NPR Music

New Music Friday: The best albums out March 6

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Flying Lotus. waterbaby. The groovy affirmations of Joshua Idehen. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Nate Chinen from WRTI in Philadelphia about their favorite albums out Friday, March 6. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Harry Styles, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.'
(03:18) Flying Lotus, 'BIG MAMA' EP
(08:34) waterbaby, 'Memory Be a Blade'
(15:20) Shabaka, 'Of The Earth'
(20:51) Joshua Idehen, 'I know you're hurting, everyone is hurting, everyone is trying, you have got to try'
(27:09) The Scythe, 'Strictly 4 The Scythe'

(31:37) The Lightning Round

- Cece Coakley, 'Pleasant Attack' EP
- Terrace Martin, 'Purpose'
- Various Artists, 'HELP(2)'
- Alice Sara Ott, 'Jóhann Jóhannsson: Piano Works'
- Macha & Bedhead, 'Macha Loved Bedhead'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nate Chinen, WRTI
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Tom Huizenga and Lars Gotrich

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Alt.Latino: From church basement to salsa immortality: Remembering Willie Colón

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

On Feb. 21, the musical world lost a legend and pioneer of salsa: Willie Colón.

The trombonist, songwriter, producer and arranger was a key part of the transition of Afro-Caribbean dance music from regional traditions to worldwide popularity. For an insider’s perspective on that history, this week we speak to trombonist and bandleader Angel “Papo” Vázquez, a Philadelphia-born musician who was not only inspired to play the trombone by Willie Colón, but also played on some historic recordings by Colón and other Fania Records notables.

The best music tells great stories, and the same can be said about musicians. Vázquez brings along five tracks by Willie Colón that set him, and the rest of the world, on a path of deep appreciation for Colón’s contributions to salsa.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed

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All Songs Considered: Even more songs to calm the nerves

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Our third installment of calming songs includes Max Richter’s tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ambient sounds from Ryuichi Sakamoto, Brazilian jazz from Wayne Shorter and more.

Note: This episode originally ran in April, 2025

Artists and songs featured on this episode:
(00:00) Intro

(02:20) The Choir: “You Don’t Have To Smile,” from ‘Translucent’

(05:58) Orbital Patterns: “Can’t Tell If I’m Awake,” from ‘Extended Impostor Syndrome’

(10:11) Ryuichi Sakamoto & Alvo Noto: “Logic Moon,” From ‘Insen’

(15:46) Lea Bertucci: “Vapours,” From ‘Of Shadow And Substance’

(20:25) Hayden Pedigo: “Long Pond Lily,” From ‘I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away’

(25:57) Max Richter: “All Human Beings,” from ‘Voices’

(31:17) Wayne Shorter: “Tarde,” From ‘Native Dancer’

(36:15) Mabe Fratti: “El Sol Sigue Ahí,” From ‘Pies Sobre La Tierra’

(41:08) Ida: “Don’t Get Sad,” from ‘Will You Find Me?’

(46:10) David Zinman, Dawn Upshaw & London Sinfonietta: “Lento,” from Henryk Górecki’s ‘Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 - Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs’

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 27

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Bruno Mars. Mitski. Grief and celebration from Gorillaz. Robin Hilton welcomes Raina Douris from WXPN in Philadelphia to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 27. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Bruno Mars, 'The Romantic'
(03:54) Mitski, 'Nothing's About to Happen to Me'
(09:44) Gorillaz, 'The Mountain'
(15:04) Heavenly, 'Highway To Heavenly'
(20:34) Voxtrot, 'Dreamers in Exile'
(27:12) Nothing, 'a short history of decay'

(32:52) The Lightning Round

- Buck Meek, 'The Mirror'
- Maria BC, 'Marathon'
- Bill Callahan, 'My Days of 58'
- GENA, The Pleasure is Yours'
- Sarah Kirkland Snider, 'Forward Into Light'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Robin Hilton
Guest: Raina Douris, WXPN
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Hazel Cills, Ann Powers, Sheldon Pearce and Tom Huizenga

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Alt.Latino: Chicano soul, Canary Islands merengue and a percussion supergroup

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This week on Alt.Latino, it's another new music episode with a global panorama: Canary Islands merengue, Chicano soul, Afro-Brazilian roots and more. Plus, a percussion supergroup that Felix could listen to for hours.

Featured artists and albums:

(00:00) Introduction
(01:05) Quevedo, 'NI BORRACHO'
(05:12) Joey Quiñones, 'In a Soul Situation'
(12:34) Carolina Mama, 'Amina'
(15:41) Elipsis, 'Elipsis'
(19:32) Da Cruz, 'Som Sistema'
(23:56) Sofía Rei, 'Antónima'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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All Songs Considered: U2 meets the moment, Lana Del Rey goes 'True Detective,' James Blake croons

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This week on All Songs Considered: U2 surprise-dropped a new EP that opens with a scorching critique of the government crackdown on immigration; Lana Del Rey inched closer toward releasing her long-awaited album with a haunting and strange ode to love and obsession, while singer Arlo Parks takes a bold step out onto the dance floor. All that and more as host Robin Hilton and NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce share their picks for the best new songs of the week.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:50) U2: “American Obituary,” from ‘Days Of Ash’

(10:24) Arlo Parks: “Heaven,” from ‘Ambiguous Desire’

(17:37) Lana Del Rey: “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” (Single)

(25:22) Baby Rose & Leon Thomas: “Friends Again” (Single)

(31:58) James Blake: “I Had a Dream She Took My Hand,” from ‘Trying Times’

(39:08) Bella Kay: “Steady,” from ‘a couple minutes out’

And here's a link to Sheldon's piece on Jill Scott and Brent Faiyaz that was discussed during the show's intro: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5713600/jill-scott-brent-faiyaz-rnb-review

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Special announcement

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:00:01 +0000

Host Robin Hilton shares an update about some cosmetic changes coming to the 'All Songs Considered' podcast feed.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 20

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

WILLOW. Altin Gün. Fugazi alumni smashing punk into jazz. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Evan Miller from WYSO in Yellow Springs, Ohio to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 20.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & WILLOW, 'petal rock black'
(03:29) Pekka Kuusisto, 'Willows'
(08:59) Manu Delago & Max ZT, 'Deuce'
(16:21) The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis, 'Deface The Currency'
(21:29) Hen Ogledd, 'DISCOMBOBULATED'
(27:19) Altin Gün, 'Garip'

(32:41) The Lightning Round

- Megan Moroney, 'Cloud 9'
- Chris Forsyth's WHAT IS NOW, 'Both / And'
- Choker, 'Heaven Ain't Sold'
- MX LONELY, 'ALL MONSTERS'
- Mumford & Sons, 'Prizefighter'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Evan Miller, WYSO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: A Brazilian summer and a lost Mexican masterpiece

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

So, I was away for a bit and the new music just piled up during the holidays, and while we were watching Bad Bunny make headlines at the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Our first new music episode of the new year has quite a variety of styles from lots of different countries. We could say that about just about every new music show we produce. But what are we to do when the amount of creativity that comes our way pretty much overwhelms us? Jump in for a summertime journey through the many sounds of Brazil, a fusion of indigenous and contemporary styles, and a lost relic of Mexican rock from the 1970s.

- Felix

Artists and albums:

(00:00) Introduction
(01:20) Amaro Freitas, Criolo, and Dino D'Santiago, 'CRIOLO, AMARO E DINO'
(09:19) Javier Jara, 'Our Rhythms, Our Voices'
(13:19) Infinito Latente, 'Sem Início Nem Fim'
(19:19) Ernan Roch Con Las Voces Frescas, 'La Onda Pesada'
(24:52) João Menezes & Paulo Novaes, 'Coisa Híbrida'
(30:02) Líber Terán, 'Canciones Del Desierto'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Andrew Bird on ‘The Pitt,’ Gia Margaret and more of the best new songs

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

If you watch HBO’s The Pitt, you might have heard the gorgeous new song called “Need Someone” that Andrew Bird wrote for a recent episode. We’ve got that on this week’s show along with reflections on fitting in by letting go, from Gia Margaret and Ratboys; shoegaze from Draag, the twitchy glitchy sounds of Mandy, Indiana and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton to share the best new songs they’re obsessing over this week.

Featured songs and artists:

(00:00) Intro

(02:18) Draag: “Finding Fear,” from ‘Miracle Drug’

(09:35) Mandy, Indiana: “Try Saying,” from ‘Urgh’

(14:59) Andrew Bird: “Need Someone” (single as featured in ‘The Pitt’)

(20:38) Ratboys: “Open Up,” from ‘Singin’ To An Empty Chair’

(28:49) Gia Margaret: “Everyone Around Me Dancing,” from ‘Singing’

(35:30) By Storm: “Can I Have You For Myself,” from ‘My Ghost Go Ghost’

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 13

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

August Ponthier. Brent Faiyaz. Jill Scott's first album in more than a decade. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 13.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Charli xcx, 'Wuthering Heights'
(03:06) August Ponthier, 'Everywhere Isn't Texas'
(09:38) Brent Faiyaz, 'Icon'
(15:29) Jill Scott, 'To Whom This May Concern'
(21:09) STAYC, 'Stay Alive'
(25:57) The Paranoid Style, 'Known Associates'

(32:01) The Lightning Round:

- The Olympians, 'In Search of a Revival'
- Hemlocke Springs, 'the apple tree under the sea'
- Neba Solo & Benego Diakité, 'A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking (The Complete Sessions)'
- Aaron Shaw, 'And So It Is'
- Ásgeir, 'Julia'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Puerto Rico takes the field at the Bad Bunny Super Bowl

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was many things: a time-traveling journey through the history of Puerto Rico, a statement of pan-American unity, and a masterpiece of cultural expression. This week, co-hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are joined by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento — who brings on-the-ground reporting from San Juan — to unpack the symbolism embedded in Bad Bunny's performance.

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Why everyone is still talking about Geese

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

With the arrival of the Geese Tiny Desk, we thought we’d try to break down what it is about this band that has made them one of the most talked about and polarizing acts of the past six months.

Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music's Ann Powers and host of The Ringer's Bandsplain podcast Yasi Salek to make sense of all the fuss. (Full disclosure: We all love Geese.)

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 6

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Ratboys. Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Caribou's club alter-ego. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite new albums out Friday, Feb. 6.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & J. Cole, 'The Fall Off'
(02:11) Ratboys, 'Singin' To An Empty Chair'
(08:27) Beverly Glenn-Copeland, 'Laughter In Summer'
(16:27) Daphni, 'Butterfly'
(21:22) Charlotte Day Wilson, 'Patchwork'
(26:39) John Craigie, 'I Swam Here'

(31:26) The Lightning Round
- Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence, 'Havin' a Talk'
- Alice Costelloe, 'Move On With The Year'
- vegas water taxi, 'long time caller, first time listener'
- Ulrika Spacek, 'EXPO'
- Music City, 'Welcome to Music City'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny makes history at the Grammys. Up next, the Super BBowl

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Last Sunday, Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS became the first exclusively Spanish language album to win album of the year at the Grammys. This coming Sunday, the Puerto Rican megastar will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. For this week's episode, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento chat about what these two moments mean for Bad Bunny, the island of Puerto Rico, and the role of Latin music in America more broadly.

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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Beck, Asher White, Friko and more of the week’s best new songs

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The Beck rarity “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” has officially hit streaming services and we can’t get enough of it. We’ve also got new (not-yet-announced) projects from Friko and Asher White, a witchy new cut from the duo Sibyl, the Polish composer and guitarist Szymon Wójcik and more.

NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured songs and artists:

(00:00) Intro and The Grammys

(03:31) Beck: “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,” from ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’

(12:29) Rat Penat: “Kijiji,” from ‘Over Easy’

(18:26) Friko: “Seven Degrees,” from ‘Something Worth Waiting For’

(25:27) Sibyl: “Witch Wife,” from ‘Sibyl’

(30:42) Asher White: “Casper,” from ‘Jessica Pratt’

(38:22) Szymon Wójcik: “it’s only begun,” from ‘when you rub your eyes, you see things you can’t describe’

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Recapping a historic Grammys night

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Enjoy Pop Culture Happy Hour's late-night recap of the 2026 Grammy Awards, featuring NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Hazel Cills, as well as pop culture journalist (and former NPR intern) Reanna Cruz.

(00:00) Intro
(00:46) Album of the year: Bad Bunny
(05:24) Record of the year: Kendrick Lamar
(08:51) Best new artist medley
(13:52) Lady Gaga's three Grammys
(18:44) Song of the year: Billie Eilish
(21:05) Milestone moments and In Memoriam

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Hazel Cills, Reanna Cruz
Producers: Carly Rubin, Mike Katzif
Editor: Jessica Reedy
Executive Producer, NPR Music: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director, NPR Music: Sonali Mehta

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 30

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon. Emily Scott Robinson. Blood harmonies from Irish brothers Ye Vagabonds. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Dre Castillo from KVNF in western Colorado about the best albums out Friday, Jan. 30.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction
(01:21) Emily Scott Robinson, 'Appalachia'
(08:58) Ye Vagabonds, 'All Tied Together'
(16:05) Jordan Ward, 'Backward'
(21:48) Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, 'As Of Now'
(27:18) Orestes Gomez, 'No me fui porque quise'

The Lightning Round

- Don Toliver, 'OCTANE'
- Lande Hekt, 'Lucky Now'
- By Storm, 'My Ghosts Go Ghost’
- Yumi Zouma, 'No Love Lost to Kindness'
- David Moore, 'Graze the Bell'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Dre Castillo, KVNF
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Venezuelan producer Ella Bric spins songs with a 'teardrop of optimism'

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This month Alt.Latino's been looking at the music of Venezuela from a lot of different angles. For this episode, we’ve invited trumpet player and producer Ella Bric to be our guest DJ. She shared what she thinks are the most socially, culturally and politically impactful pieces of music to come out of Venezuela in the last half century.

Ella Bric grew up in a migrant-rich town in Venezuela called San Antonio de los Altos, surrounded by a culturally-minded, socially conscious community. She’s now based in New York, and in recent years has positioned herself as a prolific producer on the rise in the Latin music space. In 2018, she won a Latin Grammy for Producer of the Year, and she says her art comes from a curiosity about the state of the world and her desire to reflect that.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:46) La Vida Bohème, 'Hornos del Cal'
(06:41) Betsayda Machado & Parranda el Clavo, 'Sentimiento'
(11:35) María Rodríguez, 'Los Dos Titanes'
(15:11) Ali Primera, 'Techos de Cartón'
(19:52) Linda Briceño & Orlando Watson, 'Unfinished Song'
(24:38) Desorden Público, 'Politicos Paraliticos'
(27:36) Bucle Lunar, 'Subió El Maldito Dolar'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Best new songs: Mitski, Father John Misty, Kim Gordon, more

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This week we're obsessing over the hilarious and harrowing “Where’s My Phone?” from Mitski, a slightly softer solo cut from Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, the confounding but wondrous wordplay of Father John Misty and more.

NPR Music editor Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured songs and artists:

(00:00) Mitski: “Where’s My Phone?” from ‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’

(09:29) Robber Robber: “The Sound It Made,” from ‘Two Wheels Move the Soul’

(16:01) Father John Misty: “The Old Law” (single)

(24:44) Kim Gordon: “NOT TODAY,” from ‘PLAY ME’

(31:39) Tinariwen: “Sagherat Assani (feat. Sulafa Elyas),” from ‘Hoggar’

(37:21) Vero: “100 Calls,” from ‘Razor Tongue’

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 23

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Lucinda Williams. Julian Lage. The debut from rising Americana star Kashus Culpepper. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Jessie Scott from WMOT in Nashville about the best new albums out Friday, Jan. 23.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Intro: Cat Power, 'Redux' EP
(02:14) Lucinda Williams, 'World's Gone Wrong'
(07:36) Carolina Chocolate Drops, 'Genuine Negro Jig' (15th Anniversary Edition)
(15:19) Kashus Culpepper, 'Act I'
(20:00) The Lowest Pair, 'Always As Young As We'll Ever Be'
(25:29) Julian Lage, 'Scenes From Above'

The Lightning Round

- Ari Lennox, 'Vacancy'
- Sammy Brue, 'The Journals'
- V/A, 'Naive Melodies'
- Della Mae, 'Magic Accident'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Jessie Scott, WMOT
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Rawayana on their new album and a changing Venezuela

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes life imitates art - or at least the two can seem eerily connected. On Jan. 1, the Venezuelan band Rawayana released a new album, '¿Dónde Es El After?,' which began with a lyric that many interpreted as a wish for their country's leadership to be gone. A few days later, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was ousted from power and seized by American forces. For this week's episode, we chat with Fofo Story and Beto Montenegro of Rawayana to hear how the album came together, where its sonic influences lie, and how they're reflecting on the seismic changes underway in their home country.

(00:00) Intro
(01:54) How they decided to open the album
(06:26) On the song 'Qué Rico PR!'
(09:36) Caribbean influences growing up
(13:41) Childhood love for merenhouse
(16:13) Adapting tonada folk music
(21:58) Reflections on Venezuela in this moment

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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What are the greatest videos of MTV’s golden era?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Reports from late last year about the demise of MTV were overstated; but it got us thinking about the network’s legacy and most memorable moments. So, on this episode, we remember the best of MTV with a list of our top 20 videos from its golden era.

If you’re listening on Spotify, tell us your favorite classic music video in the episode’s comments.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 16

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Ya Tseen. The Sha La Das. A mesmerizing collaboration between Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Alex Newman from KMHD in Portland to chat about the best albums out Friday, January 16.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Intro & A$AP Rocky, 'Don't Be Dumb'
(02:36) Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore, 'Tragic Magic'
(07:43) The Sha La Das, 'Your Picture'
(15:33) Ya Tseen, 'Stand On My Shoulders'
(21:53) Shaking Hand, 'Shaking Hand'
(27:43) Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel, 'Celestun'

The Lightning Round

• Craig Taborn, Tomeka Reid & Ches Smith, 'Dream Archives'
• Courtney Marie Andrews, 'Valentine'
• Diogo Strausz, 'Dance Para Se'
• Oxis, 'Oxis 8'
• Nate Smith, 'LIVE-ACTION (Deluxe)'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alex Newman, KMHD
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Our Love Letter to Bob Weir

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Over the weekend, we lost a musician who shaped the lives of countless people: the late, great Bob Weir. He was a founding member of the Grateful Dead who played guitar, wrote and sang in the band for 30 years. After Jerry Garcia died and the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, Weir kept the spirit of the music alive for three more decades, creating new Deadheads for generations to come — he brought John Mayer, Billy Strings and even the National Symphony Orchestra into the Grateful Dead universe. The Deadhead slogan proved to be true: Weir everywhere.

At Alt.Latino, we’re big fans of Bob Weir and his immensely cosmic musical legacy. Over the years, we’ve learned that many Latin musicians are also, metaphorically speaking, on the bus. Today on the show, we celebrate Bob Weir’s life by hearing some of his past interviews on NPR, exploring the Grateful Dead’s influence on artists like Devendra Banhart, and of course, revisiting his magnetic Tiny Desk concert from 2019. We’re incredibly grateful that Bobby came down to this world for a little while to tell us his stories – we hope to see him in the next one.

(00:00) Intro
(01:38) Bob Weir's early life and Grateful Dead career
(08:05) Grateful Dead at the National Symphony Orchestra
(14:30) Felix and Isa reflect on 'American Beauty'
(20:35) Grateful Dead's impact on Latin musicians
(26:33) Bob Weir at the Tiny Desk

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Big Thief’s Buck Meek, Joji and more of the week's best songs

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

NPR’s classical critic Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton for our first spin of the best songs we’re hearing in 2026, including new ones from Big Thief’s Buck Meek, the genre-hopping artist Joji, “fragile hope” from composer Daníel Bjarnason and more.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Buck Meek: “Gasoline,” from ‘The Mirror’

2. Pekka Kuusisto & Sam Amidon: "Way Go, Lily" (Arr. by Nico Muhly / Adapted for orchestra by Bernard Rofe), from ‘Willows’

3. Joji: “Love You Less,” from ‘P*** In The Wind’

4. Joyce DiDonato & Time for Three: “Because I could not stop for Death," from ‘Emily - No Prisoner Be’

5. Jana Horn: “Don’t think,” from ‘Jana Horn’

6. Daniel Bjarnason & The Iceland Symphony Orchestra: “Fragile Hope,” from ‘The Grotesque and the Sublime’

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 9

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Dry Cleaning. Jenny on Holiday. An introspective debut from Mon Rovîa. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville to talk about their favorite new albums out Friday, January 9.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Intro
(00:31) Dry Cleaning, 'Secret Love'
(06:53) Jenny on Holiday, 'Quicksand Heart'
(15:12) Mon Rovîa, 'Bloodline'
(21:22) Home Star, 'A Binding Life'
(27:07) Kris Davis and the Lutoslawski Quartet, 'The Solastalgia Suite'

The Lightning Round

• Zach Bryan, 'With Heaven On Top'
• The Cribs, 'Selling A Vibe'
• Pullman, 'III'
• Clémentine March, 'Powder Keg'
• Rawayana, '¿Dónde Es El After?'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Music as protest in Venezuela

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Venezuela has a deep tradition of reflecting political change through music. This week, as the country reels from the seizure of its president by American forces, we explore the recent history of Venezuelan protest music, and from the Nineties right up until the present. First, we share an excerpt of an episode we made at another moment of political turmoil in Venezuela, in the summer of 2024. Then, we'll walk up to the present and see how some musicians across Latin America are responding to this moment. And a big thanks to NPR Music's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento for being our guide.

(00:00) Intro
(02:06) A history of Venezuelan protest music
(13:39) Social and economic changes under Nicolas Maduro
(14:53) Venezuelan protest music in recent years
(22:21) How artists across Latin America are responding

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The best 2026 albums we've heard so far

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

We look ahead to some of the albums we’re most excited about for the new year, from sure bets like Dry Cleaning and Beverly Glenn-Copeland to rumored releases from some pretty big names.

(00:00) Intro

(01:26) Dry Cleaning: “Cruise Ship Designer,” from ‘Secret Love’

(05:03) Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore: “Perpetual Adoration,” from ‘Tragic Magic’

(07:48) Ásgeir: “Smoke,” from ‘Julia’

(12:27) Joyce Manor: “All My Friends Are So Depressed,” from ‘I Used To Go To This Bar’

(17:45) Beverly Glenn-Copeland: “Laughter In Summer (with Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland),” from ‘Laughter In Summer’

(21:06) gobbinjr: “Just a dream,” from ‘crystal rabbit moon’

(24:59) Danny L Harle, Oklou & MNEK: “Crystallise My Tears,” from ‘Cerulean’

(28:08) August Ponthier: “Handsome,” from ‘Everywhere Isn’t Texas’

(31:14) Mumford & Sons: “Rubber Band Man (with Hozier),” from ‘Prizefighter’

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New Music Friday: A roundup of December albums

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:25:32 +0000

It's a slow release day to start the new year, so this week NPR Music's Stephen Thompson brings us an abbreviated episode highlighting a few of the new albums you might have missed in December.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

- Pink Floyd, 'Wish You Were Here 50'
- Fred Again.., 'USB002'
- This Is Lorelei, 'Holo Boy'
- HEALTH, 'CONFLICT DLC'
- Juliana Hatfield, 'Lightning Might Strike'
- DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ, 'Fantasy'
- Daniel Lopatin, 'Marty Supreme (Original Soundtrack)'

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Viking's Choice 2025: The Guitar

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:02:35 +0000

On the last episode of All Songs Considered for 2025, NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich takes host Robin Hilton through an exceptional year in guitar music. From Gwenifer Raymond's beautiful and brash fingerstyle to Rafael Toral's stretched-out jazz standards, not to mention William Tyler's glitched hymns and Vernon Reid's ecstatic shred, there's so much diversity to be found in six strings.

Featured songs and artists:
• Gwenifer Raymond: "Bleak Night in Rabbit's Wood," from 'Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark'

• Hayden Pedigo: "Houndstooth," from 'I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away'

• TAKAAT: "Isghmar," from 'Is Noise, Vol. 1'

• Rafael Toral: "You Don't Know What Love Is," from 'Traveling Light'

• Laura Snowden: "This Changing Sky," from 'This Changing Sky'

• Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba: "Wemfana," from 'kwaNTU'

• William Tyler: "Star of Hope," from 'Time Indefinite'

• Jorge Espinal: "ají de pollería," from 'Bombos y Cencerros'

• Vernon Reid: "Meditation on the Last Time I Saw Arthur Rhames," from 'Hoodoo Telemetry'

Want more? See the full Viking's Choice list for the best guitar music of 2025.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2024

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In our final look back at our number one songs from the past 25 years, we visit Modesto, take an existential stroll through Petco, and find it all so confusing.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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A very tolerable Christmas, 2025

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We take a motorcycle road trip to Wisconsin in our annual search for the true spirit of the season. And, of course, we meet some special guests along the way.

Thanks for another amazing year, and happy holidays!

Listen to the songs featured on this episode and more in our holiday playlist in Apple Music and Spotify.

Tell a friend about the show and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2023

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We get in our fast car, drive like a red wine supernova, and run into Kristine from the 7th grade. Bad idea, right?

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Listener Poll: Your Favorite Albums of 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We asked and you answered. Earlier this month, we opened the polls and invited All Songs Considered's listeners to tell us their top 5 records of the year. We tabulated all of the ballots, determined the top 10, and gave the results a proper countdown in this episode of All Songs. And while we usually include the albums we discuss in our episode notes, this time you'll have to listen to find out what made the list. (OK, fine, you can click here to see the top 50 vote-getters.)

NPR Music critic Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

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Alt.Latino: What We Missed In 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The sheer volume and variety of Spanish-language music released every year is breathtaking. Even those of us with our ears to the ground are bound to miss things. So, in this episode we travel back through the year to resurface some of the remarkable albums that somehow didn't make it on the show. Catch Afro-Caribbean jazz, a history-spanning classical strings project, the return of Juana Molina and much, much more.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

- Alex Cuba, 'Índole'
- Enyel C, 'Nuevo Caribe'
- Berta Rojas, 'La Huella de las Cuerdas'
- Cazzu, 'Latinaje'
- Conrad Herwig, Eddie Palmieri and Luques Curtis, 'Reflections-Facing South'
- Juana Molina, 'DOGA'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Songs that hit hard in 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

NPR listeners share the one song that hit them the hardest this year, and tell us why they laughed, cried, or simply couldn’t stop listening to it.

Featured songs and artists:
1. Annie DiRusso: "Back In Town," from Super Pedestrian

2. Tunde Adebimpe: "Drop," from Thee Black Boltz

3. Brandi Carlile: "You Without Me," from Returning To Myself

4. Bad Bunny: "DtMF," from DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

5. Of Monsters And Men: "The End," from All Is Love And Pain In The Mouse Parade

6. Eph See: "Malachi The Uber Driver" (unreleased single)

7. Audra McDonald: "Rose's Turn," from Gypsy

8. Big Thief: "Los Angeles," from Double Infinity

9. Flock Of Dimes: "Afraid," from The Life You Save

10. Ben Rector: "Forever (Doesn't Quite Seem Long Enough)," from The Richest Man In The World

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Our No. 1 songs: 2022

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We go to college and get the “big D,” hit the dance floor and do what we want, then head back to the radio. Is this a life filled with every possibility, or is it all just devastatingly mediocre?

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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The Best Albums of 2025

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000

If we needed any more proof that the album isn't dead, 2025 was it. On this episode, Stephen Thompson is joined by Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen to run through 12 dazzling albums that stuck with the NPR Music team this year. And for an even deeper exploration, check out the full lists of our critics' best albums of 2025 here.

Artists and albums featured on this episode:

- Rosalía, 'LUX'
- Wednesday, 'Bleeds'
- Nourished by Time, 'The Passionate Ones'
- Daniel Caesar, 'Son of Spergy'
- Dave, 'The Boy Who Played the Harp'
- Clarice Jensen, 'In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness'
- Gwenifer Raymond, 'Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark'
- Kal Banx, 'RHODA'
- Mary Halvorson, 'About Ghosts'
- Annie DiRusso, 'Super Pedestrian'
- Queralt Lahoz, '9:30 PM'
- Patrick Watson, 'Uh Oh'

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Alt.Latino: What Were Felix and Ana's 2025 Favorites?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This year was bookended by two major statements in Latin music. In January, Bad Bunny released DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and followed that up with a 31-show residency in Puerto Rico over the summer. Then, in November, the Spanish vocalist Rosalía released her genre-defying masterpiece LUX, which sent legions of music lovers scrambling to try to grasp the magnitude of an album performed in 13 different languages.

But they were only the tip of the iceberg of yet another year of mind-bending creativity in Spanish language music. This week on Alt.Latino, Felix and Ana look back at some of the other artists and recordings that made 2025 another year of adventurous and rewarding listening. These six artists made only a fraction of music that caught our attention. But we only have so much time on these podcasts! Use this as a starting point to explore the year that was on your own. And check out more of NPR Music's coverage of the best music of 2025 here. Enjoy!

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

- Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
- Rosalía, LUX
- Queralt Lahoz, 9:30 PM
- Roxana Amed, Todos los Fuegos
- Arath Herce, Musas en Mi
- Mon Laferte, Femme Fatal
- rusowsky, DAISY
- Lido Pimienta, La Belleza

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Best Songs of 2025

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

When the dust settles on 2025, what songs will remain in heavy rotation? We look back at a dizzying amount of music and share some of our picks for the best tracks of the year.

What you'll hear in this episode is an incredibly incomplete list that obviously just scratches the surface of all the incredible music that came out this year. For a more comprehensive breakdown of what we loved in 2025, check out NPR Music’s list of the 125 best songs.

Artists and songs featured on this episode:
1. Dijon: “Yamaha,” from ‘Baby’
2. Nourished By Time: “Max Potential,” from ‘The Passionate Ones’
3. Patrick Watson: “Peter and the Wolf,” from ‘Uh Oh’
4. FKA twigs: “Room of Fools,” from ‘EUSEXUA’
5. PinkPantheress: “Stateside,” from ‘Fancy That’
6. Asher White: “Beers with my name on them,” from ‘8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living’
7. Wednesday: “Townies,” from ‘Bleeds’
8. Gabriel Jacoby: “the one,” from ‘gutta child’
9. Olafur Arnalds & Talos: “We Didn’t Know We Were Ready (feat. Niamh Regan & Ye Vagabonds),” from ‘A Dawning’

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Our No. 1 songs: 2021

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We’ve got a funny feeling about the times, stay indoors (together alone), and dream about life on the other side.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Dec. 5

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Dove Ellis. Melody's Echo Chamber. Editors' Tom Smith. Erin Wolf of Radio Milwaukee joins Stephen Thompson to discuss those albums and more on our last episode of New Music Friday this year.

The Starting 5:

Dove Ellis, Blizzard

Melody's Echo Chamber, Unclouded

Tom Smith, There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light

TEED, Always With Me

Voices from the Lake, II

The Lightning Round:

HTRK, String of Hearts (Songs of HTRK)

Ben Marc, Who Cares Wins

Isobel Waller-Bridge, Objects

Mother Soki, Fantasy EP

Prins Thomas, Thomas Moen Hermansen

See our long list of albums out December 5 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Zen and the art of new music

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Some folks think by December all the releases for the year are complete. Not quite. This week's Alt.Latino episode features a new music show with albums that should be considered along with the year’s best.

We've got pop and alternative from Mexico, funk from Colombia, rock and ambient from New York, and a Tejano master celebrated by his fellow Texans. Plus, Felix brings the zen.

Artists and songs featured in this episode:

- Diles que no me maten, 'Manos de Piedra - Revisitada'
- Dianna Lopez, 'Sun Frequencies (Renewal)'
- HUMBE, 'fantasmas'
- Rene Lopez, 'Any Chance'
- Duplat, 'Vete del País'
- Ruben Ramos. 'El Año Viejo (ft. Gaby Moreno)'

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The year in review, 2025

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We look back at the year’s most defining moments in music, from the Trump administration’s takeover of the Kennedy Center to Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance, the Sean Combs trial, the 'Sinners' phenomenon, artists we loved and lost and more. But we begin with a question: Was it an unusually great year for music, unusually bad or par for the course?

Check back for more year-end coverage from NPR Music and All Songs Considered, including our picks for best songs, best albums and more.

Vote for your favorite albums of 2025.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2020

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We make some bad moves, start over, and take a day off in Kyoto as we look back at the songs we loved most from 2020.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: Record Store Day Black Friday 2025

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

There's 177 new special edition physical releases out today, so go support your local music purveyor. On this abbreviated version of 'New Music Friday,' host Stephen Thompson shares a taste of what's waiting for you.

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A Thanksgiving playlist: songs of joy and gratitude

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.

Note: This is an encore presentation that originally ran in 2024

Featured songs and artists:

1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: "Simple Gifts," from Classic Yo-Yo
2. Bill Withers: "Lean On Me," from Still Bill
3. The Mountain Goats: "This Year," from The Sunset Tree
4. Crosby, Stills & Nash: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," from Crosby, Stills & Nash
5. Louis Armstrong: "What A Wonderful World"
6. John Williams: "End Credits," from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
7. Blackalicious: "Make You Feel That Way," from Blazing Arrow
8. Tyler Childers: "Space and Time," from Rustin' in the Rain
9. Nina Simone: "Isn't It A Pity," from Emergency Ward! (Live)
10. Bob Marley & The Wailers: "Three Little Birds," from Exodus

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Our No. 1 songs: 2019

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We bury a friend, visit the School of Design, and gather around a crowded table to remember the songs that take us back to 2019.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 21

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Odeal. Snarky Puppy. The return of Tobias Jesso Jr. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Justus Sanchez from KNKX in Seattle and Tacoma to chat about their favorite new albums out Friday, Nov. 21.

The Starting 5:

- Tobias Jesso Jr., 's h i n e'
- Haley Heynderickx and Max Garcia Conover, 'What of Our Nature'
- SHOLTO, 'The Sirens'
- Snarky Puppy with Metropole Orkest, 'Somni'
- Odeal, 'The Fall That Saved Us'

The Lightning Round:

- Keaton Henson, 'Parader'
- John Scofield and Dave Holland, 'Memories of Home'
- Fabiano do Nascimento, 'Cavejaz'
- Magic Fig, 'Valerian Tea'
- Max Richter, 'Hamnet (OST)'

See the long list of albums out Nov. 21 and sample what’s out via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Justus Sanchez, KNKX
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Roots and unity at the Latin Grammys

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The annual Latin Grammy awards are always full of glamour and glitz. But they're also an ideal time to take the pulse of the industry - which is exactly what Anamaria Sayre did this year, perusing the red carpet to talk with the most exciting names in Latin music.

In this episode, Ana brings Felix her report from Las Vegas, where Bad Bunny won Album of the Year, the independent Brazilian music scene made a splash, and the whole industry seemed to be saying: "Show us where you're from."

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 25: Robyn, Rosalía, Nothing, Snocaps, more

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In our final contenders episode of 2025, we’ve got some late additions to our running list of the year’s best songs, including Robyn’s first new release in seven years, the return of the existential shoegaze band Nothing and, of course, we’ve gotta include Rosalía.

NPR Music editor Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

Robyn: “Dopamine” (single)
Rosalía: “Divinize,” from 'LUX'
Snocaps: “Over Our Heads,” from ‘Snocaps’
Bassvictim: “Mr. President,” from ‘Forever’
Lola Young: “SPIDERS,” from ‘I’m Only F****** Myself’
Nothing: “cannibal world,” from ‘a short history of decay’

Weekly reset: Walking through Nara Park (the deer park) in Nara, Japan, on an autumn afternoon.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2018

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

An Afro-futurist universe with funk and lots of theater (and a big nod to Prince), a potent, political gut punch from a beloved actor and comedian, era-defining protest anthems and more.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 14

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

FKA twigs. The Avett Brothers. Madi Diaz covering blink-182. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Nov. 14.

The Starting 5:

- FKA twigs, 'EUSEXUA Afterglow' (Stream)
- The Avett Brothers & Mike Patton, 'AVTT/PTTN' (Stream)
- Gabriel Jacoby, 'gutta child' EP (Stream)
- K-LONE, 'sorry i thought you were someone else' (Stream)
- Sword II, 'Electric Hour' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Summer Walker, 'Finally Over It'
- V/A, 'DJ-Kicks: Eris Drew'
- Austra, 'Chin Up Buttercup'
- Everything But the Girl, 'The Best of Everything But the Girl'
- Tony Molina, 'On This Day'

See the long list of albums out Nov. 14 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Liz Warner, WDET

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Rosalía in her own words

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Spanish vocalist and composer Rosalía has been a major presence in Spanish language music since she released her 2018 album, "El Mal Querer." She started by leaning into her flamenco roots, but since then she has expanded her musical vision to become one of those musicians who defies category.

Her new album "LUX" stretches that descriptor to its limit. Her musical tools this time include the London Symphony Orchestra, singing in 13 languages, guests like Icelandic performer Björk, and her own vocals that hit operatic heights. This week, Ana and Felix dissect the album and play excerpts from Ana's interview with Rosalía. How can you go wrong?

You can read extended highlights of Ana's interview with Rosalía at NPR.org

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 24: JADE, S.G. Goodman, Cleo Reed, more

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:52:26 +0000

With the end of 2025 in sight, we pause to update our running list of the year’s best songs. Our latest adds include the (possibly twisted) dance pop of JADE, a brutal but affecting story song from S.G. Goodman, power pop from the band Liquid Mike and more. But we open with a question: Benson Boone... kinda awesome?

Featured artists and songs:

1. Liquid Mike: “Double Dutch,” from ‘Hell Is An Airport’

2. Cleo Reed: “Always the Horse, Never the Jockey (feat. IWEWE),” from ‘C**try’

3. JADE: “Plastic Box,” from ‘THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!’

4. S.G. Goodman: “Snapping Turtle," from 'Planting by the Signs’

5. Ken Pomeroy: “Stranger,” from ‘Cruel Joke’

Weekly reset: A breezy, Sunday morning in a small town

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Our no. 1 songs: 2017

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

A Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop album, a crushing elegy to a lost love, a reevaluation of Kesha, "melodrama" from Lorde and more.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 7

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Mavis Staples. Young Miko. A jaw-dropping project from Rosalía. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Liz Felix from WYEP in Pittsburgh to discuss their favorite new albums out November 7.

The Starting 5:

- Rosalía, 'Lux'
- Young Miko, 'Do Not Disturb'
- Various Artists, 'All Things Go: 10 Years'
- Portugal. The Man, 'Shish'
- Mavis Staples, 'Sad and Beautiful World'

The Lightning Round:

- Juana Molina, 'DOGA'
- Liam Kazar, 'Pilot Light'
- The Mountain Goats, 'Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan'
- The Cranberries, 'MTV Unplugged'
- Sarathy Korwar, 'There Is Beauty, There Already'

See the long list of albums out Nov. 7 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guests: Anamaria Sayre and Liz Felix, WYEP

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Portraits of Jazz and Identity in Latin America

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Ever since I heard the Argentine saxophonist Gato Barbieri back in the Seventies, I’ve been fascinated by musicians from South America who found their way to jazz.

Lately there seems to be a strong showing of contemporary musicians from various Latin American countries who not only play jazz but also mix certain Latin American folk traditions into their sound.

So, this week I spoke with six of them: vocalist Claudia Acuña from Chile, Argentine vocalists Sofia Rei and Roxana Amed, Mexican vocalist Magos Herrera, guitarist/vocalist Camila Meza and tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana.

Each has a story about identity, living the jazz dream and how they came to jazz.

Hopefully you’ll use this roadmap to start your own journey into jazz, if you haven’t already.

- Felix

Music heard in this episode:

Claudia Acuña - “Prelude To A Kiss”
Sofia Rei - “El Gavilán”
Gato Barieri - “To Be Continued”
Roxana Amed - “Corazón delator”
Mangos Herrera - “Luz de Luna”
Camila Meza - “Utopia”
Melissa Aldana - “A Purpose”

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New songs to calm the nerves: 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Our fourth installment of music to slow the blood is a mix of all-new releases from this year, from the world-building, ambient sounds of Ozbolt and Klein to the hope, optimism and good company found in the music of Samia, Hand Habits, KeiyaA and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton.

Featured songs and artists:

1. Kieren Hebden & William Tyler: “Secret City,” from ‘41 Longfield Street Late ‘80s’
2. Cassandra Jenkins: “Only Relaxation,” from ‘My Light, My Massage Parlor’
3. David Cordero & anthené: “Humedal,” from ‘Let One Bird Sing’
4. KeiyaA: “stupid prizes,” from ‘hooke’s law’
5. Annahstasia: Unrest,” from ‘Tether’
6. Klein: “it is what it is in d minor,” from ‘sleep with a cane’
7. Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke: “The Spirit,” from ‘Tall Tales’
8. Hand Habits: “Jasmine Blossoms,” from ‘Blue Reminder’
9. Ozbolt: “Harkerville Coastal Trail,” from ‘Chasyng Drakens’
10. Samia: “Pool (Stripped),” from ‘The Baby (5th Anniversary Edition)’
11. The Armed: “I Steal What I Want,” from ‘The Future Is Here And Everything Needs To Be Destroyed’
12. Stars of the Lid: “Goodnight,” from ‘Music for Nitrous Oxide (30 Year Anniversary 2025 Remaster)'

Enjoy the show? Send it to a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Our no. 1 songs: 2016

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

It was a year of staggering losses, from David Bowie and Prince to Leonard Cohen and George Michael. But it was also a year of monumental new music, including Beyonce’s 'Lemonade' and a mountain-sized rock anthem from Mitski.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 31

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

A Waxahatchee side project. Guided By Voices. keiyaA. Marfa Public Radio's Julie Bee joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to break down the best albums out on Halloween.

The Starting 5:

- Snocaps (Katie and Allison Crutchfield), s/t (Stream)

- Guided By Voices, Thick Rich and Delicious (Stream)

- Chat Pile & Hayden Pedigo, In The Earth Again (Stream)

- keiyaA, hooke's law (Stream)

- Anna von Hausswolff, Iconoclasts (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Florence + The Machine, Everybody Scream

- The Charlatans, We Are Love

- Saintsenaca, Highwalllow & Supermoon Songs

- Hilary Woods, Night CRIÚ

- Lily Lyons, Re-Open The World

See the long list of albums out Oct. 31 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Follow Julie Bee's weekly Marfa Public Radio show on Mixcloud.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Julie Bee, Marfa Public Radio

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Salsa, bossa nova, and Argentina's next big thing

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Not to sound like a broken record, but I'll say it again: the variety of creative expression in what is inadequately labeled "Latin music" continues to astound me.

From the bossa nova-by-way-of-Guatemala of Fabuloso and Los Skeepers, to the evolving torch singing of the Chilean-via-Mexico vocalist Mon Laferte, to the ‘Western noir’ of California singer Andrés Miguel Cervantes, to Nathy Peluso’s Argentine take on Seventies New York City salsa, to jazz from southern Spain’s Chano Domínguez... how do we even try to keep up with this kind of output?

Someone has to do it, and we’re glad it’s us.

Featured artists and songs:

- Milo J, 'OLIMPO', 'Bajo De La Piel', 'Jangadero'

- Fabuloso & Los Skeepers, 'Si Te Gusta'

- Mon Laferte, 'Las Flores Que Dejaste En La Mesa', '1:30'

- Chano Domínguez & Emaginario, 'March Of The Siguiriyas'

- Nathy Peluso, 'ÁNGEL'

- Andrés Miguel Cervantes, 'Dreams of Jacumba'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 23: Brandi Carlile, Blood Orange, Magdalena Bay, more

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

It’s a week of surprises as we update our running list of the year’s best music, with a mix of songs that refuse to be any one thing. Plus, singer Brandi Carlile drops a stunning, stadium-sized rock anthem.

NPR Music editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Brandi Carlile: “Church & State,” from ‘Returning to Myself’
2. Hannah Frances: “The Space Between (feat. Daniel Rossen),” from ‘Nested in Tangles’
3. Kelly Moran: “Don’t Trust Mirrors,” from ‘Don’t Trust Mirrors’
4. Blood Orange: “The Last of England,” from ‘Essex Honey’
5. Magdalena Bay: “Second Sleep” (single)

Weekly reset: A family of bears rummage through a forest on an autumn afternoon.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2015

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Guitar rock comes roaring back, a monumental tear-jerker wrecks legions of fans, hip-hop hits Broadway and more.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 24

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Brandi Carlile. Miguel. Tortoise. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver about their favorite albums out Friday, Oct. 24.

The Starting 5:

- Brandi Carlile, 'Returning To Myself'
- Miguel, 'Caos'
- Tortoise, 'Touch'
- Daniel Caesar, 'Son Of Spergy'
- Yazmin Lacey, 'Teal Dreams

The Lightning Round:

- iLe, 'Como Las Canto Yo'
- Natural Information Society, 'Perseverance Flow'
- Hannah Jadagu, 'Describe'
- Hether, 'Holy Water'
- Joyer, 'On the Other End of the Line'

See the long list of albums out Oct. 24 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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“I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” by Stevie Wonder

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:04 +0000

This is the first episode of a new series on All Songs Considered, hosted by NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen. Most of what you hear on All Songs is focused on new music, but now, every other Thursday, Ann and Daoud will pick an old song and discuss how it has managed to stand the test of time and why we still care about it. This week’s song: “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” by Stevie Wonder, from 1972.

This episode is available for everyone, but upcoming episodes in this series will be just for NPR Music+ supporters. NPR Music+ is a new way to support NPR and public radio. When you join, you’ll get access to every episode in this new series, and you’ll get to hear every episode of All Songs Considered and Alt.Latino sponsor-free. Sign up at plus.npr.org/nprmusic

Follow Ann and Daoud's work at NPR Music
Subscribe to the NPR Music newsletter
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Alt.Latino: The beauty of simplicity

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The past month has been a whirlwind. The El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk... interviews with some of the most exciting artists in Latin music... and, of course, puppets! So, for today's episode, we emerge from the craziness and dig into our neglected mailbag, which is brimming with new music. What did we find? Simple beauty. A young songwriter from Veracruz whose spare compositions have wowed his elders. An offbeat producer from Madrid. And, a joyful ode to a city half a millennium old.

Featured artists and songs:

- Arath Herce, "Musas en Mi" and "Quien Pensaría"

- iLe, "Si Te Contara"

- TRISTAN!, "Voyage" and "Ártico"

- Venezonix ft. Pahua, "La Soledad"

- Meme de Real, "Estaba Sentado" and "Embeces"

- Bomba Estereo ft. Carlos Vives, "La Samaria"

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Redefining the Halloween canon

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Who’s the Mariah Carey of Halloween? Labels and artists are trying to capitalize on spooky season, but these are the songs that belong in the canon, from the truly terrifying to autumnal and nostalgic.

Featured songs:
1. Phoebe Bridgers: “Killer” from ‘Stranger in the Alps’
2. Fever Ray: “If I Had A Heart,” from ‘Fever Ray’
3. Sufjan Stevens: “John Wayne Gacy, Jr” from ‘Illinois’
4. Jack Lenz: “Goosebumps” (theme from the TV show)
5. Disneyland Records: “Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House”
6. Alice Cooper: “Welcome to My Nightmare,” from ‘Welcome to My Nightmare’
7. Oksana Linde: “Horizontes lejanos,” from ‘Travesias’
8. Florence + the Machine: “Everybody Scream,” from ‘Everybody Scream’
9. Ethel Cain: “Housofpsychoticwomn,” from ‘Perverts’
10. girl in red: “We Fell In Love In October” (single)
11. Mimicking Birds: “Bloodlines,” from ‘EONS’
12. Van Morrison: “Moondance,” from ‘Moondance’
13. The Cramps: “I Was A Teenage Werewolf,” from ‘Songs the Lord Taught Us’
14. Dead Man’s Bones: “My Bodies a Zombie for You,” from ‘Dead Man’s Bones’
15. Vince Guaraldi: “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” from ‘The Great Pumpkin’

Weekly reset: Chilling, thrilling sounds from the haunted house

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Our no. 1 songs: 2014

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

A new synth-pop duo comes out of the gate with a perfect song and country gets metaphysical, but a surprise drop from the tail end of 2013 dominates the year.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 17

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Tame Impala. Silvana Estrada. Soulwax! Guest host Anamaria Sayre is joined by Travis Holcombe of KCRW in Los Angeles to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Oct. 17.

The Starting 5:

- Tame Impala, 'Deadbeat' (Stream)
- Silvana Estrada, 'Vendrán Suaves Lluvias' (Stream)
- Soulwax, 'All Systems Are Lying' (Stream)
- Meme del Real, 'La Montaña Encendida' (Stream)
- Clarice Jensen, 'In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness' (Stream)

**Read our review of Clarice Jensen's album on NPR.org.**

The Lightning Round:

- Nathy Peluso, 'MALPORTADA' EP
- Sudan Archives, 'The BPM'
- Skullcrusher, 'And Your Song Is Like a Circle'
- C.Y.M., 'C.Y.M'
- Sam Wilkes, 'Public Records Performance'

See the long list of albums out Oct. 17 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Anamaria Sayre
Guest: Travis Holcombe, KCRW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: A Tiny Desk chat with Silvana Estrada

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

There is no question that Mexican vocalist and composer Silvana Estrada is special to Alt.Latino. Ever since she launched her 2022 album "Marchita" with a series of revelatory singles, she seemingly spoke directly to Alt.Latino co-host Anamaria Sayre.

Since those earliest days, the two have been able to spend quite a bit of time together in interviews and other public gatherings, which only brought them closer on a personal level. Now, as Estrada releases her new album, "Vendrán Suaves Lluvias," and celebrates the publication of her Tiny Desk Concert, it seemed like a good time to sit in on the ever-flowing conversations between the two of them.
The result is a conversation that is probably a lot more personal than you’re used to. And that’s OK. Because Silvana is a performer of complex emotions, and while you can experience those emotions through songs, sometimes you have to hear things for yourself. Enjoy.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 22: Geese, Dijon, Juana Molina, more

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

We’ve got two of the most-talked-about albums of the year, the return of electro-folk wonder Juana Molina, guitar rock from Alien Boy, Agriculture and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton as we update our running list of the year’s best songs.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Geese: “Islands of Men,” from ‘Getting Killed’
2. Juana Molina: “Siestas ahí,” from ‘DOGA’
3. Dijon: “Yamaha,” from ‘Baby’
4. Devin Shaffer: “All My Dreams Are Coming True,” from ‘Patience’
5. Agriculture: “Hallelujah,” from ‘The Spiritual Sound’
6. Alien Boy: “Cold Air,” from ‘You Wanna Fade?’

Weekly reset: A pixilated afternoon in the Minecraft universe.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2013

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

A country music makeover, an electro-pop crooner inspired by Sam Cooke, the stomp-clap era continues, and more.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 10

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Madi Diaz. Madison Cunningham. The return of Mobb Deep. Guest host Rodney Carmichael chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, Oct. 10.

Intro:

- Patti Smith, 'Horses (50th Anniversary)'

The Starting 5:

- Madi Diaz, 'Fatal Optimist' (Stream)

- Princess Nokia, 'Girls' (Stream)

- Madison Cunningham, 'Ace' (Stream)

- Makaya McCraven, 'Off The Record' (Stream the singles)

- Mobb Deep, 'Infinite' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- NoSo, 'When Are You Leaving?'

- Jay Som, 'Belong'

- Amber Mark, 'Pretty Idea'

- Black Eyes, 'Hostile Design'

- Gabriel Kahane, 'Heirloom'

See the long list of albums out Oct. 10 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits:

Host: Rodney Carmichael

Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Our no. 1 songs: 2012

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:01:00 +0000

The flood gates open to K-Pop, plus a feel-good rock anthem (from a band that hasn’t released anything since), a pop juggernaut that became the year’s “song of summer,” and more.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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Alt.Latino: A conversation with Gloria Estefan

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Gloria Estefan is one of those musicians whose work and mere presence in the record industry deserves without question platitudes like ‘pioneering’ or ‘ground breaking.’ In fact, we have often mentioned her in that light throughout the fifteen years of Alt.Latino. So it was a thrill to invite her to chat with us once again, this time immediately after a stunning Tiny Desk performance that will publish on October 13th. She gives serious Favorite Tiá vibes, and since she and Felix are close in age, it felt like a conversation with a good friend with a fascinating life story - who just happens to have one of the richest song catalogs in Latin music history.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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A conversation with David Gilmour

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:01:00 +0000

The Pink Floyd guitarist and singer talks about the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, a new live album and concert film for his latest solo release Luck And Strange, and more.

Weekly Reset: Rowing on an autumn lake.

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Taylor Swift: 'The Life Of A Showgirl'

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:01 +0000

Taylor Swift just dropped her new album The Life Of A Showgirl. It touches on her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce while reflecting on fame, normalcy, the Internet, and a simmering beef with a fellow pop star. Our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour unpack all the songs on this special episode, including “Actually Romantic,” “Eldest Daughter,” “CANCELLED!”, and “Ruin The Friendship.”

Note: Look for our No. 1 songs of 2012 this Thursday, Oct. 9.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 3

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

dodie. Molly Nilsson. Leon Vynehall. We welcome Skylar Rochelle of 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City to the show to recommend five albums not made by Taylor Swift.

The Starting 5:

• dodie, 'Not For Lack Of Trying'
• Blue Lake, 'The Animal'
• Snõõper, 'Worldwide'
• Molly Nilsson, 'Amateur'
• Leon Vynehall, 'In Daytona Yellow'

The Lightning Round:

• S. Carey, 'Watercress' (EP)
• Ledisi, 'For Dinah' (A Tribute to Dinah Washington)
• Alfa Mist, 'Roulette'
• Prewn, 'System'
• Upchuck, 'I'm Nice Now'

View our long list of new albums out on Oct. 3 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Skylar Rochelle, 90.9 The Bridge
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: The return of El Tiny

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again: NPR's Tiny Desk becomes El Tiny, featuring concerts from some of the most exciting and legendary Latin artists around. So, this week Felix and Ana run through this year's El Tiny lineup and listen to performances from Fito Paez, Carlos Vives, Chuwi and more. Plus, a conversation about the news that Bad Bunny will perform at next year's Super Bowl LX.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 21: Tame Impala, Dominic Fike, Amber Mark, more

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We update our running list of the year’s best songs with club beats from Tame Impala, the fractured pop of Dominik Fike, good vibes from singer Amber Mark and more.

Featured artists and tracks:

1. Tame Impala: “Dracula,” from ‘Deadbeat’
2. Gabriel Jacoby: “The One” (single)
3. Dominic Fike: “Quite The Opposite,” from ‘Rocket’
4. NewDad: “Misery,” from ‘Altar’
5. Madi Diaz: “Heavy Metal,” from ‘Fatal Optimist’
6. Amber Mark: “Too Much,” from ‘Pretty Idea’

Weekly reset: A flamenco performance in Barcelona, circa 1999.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2011

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We "wake the hell up" to pop music, Adele plays the Tiny Desk, a certain Australian artist drops the year's most infectious song, and more.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

Tell us what you think: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 26

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Neko Case. Jeff Tweedy. Amanda Shires' divorce album. Evan Miller from member station WYSO in Ohio joins Lars Gotrich to talk about their favorite albums out Sept. 26.

The Starting 5
- Neko Case, 'Neon Grey Midnight Green'
- Jeff Tweedy, 'Twilight Override'
- Robert Plant, 'Saving Grace'
- Amanda Shires, 'Nobody's Girl'
- Cate Le Bon, 'Michelangelo Dying'

The Lightning Round
- Geese, 'Getting Killed'
- Josie, 'A Life of Sweets Alone'
- Bitchin Bajas, 'Inland See'
- M. Sage, 'Tender / Wading'
- Lady Wray, 'Cover Girl'

Credits
Host: Lars Gotrich
Guest: Evan Miller, WYSO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: New songs from Spain, the D.R. and more

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The way new music comes to Alt.Latino World Headquarters says a lot about our slight age difference. I still get CDs in the mail, with an occasional music file sent via email. Ana is constantly playing me audio files she gets vial email or texts from her new music sources, very rarely on CD. So while we were busy putting the finishing touches on our fist annual El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk Concert series, our mail piled up. Which means we had lots to choose from for this week's new music episode. There's bound to be something that catches your ear and makes you think: 'How did I live without that in my life?"

Featured artists and songs:

- Making Movies, “La Marea” ft. Mireya Ramos

- Teo Planell, “El Mundo Delante de Ti”, “Como Pensarte Mal”

- Ramona and the Holy Smokes, “Esta Herida”, “I Want You To Be My Man”

- Lorea, “Se me ve la cabeza”, “Mi alma sobre la mesa”

- Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta and Joey Calveiro, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás”

- Martox, “Enganchao de Ti”

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Why Wilco's Jeff Tweedy still finds joy in troubled times

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The Wilco frontman talks about his new triple solo album, 'Twilight Override,' an enthralling opus on the miracle and wonder of life, and why he can't get enough of it, even when everything seems bad.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2010

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

It was a year of both soaring euphoria and quiet calm, with lots of sonic adventures.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

Tell us what you think: allsongs@npr.org

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The best new albums out Sept. 19

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Joan Shelley, Lola Young and the return of Sarah McLachlan. Kyle Meredith from WFPK in Louisville joins Stephen Thompson to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Sept. 19.

The Starting 5:

- Joan Shelley, 'Real Warmth' (Stream)

- Lola Young, 'I'm Only F****** Myself' (Stream)

- Wednesday, 'Bleeds' (Stream)

- Sarah McLachlan, 'Better Broken' (Stream)

- Yasmine Hamdan, 'I remember I forget بنسى وبتذكر' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Kieran Hebden & William Tyler, '41 Longfield Street Late '80s'

- Nine Inch Nails, 'Tron: Ares (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)'

- Lawrence Matthews, 'Between Mortal Reach & Posthumous Grip'

- Joy Crookes, 'Juniper'

- Joanne Robertson, 'Blurrr'

See the long list of albums out Sept. 12 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Kyle Meredith, WFPK

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny Closes Out His Residency

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:20:44 +0000

Bad Bunny's months-long residency in Puerto Rico is coming to an end. The shows brought in hundreds of millions of dollars to the island, and sparked new debates about Puerto Rican identity and politics.

For this week's episode, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras traveled to San Juan to take in one of the final performances, and interview both locals and tourists about the musical and cultural impact of the summer of Bad Bunny.

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 20: The Beths, Dustin O’Halloran, Nicholas Payton, more

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We’ve got six must-hear songs to add to our running list of the year’s best tracks, including some shredding from The Beths, a gorgeous solo piano piece from Dustin O’Halloran, sublime jazz from Nicholas Payton and more.

Featured artists and songs:

1. The Beths: “No Joy,” from ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’
2. Nate Smith & Saje: “Big Fish,” from ‘Live Action’
3. Dustin O’Halloran: “Gold” (Single)
4. Dara Starr Tucker: “Pure Imagination,” from ‘Time Wouldn’t Wait’
5. Grumpy: “Crush,” from ‘Piebald’
6. Nicholas Payton (with Esperanza Spalding and Karriem Riggins): “Let It Ride,” from ‘Triune’

Weekly reset: A late-summer day at the playground

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Our No. 1 songs: 2009

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We enter the stomp-clap era as we look back at our number one songs from 2009.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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The best new albums out Sept. 12

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Guerilla Toss. Die Spitz. The return of Spinal Tap. Raina Douris from WXPN's World Cafe joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite albums out Friday, Sept. 12.

The Starting 5:

- Spinal Tap, 'The End Continues' (Stream)

- Guerilla Toss, 'You're Weird Now' (Stream)

- Die Spitz, 'Something to Consume' (Stream)

- Frost Children, 'Sister' (Stream)

- Mark William Lewis, 'Mark William Lewis' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 'Perimenopop'

- Asher White, '8 tips for full catastrophe living'

- Jade, 'THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!'

- Fruit Bats, 'Baby Man'

- Kassa Overall, 'CREAM'

See the long list of albums out Sept 12 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Raina Douris, WXPN

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: A Tribute to Felix

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Alt.Latino is a tribute to host Felix Contreras, who just received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Co-host Anamaria Sayre and the Alt.Latino team surprised Felix with guest appearances from Juanes, Daymé Arocena, Chucho Valdés, Dolores Huerta and more.

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 19: Neko Case, Asher White, caroline, more

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

Hear the songs we just had to share this week. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton to update our running list of the year’s best songs, with head-spinning, shape-shifting wonders from Asher White, transcendent ambient sounds from Early Fern, the first new solo album from Neko Case in eight years and more.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Asher White: “Beers with my name on them,” from ‘8 Tips for Catastrophe Living’

2. Neko Case: “Wreck,” from ‘Neon Grey Midnight Green'

3. caroline: “Total Euphoria,” from ‘caroline 2’

4. Sturle Dagsland: “Hugging Horses,” from ‘Dreams And Conjurations’

5. Model/Actriz: “Doves,” from ‘Piourette’

6. Early Fern: “Teasel,” from ‘Wetland Interiors’

Weekly reset: Horses are really having a moment

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Our No. 1 songs: 2008

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:01 +0000

What songs take us back to 2008? Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson recall a pretty folk-heavy year with lots of groundbreaking debuts.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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The best new albums out Sept. 5

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Big Thief. David Byrne. El Michels Affair. WFUV's Alisa Ali joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite albums coming out Friday, Sept. 5.

The Starting 5:

• Big Thief, 'Double Infinity'

• El Michels Affair, '24 Hr Sports'

• Curtis Harding, 'Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt'

• Lucrecia Dalt, 'A Danger to Ourselves'

• David Byrne, 'Who Is The Sky?'

The Lightning Round:

• Saint Etienne, 'International'

• james K, 'Friend'

• Ivy, 'Traces of You'

• Anaïs & The Hoops, 'Growing Pains'

• V/A, 'I Will Swim To You: A Tribute to Jason Molina'

See the long list of albums out Sept. 5 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alisa Ali, WFUV
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Tim Bernardes, Mabe Fratti, more

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Felix shares the music that's helped him recover from a serious illness. Anamaria shares some new exquisite (and, in one case, slightly toxic) love songs.

Featured artists and songs:

• Blood Orange, "I Can Go" (feat. Mabe Fratti & Mustafa)

• Draco Rosa, "Quiero Vivir"

• Caetano Veloso, "Voce E Linda" (Remixed Original Album)

• Tim Bernardes, "BB (Garupa de Moto Amarela)"

• Tim Bernardes, "Última Vez"

• Santana, "Goodness and Mercy"

• Xavi, "Ojitos de Miel"

• Los Lobos, "Bertha" (Live at the Carefree Theatre, 1992)

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The most anticipated fall '25 albums

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:48 +0000

We get a jump on the upcoming fall releases we’re most excited about, including new ones from Skullcrusher, S. Carey, Silvana Estrada and more.

Featured artists and albums:

1. Snōōper: ‘Worldwide’ (Oct. 3)
2. Sudan Archives: ‘The BPM’ (Oct. 17)
3. Claire Rousay: ‘Little Death’ (Oct. 31)
4. Crushed: ‘No Scope’ (Sept. 26)
5. Cate Le Bon: ‘Michelangelo Dying’ (Sept. 26)
6. S. Carey: ‘Watercress’ (Oct. 3)
7. Emily Sprague: ‘Cloud Time’ (Oct. 10)
8. Skullcrusher: ‘And Your Song Is Like A Circle’ (Oct. 17)
9. Silvana Estrada: ‘Vendrán Suaves Lluvias’ (Oct. 17)

Weekly reset: Walking through the woods on an autumn afternoon

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2007

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The songs that take us back to 2007, the golden age of indie pop and rock.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 29

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Sabrina Carpenter. The Beaches. Margo Price. This week, Stephen Thompson chats with NPR Music's Hazel Cills and WMOT's Jessie Scott about the best new albums out this new music Friday.

The Starting 5:

• The Beaches, 'No Hard Feelings'

• The Beths, 'Straight Line Was A Lie'

• Margo Price, 'Hard Headed Woman'

• Rodney Crowell, 'Airline Highway'

• Anna Tivel, 'Animal Poem'

Read more about WMOT's live webcast from AMERICANAFEST 2025.

The Lightning Round:

• Blood Orange, 'Essex Honey'

• Jaelee Roberts, 'Let Me Be Lonely'

• Brad Mehldau, 'Ride Into the Sun'

• CMAT, 'EURO-COUNTRY'

• Tiwa Savage, 'This One Is Personal'

See the long list of albums out Aug. 29 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

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Alt.Latino: Omar Apollo, Mon Laferte, Mabe Fratti

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week, NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento is back on the mic, bringing host Anamaria Sayre new music in the vein of her 2010s Tumblr era. Think emo bangs, bright blue skinny jeans and a Warped Tour T-shirt. Sonically, this week’s picks run through bedroom pop, sultry balladry and Bronx-Dominican rap over post-punk basslines.

Featured artists and songs:

• Titanic (I. la Católica and Mabe Fratti), “Escarbo dimensiones"

• Mon Laferte, “Esto Es Amor"

• Planta Industrial, “Teteo in The Bronx”

• Santi Muk and Zenon Pereyra, “seu carinho,” “CUÁNTO FALTA PARA CONOCERTE?” and “ANA BAILABA”

• Maria Usbeck, “Mar”

• LATIN MAFIA and Omar Apollo, “Hecho para ti”

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino.

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The Contenders, Vol. 18: Disiniblud, Anamanaguchi, more

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

We update our running list of the year’s best songs with a bunch of glitched-out ear candy, raging rock, and tracks that seek real, human connections in an increasingly artificial landscape.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Disiniblud: “Give-upping (feat. Julianna Barwick),” from ‘Disniblud’
2. ear: “Fetish” (single)
3. Emily Yacina: “Talk Me Down,” from ‘Veilfall’
4. Anamanaguchi: “Rage (Kitchen Sink),” from ‘Anyway’
5. james K: “Play,” from ‘Friend’

Weekly reset: A day at the county fair

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Our No. 1 songs: 2006

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:16:39 +0000

The songs that take us back to 2006.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shortened version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 22

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Nourished By Time. Mac Demarco. Earl Sweatshirt. Stephen Thompson and Vermont Public's Tad Cautious discuss the best new albums out this new music Friday.

The Starting 5:

• Nourished By Time, The Passionate Ones (Stream)

• Pino Palladino & Blake Mills, That Wasn't a Dream (Stream)

• Greg Freeman, Burnover (Stream)

• Kathleen Edwards, Billionaire (Stream)

• Mac DeMarco, Guitar (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

• Laufey, A Matter of Time

• Sombr, I Barely Know Her

• Ami Taf Ra, The Prophet and the Madman

• Deftones, private music

• BigXthaPlug, I Hope You're Happy

• Teyana Taylor, Escape Room

• Night Owls, Versions II

• Kid Cudi, Free

• Earl Sweatshirt, Live Laugh Love

• Ghostface Killah, Supreme Clientele 2

See our long list of albums out Aug. 22 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Tad Cautious, Vermont Public

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Our No. 1 songs: 2005

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

What songs take us back to 2005?

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shortened version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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Flaco Jimenez and Eddie Palmieri: Why Their Music Mattered

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

On Alt.Latino we often discuss the way that traditions are recognized and expanded upon. Usually it’s when we’re talking about new artists.

But this week we are spending time honoring two legends: Tex Mex accordion player Flaco Jimenez and Latin jazz pianist/composer Eddie Palmieri each died within the last few weeks. They were foundational to their respective musical cultures, products of two distinct Latino cultural and musical traditions who also expanded the idea of tradition with their musical visions.

Tune in this week to see how Felix connects the dots between these two seemingly dissimilar icons — and hear some new music that also blends tradition with modernity.

Music heard in this episode:

Orquestra Afro-Brasileira, “Saudação ao Rei Nagô” and “Obaluayê”

Doctor Nativo, “Caminantes” feat. Roco Pachukote

Bikôkô, “The Other” feat. Isaiah Hull and “La Mano” feat Crystal Murray

day2k, “OBSSD” and “más q todoooooo”

Flaco Jimenez, “Lucerito”

Eddie Palmieri, “Una Rosa Española”

Audio and production for this episode was done by Noah Caldwell.

Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer for NPR Music.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2000-2004

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:23:01 +0000

A nostalgic look back at the most memorable songs that defined All Songs Considered in its first five years.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A version of this episode originally ran on March 4, 2025

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 15

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

KAYTRANADA. Dijon. Molly Tuttle. We discuss the best new albums of the week with arts critic Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston.

Intro

• KAYTRANADA, 'AIN’T NO DAMN WAY!' (Stream)

The Starting 5

• Dijon, 'Baby' (Stream)

• Marissa Nadler, 'New Radiations' (Stream)

• Molly Tuttle, 'So Long Little Miss Sunshine' (Stream)

• Pile, 'Sunshine and Balance Beams' (Stream)

• Joseph Decosimo, 'Fiery Gizzard' (Stream)

The Lightning Round

• Cassandra Jenkins, 'My Light, My Massage Parlor'

• Cass McCombs, 'Interior Live Oak'

• Audrey Hobert, 'Who's The Clown'

(Read our feature on Audrey Hobert on NPR.org)

• Najee Janey, 'Royalty'

• Bret McKenzie, 'Freak Out City'

See our Long List of albums out Aug. 15 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

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Alt.Latino: Xavi, Simon Grossmann, more

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre and frequent guest Isabella Gomez Sarmiento share their favorite Latin pop earworms of the moment.

Featured artists and songs:

• Simon Grossmann, "Copa Del Mundo"

• Xavi & Kapo, "Bien Pedos"

• Ana Frango Elétrico, "A Sua Diversão"

• Piek & Letón Pé, "Prendan Un Fokin Abanico"

• Letón Pé, "Madrugá"

• Martox, "Si Es Verdad"

• Lena Dardelet & Martox, "A mí de ti"

• stivijoes, "Solo"

• stivijoes, "No he nacido rico"

The audio for this episode has been produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer of NPR Music.

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What's the perfect road trip playlist?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Before summer disappears, we share our favorite songs for your long and winding drives, plus a list of ground rules (does the driver always have final say?), and a breakdown of what works best when.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Eric Burdon and War: “Spill the Wine,” from Eric Burdon Declares “War”
2. Stromae: “Santé,” from Multitude
3. Broadway Cast: “Alexander Hamilton,” from Hamilton
4. Joe Iconis / Broadway Cast: “Michael in the Bathroom,” from Be More Chill
5. Abiotic: “Vermosapien,” from Symbiosis
6. Wipers: “Mystery,” from Is This Real?
7. Steely Dan: “My Old School,” from Countdown to Ecstasy
8. Tunde Olaniran: “Namesake,” from Transgressor
9. Shania Twain: “Man, I Feel Like a Woman!” from Come On Over
10. Pat Travers: “Amgwanna Kick Booty,” from Black Pearl
11. Anthrax & Public Enemy: “Bring The Noise,” from Attack of the Killer B’s
12. Unwed Sailor: “Monster Collecting,” from Cruel Entertainment
13. The Allman Brothers Band: “Midnight Rider,” from Idlewild South and “Southbound,” from Brothers And Sisters
14. Lakestreet Dive: “You Go Down Smooth,” from Bad Self Portraits
15. Black Sabbath: “Turn Up The Night,” from Mob Rules
16. Simple Minds: “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” from The Breakfast Club

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2024

Weekly reset: Summer roadtrip while listening to the radio

Hear the songs in our Roadtrip Mix on Spotify and Apple.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 8

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Ethel Cain. Charley Crockett. J.I.D. Plug in to the week's top new releases with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and guest DeShun Nance of WJSU's The Sipp in Jackson, Miss.

The Starting 5:

• J.I.D, 'God Does Like Ugly' (Stream)

• Ethel Cain, 'Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You' (Stream)

• Amaarae, 'BLACK STAR' (Stream)

• Charley Crockett, 'Dollar a Day' (Stream)

• Gordi, 'Like Plasticine' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

• Hayes Carll, 'We're Only Human'

• Big Freedia, 'Pressing Onward'

• Ashley Monroe, 'Tennessee Lightning'

• Bryson Tiller, 'The Vices'

• Ada Lea, 'when i paint my masterpiece'

See our long list of albums out Aug. 8 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on the All Songs Considered blog.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: DeShun Nance (WJSU's The Sipp)

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Sofia Kourtesis, Lucrecia Dalt, more

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Some might call it whiplash, the way we sometimes zip from one genre of Latin music to another in our New Music shows. But I like to think of it as an expression of the richness and vitality of all music made under what is known as Latin music.
This week's selections reinforce the idea that trying to identify this music under one heading is impossible. Let's just call it Good Music.
Featured artists and songs:
Harold Lopez-Nussa, “Niña Con Violin”
Sofia Kourtesis, "Canela Pura” and "Ballumbrosio"
Lucrecia Dalt, “caes” and “cosa rara”
goodtoknow (paula prieto, benjamin walker, sir hope), "Mareas,” "October," and "I’ll stay"
Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet, “Panabe”
Natanael Cano, “Presidente” and “El Juez”
Gabito Ballesteros and Carin Leon, “Regalo de Dios”
The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino.

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The Contenders, Vol. 17: Keaton Henson, Arvo Pärt, Julia Hamos, more

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

We update our list of the year’s best songs with new obsessions from The Antlers, polymath Keaton Henson, pianist Julia Hamos, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Julia Hamos: “Ellis Island,” from Ellis Island
2. The Antlers: “Carnage,” from Blight
3. Gabriela Ortiz: “El olo del Jaguar,” from Yanga
4. Keaton Henson: “Lazy Magician (feat. Julia Steiner)” (single)
5. Arvo Pärt: “Nunc dimittis,” from And I heard a voice

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2023

Weekly reset: Crows in a D.C. suburb on a summer afternoon.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 1

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Newcomer Emily Hines. Hardcore collective The Armed. A Susumu Yokota boxset. WDET's Liz Warner joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to dive into their favorite albums out this week.

The Starting 5:

• Emily Hines, 'These Days'

• The Armed, 'THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED'

• Mal Devisa, 'Palimpsesa'

• Caimin Gilmore, 'BlackGate'

• Susumu Yokota, 'Skintone Edition Volume 1' (box set)

The Lightning Round:

• Buddy Guy, 'Ain't Done With The Blues'

• René Najera, 'Painted Life'

• Hieroglyphic Being, 'The Sound Of Something Ending'

• Spafford Campbell, 'Tomorrow Held'

See our long list of albums out August 1 and sample dozens of new records via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Liz Warner, WDET
Audio producer: Noah Caldwell
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: It's a Bad Bunny summer in Puerto Rico: Ana recaps 2 of his shows

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Global superstar Bad Bunny is hosting an unprecedented 30 concert residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans are calling it a defining cultural moment for the island. Anamaria Sayre attended two recent shows and shared her reflections.

Music featured in this episode:

• Bad Bunny, "Callaita"
• Bad Bunny, "Baile Inolvidable"
• Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Los de la Isla"
• Gilberto Santa Rosa,"La Agarro Bajando"
• Bad Bunny, "Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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Roséwave: Summer's Simple Pleasures

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

You asked, we listened: Roséwave is back! Our summer playlist series returns with syrupy sweet songs from the likes of Amerie, Wednesday, Addison Rae, Marvin Gaye, and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. The Jamies: "Summertime Summertime"
2. The Lijadu Sisters: "Come on Home," from 'Horizon Unlimited'
3. Amerie: "Why Don't We Fall in Love," from 'All I Have'
4. Waxahatchee: "Much Ado About Nothing," from 'Tigers Blood (Deluxe)'
5. Wednesday: "Elderberry Wine," from 'Bleeds'
6. Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste," from 'What a Relief'
7. Marvin Gaye: "Ain't That Peculiar"
8. Haku.: "Looking Through My Subtle Double Eyelids," from 'Catch'
9. Labi Siffre: "My Song," from 'Crying Laughing Loving Loving'
10. Azymuth: "Faça de Conta," from 'Azimuth'
11. Linda Ronstadt: "How Do I Make You," from 'Mad Love'
12. Addison Rae: "Diet Pepsi," from 'Addison'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2022

Weekly reset: Sailing on the high seas.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 25

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Tyler Childers. Patty Griffin. Indigo De Souza. Joe Kendrick of WNCW in North Carolina joins us to discuss the best albums out on July 25.

Intro:

• Tyler, The Creator, 'DON'T TAP THE GLASS'

The Starting 5:

• Tyler Childers, 'Snipe Hunter' (Stream)

• Patty Griffin, 'Crown of Roses' (Stream)

• Indigo De Souza, 'Precipice' (Stream)

• Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, 'New Threats from the Soul' (Stream)

• Yoshika Colwell, 'On The Wing' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

• Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, 'Alfredo 2'

• Cory Hanson, 'I Love People'

• quinnie, 'Paper Doll'

• Unspoken Tradition, 'Resilience'

• MC Yallah & Debmaster, 'Gaudencia'

See our long list of albums out July 25 and sample more than 50 albums via our New Music Friday on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Joe Kendrick, WNCW
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny residency prep, new guitar tracks and Latin genre benders

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Before Ana heads off to see Bad Bunny's unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico, we chat a little about why the celebration is significant to the island and Latin music in general.

We also dig deep into new releases that include four different approaches to the guitar and a musician from Peru who defies genre to create his own musical language.

Music heard in this episode:

• Hermanos Gutiérrez, "Elegantly Wasted (ft. Leon Bridges)"
• Bebo Dumont, "Hoy"
• Eljuri, "Karma"
• Yamil Quiere Ser Artista & Oliver Berg, "Bandido," "Gatito Miau Miau Miau"
• Yasser Tejeda, "Una Cascada de Miel"
• Yerai Cortés, "Sonar por Bulerías,"
• Judeline & Yerai Cortés, "Un puente por la Bahía, la Cruz del Campo"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 16: Jay Som, Jeff Tweedy, Kassa Overall, more

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Can music save the world? The songs in this week's mix consider the power of creativity as we update our running list of the year's best tracks, with new ones from Jay Som, Jeff Tweedy and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Jay Som & Jim Adkins: "Float," from 'Belong'
2. Google Earth (John Vanderslice & James Riotto): "meow meow," from 'For Mac OS X 10.11'
3. Goon: "For Cutting The Grass," from 'Dream 3'
4. Jeff Tweedy: "One Tiny Flower," from 'Twilight Override'
5. Kassa Overall: "Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat)," from 'Cream'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2021

Weekly reset: Twilight at Nags Head, with crickets and barking dog in the distance

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:18:04 +0000

Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 18

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:00:17 +0000

Alex G. Paramore's Zac Farro. Lord Huron. It's a packed release week, and we've got Chelsea O from Buffalo/Toronto Public Media on the show to unpack all the greatness.

Intro:

• Sly & The Family Stone, 'The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967'

The Starting 5:

• Alex G, 'Headlights' (Stream)

• Jim Legxacy, 'black british music (2025)' (Stream)

• Zac Farro, 'Operator' (Stream)

• Lord Huron, 'The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1' (Stream)

• Disiniblud, s/t (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

• Cam, 'All Things Light'

• Forth Wanderers, 'The Longer This Goes On'

• Jess Ribeiro, 'Mixtape'

• Billie Marten, 'Dog Eared'

• Two Shell, 'Iicons'

See our long list of albums out July 18 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Chelsea O (BTPM)
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

This episode incorrectly says that Cassandra Croft, a musician who collaborated with the band Disiniblud, is the daughter of Elwood Norris, the inventor of hypersonic sound. Croft is the daughter of James Croft, who worked with Norris on the invention of hypersonic sound.

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Alt.Latino: Joy and resistance, plus Felix shares some of his favorite playlists

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

This week Ana and I share some of our long time favorites. While Ana leans into music discovery, I tend to bring more of the classics. In fact, I build playlists on a streaming service to mix music much like I did back in the era of the cassette tape. There is wide swath of music presented in the show this week. —Felix Contreras

• Maestro Espada, "La despedida," "Tres gotas de rocío," and Peretas del Tío Vicente"
• Lido Pimienta, "Ahora"
• X Alfonso, Eme Alfonso & Síntesis "Rezo a Changó"
• Simon Diaz, "Tonada De Luna Llena"
• Raúl Rodríguez, Chano Domínguez & Martirio, "En Esta Tarde Gris"
• Rita Payés & Silvia Pérez Cruz, "El Panadero"
• Maria José Llergo, "Aprendiendo a Volar"
• Amaia Miranda, "Canción para Amama"
• Ataquemos, "Vilo"
• incluso si nunca despiertas, "la lluvia no mata las flores"
• Malo, "Suavecito"
• Tommy James & The Shondells, "Crystal Blue Persuasion"
• Hugh Masekela, "Grazing In The Grass"
• War, "All Day Music"
• El Chicano, "Viva Tirado"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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What makes for a summer song?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Robin Hilton, Anamaria Sayre and Hazel Cills gather to share songs that feel like summer — and that means staying indoors to avoid the heat as well as partying on a Brooklyn rooftop. (Note: A version of this conversation appeared in this feed last July.)

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2020

Weekly reset: Grilling on a summer night just ahead of a thunderstorm

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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Is John Williams the GOAT?

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0000

With strains of John Williams' music once again animating and inspiring the summer blockbuster season — as heard in Jurassic World Rebirth, the new Superman film, and, soon, a 50th anniversary theatrical release of Jaws — we consider whether he's the greatest film composer of all time.

Note: This is an extended version of a conversation from Weekend All Things Considered, with host Scott Detrow, All Things Considered producer Marc Rivers and All Songs Considered's Robin Hilton.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 11

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:16:42 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is back with Celia Gregory of Nashville public radio station WXPN to talk through this week's best new music.

Intro:
- The Beta Band on vinyl

The Starting 5:
• Wet Leg, 'moisturizer' (Stream)
• The Swell Season, 'Forward' (Stream)
• Clipse, 'Let God Sort Em Out' (Stream)
• Allo Darlin', 'Bright Nights' (Stream)
• Burna Boy, 'No Sign of Weakness' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:
• Justin Bieber, 'SWAG'
• Ólafur & Talos, 'A Dawning'
• Martha, 'Standing Where It All Began - Singles and B-Sides 2012-2025'
• Open Mike Eagle, 'Neighborhood Gods Unlimited'
• Petey USA, 'The Yips'
• Tony Njoku, 'All Our Knives Are Always Sharp'

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: WNXP's Celia Gregory
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny gets political, Brazilian grooves from Brooklyn and more

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Ana and Felix break down Bad Bunny's latest political video. Hear their failed attempt at a blindfold listening game.

Artists and songs featured in this episode:

• Cheo, "Amor A Primera Vista"
• babas tutsipop, "antonio banderas" and "cursi"
• Pedazo De Carne Con Ojo, "Sirens" and "Tiralo"
• Ryuichi Sakamoto "DOLPHINS"
• Frank Zappa "While You Were Art II"
• Pink Pablo, "ALL I DREAM," "OJOS AZUL" and "HORSES IN HEAVEN"
• Wampi, "La Última" ft. Leoni Torres
• Wampi, "La Diferencia" ft. Orlenis 22K, Ernesto Loso
• Silvana Estrada, "Lila Alelí"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 15: Wisp, Blonde Redhead, Sherelle, more

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Brittany Luse, host of NPR's It's Been A Minute, joins us to update our running list of the year's best songs, including new shoegaze from Wisp, heart-thumping dance beats from Sherelle and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Sherelle & George Riley: "Freaky (Just My Type)," from 'With A Vengeance'
2. Blonde Redhead: "Rest Of Her Life (Choir Version)," from 'The Shadow Of The Guest'
3. Natanya: "Moviestar," from 'Feline's Return'
4. Wisp: "Save Me Now," from 'If Not Winter'
5. Ekathé and El Mundo Limón: "Baba" (single)

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2019

Weekly reset: Taiko and fireworks, Toyohashi, Japan

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 4

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Kesha. Kae Tempest. Nilüfer Yanya. It's an abbreviated Independence Day edition of New Music Friday.

Featured albums:

• Kesha, '.'

• Kae Tempest, 'Self Titled'

• Nilüfer Yanya, 'Dancing Shoes' EP

If you enjoyed this week's show, we always appreciate a positive review on Apple or Spotify or whatever app you're listening to right now.

This episode was hosted by Stephen Thompson, produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Alt.Latino: Isabella Lovestory, Vicente García, more

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Our selections this week feature a crate diggers' delight from Colombia and the sound of modern rap in Mexico.

Featured artists and songs:

• Óscar Agudelo y El Combo Moderna, "Está Como Mango"

• Isabella Lovestory, "Fresa Metal," "Eurotrash," "Tu Te Vas"

• Grecia Albán, "YO POR TI"

• Vicente García, "Mambo Violento," "El Huracán," "Abusadora"

• BALTHVS, "Flesh and Soul"

• Gera MX, "Ciclo Vital," "1 Millón"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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2025's best songs (so far)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

This week we share our wildly incomplete list of the year's best tracks so far, including bangers from PinkPantheress and HAIM, a slow-burner from Lana Del Rey, dystopian rap from clipping and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. PinkPantheress: "Stateside," from 'Fancy That'
2. HAIM: "Relationships," from 'I quit'
3. clipping.: "Keep Pushing," from 'Dead Channel Sky'
4. Lana Del Rey: "Henry, come on" (single)
5. Oklou: "Blade Bird," from 'choke enough'
6. Miya Folick: "This Time Around," from 'Erotica Veronica'
7. Perfume Genius: "It's A Mirror," from 'Glory'
8. FKA twigs: "Room Of Fools," from 'EUSEXUA'
9. Lucius: "Gold Rush," from 'Lucius'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2018

Weekly reset: Summer afternoon at the pool

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 27

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Madison McFerrin. Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. Durand Jones & The Indications. KALW's Wonway Posibul joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to share their favorite new releases of the week.

Intro:
• Bruce Springsteen, 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' (Read our guide to the box set on npr.org)
• Lorde, 'Virgin' (Read our review on npr.org)

The Starting 5:
• Laura Stevenson, 'Late Great'
• Adrian Quesada, 'Boleros Psicodélicos II'
• Madison McFerrin, 'Scorpio'
• Durand Jones & The Indications, 'Flowers'
• Herbert & Momoko, 'Clay'

The Lightning Round:
• Frankie Cosmos, 'Different Talking'
• Dana and Alden, 'Speedo'
• Brighde Chaimbeul, 'Sunwise'
• Mocky, 'Music Will Explain (Choir Music Vol. 1)'
• Tim Barnes, 'Lost Words / Noumena'

Check out our Long List of new albums out June 27 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Wonway Posibul, KALW
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Karol G's 'Tropicoqueta'

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:38:19 +0000

Karol G leans into a Pan-Latin approach on her latest album. Jazz vocalist Roxana Amed reimagines classic rock from her native Argentina. And more.

Artists and songs featured in this episode:

• Panteón Rococó, "Parison" (featuring Carín León, Sabino & Remmy Valenzuela)

• Juan Wauters, "Manejando por Pando"

• Roxana Amed, "Dejaste Tu Corazon"

• Fito Páez and Luis Alberto Spinetta, "Dejaste Ver Tu Corazón"

• Karol G, "Tropicoqueta," "No Puedo Vivir Sin Él," and "Ese Hombre Es Malo"

• MiMa and Villano Antillano, "Fuego"

• maye, "Yo Me Consiento" and "Peter Pan"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 14: Upchuck, Just Mustard, Brandon Woody, more

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

This week's update to our running list of the year's best songs includes some scorchers from Atlanta's Upchuck, the shoegaze group Just Mustard, jazz trumpeter Brandon Woody and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Upchuck: "Plastic" (single)
2. The Westerlies (with Sam Amidon): "Paradise," from 'Paradise'
3. Just Mustard: "POLLYANNA" (single)
4. Brandon Woody: "Beyond the Reach of Our Eyes," from 'For The Love Of It All'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2017

Weekly reset: Frogs and crickets chattering in a rice field in Okazaki, Japan

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 20

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

HAIM. Hotline TNT. Yaya Bey. World Cafe's Raina Douris joins Stephen Thompson to give you a quick tour through the best records out this week.

Featured albums:

• HAIM, 'I quit' (Stream)

• Hotline TNT, 'Raspberry Moon' (Stream)

• Yaya Bey, 'do it afraid' (Stream)

• Kelsey Waldon, 'Every Ghost' (Stream)

• S.G. Goodman, 'Planting by the Signs' (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out June 20 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits
• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Raina Douris, WXPN
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino's Favorite music of 2025 (so far)

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:35:42 +0000

A look at some of the most intriguing music released during the first six months of the year.

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Fever Ray, The Beaches, Patrick Watson, more: The Contenders, Vol. 13

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The latest additions to our list of the year's best songs include a joyful new banger from The Beaches, a wondrous tapestry of sounds from singer Patrick Watson, twisted pop from Fever Ray and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. The Beaches: "Last Girls At The Party," from 'No Hard Feelings'
2. Patrick Watson: "Peter And The Wolf," from 'Uh Oh'
3. Deb Talan: "A Glimmer In The Grass," from 'I Thought I Saw You'
4. Fever Ray: "I'm Not Done (Therapy Session)" (single)
5. Ethel Cain: "Nettles," from 'Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2016

Weekly reset: A day at the beach

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best new albums out June 13

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Brandee Younger. The Cure. Annahstasia. WRTI's Nate Chinen joins Stephen Thompson to discuss our favorite albums of the week.

Featured albums:

• Annahstasia, 'Tether' (Stream)

• Mary Halvorson, 'About Ghosts' (Stream)

• Brandee Younger, 'Gadabout Season' (Stream)

• Joe Armon-Jones, 'All The Quiet (Part II)' (Stream)

• The Cure, 'Mixes for a Lost World' (Stream)

See our long list of albums out June 13 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nate Chinen, WRTI
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Bruce Springsteen, Louie TheSinger, more

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

This week Anamaria Sayre continues to scour her part of the internet for great new tracks that will impress Felix Contreras, while he continues to explore Latinos who sing country music.

Featured artists and songs:

• Alleh & Yorghaki, "me late"
• Alleh & Yorghaki, "capaz (merengueton)"
• Louie TheSinger, "Quicker Way To Jesus"
• pablopablo, "Dónde Estás!"
• Bruce Springsteen, "Adelita"
• Bruce Springsteen, "Sinaloa Cowboys"
• Belafonte Sensacional, "Llamas Rexio"
• Belafonte Sensacional, "Todavía DF"
• David Byrne and Brian Eno, "Mea Culpa"
• Juana (feat. ELENI), "La Paloma"

Credits

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.

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Summer '25 Album Preview

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We look at the most anticipated albums coming this summer, from Wet Leg, Big Thief, Superchunk, Lucrecia Dalt and more. WNXP's Celia Gregory joins NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce and host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and albums:
1. Wet Leg: 'moisturizer' (featured song: "CPR")
2. Marissa Nadler: 'New Radiations' (featured song: "New Radiations")
3. Superchunk: 'Songs in the Key of Yikes' (featured song: "Everybody Dies")
4. Indigo De Souza: 'Precipice' (featured song; "Crying Over Nothing")
5. Lucrecia Dalt: 'A Danger to Ourselves' (featured song: "divina")
6. Kokoroko: 'TUFF TIMES NEVER LAST' (featured song: "Three Piece Suit")
7. Parcels: 'LOVED' (featured song: "yougotmefeeling")
8. Big Thief: 'Double Infinity' (featured song: "Incomprehensible")
9. Georgia Harmer: 'Eye Of The Storm' (featured song: "Can We Be Still")

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2015

Weekly reset: Summer weekend in the neighborhood with sprinkler, birds, lawnmower.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 6

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Pulp. Turnstile. Little Simz. It's a packed release week, and NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is here to walk you through it, along with friend of the program Izzi Bavis of WTMD in Baltimore.

Featured albums:

• Turnstile, 'NEVER ENOUGH' (Stream)
• Pulp, 'More' (Stream)
• Little Simz, 'Lotus' (Stream)
• McKinley Dixon, 'Magic, Alive!' (Stream)
• Lifeguard, 'Ripped and Torn' (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out today and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Izzi Bavis, WTMD
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Accordions!

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The influence of Eastern Europe immigration in Latin America can be heard in the way the accordion was adapted and adopted in countries like Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and beyond.

This week we take a deep dive into those traditions with our guide, Eduardo Díaz, former director of Latino cultural information for the Smithsonian Institution.

Featured artists and songs:

• Narciso Martínez, "Nix"

• Carlos Vives, "Hijo de Vallenato"

• Los Corraleros de Majagual, "La Pollera Colorada"

• Luis Gonzaga, "Asa Branca"

• Grupo Alma Serrana, "Puerto Tirol"

• Francisco Ulloa, "El Farolito"

• Tatico Henriquez, "La Invasión de Deiziseis"

Credits
Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Little Simz, Ty Segall, yeule, more: The Contenders, Vol. 12

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with old-school guitar rock from Ty Segall, a playful left turn for rapper Little Simz, yeule's pop from the ether and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Little Simz: "Young," from 'Lotus'
2. yeule: "Dudu," from 'Evangelic Girl Is a Gun'
3. Wednesday: "Elderberry Wine" (single)
4. Ty Segall: "Shining," from 'Possession'
5. Nourished By Time: "Max Potential," from 'The Passionate Ones'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2014

Weekly reset: Ringing bells at a neighborhood shrine near Osaka

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 30

Fri, 30 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The National's Matt Berninger. Low's Alan Sparhawk. yeule. KXT's Jackson Wisdorf joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to talk about their favorite records out May 30.

Featured albums:

• Matt Berninger, 'Get Sunk' (Stream)
• yeule, 'Evangelic Girl is a Gun' (Stream)
• Ben Kweller, 'Cover the Mirrors' (Stream)
• Alan Sparhawk, 'With Trampled by Turtles' (Stream)
• Amy Millan, 'I Went To Find You' (Stream)

Check out our long list of albums out May 30 and sample more than 50 records out today via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Jackson Wisdorf, KXT
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Our favorite Latin bands from the Tiny Desk Contest

Thu, 29 May 2025 17:31:53 +0000

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras was a Tiny Desk Contest judge this year, and on this episode, he brings six of his favorite entries to the show.

Artists and songs featured:

• Esotérica Tropica, "Despierta"

• Mario Diaz, Bachi and Los Salvajes, "Ropa de Colores"

• alegrías, "Daygo"

• Charly Siaba, "Lejos de Aquí"

• Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Rayo del Sol"

• Taisha Estrada, "El Abstracto"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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10 years later, Sufjan Stevens offers a startling reevaluation of 'Carrie & Lowell'

Tue, 27 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

In a conversation with All Songs Considered's Robin Hilton, Stevens shares a complex and conflicted view of the album he wrote about his mother in the wake of her death from cancer.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 23

Fri, 23 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Stereolab. Ganavya. Marc Ribot. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Robert Moore, host of 'Sonic Spectrum' on 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, to the show to discuss their favorite albums out May 23.

Featured albums:

• Stereolab, 'Instant Holograms On Metal Film' (Stream)

• Ganavya, 'Nilam' (Stream)

• Robert Forster, 'Strawberries' (Stream)

• Marc Ribot, 'Map of a Blue City' (Stream)

• Thalia Zedek Band, 'The Boat Outside Your Window' (Stream)

Read the long list of albums out May 23 and sample more than 50 full-lengths out today via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Robert Moore, 90.9 The Bridge

Producer: Simon Rentner

Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Paloma Morphy, rusowsky, Pachyman

Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre share six new songs from across the spectrum of Latin music.

Featured artists and songs:

• Paloma Morphy, "1 tipo nuevo"

• Camila Meza, "Persistir"

• Rusowsky, "Malibu"

• Ines Velasco, "Todo Es Para Decir"

• Pachmyan, "Hard to Part"

• Las Chorizeras, "Blue Eyed Man"

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Laufey, Fiona Apple, Lord Huron, more: The Contenders, Vol. 11

Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We've got another update to our running list of the year's best songs with the return of Fiona Apple, Laufey, deep reflections from Lord Huron and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Fiona Apple: "Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)" (single)
2. Jerskin Fendrix: "SK1" (single)
3. Lord Huron: "Looking Back," from 'The Cosmic Selector, Vol. 1'
4. Eph See: "Malachi The Uber Driver" (Tiny Desk Contest entry)
5. Kacy Hill: "Please Don't Cry" (single)
6. Laufey: "Tough Luck," from 'A Matter Of Time'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2013

Weekly reset: Neighborhood birds on a spring morning

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 16

Fri, 16 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Tune-Yards. Aminé. Lido Pimienta. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and KCRW's Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras give you a quick roundup of the most exciting albums out May 16.

Featured albums:

• Aminé, '13 Months of Sunshine' (Stream)

• Guitarricadelafuente, 'Spanish Leather' (Stream)

• Tune-Yards, 'Better Dreaming' (Stream)

• Rico Nasty, 'LETHAL' (Stream)

• Lido Pimienta, 'La Belleza' (Stream)

See our long list of albums out May 16 and sample more than 80 albums via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras, KCRW
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Guitarricadelafuente, Lido Pimienta, more

Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Co-host Anamaria Sayre finally gets to share the new Guitarricadelafuente album with the world, and catch the NPR audience on the viral sensation Macario Martínez. Felix Contreras spotlights Lido Pimienta's symphonic pivot.

Featured artists and songs:

• Guitarricadelafuente, "BABIECA!"

• Haydée Milanés, "Un amor que se demora"

• Macario Martínez, "Sueña Lindo, Corazón"

• Macario Martínez, "Otra Vez"

• Macario Martínez, "¿qué somos hoy?"

• Macario Martínez, "Hey destino"

• Lido Pimienta, "Quiero Que Me Beses"

• Marco Mares & Sabino, "digo que no, pero si"

• Adri Paíz, "Quererte o No"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Natalia Lafourcade, Chris Staples, more: The Contenders, Vol. 10

Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with a plainspoken but moving story from Chris Staples, a wildly unpredictable piece from soprano Barbara Hannigan, Natalia Lafourcade and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Third Coast Percussion: "Please Be Still," from 'Standard Stoppages'
2. Chris Staples: "Two Carat Diamond," from 'Don't Worry'
3. Barbara Hannigan, David Chalmin: "Che t'ho fatt'io?," from 'Electric Fields'
4. Natalia Lafourcade: "Cocos en la playa," from 'Cancionera'
5. Brooklyn Rider: "Tenebrae," from 'The Four Elements'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2012

Weekly reset: Airing out and beating futons on a Saturday morning in Toyohashi, Japan

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 9

Fri, 09 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes WXPN's John Morrison to discuss billy woods, Thom Yorke, PinkPantheress and more.

Featured albums:

• billy woods, GOLLIWOG (Stream)

• Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke, Tall Tales (Stream)

• PinkPantheress, Fancy That (Stream)

• MIKE & Tony Seltzer, Pinball II (Stream)

• mclusky, the world is still here and so are we (Stream)

See our long list of records out May 9 and sample more than 40 new albums via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org/music.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: John Morrison, WXPN

Producer: Simon Rentner

Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

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Alt.Latino: The Mars Volta, Argentine Beatles covers, and more

Wed, 07 May 2025 18:42:59 +0000

The music this week comes from a variety of countries and genres, some of it sounds like music you've heard ... while others sound like nothing you've heard before.

Featured artists and songs:

• Natalia Bernal, "Más Allá"

• Jaze, "mil procedimientos"

• Jaze & Susana Baca, "jomalón"

• Jaze, "boomeran'"

• The Mars Volta, "Fin"

• The Mars Volta, "Enlazan las tinieblas"

• The Mars Volta, "Alba del orate"

• The Mars Volta, "Lucro sucio"

• Diego Mema, "la forma de quererte"

• Diego Mema, "till there was you" (Beatles cover)

• The Rumba Madre, "Abuela"

• Junior Zamora, "Salsa y Clase"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Perfect Sunday morning albums

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Whether you prefer solitude, get-togethers with family or friends, or steeling yourself for the week to come, we've got the perfect album to score your early Sunday hours.

Featured artists and albums:
1. Miles Davis: 'Kind of Blue'
2. Astrud Gilberto: 'The Astrud Gilberto Album'
3. The Congos: 'Heart of the Congos'
4. Madredeus: 'O Espírito da Paz'
5. Laurie Spiegel: 'The Expanding Universe'
6. BAD OPERATION: 'BAD OPERATION'
7. Django Reinhardt: '1937'
8. Tirzah: 'Devotion'
9. Margo Guryan: 'Take a Picture'
10. V/A: 'Worried Now, Won't Be Worried Long: Alan Lomax's "Southern Journey," 1959–1960'
11. Electrelane: 'The Power Out'
12. Woo: 'Into The Heart Of Love'
13. St. Germain: 'Tourist'

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2011

Weekly reset: Bells ringing at Duomo di Firenze, Florence, Italy

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 2

Fri, 02 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Julie Bee of Marfa Public Radio to talk through the best albums released on May 2.

Featured albums:

• Car Seat Headrest, 'The Scholars' (Stream)

• Samantha Crain, 'Gumshoe' (Stream)

• PUP, 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' (Stream)

• Jenny Hval, 'Iris Silver Mist' (Stream)

• Jolie Laide, 'Creatures' (Stream)

See the long list of albums out May 2 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Julie Bernal, Marfa Public Radio
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Rapper PJ Sin Suela on Puerto Rican hip-hop and more

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Anamaria Sayre talks about the history of Puerto Rican hip-hop with rapper PJ Sin Suela.

Featured artists and songs:

• PJ Sin Suela & Chuwi, "Escúchame "

• PJ Sin Suela, "Es La Hora"

• Nuff Ced & Tek 1, "Metrópolis"

• PJ Sin Suela, Siete Nueve & Messy Deprat , "Illegal 2.0"

• E.A. Flow, "D'Aqui"

• Intifada, Luis Diaz & Yallzee "Albizu"

• Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "Los de la Isla"

• Bad Bunny & Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "CAFé CON RON"

• Tego Calderón, "Gracias"

• Ñejo Y Dálmata, "Asi Es la Vida"

• PJ Sin Suela, "San Dunga"

• PJ Sin Suela, "Mambrú"

• PJ Sin Suela, "Vivo"

• PJ Sin Suela & Jorge Drexler, "Todo Se Complica"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Lauren Migaki. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

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The music of 'Sinners,' hyper-pop and more: The Contenders, Vol. 9

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with a staggering cut from the new 'Sinners' film, hyperpop from Jane Remover, the return of Foxwarren and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Miles Caton: "I Lied to You," from 'Sinners'
2. Foxwarren: "Yvonne," from '2'
3. Jane Remover: "Dancing with your eyes closed," from 'Revengeseekerz'
4. Mal Blum: "I'm So Bored," from 'The Villain'
5. Men I Trust: "The Landkeeper," from 'Equus Asinus'

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our number one songs from 2010

Weekly reset: Dinner and dance performance, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 25

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Coco Jones. Samia. Fly Anakin. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Ayana Contreras from Denver public radio stations KUVO Jazz and The Drop to discuss the best new albums they heard this week.

Featured albums:

• Coco Jones, 'Why Not More' (Stream)

• Samia, 'Bloodless' (Stream)

• Emma-Jean Thackray, 'Weirdo' (Stream)

• David Murray, 'Birdly Serenade' (Stream)

• Fly Anakin, '(The) Forever Dream' (Stream)

Check out our long list of albums out April 25 and sample more 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

To learn more about the Tiny Desk Contest artists you heard in this episode, check out Ayana Contreras' Top Shelf special on YouTube.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO Jazz & The Drop
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Natalia Lafourcade, Eladio Carrión, more

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre talk artistic growth and precocious talent.

Featured artists and songs:

• Natalia Lafourcade, "Cancionera"

• Natalia Lafourcade & El David Aguilar, "Como Quisiera Quererte"

• Natalia Lafourcade & Hermanos Gutierrez, "Luna Creciente"

• Irene Diaz, "Anything For You"

• Eladio Carrión & Myke Towers, "Vetements"

• Eladio Carrión & Lia Kali, "Me Muero"

• Kayatibu, LUIZGA & Yaka Huni Kuin, "Nai Basa Masheri"

• Santi Sc, "Cuando Nos Besamos" (feat. Dirk)

• Santi Sc, "Home Run"

• Maria Marquez, "La Lagrima"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Songs that hit you hard

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share some of their picks and the stories behind them.

Note: This episode originally aired in Dec. 2024

Weekly reset: Mochi street vendor, Japan

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 18

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Julien Baker & Torres. Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson. TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Brian Burns of North Carolina public radio station WUNC to the show to discuss the best albums out today.

Featured Albums:

• Torres & Julien Baker, 'Send a Prayer My Way' (Stream)

• Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, 'What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow' (Stream)

• Tunde Adebimpe, 'Thee Black Boltz' (Stream)

• BEIRUT, 'A Study of Losses' (Stream)

• Sarah Siskind, 'Simplify' (Stream)

Check out our long list of records out April 18 and sample more than 50 new albums in our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino: A Banjo, Bomba, Bardo y Más

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Anamaria continues to impress Felix with new female voices, while he shares more jazz and Puerto Rican bomba fusion.

Featured artists and songs:

• Queralt Lahoz, "LA FE"

• Bardo, "Renacer" (feat. Combo Chimbita)

• Vanessa Zamora, "GRAVEDAD" (feat. Çantamarta)

• BEATrio, "Archipelago"

• Mon Laferte, "Otra Noche de Llorar"

• El Laberinto del Coco, "Todo Se Nubla"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Stereolab returns and more: The Contenders, Vol. 8

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Stereolab is back with its first new music in 15 years. We give it a spin on this week's show, along with the scorched rock of feeble little horse, a relentlessly catchy earworm from Yaeji and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Stereolab: "Aerial Troubles," from 'Instant Holograms On Metal Film'
2. Yaeji & E Wata: "Pondeggi" (single)
3. Snuggle: "Dust" (single)
4. feeble little horse: "This Is Real" (single)
5. Lyra Pramuk: "Rewild," from 'Hymnal'

Weekly reset: Street musicians on the Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 11

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Bon Iver returns. Valerie June branches out. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Erin Wolf of Radio Milwaukee's 88Nine to the show for a quick run-through of the best new albums out April 11.

Featured albums:

• Bon Iver, 'SABLE, fABLE' (Stream)

• Valerie June, 'Owls, Omens, and Oracles' (Stream)

• Gerald Clayton, 'Ones & Twos' (Stream)

• Real Lies, 'We Will Annihilate Our Enemies' (Stream)

• Kills Birds, 'Crave' EP (Stream)

Check out our long list of albums out April 11 and stream our New Music Friday sampler playlist of more than 60 songs at npr.org/music.

Credits
• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee's 88Nine
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music & Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny's Tiny Desk

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Bad Bunny's Tiny Desk concert was the most watched premiere in the series' history. In this episode, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre speaks with the superstar at the Desk and takes you behind the scenes of the performance. NPR reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, who also was in the audience, sits in for Felix Contreras this week.

Featured artists and songs:

• Bad Bunny, "PIToRRO DE COCO" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "KLOuFRENS" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "LA MuDANZA" (Tiny Desk Version)

Credits:

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Even more songs to calm the nerves

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Our third installment of calming songs includes Max Richter's tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ambient sounds from Ryuichi Sakamoto, Brazilian jazz from Wayne Shorter and more.

Featured artists and songs:
01. The Choir: "You Don't Have To Smile," from 'Translucent'
02. Orbitalpatterns: "Cant Tell If Im Awake," from 'Extended Impostor Syndrome'
03. alva noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto: "Logic Moon," from 'Insen'
04. Lea Bertucci: "Vapours," from 'Of Shadow And Substance'
05. Hayden Pedigo: "Long Pond Lily," from 'I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away'
06. Max Richter: "All Human Beings," from 'Voices'
07. Wayne Shorter & Milton Nascimento: "Tarde," from 'Native Dancer'
08. Mabe Fratti: "El Sol Sigue Ahí," from 'Pies sobre la tierra'
09. Ida: "Don't Get Sad," from 'Will You Find Me?'
10. David Zinman, Dawn Upshaw & London Sinfonietta: "Lento," from Henryk Górecki's 'Symphony No. 3'

Weekly Reset: Walking through Okazaki neighborhood at night

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear songs featured on this episode and previous episodes of music to calm the nerves in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 4

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The Hold Steady's Craig Finn. Momma. Newcomers Lily Seabird and duendita. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson teamed up with Zach McCormick of Minnesota Public Radio's The Current to highlight their favorite albums out April 4.

Featured albums:

• Craig Finn, 'Always Been' (Stream)

• Momma, 'Welcome to My Blue Sky' (Stream)

• Lily Seabird, 'Trash Mountain' (Stream)

• duendita, 'a strong desire to survive' (Stream)

• Dumb Things, 'Self Help' (Stream)

Check out our long list of albums out April 4 and listen to our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Zach McCormick, MPR's The Current
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

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Alt.Latino: New music and a psicodélico explainer

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre play the new music that caught their ears this week, plus Felix delivers a deep dive into the roots of psicodélico.

Featured artists and songs:

• Eslabón Armado, "Esa noche"

• Adrian Quesada, "Ojos Secos" (feat. Cuco)

• Jessie Reyez, "**I NEVER SAID I WAS SANE**"

• BALTHVS, "Year of the Snake"

• Grateful Dead, "Dark Star"

• Os Mutantes, "A minha menina"

• Duane Eddy, "Rebel Rouser"

• Valeria Castro, "debe ser"

• Valeria Castro "sentimentalmente"

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New Wet Leg, Sufjan Stevens, more: The Contenders, Vol. 7

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:47:06 +0000

Wet Leg is back with another burst of wildly infectious, frenetic rock. We've got that, the original version of an Oscar-worthy Sufjan Stevens song, and some music that NPR's Tom Huizenga says is "better than Xanax."

Featured artists and songs:

1. Wet Leg: "Catch These Fists," from 'moisturizer'

2. Ashley Jackson: "Unrest," from 'Take Me To The Water'

3. Sufjan Stevens: "Mystery of Love (Demo)," from 'Carrie & Lowell (10th Anniversary Edition)'

4. Alexander Knaifel: "Stanza I-VII," from 'Chapter Eight'

5. George Xiaoyuan Fu: "Passacaglia on a Theme by Radiohead," from 'Colouring Book'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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Special announcement

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

A quick note about today's episode from All Songs Considered.

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New Music Friday: The best records out March 28

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Lucy Dacus. Perfume Genius. Destroyer. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Colorado Public Radio's Alisha Sweeney of Indie 102.3 to guide you through a huge release day.

Featured albums:

• Lucy Dacus, 'Forever Is A Feeling' (Stream)

• Perfume Genius, 'Glory' (Stream)

• Great Grandpa, 'Patience, Moonbeam' (Stream)

• Destroyer, 'Dan's Boogie' (Stream)

• SPELLLING, 'Portrait Of My Heart' (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out March 28 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alisha Sweeney, Indie 102.3
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

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Alt.Latino: Songs To Move By

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras discuss the best music Felix unearthed while moving out of his apartment.

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Saying 'goodbye' to SXSW Music

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We look at how and why SXSW, once the world's largest music festival, is being scaled back to a shell of itself, what was so special about it, and what the shift means for artists and the industry.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 21

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Japanese Breakfast. My Morning Jacket. Greentea Peng. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Izzi Bavis from Baltimore public radio station WTMD to run through their favorite albums out today.

Featured albums:

• Japanese Breakfast, 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)' (Stream)

• Greentea Peng, 'TELL DEM IT'S SUNNY' (Stream)

• Tamino, 'Every Dawn's a Mountain' (Stream)

• My Morning Jacket, 'is' (Stream)

• YHWH Nailgun, '45 Pounds' (Stream)

Read our long list of albums out March 21 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:
• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Izzi Bavis, WTMD
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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The most anticipated spring albums

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We look ahead to the most anticipated albums due out this spring, including Rico Nasty's LETHAL, the return of Car Seat Headrest and Lucius, the existential punk rock group Pup and more.

Featured artists and albums:
1. HAIM: "Relationships," from a "not yet announced fourth album"
2. Blondshell: "Two Times," from 'If You Asked For A Picture'
3. M(h)aol: "DM:AM," from 'Something Soft'
4. Car Seat Headrest: "Gethsemane," from 'The Scholars'
5. PUP: "Hallways," from 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?'
6. Kara-Lis Coverdale: "Daze," from 'From Where You Came'
7. Lucius: "Gold Rush," from 'Lucius'
8. Rico Nasty: "TEETHSUCKER (YEA3x)," from 'LETHAL'
9. Jenny Hval: "To Be A Rose," from 'Iris Silver Mist'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 14

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Charley Crockett. Twin Shadow. Throwing Muses. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Matt Reilly of Austin public radio station KUTX to discuss the best new releases we heard this week.

Featured albums:

• Charley Crockett, Lonesome Drifter (Stream)

• Twin Shadow, Georgie (Stream)

• Courting, Lust for Life, Or: 'How To Thread The Needle And Come Out The Other Side To Tell The Story (Stream)

• Étienne de Crécy, WARM UP (Stream)

• Throwing Muses, Moonlight Concessions (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out March 14 and stream our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org/music.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Matt Reilly, KUTX

Producer: Simon Rentner

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: A Latin Jazz survey, plus Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:00:14 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts share six songs that they've had on repeat over the past month.

Featured artists and songs:

• Edison Machado & Boa Nova, "Naquela Base"

• Michi, "Memmy (Recuerdo)" (feat. Gabriel da Rosa)

• Adam O'Farrill, "Nocturno, 1932"

• Vivir Quintana, "Más Libre Que En Casa"

• Lucia Sarmiento, "Look Up"

• Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, "#T****"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Contenders, Vol. 6: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We've got just what you need for that stubborn case of existential dread in a looming dystopia as we update our running list of the year's best songs, with new ones from yeule, Raveena and more.

Also, we continue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of All Songs Considered by looking back at our number one songs from each year. On this episode: the songs that take us back to 2005

Featured artists and songs:
01. Everything Is Recorded: "Never Felt Better (feat. Sampha, Florence + The Machine)," from 'Temporary'
02. yeule: "Skullcrusher," from 'Evangelic Girls Is A Gun'
03. Raveena: "You're So Good To Me," from 'Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain (Deluxe)'
04. Gordi: "Alien Cowboy," from 'Like Plasticine'
05. Whatever The Weather: "12°C," from 'Whatever The Weather II'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 7

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Lady Gaga. Jason Isbell. Newcomer Annie DiRusso. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Celia Gregory from Nashville public radio station WNXP to discuss these records and much more.

Featured albums:

• Annie DiRusso, 'Super Pedestrian' (Stream)

• Jason Isbell, 'Foxes in the Snow' (Stream)

• Sasami, 'Blood on the Silver Screen' (Stream)

• Divorce, 'Drive To Goldenhammer' (Stream)

• ASTROPICAL (Bomba Estéreo + Rawayana), 'ASTROPICAL' (Stream)

Read our feature on 'ASTROPICAL' here.

Check out our long list of albums out March 7 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:

• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: New Music + Violeta Parra

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:38:45 +0000

This week Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre balance their passion for new discoveries with reissued music from an iconic Latin American songwriter.

Featured artists and songs:

• Ezra Collective, "Body Language" (feat. Sasha Keable)

• Patti LaBelle, "Teach me Tonight (Me Gusta Tu Baile)"

• Teri Gender Bender, "SANAR"

• Kevin Kaarl, "recuérdame x siempre"

• Violeta Parra, "Cantores Que Reflexionan"

• Ben Aler, "Honest"

• Jose Luiz Martins, "Cravo e Canela"

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All Songs Considered At 25

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:59 +0000

As we celebrate a quarter century of music nerdom and buffoonery, we remember the songs that shaped the show and our lives, with 25 No. 1 tracks from our first 25 years (and whatever else we can manage to recall).

We aren't going to ruin the fun with a tracklist — listen along as All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton and New Music Friday's Stephen Thompson try to guess each other's favorite cuts.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 28

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:00:47 +0000

Animal Collective's Panda Bear. Nicolás Jaar's DARKSIDE. Newcomer Hope Tala. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson discusses these albums and more with KCRW's Travis Holcombe.

Featured albums:

• Panda Bear, 'Sinister Grift'

• Mdou Moctar, 'Tears of Injustice'

• DARKSIDE, 'Nothing'

• Hope Tala, 'Hope Handwritten'

• Marie Davidson, 'City of Clowns'

Check out the longer list of albums out Feb. 28 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:

• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Travis Holcombe, KCRW
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino celebrates Black History Month

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:33:21 +0000

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras speaks with Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican saxophonist Miguel Zenón about the Afro-Latino legacy on the island.

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The Contenders, Vol. 5: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with the cinematic pop of Oklou, Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir, the experimental hip-hop group clipping. and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Oklou: "family and friends," from 'choke enough'
2. Anna Thorvaldsdottir: "Part V" and "Part VIII," from 'UBIQUE'
3. clipping.: "Keep Pushing," from 'Dead Channel Sky'
4. Sandbox Percussion: "Don't Look Down," from 'Cerrone: Don't Look Down'
5. Lucrecia Dalt: "cosa rara (feat. David Sylvian)" (single)
6. Anouar Brahem: "The Eternal Olive Tree," from 'After the Last Sky'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 21

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Sam Fender. The Drive-By Truckers' Patterson Hood. Jesse Welles. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson discussed these new albums and more with country star Kathy Mattea, who hosts NPR's weekly show 'Mountain Stage.'

Featured albums:

• Sam Fender, 'People Watching'

• Patterson Hood (of Drive-By Truckers), Exploding Trees & Airplane Scream

• Jesse Welles, 'Middle'

• Sunny War, 'Armageddon In A Summer Dress'

• Saya Gray, 'SAYA'

Check out the long list of albums out Feb. 21 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:

• Host: Stephen Thompson

• Guest: Kathy Mattea, Mountain Stage

• Producer: Simon Rentner

• Editor: Otis Hart

• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

• Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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And the Oscar for Original Song goes to...

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

With Oscar season here, we review the nominees for Original Song and Original Score, prognosticate who will win the statues on March 2, and look at the Academy's biggest snubs.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 14

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Bartees Strange. Denison Witmer. The Sun Ra Arkestra's Marshall Allen. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Nate Chinen of Philadelphia's WRTI to discuss the best new releases out on Valentine's Day.

Featured albums:

• Bartees Strange, 'Horror'

• Denison Witmer, 'Anything At All'

• Marshall Allen, 'New Dawn'

• Sullivan Fortner, 'Southern Nights'

• John Patitucci, 'Spirit Fall'

Check out our longer list of albums out Feb. 14 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:

• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Nate Chinen (WRTI)
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music & Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: New Music Roundup

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:09:36 +0000

'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are back with six new songs that span the spectrum of Latinidad.

Featured artists and songs:

• Christian Nodal, "A Solas con la Botella"

• Las Trompas de Falopium, "JARRE"

• pablopablo, Carín León & Ralphie Choo, "Eso Que Tú Llamas Amor"

• The Mexican Standoff & Flaco Jimenez, "Tu Dirás" (feat. Los Texmaniacs)

• Amaia, "C'est La Vie"

• Angie K, "Red Dirt on Mars"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Contenders, Vol. 4: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

The latest update to our running list of the year's best songs includes the shredded guitars of girlpuppy, solo material from from TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe and more.

Featured artists and songs:

• Tunde Adebimpe: "Drop," from 'Thee Black Boltz'

• girlpuppy: "Champ," from 'Sweetness'

• Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith: "Into Your Eyes" from 'GUSH'

• Lonnie Holley: "Protest With Love," from 'Tonky'

• The Weather Station: "Lonely," from 'Humanhood'

• Ólafur Arnalds & Talos: "We Didn't Know We Were Ready" (feat. Niamh Regan & Ye Vagabonds) (single)

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 7

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Sharon Van Etten headlines this week's new releases, but she's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. On this episode, NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Robert Moore of Kansas City public radio station 90.9 The Bridge, where Robert hosts the underground rock show Sonic Spectrum.

Featured Albums:

• Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, s/t

• Adrian Crowley, 'Measure of Joy'

• Heartworms, 'Glutton for Punishment'

• Nadia Reid, 'Enter Brightness Now'

• Squid, 'Cowards'

Check out our long list of Feb. 7 releases and stream our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

CREDITS:

• Hosts: Stephen Thompson and Robert Moore (90.9 The Bridge)
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Jessie Reyez, Arturo O'Farrill and Astropical

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

This week, we hear from a Colombian-Venezuelan super group, a new Afro-Brazilian band, and Ana gets another jazz lesson from a Latin jazz orchestra.

Songs featured in this episode:

• XIXA, "Xolo de Galáxia"
• Meme del Real, "Princesa"
• Jessie Reyez, "GOLIATH"
• Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, "Dia de los Muertos III Mambo Cadaverous"
• Trinka, "Grego"
• Astropical, "Me Pasa (Piscis)"

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Lesser-known love songs

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Making a playlist or mixtape for that special someone? We've got you covered this Valentine's Day with these off-the-radar love songs.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Linda Diaz: "Watching Ourselves Die (feat. Solomon Fox)" (single)
2. Gal Costa: "Baby," from 'Gal Gosta'
3. Mirah: "Engine Heart," from 'You Think It's Like This, But Really It's Like This'
4. Paloma Murphy: "me faltas tú" (single)
5. Stretch Arm Strong: "For Now," from 'Rituals of Life'
6. Tender Forever: "Then If I'm Weird, I Want To Share," from 'The Soft And The Hardcore'
7. Xavi: "Tu Casi Algo," from 'NEXT'
8. Elf Power: "Temporary Arm," from 'Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs'
9. Daniel Lanois: "I Love You," from 'Shine'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear our expanded playlist of lesser-known love songs in Apple Music and Spotify.

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2025 Grammys Recap

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:26:11 +0000

We break down the winners, surprise shutouts and more from what's billed as "music's biggest night," courtesy of our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour.

Ten take-aways from this year's Grammys
A complete list of 2025 Grammy winners

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 31

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:00:44 +0000

The Weeknd may be the biggest release of the week, but is it the best? We run down five other albums you should hear, with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and John Morrison, host of Culture Cypher Radio on partner station WXPN.

Featured albums:

• Cymande, 'Renascence'

• Ambrose Akinmusire, 'honey from a winter stone'

• Lilly Hiatt, 'Forever'

• Pink Siifu, 'BLACK'!ANTIQUE'

• Damon Locks, 'List of Demands'

See our long list of albums out Jan. 31 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org.

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Alt.Latino: Why we love Joaquina. Plus, Felix is chismeless

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Do not come on Alt.Latino if you don't have good chisme! Ana and Felix talk about their favorite songs of the week, including some psychedelic cumbia, Cuban folk music and more.

Songs featured on the episode:

•Combo Chimbita, "Dímelo"
•Cortadito, "Yemaya"
•Joaquina, "desahogo"
•Joaquina, "aeropuerto"
•The Altons, "Waiting"
•Thee Midniters, "It'll Never Be Over For Me"
•Majo Aguilar, "el beso"
•Carrie Rodriguez, "Miles Away"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Contenders, Vol. 3: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

We update our list of the year's best songs with a Tamino-Mitski collaboration, Son Lux's first new music since scoring Everything Everywhere All At Once, new Circuit des Yeux and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Shura: "Recognise," from I Got Too Sad For My Friends
2. Tamino, Mitski: "Sanctuary," from Every Dawn's a Mountain
3. Julien Baker & Torres: "Sugar in the Tank" (single)
4. Flora From Kansas: "The Ghost is Me," from Homesick
5. Circuit des Yeux: "Megaloner," from Halo On The Inside
6. Son Lux: "Cocoon," from Risk of Make Believe

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 24

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:19:17 +0000

FKA twigs. Central Cee. It's a big week for new releases, and we've got you covered. Host Stephen Thompson welcomes Desiré Moses of Virginia public radio station WNRN to break it all down.

Featured albums:

• FKA twigs, 'EUSEXUA'

• Central Cee, 'Can't Rush Greatness'

• Sam Amidon, 'Salt River'

• Mogwai, 'The Bad Fire'

• Anna B. Savage, 'You & i are Earth'

Check out our long list of albums out Jan. 24 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org.

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Alt.Latino: New songs for New Year's resolutions

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 18:31:48 +0000

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras share their goals for 2025 and the new songs that reflect them.

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2025's most-anticipated albums

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

We highlight some of the most anticipated albums of the year, including upcoming ones from Perfume Genius, Lucy Dacus, serpentwithfeet and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Perfume Genius: "It's A Mirror," from Glory (March 28)
2. Florist: "Have Heaven," from Jellywish (April 4)
3. Lucy Dacus: "Ankles," from Forever Is A Feeling (March 28)
4. serpentwithfeet: "Writhing In The Wind," from GRIP Sequel (Feb. 28)
5. Squid: "Building 650," from Cowards (Feb. 7)
6. Jason Isbell: "Bury Me," from Foxes in the Snow (March 7)
7. Saya Gray: "Shell (Of A Man)," from SAYA (Feb. 21)
8. Marshall Allen: "African Sunset," from New Dawn (Feb. 14)
9. Samia: "Bovine Excision," from Bloodless (April 25)

See the complete list of 2025 releases we're tracking.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 17

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes aboard Kara Manning of New York City public radio station WFUV to discuss the best new albums hitting streaming services on Friday, Jan. 17.

Featured Albums

• Mac Miller, 'Balloonerism'

• The Weather Station, 'Humanhood'

• jasmine.4.t, 'You are the Morning'

• Victoria Canal, 'Slowly, It Dawns'

• Blue Lake, 'Weft'

Check out our long list of albums out today and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

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A moment for Los Angeles

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Los Angeles is home for me and always in my heart. Watching the fires from afar in my current city, New York, has me thinking a lot about what makes my hometown great: breathtaking mountains, stunning beaches and above all a hodgepodge, tapestry community that comes together in powerful ways during a painful moment.

The good and bad of LA's history — redlining and rebuilding, previous fires and displacement, immigration and annexation — have all been building blocks for an exchange of culture that shows up in layers in its music and art. This week on Alt.Latino, we've decided to shine a light on some of the sounds that feel most quintessentially LA, while also specifically honoring the creativity that has come from communities most affected by the fires.

We're thinking of family and friends, and the beating heart of the city as a whole. There's nothing quite like LA and we hope this episode is an intro to some and an invitation for others to celebrate what makes it so special. —Anamaria Sayre

Songs featured on this episode:

•José Feliciano, "California Dreamin"
•Ry Cooder feat. Lalo Guerrero, "Barrio Viejo"
•Banda MS feat. Becky G and Snoop Dogg, "Que Maldicion"
•Jasper Bones, "Amor de mis sueños"
•Gerardo Ortiz, "Dámaso"
•Empress Of, "For Your Consideration"

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The Contenders, Vol. 2: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Japanese Breakfast (Michelle Zauner) is back with her first new album since her memoir, Crying in H Mart, blew up. We've got the first single from it, plus a Sufjan Stevens-produced Denison Witmer track and more.

Enjoy the show? Share with a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in our Apple and Spotify playlists.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Deep Sea Diver: "Shovel," from Billboard Heart
2. SPELLLING: "Portrait of My Heart," from Portrait of My Heart
3. Japanese Breakfast: "Orlando in Love," from For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)
4. Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, "Hop Bico" from Yarın Yoksa
5. Denison Witmer: "A House With," from Anything At All
6. DARKSIDE: "S.N.C," from Nothing

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 10

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by KCRW's Travis Holcombe to run down their four favorite albums out today, as well as the revamped version of SZA's 'LANA' project.

Featured Albums:

• SZA, 'SOS Deluxe: LANA'
• Franz Ferdinand, 'The Human Fear'
• Ethel Cain, 'Perverts'
• zzzahara, 'Spiral Your Way Out'
• Moonchild Sanelly, 'Full Moon'

See the long list of albums out January 10 and stream our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org/music.

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Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos,' Explained

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 20:58:10 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras, and NPR reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento break down what exactly makes the record so Puerto Rican and why its Bad Bunny's most reflective, ambitious and ingenious album yet.

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The Contenders, Vol. 1: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

A new year means a new running list of our favorite songs, from the transfixing voice of Anna B Savage and FKA Twigs' moody club beats to the '80s-influenced rock and pop of Sharon Van Etten and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Ela Minus: "Broken," from DIA
2. Anna B Savage: "Lighthouse," from You & i are Earth
3. Horsegirl: "2468," from Phonetics On and On
4. Miya Folick: "This Time Around," from Erotica Veronica
5. FKA Twigs: "Perfect Stranger," from EUSEXUA
6. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory: "Afterlife," from S/T

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Hear the songs in our Apple and Spotify playlists.

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New Music Friday: The best albums you missed from December

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 11:34:13 +0000

There's been some great music released since the last New Music Friday episode in late November. So, on this slow January release day, NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and WRTI's Nate Chinen catch you up on the best albums we heard in December in between "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Featured Albums:
• ROSÉ, 'rosie'
• Lauren Mayberry, 'Vicious Creature'
• Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner & Peter Bernstein, 'Solid Jackson'
• The Innocence Mission, 'Midwinter Swimmers'
• SAULT, 'Acts of Faith'

Visit npr.org/music to see the long list of albums you might have missed in December, and stream our New Music Friday playlist.

CREDITS:

Host: Stephen Thompson, NPR Music
Guest: Nate Chinen, WRTI
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Viking's Choice: The year in catharsis and calm

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich turns us on to lesser known corners of music from 2024: blooming drone-folk, richly textured jazz, Somali garage-rock, medieval metal and a bittersweet farewell from a beloved Athens psych-pop band. You can find more adventurous music and mixtapes via Lars' newsletter, vikingschoice.org.

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Songs that hit hard in 2024

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to in 2024 because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share some of their picks and the stories behind them.

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Secret Santa Song Exchange

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:42:23 +0000

When it comes to music, December is overflowing with gifts, but we aren't quite done with the presents. This time, the NPR Music team is giving ... to each other! On this episode of All Songs Considered, our hosts, writers and editors get into a sort of chain-letter, Secret Santa-type gift exchange. The rules were simple: Pick a song from 2024 specifically for one of your colleagues, who then has to pick a song for someone else, and so on, until the gift train comes full circle.

What songs did we pick? How well do we really know each other's taste? You'll have to listen to hear the surprise, just like we did.

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Alt.Latino's 'Music We Missed In 2024'

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre do their best to keep up with new releases, but sometimes great music evades their radar. On this episode, the duo highlight some of the best songs they never got a chance to share during the year.

Music We Missed in 2024

• Sanje, "Buen Fantasma" (from 'De Repente Otra Vez')

• David Lindes, "Te Vengo A Perdonar" (from 'Peace With A Lion')

• Yung Dupe X Kimmø X PUGSPUGSPUGS, "Nube Negra" (from 'Políticamente Correcto')

• Benjamin Walker, "Libre" (from 'LIBRE')

• Lhasa de Sela et Yves Desrosiers, "El Cosechero" (from 'First Recordings')

• Dom La Nena, "Pierre et les fleurs" (from 'LA VIE DE MA MÈRE')

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A very tolerable Christmas, with All Songs Considered 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our annual attempt to throw a holiday party for the ages continues with a tolerable mix of songs for the season and, as always, some very special guests.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Hip-hop in 2024 was on a wild ride

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:45:33 +0000

Record-breaking mainstream hits. A new generation of artists rising to seize their moment. Rappers in and out of courts. A pair of the biggest names in the game transforming their careers by taking their rivalry to sometimes bitter new heights. In 2024, hip-hop brought us wave upon wave of massive, surprising, culture-shifting moments.

NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce, Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael were watching and listening all year long, and they've gathered together to explain the most important stories of hip-hop's 51st year. There was the ascendance of new dominant voices in Southern rap, many of them female, along with the noticeable resonance, for many artists in the genre, with country music. The disconcerting trial of Young Thug left a void in Atlanta — the longtime hip-hop capital — for much of the year, before it ended suddenly and dramatically. And yes, there was the remarkable show put on by Kendrick Lamar in his sustained attack on Drake.

Plus: Rodney, Sidney and Sheldon share their favorite hip-hop albums of the year. Hip-hop may have celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary in 2023 by looking back at its own history, but in 2024, it shot forward like a cannon blast.

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Alt.Latino's favorite songs of 2024

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through their favorites in a crowded year for excellent songs, from innovative Spanish hip-hop to distinctive jazz.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Çantamarta, "MOTORIZADO"
•Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada"
•Zaccai Curtis, "Maple Leaf Rag"
•Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, "DUMBAI"
•Melissa Aldana, "A Purpose"
•Residente, "313"

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.

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The Best Songs of 2024

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our special coverage of the year in music continues with a look at the best songs of 2024, featuring Clairo, Tinashe, Chief Keef, Laura Marling and more.

See NPR Music's complete list of the 124 best songs of the year.

See NPR Music's list of the 50 best albums.

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The Best Albums of 2024, Part 2

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our look back at the best albums of 2024 continues, with Tyler, The Creator, Cassandra Jenkins, The Cure and more.

See NPR Music's complete list of the 50 best albums of the year.

And be sure to check out our list of the 124 best songs of 2024.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Alt.Latino's favorite albums of 2024

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

It's that time of the year — figuring out the best Latin music of 2024. And every year, it gets harder and harder (seriously, it's difficult!) for Ana and Felix to narrow down their extensive lists. Joined by NPR culture reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, the three round up the best albums of this year.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Angélica Garcia, "El Que" from Gemelo
•Hinds, "Coffee" from Viva Hinds
•Spanish Harlem Orchestra, "Lluego El Caballero (feat. Gilberto Santa Ross)" from Swing Forever
•Latin Mafia, "tengo mucho ruido." from TODOS LOS DÍAS TODO EL DÍA
•RaiNao, "readysita" from CAPICÚ
•Orquesta Akokán, "Caracoles" from Caracoles

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.

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The Best Albums of 2024, Part 1

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our annual look back at the year in music begins with the first of a two-part episode highlighting the year's best albums, with Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Waxahatchee and more.

Look for Part 2 on Friday, Dec. 6.

See NPR Music's complete list of the 50 best albums from 2024.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you get podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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As the Latin Grammys turns 25, how much has Latin music changed? (Part 2)

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre continue their discussion on the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys and the industry's changes, featuring insight from Nathy Peluso, Rauw Alejandro and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Fuerza Regida, "TQM"
•Fuerza Regida, "Que onda"
•Fuerza Regida "HARLEY QUINN"
•Latin Mafia, "y como te digo que"

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.

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A Thanksgiving mix: Songs of joy and gratitude

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.

Featured songs and artists:
1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: "Simple Gifts," from Classic Yo-Yo
2. Bill Withers: "Lean On Me," from Still Bill
3. The Mountain Goats: "This Year," from The Sunset Tree
4. Crosby, Stills & Nash: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," from Crosby, Stills & Nash
5. Louis Armstrong: "What A Wonderful World"
6. John Williams: "End Credits," from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
7. Blackalicious: "Make You Feel That Way," from Blazing Arrow
8. Tyler Childers: "Space and Time," from Rustin' in the Rain
9. Nina Simone: "Isn't It A Pity," from Emergency Ward! (Live)
10. Bob Marley & The Wailers: "Three Little Birds," from Exodus

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 22

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers are your guides to the last big Friday of 2024. Plus a deep dive into an epic new Red Hot compilation titled TRAИƧA.

Featured albums:
• Kim Deal, Nobody Loves You More
• Father John Misty, Mahashmashana
• Say Lou Lou, Dust
• Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes
• Various Artists, TRAИƧA (Red Hot)

See the long list of albums out Nov. 22 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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As the Latin Grammys turns 25, how much has Latin music changed? (Part 1)

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

The Latin Grammys recently marked its 25th anniversary. Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre was in Miami to talk to some of Latin music's most influential artists to understand some of the trends that are shaping Latin music today, shared over two episodes.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Juanes, "Fíjate Bien"
•Juanes, "Vida Cotidiana"
•Álvaro Díaz, "Quien Te Quiere"
•Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera "Bebé Dame"

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 21: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

In the final update to our running list of the year's best songs, we've got the cathartic rock of Kassie Krut, a nerve-settling collaboration between the singers SOAK and Gordi, Ethel Cain and more.

Featured songs and artists:
1. Kassie Krut: "Reckless," from Kassie Krut
2. Gordi: "Reverie," from Lunch At Dune
3. Katy J Pearson: "Save Me," from Someday, Now
4. Freak Slug: "Ya Ready," from I Blow Out Big Candles
5. Hildegard: "Bach In Town," from Jour 1596
6. Ethel Cain: "Punish" (single)

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 15

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling releases out on November 15.

Featured Albums:
• FLO, Access All Areas
• Dwight Yoakam, Brighter Days
• Ganavya, Daughter of a Temple
• Wussy, Cincinnati Ohio

Check out the longer list of albums out Nov. 15 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino's New Music Roundup

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:09:55 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre recorded their latest new music guide on the streets of Spain.

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The Contenders, Vol. 20: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with more calming sounds from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi, the electronic artist Jon Hopkins, Muno singer Katie Gavin's new solo album and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Jónsi: "Flicker," from First Light
2. Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste," from What A Relief
3. Jon Hopkins: "part viii - nothing is lost," from RITUAL
4. Katie Malco: "Fatal Attraction (feat. Laura Stevenson)" (Single)
5. Clairo: "Add Up My Love," from Charm
6. Max Richter: "Movement, Before All Flowers," from In A Landscape

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcats.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 8

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling albums released this Friday.

Featured albums:
• Ab-Soul, Soul Burger
• Jamey Johnson, Midnight Gasoline
• Our Girl, The Good Kind
• Various Artists, Like Someone I Know: A Celebration of Margo Guryan

Check out the longer list of albums out Nov. 8 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino's Spain Soundtrack

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are in Spain for a music conference. On this episode, they share their favorite discoveries from Bilbao, San Sebastián and beyond.

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More songs to calm the nerves

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

In our second installment of blood-slowing songs we take a deep breath and let it out with the music of Max Richter, Hania Rani, Fleet Foxes, Yasmin Williams and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Joan Shelley: "Easy Now," from Over and Even
2. Fleet Foxes: "Helplessness Blues," from Helplessness Blues
3. Theo Alexander: "re; Waiting," from Animadversions
4. Hania Rani & Dobrawa Czocher: "There Will Be Hope," from Inner Symphonies
5. Nicholas Britell: "Eden (Harlem)," from If Beale Street Could Talk
6. Max Richter: "Dream 3 (in the midst of my life)," from From Sleep
7. Stars of the Lid: "Even If You're Never Awake," from And Their Refinement of the Decline
8. Iron & Wine: "Passing Afternoon," from Our Endless Numbered Days
9. Yasmin Williams: "Juvenescence," from Urban Driftwood
10. Gidon Kremer & Keith Jarrett: "Fratres (for violin and piano)," from Arvo Párt: Tabula Rasa

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 1

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:56:39 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling new releases of the week, including the first album in 16 years by The Cure and a surprise release by Tyler, the Creator.

Featured albums:
• The Cure, 'Songs of a Lost World'
• Tyler, the Creator, 'Chromokopia'
• Willie Nelson, 'Last Leaf on the Tree'
• Haley Heynderickx, 'Seed of a Seed'

Check out the longer list of albums out November 1 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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How hip-hop reached global domination

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

Over half a century, hip-hop has grown into a globally dominant musical and cultural force while remaining stubbornly, vitally 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, NPR Music editors Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce are joined by contributor Christina Lee to look at how and why the music has managed to remain a local phenomenon, even as it's taken hold of the world.

Note: This episode original ran in Aug. 2023 for our special coverage of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 25

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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 Vertebrate

Plus: 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.

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Alt.Latino's new music round-up: Elsa y Elmar, Alih Jey and Little Jesus

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 19: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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. 10
2. Youth Lagoon: "My Beautiful Girl" (single)
3. Memorials: "Cut It Like A Diamond," from Memorial Waterslides
4. Bartees Strange: "Sober," from Horror
5. 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 Blood

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 18

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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Celebrating the legacy of Celia Cruz

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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The most terrifying film scores of all time

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured songs and films:
1. Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind: "Main Title" and "Clockworks (Bloody Elevators)," from The Shining
2. Mark Korven: "The Goat & The Mayhem," from The Witch
3. Goblin: "Sighs," from Suspiria
4. Hildur Guǒnadóttir: "The Door," from Chernobyl
5. John Carpenter: "Main Title," from Halloween
6. Colin Stetson: "Mothers & Daughters," from Hereditary
7. Mica Levi: "Lipstick To Void," from Under the Skin
8. Cristobal Tapia De Veer: "Laura Smile," from Smile
9. Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow: "The Alien," from Annihilation
10. Bobby Krlic: "Gassed," from Midsommar

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 11

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Rosalía, Twanguero and Wyatt Flores

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 18: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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 Moves
2. Bon Iver: "S P E Y S I D E," from SABLE
3. Mabe Fratti: "Kravitz," from Sentir que no sabe
4. Jem: "Come On Closer," from Finally Woken (20th Anniversary Remastered Edition)
5. Nala Sinephro: "Continuum 3," from Endlessness
6. Jill Fraser: "Beautiful Summer," from Earthly Pleasures

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 4

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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, 'See You 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: allsongs@npr.org

For a longer list of new albums out Oct. 4 and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.

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The songs we can't stop playing on repeat

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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'How Women Made Music'

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 27

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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: allsongs@npr.org

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Alt.Latino talks all the surprise nominations for the 2024 Latin Grammys

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 17: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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 bones
2. Christopher Rountree: "Almanac," from 3BPM
3. Colin Stetson: "Hollowing," from The love it took to leave you
4. Emily D'Angelo: "Freezing," from Freezing
5. Lia Kohl: "Tennis Court Light, Snow," from Normal Sounds
6. Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari, from Revolución Diamantina

Questions, comments, suggestions or any feedback at all always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 20

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Manu Chao, Linda Diaz and Solo Fernández

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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Arcade Fire's 'Funeral' at 20

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:59 +0000

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: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 13

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 10:54:28 +0000

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 Terror

For the complete list of albums out Sept. 13 and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino's 'El Tiny' takeover is back — and this year it's all about love

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

'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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 16: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 Dawn
2. Angélica Garcia: "El Que," from Gemelo
3. Damien Jurado & The Fremont Abbeye: "Sheets ('24)," from Sheets ('24)
4. Laura Marling: "Patterns," from Patterns In Repeat
5. Carlos Ares: "Cigarra," from Peregrino
6. Melt-Banana: "Stopgap," from 3+5

Feedback, questions, comments or suggestions always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 6

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers take you on a tour of the most exciting albums out Friday, Sept. 6

Featured 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.

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New music from Alt.Latino

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:32:46 +0000

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.

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Fall preview 2024

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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: SOPHIE
2. Mount Eerie: Night Palace
3. Dua Saleh: I Should Call Them
4. Kim Deal: Nobody Loves You More
5. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Chain Of Light
6. Soccer Mommy: Evergreen
7. Katie Gavin: What A Relief
8. Oliver Coates: Throb, shiver, arrow of time
9. Nubya Garcia: Odyssey

Other most-anticipated releases for fall 2024:
Bright Eyes: Five Dice, All Threes
Porridge Radio: Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me
Jamie xx: In Waves
Thurston Moore: Flow Critical Lucidity
Alan Sparhawk: White Roses, My God
Billy Strings: Highway Prayers
Christian Lee Hutson: Paradise Pop. 10
Mickey Guyton: House On Fire
Broadcast: Distant Call - Collected Demos 2000-2006
Dawn Richard, Spencer Zahn: Quiet in a World Full of Noise
Orla Gartland: Everybody Needs a Hero
Yasmin Williams: Acadia
The Linda Lindas: No Obligation
Japandroids: Fate & Alcohol
Laura Marling: Patterns in Repeat
Pixies: The Night the Zombies Came
Charley Crockett: Visions of Dallas

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 30

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The best albums out this week include Wild God from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Doechii's Alligator Bites Never Heal, Jon Hopkins' Ritual and more.

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, Ritual

Other notable releases for Aug. 30:
• Muni Long, Revenge
• Emily D'Angelo, Freezing
• AWOLNATION, The Phantom Five
• Big Sean, Better Me Than You
• Shemekia Copeland, Blame It on Eve
• Tycho, Infinite Health
• Zedd, Telos
• Chelsea Wolfe, Undone EP
• Tank & the Bangas, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul
• The Cactus Blossoms, Every Time I Think About You
• Caleb Caudle, Sweet Critters
• Amy Rigby, Hang in There With Me
• Noah Kahan, Stick Season (Live From Fenway Park)

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The Contenders, Vol. 15: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 Reign
2. The Smile: "Don't Get Me Started" (Single)
3. Japandroids: "D&T," from Fate & Alcohol
4. Peter Cat Recording Co.: "I Deny Me," from Beta
5. Great Grandpa: "Kid" (Single)
6. Yasmin Williams: "Virga (feat. Darlingside)," from Acadia

Like the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review in Apple podcasts or wherever you listen.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 23

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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The sound of Venezuelan protest music over the last 30 years

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Nick Cave on the encounters that brought him to 'Wild God'

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:59:46 +0000

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 what Cave describes as "a suffering god ... a god that is embedded in the world."

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.

Click here to read a transcript of this interview and hear songs from the album Wild God.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 16

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 Church

Visit https://npr.org/music to see the longer list of Aug. 16 releases and stream our New Music Friday playlist.

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The funniest songs of all time

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

"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.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out August 9

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 + esperanza

Links:
• 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 Janeiro

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Danny Ocean, Girl Ultra and Superfónicos

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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The golden age of slacker rock

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out August 2

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 Sinners

Other 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 Into

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S.O.S.: Songs of summer

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Alt.Latino's guide to Chicano soul

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 14: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 Stampede
2. Nilüfer Yanya: "Call It Love," from My Method Actor
3. Alisa Amador: "Woke Up Today," from Multitudes
4. Moses Sumney: "Gold Coast," from Sophcore
5. Neil Young and Crazy Horse: "Helpless," from Early Daze
6. Rema: "YAYO," from HEIS

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 19

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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' OST

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Breathe: Songs to calm your nerves

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 12

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Omar Apollo, Karol G and Papo Vazquez

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 13: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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'Born In The U.S.A.' at 40

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 28

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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In Conversation: Edgar Barrera

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras visit the Miami studio of the Latin pop super-producer.

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The Contenders, Vol. 12: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 21

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:00:42 +0000

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'

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The best songs of 2024 (so far)

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:40:00 +0000

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'

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 14

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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Alt.Latino's favorite music of 2024 (so far)

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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"

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The Contenders, Vol. 11: Jason Mantzoukas

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 7

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Advice for graduates: Listeners share songs, lessons from high school

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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Jack Antonoff on surviving grief, regret and working out life's uncertainties

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The producer, singer and songwriter talks with Rachel Martin, host of NPR's new podcast Wild Card, about some of life's biggest questions.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 31

Fri, 31 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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The National Recording Registry's best Spanish language songs (and what it's missing)

Wed, 29 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 10: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 28 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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: allsongs@npr.org

Featured 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'

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 24

Fri, 24 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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, Grasa

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Songs that hit you hard (2023)

Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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, 2023

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 17

Fri, 17 May 2024 12:01:38 +0000

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'

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Wyatt Flores, Danny Ocean and Grupo Frontera

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 9: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 14 May 2024 10:23:34 +0000

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' OST

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 10

Fri, 10 May 2024 07:00:06 +0000

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 Soundtrack

Other 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
• Shannon & the Clams, The Moon Is In The Wrong Place

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Mother's Day Special: Celebrating moms and the music they loved

Tue, 07 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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!

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 3

Fri, 03 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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Alt.Latino's favorite Tiny Desk Contest entries

Wed, 01 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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The Contenders, Vol. 8: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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'

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 26

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:06:28 +0000

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'

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Cruel songs for the cruelest month

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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