spiritual Ideation"4. Leslie Jordan — Company's Comin' Featured Song: "Working on a Building (feat. Ashley McBryde & Charlie Worsham)"5. Flock of Dimes — Head of Roses Featured Song: "Price of Blue"6. Dry Cleaning — New Long Leg Featured Song: "Scratchcard Lanyard"7. Godspeed You! Black Emperor — G_d's Pee (AT STATE'S END) Featured Song: "OUR SIDE HAS TO WIN (for D.H.)"
4/2/202137 minutes, 20 seconds
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The Best Music Of March: NPR Staff Picks

In March, we indulged R&B pleasures from Joyce Wrice and Solomon Fox, we missed our friends with a sweet song by Joel Young, dreamed of summer with Hirsch, bum-rushed IKOQWE's razor-edged boom-bap, and discovered the cosmic secrets of Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders. Songs featured on this episode: • IKOQWE: "Pele" from The Beginning, The Mediums, The End and The Infinite • Joyce Wrice: "Losing" from Overgrown • Solomon Fox: "Rockaways" from Solomon• Hirsch: "Reaction" from Denihilism • Joel Young, "Friend"• Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders: "Movement 5" from PromisesFollow the Press Pause playlist for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
3/31/202129 minutes, 28 seconds
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Sara Watkins Reimagines Childhood Music On Beautiful New Album

The singer and fiddler shares the stories and inspiration behind her sweetly affecting record, Under The Pepper Tree in this conversation with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen.
3/29/202133 minutes, 43 seconds
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New Music Friday: March 26

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out on Mar. 26 include the relentlessly infectious songs of AJR, Israeli rapper and singer Noga Erez, Tune-Yards, jazz legend Dr. Lonnie Smith and more.Featured Albums:1. AJR — OK ORCHESTRAFeatured Song: "Joe"2. Noga Erez — KIDSFeatured Song: "End of the Road"3. Clark — Playground In A LakeFeatured Songs: "Lambent Rag," "Forever Chemicals," "Earth Systems"4. Miko Marks — Our CountryFeatured Song: "Ancestors"5. Tune-Yards — SketchyFeatured Song: "Make It Right"6. Dr. Lonnie Smith — BreatheFeatured Song: "Track 9"7. serpentwithfeet — DeaconFeatured Song: "Sailor's Superstition"Other notable releases for Mar. 26: Armand Hammer & The Alchemist — HARAM; Dntel — The Seas Trees See; El Michels Affair — Yeti Season; First Aid Kit — Who By Fire; Floating Points/Pharoah Sanders/London Symphony Orchestra — Promises; Rod Wave — Soulfly.
3/26/202134 minutes, 17 seconds
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The Animated Craft Of Julien Baker

"Somebody's like, 'Beeps are the new cowbell,' and I agree!" Julien Baker unpacks the experimentation of her new album, Little Oblivions, with Torres' Mackenzie Scott.
3/24/202125 minutes, 58 seconds
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New Mix: Kishi Bashi, Toumani Diabaté, Madi Diaz, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tracks of the week, including an uplifting piece from Kishi Bashi, the Malian kora master Toumani Diabaté, the return of Gem Club and more. Featured Artists And Songs:1. Kishi Bashi: "Wait for Springtime," from Emigrant EP2. Gem Club: "Spirit & Decline" (Single)3. Red Ribbon: "Renegade," from Planet X4. Madi Diaz: "New Person, Old Place" (Single)5. Montparnasse Musique: "Panter," from Montparnasse Musique6. Toumani Diabaté & The London Symphony Orchestra: "Mamadou Kanda Keita," from Kôrôlén7. Witch Camp (Ghana): "Left To Live Like an Animal," from I've Forgotten Now Who I Used To Be
3/23/202142 minutes, 53 seconds
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New Music Friday: March 19

Hear monumental new music from Jon Batiste, country legend Loretta Lynn, the rapper Benny the Butcher and more on NPR Music's list of the best new albums out this week.Featured Albums:1. Jon Batiste — We AreFeatured Song: "We Are"2. Loretta Lynn — Still Woman EnoughFeatured Song: "You Ain't Woman Enough"3. Melissa Carper — Daddy's Country GoldFeatured Song: "Makin' Memories"4. Vegyn — Like A Good Old FriendFeatured Song: "I See You Sometimes"5. Benny The Butcher — The Plugs I Met 2Featured Song: "Live By It"6. Middle Kids — Today We're The GreatestFeatured Song: "R U 4 Me"7. Colin Miller — HookFeatured Song: "From the Other Room"8. Maria DeHart — QuarantunesFeatured Song: "In My Head"9. New Pagans — The Seed, The Vessel, Roots And AllFeatured Song: "Christian Boys"Other notable releases for March 19: Alex Somers — Siblings and Siblings 2; A.A. Williams — Songs From Isolation; Lana Del Rey — Chemtrails Over The Country Club; Landlady — Landlady; Pink Siifu and Fly Anakin — $mokebreak.
3/19/202136 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Mix: Lucy Dacus, Ben Howard, Cautious Clay, Kelli Scarr & More

Host Bob Boilen shares more songs about finding both light and darkness in life on this week's All Songs Considered, including a devastating new single from Lucy Dacus. 1. Ben Howard: "Far Out," from Collections From The Whiteout2. Lucy Dacus: "Thumbs" (Single)3. Sour Widows: "Crossing Over," from Crossing Over EP4. Kelli Scarr: "Eve of Spring" (Single)5. Cautious Clay: "Roots" (Single)6. Lightning Bug: "The Right Thing Is Hard To Do," from A Color of the Sky
3/17/202138 minutes, 37 seconds
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New Music Friday: March 12

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out on March 12 include Valerie June's magical meditations, a Blake Mills and Pino Palladino collaboration, Selena Gomez's first Spanish language record and more.Featured Albums:1. Valerie June — The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For DreamersFeatured Songs: "You And I" and "Starlight Ethereal Silence"2. Selena Gomez — RevelaciónFeatured Song: "Adios"3. Pino Palladino and Blake Mills — Notes With AttachmentsFeatured Song: "Soundwalk"4. Lushlife — RedamancyFeatured Song: "Depaysement"5. LOUISAHHH — The Practice of FreedomFeatured Song: "Love Is A Punk"6. Graham Lambkin — SolosFeatured Songs: "Ginkamix" Other notable releases for March 12: Allie Crow Buckley — Moonlit and Devious; DJ Muggs — Dies Occidendum; Lake Street Dive — Obviously; Leanne Betasamosake Simpson — Theory of Ice.
3/12/202128 minutes, 37 seconds
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SXSW 2021 Preview

All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson listened to the nearly 300 artists performing at this year's online edition of SXSW and share their most exciting discoveries. This includes the Korean electro-pop duo HAEPAARY, the South African folksinger Bongeziwe Mabandla, the gentle Australian pianist Sophie Hutchings and the occasional detour into Welsh indie-rock, danceable hip-hop and more.
3/10/202159 minutes, 59 seconds
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Peter Stampfel's Mammoth '20th Century In 100 Songs'

An absolute eccentric, Peter Stampfel picked one favorite song for every year of the 20th century, then performed and recorded them all for an enormous collection.
3/8/202121 minutes, 48 seconds
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New Music Friday: March 5

Our picks for the best new albums out on March 5 include an ambitious remix from Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats, the surreal hip-hop of Genesis Owusu, flickering dance pop from Jane Weaver and more.Featured Albums:1. Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats — Unlocked 1.5Featured Song: "Cosmic"2. Ian Sweet — Show Me How You DisappearFeatured Song: "My Favorite Cloud"3. Adult Mom — DriverFeatured Song: "Wisconsin"4. Hafez Modirzadeh — FacetsFeatured Song: "Facet 33 Tides"5. Genesis Owusu — Smiling With No TeethFeatured Songs: "Centrefold," "Drown," "Smiling With No Teeth," and "On The Move!"6. Jane Weaver — FlockFeatured Song: "The Revolution of Super Visions"7. Elizabeth and the Catapult — Sincerely, eFeatured Song: "Together Alone"Other notable releases for March 5: Arab Strap — As Days Get Dark; Fruit Bats — The Pet Parade; Jesswar — TROPIXX; Jimbo Mathus and Andrew Bird — These 13; Kings of Leon — When You See Yourself; Tigers Jaw — I Won't Care How You Remember Me.
3/5/202130 minutes, 26 seconds
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The Best Music Of February: NPR Staff Picks

In February, new albums by Aaron Lee Tasjan, Wild Pink and Black Country, New Road had us yearning for live music; VanJess sang matters of the heart; and Will Liverman devoted an entire album to Black composers. Songs featured on this episode: • Aaron Lee Tasjan: "Computer of Love" from Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!• Wild Pink: "Oversharers Anonymous" from A Billion Little Lights• Black Country, New Road: "Science Fair" from For the First Time• VanJess: "Slow Down" from Homegrown• Maxine Funke: "Lucky Penny" from Seance• Will Liverman: Three Dream Portraits: No. 2, Dream Variation from Dreams of a New DayFollow the Press Pause playlist for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
3/2/202133 minutes, 27 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On Feb. 26

NPR Music's picks for the best new albums out this week include Julian Baker's Little Oblivions, the warped pop of Jimmy Edgar, stirring protest songs from Chris Pierce, a debut from Sam Dew and more.Featured Albums:1. Julien Baker — Little Oblivions Featured Song: "Highlight Reel"2. Karima Walker — Waking The Dreaming BodyFeatured Song: "Window I"3. Chris Pierce — American SilenceFeatured Song: "Sound All The Bells"4. Don Cherry — Cherry JamFeatured Song: "You Took Advantage Of Me"5. Jimmy Edgar — Cheetah BendFeatured Song: "Cheetah"6. Sam Dew — Moonlit FoolsFeatured Song: "Rap Shit"7. Adrian Younge — The American NegroFeatured Song: "James Mincey Jr."8. A Winged Victory For The Sullen — Invisible CitiesFeatured Songs: "The Merchant Of Seven Nations" and "The Celestial City"Other notable releases for Feb. 26: Blanck Mass — In Ferneaux; Cloud Nothings — The Shadow I Remember; Glitterer — Life Is Not A Lesson; Lucy Spraggan — Choices; Nick Hakim — Will This Make Me Good (Remixes)
2/26/202137 minutes, 21 seconds
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New Mix: José González, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & Matt Sweeney, Charlie Hickey, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite tracks of the week, including Charlie Hickey's collaboration with Phoebe Bridgers, José González's first song in Spanish and more.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Charile Hickey: "Ten Feet Tall," from Count The Stairs2. Francis of Delirium: "Let It All Go," from Wading3. Floatie: "Catch a Good Worm," from Voyage Out4. Matt Sweeney and Bonnie "Prince" Billy w/ Mdou Moctar: "Hall of Death," from Superwolves5. José González: "El Invento" (Single)6. Ethel Cain: "Michelle Pfeiffer," from Inbred7. Mint Julep: "Pulse," from In A Deep And Dreamless Sleep
2/23/202135 minutes, 31 seconds
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New Music Friday: The Top 8 Albums Out On Feb. 19

NPR Music's picks for the best new albums out on Feb. 19 include the disco euphoria of SG Lewis, soaring, instrumental rock from Mogwai, the Somali supergroup 4 Mars, Tash Sultana and more.Featured Artists And Albums:1. SG Lewis — timesFeatured Song: "Back to Earth"2. Pauline Anna Strom: Angel Tears In SunlightFeatured Song: "Temple Gardens At Midnight"3. Mogwai — As The Love ContinuesFeatured Song: "F*** Off Money" 4. Tash Sultana — Terra FirmaFeatured Song: "Crop Circles"5. Lava La Rue — Butter-FlyFeatured Song: "Magpie"6. 4 Mars — Super Somali Sounds From The Gulf Of TadjouraFeatured Song: "Dhulka Hooyo"7. Cassandra Jenkins — An Overview On Phenomenal NatureFeatured Song: "Crosshairs"8. The Hold Steady — Open Door PolicyFeatured Song: "Unpleasant Breakfast"Other notable releases for Feb. 19: Animal Collective — Crestone; Another Michael — New Music And Big Pop; David Gray — Skellig; Hand Habits — Dirt; Indigo Sparke — Echo; Katy Kirby — Cool, Dry Place; Wild Pink — A Billion Little Lights.
2/19/202132 minutes, 49 seconds
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New Mix: Tune-Yards, Tōth, Buzzy Lee, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares thrilling new music from Tune-Yards, Tōth's tale of playing the trumpet — and fainting — during a funeral, the stunning voice of a singer named mehro and more.Featured Songs: 1. mehro: "Chance With You," from SKY ON FIRE 2. Tōth: "Turnaround (Cocaine Song)," from You And Me And Everything 3. Buzzy Lee: "Strange Town," from Spoiled Love 4. Johanna Samuels: "Nature's Way," from Excelsior! 5. Moontype: "About You," from Bodies of Water 6. Tune-Yards: "hold yourself," from sketchy.
2/17/202135 minutes, 54 seconds
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New Music Friday: Feb. 12

NPR Music's shortlist for the best albums out this week includes new ones from the English rapper slowthai, R&B singer Pink Sweat$, the jazz super group R+R=Now, His Name Is Alive and more.Featured Albums:1. slowthai — TyronFeatured Songs: "45 Smoke," "Push" and "ADHD"2. Pink Sweat$ — Pink PlanetFeatured Song: "Pink Money"3. R+R=Now — R+R=Now LiveFeatured Song: "Change of Tone"4. Jakob Bro — Uma ElmoFeatured Song: "Beautiful Day"5. Various — Cuba: Music And RevolutionFeatured Song: "Chequere Son"6. Dominique Fils-Aimé — Three Little WordsFeatured Song: "While We Wait"7. Anika Pyle — Wild RiverFeatured Songs: "Failure II" and "June"8. His Name Is Alive — Hope Is A CandleFeatured Songs: "Still" and "Halo"Other notable releases for Feb. 12: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah — New Fragility; Claud — Super Monster; Death by Unga Bunga — Heavy Male Insecurity; Django Django — Glowing in the Dark; Jillette Johnson — It's A Beautiful Day And I Love You; Pale Waves — Who Am I?; Sports — Get A Good Look Pt. 1; Various — Judas and the Black Messiah OST
2/12/202136 minutes, 48 seconds
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New Mix: Julien Baker, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, BONZIE And More

On this week's show, All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares a mix of old favorites and new discoveries, including Julien Baker, the return of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, BONZIE and more.1. Julien Baker: "Favor," from Little Oblivions2. BONZIE: "Caves," from Reincarnation3. The Sea The Sea "Stumbling Home" from Stumbling Home4. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: "CYHSY 2005," from New Fragility5. Eve Adams: "Blues Look The Same," from Metal Bird6. Suss: "Drift," from Promise
2/9/202135 minutes, 2 seconds
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New Music Friday: Feb. 5

NPR Music's roundup of the week's best new albums includes a surprise solo release from Paramore's Hayley Williams, the 20th anniversary edition of J Dilla's Welcome 2 Detroit, Foo Fighters and more.Featured Albums:1. Foo Fighters — Medicine at MidnightFeatured Song: "Shame Shame"2. Odette — HeraldFeatured Song: "Trial By Fire"3. Black Coffee — SubconsciouslySong: "Wish You Were Here"4. John Carpenter — Lost Themes IIIFeatured song: "Alive After Death"5. The Staves — Good WomanFeatured Song: "Careful Kid"6. Editrix — Tell Me I'm BadFeatured Song: "Tell Me I'm Bad"7. Hayley Williams — Flowers for Vases - descanosFeatured Songs: "Just A Lover" and "How You Doin?"8. J Dilla — Welcome 2 Detroit (20th Anniversary Edition)Featured Song: "Think Twice" and "Give it Up (acapella version)"9. Femi and Made Kuti — Legacy +Featured Songs: "As We Struggle Every Day" and "Hymn"10. Archie Shepp & Jason Moran — Let My People GoFeatured Song: "Wise One"Other notable releases for Feb. 5: Aaron Lee Tasjan — Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!; Black Country, New Road — For the First Time; Jane Birkin — Oh! Pardo Tu Dormais; Miss Grit — Impostor; Psychedelic Porn Crumpets — Shyga! The Sunlight Mound; Puma Blu — In Praise of Shadows; Sun June — Somewhere; The Weather Station — Ignorance.
2/5/202137 minutes, 26 seconds
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The Best Music Of January: NPR Staff Picks

In January, we saw ourselves in FKA twigs and Jazmine Sullivan, drank from Ian Sweet's astral pop, shuffled Cassandra Jenkins' Tarot deck and got lost in William Parker's tone worlds. Songs featured on this episode: • FKA twigs (feat. Headie One, Fred again..), "Don't Judge Me"• Jazmine Sullivan: "Girl Like Me (feat. H.E.R.)" from Heaux Tales• Ian Sweet: "Drink the Lake" from Show Me How You Disappear• Cassandra Jenkins: "Hard Drive" from An Overview on Phenomenal Nature • William Parker: "The Golden Light (Hymn)" and "A Great Day to be Dead" from Migration of Silence Into and Out of The Tone WorldFollow the Press Pause playlist for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.
2/1/202137 minutes, 28 seconds
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New Music Friday: Jan. 29

NPR Music's picks for the best new albums out this week include a Madlib-Four Tet collaboration, stunning debuts from Celeste and Arlo Parks, the Malian artist Nahawa Doumbia and more. Featured Albums: 1. Madlib & Four Tet — Sound AncestorsFeatured Song: "Hoprock"2. Celeste — Not Your MuseFeatured Song: "Tonight Tonight"3. Weezer — OK HumanFeatured Song: "All My Favorite Songs"4. Nahawa Doumbia — KanawaFeatured Song: "Didadi"5. Arlo Parks — Collapsed in SunbeamsFeatured Song: "Hope"6. Ani DiFranco — Revolutionary LoveFeatured Song: "Crocus"7. Shai Maestro — HumanFeatured Song: "Time"8. Yasmin Williams — Urban DriftwoodFeatured Song: "Juvenessence" and "Urban Driftwood"Other notable releases for Jan. 29: Anna B Savage — A Common Turn; The Besnard Lakes — The Besnard Lakes Are The Last Of The Great Thunderstorm Warnings; The Body — I've Seen All I Need To See; Buke & Gase With So Percussion — A Record Of...; Goat Girl — On All Fours; The Notwist — Vertigo Days; PJ Harvey — Is This Desire - Demos; Steven Wilson — The Future Bites; Tribulation — Where The Gloom Becomes Sound.
1/29/202135 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Mix: Margo Price, The Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Hand Habits, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new tunes and discoveries of the week, including a powerful song on addiction from Margo Price, a stirring violin concerto, and more surprises.1. Hand Habits: "4th of July," from dirt - EP2. Miss Grit: "Impostor," from Impostor - EP3. Margo Price: "Hey Child," from That's How Rumors Get Started4. Anna Fox Rochinski: "Cherry," from Cherry5. Anna B Savage: "Baby Grand," from A Common Turn6. Iceland Symphony Orchestra: "Violin Concerto by Daníel Bjarnason," from Occurrence
1/26/202143 minutes, 57 seconds
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New Music Friday: Jan. 22

NPR Music's shortlist of the best albums out on Jan. 22 includes the country hip-hop of Willie Jones, electronic artist Yu Su, Atlanta rapper BRS Kash, Rhye and more. Featured Albums:1. Th1rt3en — A Magnificent Day For An ExorcismFeatured Song: "The Magician"2. Yu Su — Yellow River BlueFeatured Song: "Klein"3. BRS Kash — Kash OnlyFeatured Song: "Do It"4. Remy Banks — The Phantom Of ParadiseFeatured Song: "Tomorrow"5. Rhye — HomeFeatured Song: "Black Rain"6. Typhoon — Sympathetic MagicFeatured Song: "Empire Builder"7. Palberta — Palberta 5000Featured Song: "Fragile Place"8. Willie Jones — Right NowFeatured Song: "American Dream"Other notable releases for Jan. 22: Alina Kalancea — Impedance; Bicep — Isles; CARM — CARM; Elio — Can You Hear Me Now; Elori Saxl — The Blue of Distance; Erik the Architect — Future Proof; Groupie — Ephemeral; James Yorkston and the Second Hand Orchestra — The Wide River; Jeremiah Fraites — Piano Piano; Lande Hekt — Going to Hell; Logic1000 — You've Got The Whole Night To Go; Thee Conductor — Spirit of a Ghost; Widowspeak — Honeychurch.
1/22/202134 minutes, 20 seconds
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New Mix: Steady Holiday, Nora Brown, Bernice And More Discoveries

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite new musical discoveries, with messages of love, understanding and acceptance.1. Bernice: "It's Me, Robin" from Eau de Bonjourno2. Nana Yamato: "Do You Wanna" from Before Sunrise3. Darkside: "Liberty Bell" from Spiral4. Nora Brown: "East Virginia" from Cinnamon Tree5. Steady Holiday: "Love Me When I Go To Sleep" from Take The Corners Gently6. Steven Wilson: "King Ghost" from The Future Bites
1/19/202132 minutes, 38 seconds
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New Music Friday: Jan. 15

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include the latest solo release from Zayn, the "bratty feminist" pop of Ashnikko, the Israeli jazz quartet Apifera and more.Featured Albums: 1. Ashnikko — DemidevilFeatured Song: "Toxic"2. Zayn — Nobody's ListeningFeatured Song: "Outside"3. Sexual Harrassment — I Need A FreakFeatured Song: "I Need A Freak"4. Kate Davis — Strange BoyFeatured Song: "I'll Do Anything But Break Dance For Ya, Darling"5. Pom Poko — CheaterFeatured Song: "Like A Lady"6. Apifera — OverstandFeatured Song: "Overstand"7. Midnight Sister — Painting the RosesFeatured Song: "Dearly Departed"8. Pearl Charles — Magic MirrorFeatured Song: "Take Your Time"Other notable releases for Jan. 15: Azure Ray — Azure Ray; Beach Bunny — Blame Game; Buck Meek — Two Saviors; Danielle Durack — No Place; Frank Iero and the Future Violents — Heaven is a Place, This is a Place; Jody Lo — I Will Not Break the Scale; Matthew Sweet — Catspaw; Samia — The Baby Reimagined; Shame — Drunk Tank Pink; You Me At Six — Suckapunch.
1/15/202135 minutes, 23 seconds
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New Mix: Courtney Barnett And Vagabon, Shame, Buke And Gase, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares surprising collaborations between Vagabon and Courtney Barnett, Buke and Gase with So Percussion and more great discoveries.Featured Artists And Songs:1. Vagabon Feat. Courtney Barnett: "Reason to Believe" 2. Gia Margaret: "Solid Heart" 3. Shame: "Nigel Hitter" from Drunk Tank Pink4. Buke and Gase / So Percussion: "Hold It In" from A Record Of...5. awakebutstillinbed: "beauty" from stay who you are6. Another Sky: "It Keeps Coming" from Music For Winter Vol. 1
1/12/202134 minutes, 31 seconds
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Viking's Choice 2020: The Year In Loud, Weird And Wonderful

Spanish punk, metal-sampling rap, Kenyan grindcore, Russian synth pop — this is how NPR Music's resident Viking coped, raged and soothed himself in 2020. Songs featured on this episode: • Accidente: "Lo que importa" from Canibal• Backxwash: "Spells" from God Has Nothing To Do With This Leave Him Out Of It• Aisha Orazbayeva: "Oliver Leith: Blurry Wake Song" from Music for Violin Alone• Maral: "Bushehr" from Push• Moor Mother: "Circuit Break" from Circuit City• Стереополина: "Последнее свидание" from Институт культуры и отдыха• Claire Rousay: "Two Things" from Both• Meurtrieres: "Alienor" from MeurtrièresFor more, follow the Viking's Choice playlist and subscribe to the newsletter.
1/6/202147 minutes, 14 seconds
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A Holiday Party For The Ages, From All Songs Considered

In 2012, All Songs Considered hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton rented a small cabin in the woods and invited some of their closest friends for what they were sure would be the party of the century.
12/25/20201 hour, 13 minutes, 11 seconds
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The All Songs Considered Holiday Cruise

In 2018, Steve Martin, John Legend, William Shatner and more joined Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton for All Songs Considered's annual holiday extravaganza, which unfolded like a bad high school play.
12/24/202055 minutes, 39 seconds
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The All Songs Considered Journey To The North Pole

Kacey Musgraves, Conor Oberst and more special guests join All Songs hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton on a steam engine to the North Pole.
12/23/20201 hour, 1 minute, 47 seconds
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Bob And Robin's Holiday In Space

Every year, All Songs Considered hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton go on a musical holiday adventure. This year, they take a rocket ride to outer space and are joined by a few special guests.
12/22/202059 minutes, 46 seconds
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Bob And Robin's Excellent Holiday Adventure

Join hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton as they set out on a snowy road trip in search of the true spirit of the holiday season.
12/21/20201 hour, 1 minute, 10 seconds
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Poll Results: NPR Listeners Pick The Top Albums Of 2020

Ann Powers joins All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen to discuss your favorite albums of the year.
12/18/20201 hour, 13 minutes, 22 seconds
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Let's Celebrate Beethoven's 250th

On this edition of All Songs Considered, we celebrate the life of Beethoven and the lasting powers of his music in the 250 years since his birth.
12/15/202046 minutes, 24 seconds
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The Top 5 Songs Of 2020

Originally recorded live on NPR Music's YouTube channel, host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR's Ann Powers and Sidney Madden, along with contributor Christina Lee to count down NPR Music's top five songs of the year.
12/11/202040 minutes, 24 seconds
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The No. 1 Album Of 2020: SAULT's 'Untitled (Black Is)'

Radio Milwaukee's Tarik Moody leads a discussion on NPR Music's number one album pick and why it's one of 2020's most important and potent releases.In just over a year, Sault has released three albums with little warning and scant member information. If the group's previous albums, 5 and 7 brought the funk-soul party, then UNTITLED (Black Is) "funnels rage and sorrow into contemplative streams of thought, over equally brooding music meant to slow your heart rate," Marcus J. Moore wrote in his review for NPR Music. He further called the album "a robust collection of funk, soul, meditative spoken-word and protest chants meant to score the full spectrum of Blackness."This conversation about the Sault album originally ran live on NPR Music's YouTube channel shortly after the record was released in June.
12/8/202023 minutes, 28 seconds
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The Camouflage Assassin: Mac Phipps

In this bonus feed drop we share an episode of NPR Music's new podcast Louder Than A Riot. Hosts Rodney Carmichael and Sidney Madden spent a year investigating the link between the rise of hip-hop and mass incarceration. In this episode they look at the story of Mac Phipps, a rapper whose own lyrics were used against him in court.
12/1/20201 hour, 1 minute, 15 seconds
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The Best Music Of November 2020

We pick our favorite music released in November 2020, featuring Kali Uchis' heart-struck devotionals, Tierra Whack's playful pop, metal duo Jucifer's tribute to Arabic music and Salaam Remi's star-studded soundtrack of the Black experience. Songs featured: • Salaam Remi: "Live from Soul in the Horn" from Black on Purpose • Shameika, "Shameika Said (feat. Fiona Apple)" • Tierra Whack, "Peppers and Onions" • Ólafur Arnalds: "Spiral" from Some Kind of Peace• Kali Uchis: "la luna enamorada" from Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞ • Jucifer: "Mitochondria" from نظم (Nazm)
11/30/202025 minutes, 40 seconds
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New Music Friday: Nov. 27

NPR Music's pick for the best new albums out this holiday week include an epic return for The Smashing Pumpkins, Three 6 Mafia rapper Juicy J, a previously unreleased Bill Evans concert and more.Featured Albums:1. The Smashing Pumpkins — CyrFeatured Song: "Save Your Tears"2. Juicy J — The Hustle ContinuesFeatured Song: "1995"3. Ane Brun — How Beauty Holds The Hand Of SorrowFeatured Song: "Trust"4. Sundae Crush — A Real SensationFeatured Song: "Good Boy"5. Bill Evans — Bill Evans Live At Ronnie Scott'sFeatured Song: "A Sleeping Bee"6. Various — Pop Ambient 2021Featured Song: "Mittsommer" Other notable albums out Nov. 27: Bad Bunny — El Último Tour del Mundo; Bille Joe Armstrong — No Fun Mondays; Bombino — Live in Amsterdam; JFDR — Dream On; Miley Cyrus — Plastic Hearts.
11/27/202027 minutes, 50 seconds
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New Mix: Steve Earle, Big Thief's Buck Meek, Katy Kirby, More

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his favorite songs of the week including Steve Earle performing the work of his late son, Justin Townes Earle who died of an apparent drug overdose in August.Featured Tracks: 1. Steve Earle: "Harlem River Blues" from J.T.2. Buck Meek: "Pareidolia" from Two Saviors3. Horsegirl: "Ballroom Dance Scene" (Single)4. Painted Shield: "Ten Years From Now" from Painted Shield5. Miloe: "Change Your Mind" from Greenhouse6. Katy Kirby: "Traffic!" from Cool Dry Place
11/24/202032 minutes, 22 seconds
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Sylvan Esso Launch New Podcast, 'Shaking Out The Numb'

Hear the first episode of the podcast, created with Vermont Public Radio's Erica Heilman, as the band reveals how they made their latest album, Free Love.Erica Heilman spent hours talking with singer Amelia Meath and synthesist Nick Sanborn. We get a deep insight into how this couple works together — in this case, it began with Amelia's voice memo. It was just her singing, unaccompanied. And though they've made music together for the past seven-plus years, Nick thought it might be the best thing she'd ever done. Give a listen to Shaking Out The Numb, and see how the song unfolds.
11/23/202012 minutes, 55 seconds
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New Music Friday: Nov. 20

NPR Music's picks for the week's best new albums includes the debut, studio full-length from rapper Megan Thee Stallion, the first all-Spanish album from Kali Uchis, U.K. dub artist The Bug and more.Featured Albums:1. Megan Thee Stallion — Good NewsFeatured Song: "Savage Remix"2. Mamalarky — MamalarkyFeatured Song: "Drug Store Model"3. The Bug (feat. Dis Fig) — In BlueFeatured Song: "Take"4. Kali Uchis — Sin Miedo (Del Amor y Otros Demonios)Featured Song: "La Luna" and "te pongo mal"5. Partner — Never Give UpFeatured Song: "Honey"6. Shygirl — ALIASFeatured Song: "Twelve"7. Grandaddy — The Sophtware Slump 20th Anniversary EditionFeatured Song: "Jed's Other Poem" (solo piano version)8. Visionaries — VFeatured Song: "Put It Together"Other notable releases for Nov. 20: 5 Billion In Diamonds — Divine Accidents; Anna McClellan – I Saw First Light; Ida Mae — Raining For You; Neil Young — Archives Vol. II (1972-1976); Ronn McFarlane and Carolyn Surrick — Fermi's Paradox; Tayla Parx — Coping Mechanisms; Tank and the Bangas — Friend Goals; War on Drugs — Drugs Live.
11/20/202033 minutes, 9 seconds