It?s that time of the year again: a mix between Christmas and Halloween for me and Felix. We gift you our best album picks of the year so far ? and there?s nothing spookier for us than having to choose. So here it is, the music we?ve loved and listened to the most in the first half of 2026, some of the best (in our opinion) from all of Latin America and its diaspora. ? Anamaria Sayre

Artist and albums featured in this episode:

(02:15) Trueno - 'TURR4ZO'
(07:06) Jonathan Suazo - 'Ricano Vol. 2: Fruto de mi Corazón'
(11:16) Broke Carrey - 'HIJO DEL PAÍS'
(15:48) X Alfonso - 'AIRE'
(22:28) Silvia Pérez Cruz - 'Oral_Abisal'
(29:30) Nuevos Rios - 'Nuevos Rios'
(32:17) Criolo, Amaro Freitas & Dino d'Santiago - 'CRIOLO, AMARO E DINO'
(37:33) Sofia Rei - 'Antónima'

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

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Roséwave is a feeling more than a singular sound or genre. It?s the kind of sweetness and sadness that underscores the long, languid days of summer.  Long drives with old friends, watching your kids at the pool, backyard barbecues while the sun slowly sets.  On this episode we share a mix of songs that offer the perfect soundtrack for your roséwave days and nights, from Linda Ronstadt?s ?How Do I Make You? and Marvin Gaye?s ?Ain?t That Peculiar,? to Katie Gavin?s ?Aftertaste,? Waxahatchee?s ?Much Ado About Nothing? and more.

NPR Music?s Lars Gotrich and contributor Marissa Lorusso join host Robin Hilton.

(00:00) Intro and ?Summertime, Summertime? by The Jamies

(01:57) Wednesday: "Elderberry Wine"

(04:34) The Lijadu Sisters: "Come on Home"

(07:35) Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste?

(12:17) Marvin Gaye: "Ain't That Peculiar"

(15:46) Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra: ?Gayane Ballet Suite: Adagio?

(17:02) Haku.: "Looking Through My Subtle Double Eyelids"

(19:46) Labi Siffre: "My Song"

(22:45) Azymuth: "Faça de Conta"

(25:09) Waxahatchee: "Much Ado About Nothing"

(27:35) Linda Ronstadt: "How Do I Make You"

(30:29) Addison Rae: "Diet Pepsi," from 'Addison'

(34:56) Amerie: "Why Don't We Fall in Love"

Reviews help!  Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

Note: A version of this episode originally ran in July 2025.


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On a special mid-year episode of New Music Friday, host Stephen Thompson and a lineup of NPR Music writers and critics reflect on their favorite albums of the year so far. 

Albums featured in this episode:

(01:14) Album No. 1
- Noah Kahan, 'The Great Divide'

(07:16) Album No. 2
- underscores, 'U'

(14:00) Album No. 3
- Cécile McLorin Salvant, 'With Every Breath I Take'

(20:13) Album No. 4
- Neurosis, 'An Undying Love For A Burning World'

(27:18) Album No. 5
- Tiffany Day, 'HALO'

(33:46) Album No. 6
- Metropolis Ensemble, Erik Hall & Sandbox Percussion, 'Canto Ostinato'

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Hazel Cills, Ann Powers, Lars Gotrich, Sheldon Pearce, Tom Huizenga
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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The origin story of The Postal Service is as simple (and twee) as they come: An electronic music producer (Jimmy Tamborello) and an indie rock singer-songwriter (Ben Gibbard) decide to collaborate on a few songs, sending each other music via snail mail. But The Postal Service?s only album, Give Up, eventually went platinum, and the band is selling out arenas decades later. It?s a record that seems to have captured how rapid advances in technology would change how we communicate and even love, bridging the distances that separate us.  

This week, NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss lead single ?Such Great Heights? by The Postal Service, from 2003.  

This NPR Music podcast series with Ann and Daoud is usually just for NPR+ supporters. To listen to the rest of the episodes in the series and support public media, sign up for NPR+ at plus.npr.org. Follow NPR Music coverage and the Tiny Desk Concerts at npr.org/music

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On this week?s Alt.Latino, Anamaria and I both gush about 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2,' the new album from Chilean-Mexican singer Mon Laferte, who is on one of the more amazing creative streaks I've witnessed in a while. Also, Ana and I sometimes unintentionally align when picking new music for the show, and that took place this week with a couple of Brazilian highlights: I chose an artist who records as MOMO., while Ana brought in music from São Paulo-based artist Tijolo. Also this week, Chicago-based artist Sparklmami and an EP from Texan-Mexican singer Iveth Luna that got me thinking about the world of Spanish-language Christian music. ? Felix Contreras

Artists & albums featured in this episode:

(01:31) Sparklmami, 'in this body'

(06:36) The Animeros, '¡Qué Bárbaro!'

(09:51) Mon Laferte, 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2'

(16:47) Iveth Luna, 'Making Ways'

(21:34) Tijolo, 'Y'

(25:37) MOMO., 'Tum Tum Tum'

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

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It's the midway point of 2026, and it's safe to say that when it comes to the best songs of the year, there's not really any consensus to be found. So we?ve assembled our personal Top 10 list of the most memorable songs to cross our paths, from the outlaw country of Charley Crockett to the glam rock of Friko, Lana Del Rey?s twisted ode to love, Vince Staples' "White Flag" and more.

NPR Music?s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Mandy, Indiana: ?try saying?

(05:09) Aldous Harding: ?Coats?

(09:28) Vince Staples: ?White Flag?

(14:25) Yebba: ?Yellow Eyes?

(18:04) Friko: ?Seven Degrees?

(22:01) Charley Crockett: ?Kentucky Too Long?

(26:03) Lana Del Rey: ?White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter?

(32:07) Baby Rose: ?Friends Again" (feat. Leon Thomas)

(37:59) Mumford & Sons: ?Rubber Band Man" (feat. Hozier)

(42:58) Irreversible Entanglements: ?Don?t Lose Your Head" (feat. MOTHERBOARD)

Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]


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Beth Orton. Chanel Beads. Cécile McLorin Salvant. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver about their favorite new albums out Friday, June 26. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.


The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction
- Roberta Flack, 'The Montreux Years'

(02:01) Album No. 1
- Cécile McLorin Salvant, 'With Every Breath I Take'

(09:11) Album No. 2
- Ibeyi, 'Offering'

(15:57) Album No. 3
- Chanel Beads, 'Your Day Will Come'

(21:52) Album No. 4
- Beth Orton, 'The Ground Above'

(28:34) Album No.5
- ALIA, 'Where the Echoes Bloom'


(33:59) The Lightning Round

- Andrew Sa, 'American Rough'
- Tasha, 'You Are Spring!'
- Madeon, 'Victory'
- Rodney Crowell, 'Then Again'
- Downtown Boys, 'Public Luxury'

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: Ayana Contreras, KUVO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers

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This week's episode is a musical time machine. In the late 1960s, the band Zapata sprang out of a street gang in northwest Washington, D.C., with a sound that combined a variety of contemporary styles: Afro-Caribbean rhythms, soul jazz and the golden era of American R&B. The mixture worked. For a few years, Zapata opened for an astonishing number of A-list acts passing through the city, like Miles Davis, Sly and the Family Stone, Herbie Hancock and The Isley Brothers. But the band would break up in 1974, and for years their recorded material was believed to be lost. Now, surviving member Pepe Gonzalez has restored a cassette tape of Zapata's music from 1971, and is releasing it for the first time. In this episode, Felix chats with Gonzalez about the origins of the band, and how they tried to unify the Black and Hispanic musical scenes in the city at the time.

The podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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We share our picks for the best new tracks of the week, including Mitski?s surprising cover of One Direction?s ?Fireproof.? But first, we remember Beck?s still mind-blowing Odelay, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary. 

NPR Music?s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Beck?s Odelay at 30
(03:39) Perennial: ?What?s New On The Beat Scene?
(08:55) Mitski: ?Fireproof?
(13:50) Sarah Davachi: ?Songs of the Smile?s Fig: III. Follies?
(21:56) Shearwater: ?Daydream Unbeliever?
(32:33) Sleep: ?Have Spacesuit Will Travel?
(41:39) L?Rain: ?soulless cycle?

Reviews help!  Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]


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Tierra Whack. The War and Treaty. A plethora of new jazz releases. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Nate Chinen from WRTI in Philadelphia about their favorite new albums out Friday, June 19. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:17) Album No. 1
- Tierra Whack, 'Whack's Museum'

(06:43) Album No. 2
- The War and Treaty, 'The Story of Michael and Tanya'

(15:39) Album No. 3
- Micah Thomas, 'Lucid'

(20:40) Album No. 4
- Your Brother's Keeper & Gary Bartz, 'Where Rivers Meet'

(26:21) Album No. 5
- Sam Barsh, Keyon Harrold & Mark Guiliana, 'Straight08'


(32:30) The Lightning Round

- Tucker Zimmerman, 'Dream Me A Dream'
- The Phoenix Trio, 'Tomorrow is Today'
- Janus Rasmussen, 'Inert'
- Daniel Lanois, 'Belladonna Nocturne'
- Wild Up, 'Gay Guerilla Vol. 5'

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 Robin Hilton and Tom Huizenga

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We're living in a moment when the geopolitical intersects with the personal in a profound way. The relationship between the United States and Cuba is once again in the news, and it happens at a time when there are a handful of new releases from Cuban artists on the island and around the world. The sounds of the albums are vastly different, but they all draw from the same deep well of inspiration that has always fueled Cuban music: a deep love for the intersection of cultures. The music we share this week is a reminder of the very real lives of the people caught in the middle of a situation with an uncertain outcome. It is joyous, contemplative, rhythmically sophisticated and lyrically profound. Just like all Cuban music.

Artists & songs featured in this episode:

(00:52) OKAN, "Ajé (Owo Nla Nla)"
(03:30) Ibeyo, "Aset"
(06:45) Orquesta Akokán, "No Me Voy" 
(11:50) Cimafunk, "Cocinarte"
(15:47) X Alfonso, "Unicornio"

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

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It?s the season of road trips ? and nothing goes better with those long and winding roads than music. 

This week we share our picks for the perfect playlist, breakdown what works best when, and consider some ground rules ? does the driver always have the final say?

Reviews help!  Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Eric Burdon and War: ?Spill the Wine?
(03:09) Stromae: ?Santé?
(04:57) Broadway Cast: ?Alexander Hamilton?
(07:53) Joe Iconis / Broadway Cast: ?Michael in the Bathroom?
(10:14) Abiotic: ?Vermosapien?
(12:02) Wipers: ?Mystery?
(13:36) Steely Dan: ?My Old School?
(17:28) Tunde Olaniran: ?Namesake?
(19:54) Shania Twain: ?Man, I Feel Like a Woman!?
(22:37) Pat Travers: ?Amgwanna Kick Booty?
(26:27) Anthrax & Public Enemy: ?Bring The Noise?
(27:49) Unwed Sailor: ?Monster Collecting?
(29:46) The Allman Brothers Band: ?Midnight Rider? and ?Southbound?
(33:12) Lake Street Dive: ?You Go Down Smooth?
(35:41) Black Sabbath: ?Turn Up The Night?
(37:19) Simple Minds: ?Don?t You (Forget About Me)?

Note: A version of this episode originally posted in August 2025.


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Olivia Rodrigo. Pussy Riot. Hayley Kiyoko. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, June 12. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Songs of the Summer

(01:59) Album No. 1
? Olivia Rodrigo, 'you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love'

(10:01) Album No. 2
? Pussy Riot, 'CYKA'

(17:31) Album No. 3
? YHWH Nailgun, 'Magazine'

(22:01) Album No. 4
? Hayley Kiyoko, 'girls like girls (the album)'

(28:31) Album No. 5
? Six Sex, 'ULTRA'


(34:10) The Lightning Round

? Kelsey Lu, 'So Help Me God'
? Ambrose Akimusire & Mary Halvorson, 'Slo-Mo Neon Luminate Hoverings'
? Diles Que No Me Maten, 'Escrito en Agua'
? Horse Lords, 'Demand To Be Taken Alive!'
? Mon Laferte, 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2'

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: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Robin Hilton, Lars Gotrich and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

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Ruben Ramos' life story mirrors the history of what we now know as Tejano music. His family's musical roots in Texas go back to 1918, and as a boy he was brought into the family bands, first as a drummer and then as a vocalist. He's been playing big band-inflected Tejano music now for more than six decades, and just released a tribute album tracing that musical lineage, called 'Los Días de Calor.' In this episode, Felix chats with "El Gato Negro" Ramos about the history of Tejano music across the twentieth century, and how his own story fits inside of it. 

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

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NPR listeners share the songs they reach for when they need to reset the mood, their day or even their life.

This is a followup to our April episode on songs for starting over.  NPR?s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.

A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]  

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:13) Quincy Jones: ?Dead End?

(02:12) Bill Withers: ?Lovely Day?

(04:51) Florence + the Machine: ?Shake It Out?

(08:06) Jacob Collier: ?Something Heavy?

(11:24) Des?ree: ?You Gotta Be?

(16:32) Peter Gabriel: ?Washing Of The Water?

(19:57) Cat Power: ?Nothin But Time?

(23:02) John Denver: ?Sweet Surrender?

(27:46) Isley Brothers: ?Summer Breeze?

(31:22) Green Day: ?Still Breathing?

(34:10) Vienna Teng: ?Level Up?


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Vince Staples. Zoh Amba. Death Cab for Cutie. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Laura Grant from WEXT in New York about their favorite albums out Friday, June 5. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Album No.1
Death Cab for Cutie, 'I Built You a Tower' (ANTI-Records)

(08:18) Album No. 2
Vince Staples, 'Cry Baby' (Loma Vista Recordings)

(15:43) Album No. 3
Jalen Ngonda, 'Doctrine of Love' (Daptone Records)

(20:41) Album No. 4
Zoh Amba, 'Eyes Full' (Matador Records)

(27:19) Album No. 5
Laura Misch, 'Lithic' (One Little Independent Records)


(32:39) Lightning Round Recommendations

? Fightmaster, 'Tolerance' (Many Hats)
? Red Clay Strays, 'Grateful' (RCA)
? Slippers, 'Slippers 08' (Perennial)
? Suzanne Ciani, Metropole Orkest, Simon Dobson, 'CIANI/ORKEST' (AKP Recordings)
? Tara Clerkin Trio, 'Somewhere Good' (World of Echo)

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: Laura Grant, WEXT
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Robin Hilton, Hazel Cills and Lars Gotrich


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The best new tracks of the week include a raging, dance floor remix of Wet Leg?s ?Catch These Fists,? a touch of vintage soul from rapper Vince Staples, Radiohead guitarist Ed O?Brien and more.

NPR Music?s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton.

A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]  

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Wet Leg

(07:05) Katia & Marielle Labèque

(15:23) Balming Tiger

(22:42) Wild Up

(31:00) Vince Staples

(36:06) Ed O?Brien


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Boards of Canada. Kurt Vile. Iceage. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Andrew Brown of KUTX in Austin about their favorite albums out Friday, May 29. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Paul McCartney
(02:00) Boards of Canada
(09:22) Kurt Vile
(17:01) Iceage
(22:18) feeble little horse
(27:45) Greg Mendez

(33:46) Lightning Round Recommendations

- The Greenberry Woods
- obli
- RaiNao
- ear
- Brian Jackson

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: Andrew Brown, KUTX
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Robin Hilton and Anamaria Sayre

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We don?t often get to discuss the ways that Latin American music made its way west across the Pacific Ocean. But this week we have two incredible projects that celebrate that journey. First, a Japanese band that fuses traditional minyo folk sounds with cumbia and other Latin rhythms. Then, a project that unearths a forgotten history of the 19th century Mexican cowboys who went to Hawaii to help manage livestock.

Plus, a tribute to Afro-Colombian folk legend Totó La Momposina, who passed away this month at 85; an underrated Puerto Rican reggaetonero shines again; and, of course, Ana continues her Brazilian obsession with new tracks from up-and-comer Bebé.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(00:55) Bebé - 'Dissolução'
(05:45) Minya Crusaders - 'From Japan With Love'
(10:06) Álvaro Díaz - 'OMAKASE'
(17:35) Los Cenzontles - 'Adios Ke Aloha: Waves of the Same Sea'
(23:05) Orestes Gomez - 'No me fui porque quise'
(28:04) Totó La Momposina - Various

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

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We weigh the options and attempt to pick the one song that best captures the Millennial experience, from the dizzying highs of the dot-com boom, when anything seemed possible, to the post-9-11 bust, the "hope and change" of the Obama years, and prolonged period of generational disillusionment.

NPR Music editors Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton.

A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] 

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Aja Monet. Jack Antonoff's Bleachers. Radiohead's Ed O'Brien. Guest host Ann Powers chats with Aurora McGuckin of MVY Radio in Massachusetts about their favorite albums out Friday, May 22. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Bleachers, 'everyone for ten minutes'
(06:55) JPEGMAFIA, 'EXPERIMENTAL RAP'
(12:49) Ed O'Brien, 'Blue Morpho'
(19:01) aja monet, 'the color of rain'
(25:19) Lowertown, 'Ugly Duckling Union'

(30:35) The Lightning Round

- Alela Diane, 'Who's Keeping Time?'
- Mexican Institute of Sound & Meridian Brothers, 'Ruido Tovar'
- Balming Tiger, 'Gongbu'
- Bill Orcutt & Mabe Fratti, 'Almost Waking'
- Traumprinz, 'Life'

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

Credits:
Host: Ann Powers
Guest: Aurora McGuckin, MVY Radio
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Robin Hilton

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Two different pioneers - from two different continents - are at the heart of this episode of new music. Since the late 80s, Gipsy Kings have been infusing Catalan rumba flamenca with a pop sensibility that defies the purists. Their new single "Historia," from an upcoming album of the same name, shows they've still got that punchy danceability forty years on. And across the pond, Mexican rocker and songwriter Julieta Venegas explores the musical roots of her norteña heritage on a new album, playing with the biculturalism that defines so much of life along the border.

Plus, Las Añez brings twin harmonies to Andean folk-pop, Helado Negro teams up with Reyna Tropical, Mexican upstart Esteesgarcia confounds Ana and Felix, and more!

Artists & songs featured in this episode:

(00:22) Las Añez - "Cebolla", "Libéralo"
(05:21) Helado Tropical - "Tocando"
(09:44) Esteesgarcia - "south kids", "Okupa"
(14:35) Gipsy Kings - "Historia"
(23:23) Julieta Venegas ft. Yahritza y Su Esencia - "La Línea"
(25:53) bpuntito - "colitaderana", "después"
(31:29) Ana Moura & MARO -  "Era de Aquário/Deixa o Sol Entrar"

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

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Our latest mix of the week?s best new songs includes a moody reflection on burnout from Gracie Abrams, rising L.A. duo Evening Elephants, the elusive electronic collagists Ear and more.  

NPR Music?s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.

Please leave a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:45) Gracie Abrams: ?Hit the Wall?

(08:10) Zoh Amba: ?Eyes Full"

(14:18) Jazmin Bean: ?Darling?

(21:57) Ear: ?Ne Plus Ultra?

(27:46) Evening Elephants: ?A Digital Touch?

(33:07) Knats: ?Carpet Doctor (feat. Geordie Greep)?

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It?s been five years since we last heard music from Isaiah Rashad. And four years since he largely disappeared from the public eye after two leaked sex tapes, featuring Rashad with other men, upended his life. Now, he's back. On his album, 'It's Been Awful,' he reaches new levels of clarity and intimacy. Having survived hypervisibility, this new music encapsulates what it means to truly be seen. 

In this episode, NPR Music's Rodney Carmichael sits down with Rashad for a wide-ranging interview about the new album, family, addiction and masculinity in hip hop.


This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Sheldon Pearce.

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Jobi Riccio. Dua Saleh. Tank and the Bangas. Plus, others not named Drake! NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Joe Kendrick of WNCW in North Carolina about their favorite albums out Friday, May 15. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Jobi Riccio, 'Face The Feeling'
(07:49) Dua Saleh, 'Of Earth & Wires'
(15:38) Tank and the Bangas, 'The Last Balloon'
(21:41) Cocanha, 'Flame Folclòre'
(26:50) Tamikrest, 'Assikel'

(33:01) The Lightning Round

- Eluvium, 'Virga III'
- Kevin Morby, 'Little Wide Open
- Martyn, 'Music for Existing'
- Julieta Venegas, 'Norteña'
- Jeff Parker ETA IVtet, 'Happy Today'

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: Joe Kendrick, WNCW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Anamaria Sayre

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Since 2014, we've been hitting bands up to send in their videos for the opportunity to win the Tiny Desk Contest. And almost from the beginning, Alt.Latino has been pulling aside the bands and artists that play Latin music. It?s always been a highlight to see the incredible talent that's out there night after night in bars, clubs, community centers, street parties and backyards, finding new ways to express their Latino identity through music. This year was no different.

We waded through hundreds of entries to select the six to feature this week, which showcase a huge variety of musical expressions.

And a reminder: you can see every band that sent in a video this year right here - and a big shout out to this year?s winner, Cure For Paranoia!


Artists and songs featured in this episode:

(04:10) Sofia Gomez, "Without Me"
(07:58) Ed Harvest, "Me Toca Despedirme de Ti"
(11:05) alegrías, "Wahoo!"
(16:05) Ivan Llanes and Friends, "Cubahia"
(22:27) Majo Puente, "MAKTUB"
(25:56) Thee Almighty Majestics, "Última Noche"

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

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Our latest mix of the best new tracks this week includes a massive eye-roll from Charli xcx, the first-ever solo music from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, another surprise drop from electronic music icons Boards of Canada, and more.

NPR Music?s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

Leave us a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro
(01:18) Charli xcx: ?Rock Music? (Single)
(07:30) Starflyer 59: ?I?m Disappointed? from Disappointed EP
(12:22) Mike D: ?Switch Up? (Single)
(19:53) Black Swan Network: ?The Shell? from The Early Music, Vol. 1
(25:30) Hannah Cohen: ?Golden Chain? (Single)
(31:55) Boards of Canada: ?Introit/Prophecy At 1420 MHz? from Inferno

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MUNA. Stephen Sanchez. Lykke Li. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 8. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. 

The Starting 5

(00:00) MUNA, 'Dancing On The Wall'
(08:17) Aldous Harding, 'Train on the Island'
(16:00) Deb Never, 'Arcade'
(22:15) Lykke Li, 'The Afterparty'
(28:12) Stephen Sanchez, 'LOVE, LOVE, LOVE'


(34:46) The Lightning Round

- Ashley McBryde, 'Wild'
- Broken Social Scene, 'Remember The Humans'
- Ray Bull, 'Please Stop Laughing'
- Anastasia Kristensen, 'Bestiarium Sombre'
- Amy Grant, 'The Me That Remains'

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: Celia Gregory, WNXP
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Robin Hilton, Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich

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With Mother?s Day nearing, listeners share songs that remind them of their moms and the deeply moving stories behind them.

NPR's Mitra Arthur joins host Robin Hilton.

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro / ?Stardust? by Hoagy Carmichael
(01:52) Christina Aguilera: ?Beautiful?
(06:06) Jeannie C. Riley: ?Harper Valley P.T.A.?
(10:09) Kermit the Frog: ?Rainbow Connection?
(13:50) Phyllis Hyman: ?You Know How To Love Me?
(17:16) MILCK: ?Oh, Mother?
(21:58) Christina Perri: ?You Are My Sunshine?
(25:33) The Tokens: ?The Lion Sleeps Tonight?
(29:16) Four Tops: ?Reach Out I?ll Be There?
(33:43) Sweet Honey In The Rock: ?Wanting Memories?

Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2024


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Kacey Musgraves. American Football. Tori Amos. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 1. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Kacey Musgraves, 'Middle of Nowhere'
(08:41) American Football, 'American Football (LP4)'
(16:25) Isaiah Rashad, 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL'
(21:42) Tori Amos, 'In Times of Dragons'
(28:09) Ana Roxanne, 'Poem 1'

(33:38) The Lightning Round

- Jesca Hoop, 'Long Wave Home'
- Casper Sage, 'PATINA'
- duendita, 'existential thottie'
- Maisy Owen, 'Dark on a Sunny Day'
- Octo Octa, 'Sigils For Survival'

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: Jewly Hight, WPLN
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers and Hazel Cills

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Fusion is at the heart of so much of the music we cover - especially on this week's episode. Flamenco producers descend on Hermosillo to experiment with regional Mexican music. Young Argentine artists blend trap with folk and rock en Español. A sunny Rio sound is born in Spain. Plus, a New Mexican string band, an Afro-Brazilian collective and an exploration of Latin roots from Cypress Hill.  

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(02:26) Trueno, 'TURR4ZO'
(09:37) Lone Piñon, 'Hot Carne Seca'
(13:20) Chanela Clicka, 'COBRA'
(18:50) Cypress Hill, 'Dios Bendiga'
(22:30) Leo Middea, 'Notícias de Puglia'
(25:28) Mandinga Beat, 'Afro-Brazil'

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

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Our latest picks for the week?s best new songs include Olivia Rodrigo?s head-over-heels earworm ?drop dead,? a stunning bonus cut from Rosalía?s LUX album, a surprising pop turn from Peter Gabriel, twisted dance beats from Nine Inch Nails and more.

NPR Music?s Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hiton.

Featured artists and songs:


(00:00) Intro

(01:49) Olivia Rodrigo: ?drop dead? from you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

(09:50) Peter Gabriel: ?Till Your Mind Is Shining (Bright-Side Mix)? from o\i

(20:23) Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize: ?Heresy? from Nine Inch Noize

(28:47) Rosalía: ?Focu 'Ranni? from LUX (Complete Works)

(36:21) Rostam: ?Like a Spark? from American Stories

(42:51) Gregory Uhlmann: ?Days? from Extra Stars


Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]


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Noah Kahan. Kehlani. The return of Metric. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with DJ Llu from Vermont Public about their favorite albums out Friday, April 24. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Noah Kahan, 'The Great Divide'
(09:28) Kehlani, 'Kehlani'
(16:14) Metric, 'Romanticize The Dive'
(21:33) Gia Margaret, 'Singing'
(28:27) Season 2, 'Power of Now'

(34:12) The Lightning Round

- Quiet Light, 'Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2'
- Kiki Cavazos, 'Goodbye Blues'
- Carla dal Forno, 'Confession'
- The Milk Carton Kids, 'Lost Cause Lover Fool'
- Trueno, 'TURR4ZO'

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: DJ Llu, Vermont Public
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Hazel Cills, Ann Powers and Anamaria Sayre

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This week's new music show spans the breadth of Latin America. Argentine indie artist Paula Prieto goes experimental. Venezuelan reggaeton pioneers Chino y Nacho return to the limelight. Brazilian singer Marina B reminds Felix of The Beatles. Guatemala's Doctor Nativo pays homage to the "caminantes" heading north to find a better life. Plus, Latin punk from San Antonio, and a celebration of Afro-Cuban legend Arsenio Rodriguez.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(00:46) Chino y Nacho, 'Radio Venezuela'
(05:30) FEA, 'Careful'
(10:11) Paula Prieto, 'TEMPORAL, LP.'
(16:27) Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band, 'Arsenio And Beyond'
(22:30) Midnight Cafe & Marina B, 'À Flor da Pele (Lonely Man)'
(25:34) Doctor Nativo & Roco Pachukote, 'Caminantes'

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

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Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a scorching new cut from Jack White, a surprise (and breathtaking) return of electronic legends Boards of Canada, outlaw country from Charley Crockett and more.  

NPR Music?s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:22) Jack White: ?G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs? (Single)

(08:38) Kelela: ?idea 1? (Single)

(16:13) mary in the junkyard: ?Crash Landing? from Role Model Hermit

(24:59) Charley Crockett: ?Kentucky Too Long? from Age of the Ram

(32:33) Boards of Canada: ?Tape 05? (Single)

(40:09) Purity Ring: ?lemonlime? (Single)


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We talk with Beck about his gauzy new song, what he?s been up to since releasing his last album seven years ago, and what he (maybe?) has planned for the coming year.

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

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Honey Dijon. Yaya Bey. Shadowy pop from Sofia Isella. Guest host Hazel Cills chats with Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, April 17. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Nine Inch Nails & Boys Noize, 'Nine Inch Noize'
(02:47) Honey Dijon, 'The Nightlife'
(09:05) Jessie Ware, 'Superbloom'
(16:22) Sofia Isella, 'Something is a shell' EP
(22:43) Eaves Wilder, 'Little Miss Sunshine'
(28:56) Yaya Bey, 'Fidelity'


(34:33) The Lightning Round

- Kathryn Mohr, 'Carve'
- Protoje, 'The Art of Acceptance'
- PPJ, 'Joker' EP
- Iceland Symphony Orchestra, 'Arvo Pärt: Complete Symphonies'
- Adrian Younge, 'Younge'

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

Credits:
Host: Hazel Cills
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Tom Huizenga and Rodney Carmichael

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Jorge Drexler is one of the most decorated singer-songwriters in Latin America. His albums are always high profile events, and his latest record merits the attention. It's called Taracá, and to make it he returned home to his native Uruguay - after living in Spain for 30 years - to explore the roots of an Afro-Uruguayan tradition known as candombe. On this week's episode we chat with Drexler about the motivation for returning to his home country, making music after losing his parents, and how the album's title reflects the sound made by a candombe drum.

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We celebrate spring and new beginnings with a perfect mix of songs for starting over.  This can take many forms: songs that spark a good, cleansing cry; songs that offer wisdom, or just a sure-fire jolt of adrenaline. But in the end, all of the tracks herein can help reconfigure your mood, your day, maybe even ... your life. 

Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music?s Noah Caldwell and Dora Levite.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(02:05) Nina Simone: ?Feeling Good? from I Put a Spell on You

(06:02) Cassandra Jenkins: ?Hard Drive? from An Overview of Phenomenal Nature

(10:29) Cajmere: ?Brighter Days? from Brighter Days

(15:42) Beastie Boys: ?Sabotage? from Ill Communication

(18:54) Wednesday: ?Reality TV Argument Bleeds? from Bleeds

(22:43) Gregory Alan Isakov: ?Second Chances? from The Weatherman

(27:09) Bob Marley: ?Three Little Birds? from Exodus

(30:56) LCD Soundsystem: ?oh baby? from American Dream

(35:18) Ryuichi Sakamoto: ?ZURE? from async

(41:02) Amy Shark: ?Amy Shark? from Cry Forever

(45:26) Sluice: ?Beadie? from Companion

(50:05) The Allman Brothers Band: ?Ain?t Wastin? Time No More? from Eat a Peach

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!
Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

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Ella Langley. Wesley Joseph. The spellbinding Juni Habel. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Chloe Kimes from WMOT in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, April 10. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Ella Langley, 'Dandelion'
(08:24) Tenille Townes, 'The Acrobat'
(15:53) Wesley Joseph, 'Forever Ends Someday'
(21:22) Brown Horse, 'Total Dive'
(27:03) Juni Habel, 'Evergreen In Your Mind'

(32:31) The Lightning Round

- Gracie and Rachel, 'If We Could, Would We'
- Melanie Baker, 'Somebody Help Me, I'm Being Spontaneous!'
- upsammy & Valentina Magaletti, 'Seismo'
- Spirit Adrift, 'Infinite Illumination'
- Drivin N Cryin, 'Crushing Flowers'

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: Chloe Kimes, WMOT
Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Ann Powers and Hazel Cills

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Listen to this episode out in the springtime air. It starts with a bucolic jaunt through Brazilian guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento's latest orchestral project, then finds La Plazuela's fresh Spanish funk and Macha's irreverent side project. Other sounds along the way: Caribbean pop from Venezuela, feel-your-feels indie from northern Mexico and an electronic spin on the indigenous Náhuatl language.

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The British act Jungle had a big hit with ?Back on 74? ? and its unforgettable dance video ? in 2023. Now, the group is back with ?Carry On,? a breezy, sun-dappled song about surviving a broken heart. We give it a spin to open the show, along with a study on optimism from one of José González?s best albums, a celestial ambient cut from throat singer Tanya Tagaq and more.

NPR classical critic Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as they update their running list of the year?s best songs.

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Jungle: ?Carry On? from ?SUNSHINE?

(07:42) Gabriel Kahane & Roomful of Teeth: ?Not Even the Dead? from ?Elevator Songs?

(14:23) Quiet Light: ?Self Tape? from ?Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2?

(23:34) Tanya Tagaq: ?Imiq? from ?Saputjiji?

(31:13) José González: ?Etyd? from ?Against the Dying of the Light?

(37:49) Giya Kancheli: ?Middelheim? from ?Kancheli: Ex contrario, Middelheim & Tsutisopeli?

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]


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Thundercat. Arlo Parks. Devotional belters from Dermot Kennedy. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite albums out Friday, April 3. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Bon Iver, 'VOLUMES: ONE"
(01:57) Arlo Parks, 'Ambiguous Desire'
(07:29) Dermot Kennedy, 'The Weight of the Woods'
(14:15) Thundercat, 'Distracted'
(19:53) Joe Pernice, 'Sunny, I Was Wrong'
(26:44) Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE & Surf Gang, 'POMPEII // UTILITY'

(31:30) The Lightning Round

- Maria Taylor, 'Story's End'
- Wendy Eisenberg, 'Wendy Eisenberg'
- Sunn O))), 'Sunn O)))'
- Roomful of Teeth & Gabriel Kahane, 'Elevator Songs'
- Sofia Rei, 'Antónima'

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: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee
Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Felix Contreras, Lars Gotrich and Tom Huizenga

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Two phrases spoken during this week?s episode stand out because they represent how Ana and I approach our searches for new music. The first: ?The only limit is the imagination.? In my constant hunt for the sound I have never heard, this thought is my mantra. The new music we?re bringing this week really steps up to that challenge, from young upstarts like Broke Carrey to beloved veterans like Draco Rosa.

The second phrase? ?Latin music is a geography not a genre.? Ana put into words something she and I talk about often, the idea that the term ?Latin music? is no longer adequate to reflect that amazingly eclectic forms of musical expression in the Spanish-speaking world. This episode features musicians from Argentina, Peru, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere -- but what they share is a distinct artistic expression that consistently blows our minds.

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More than 6,000 artists entered this year?s Tiny Desk Contest, hoping to win their very own performance behind the actual Desk. We?ll announce the winner soon, but in the meantime, we?re sharing some of our favorite entries, from the riff-rock group Pump Action, to soul singer Les Greene, loop artist Jackie Marchal, singer-songwriter Yuri Shin and more.

Tiny Desk series producer Bobby Carter joins All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton. (They?re also the two lead judges for the Contest.)

Featured entries:

(00:00) Intro

(00:51) Pump Action: ?Supernova?

(03:34) Lily Talmers: ?The Big Idea?

(07:18) Walker Burroughs: ?Open Skies?

(10:53) Les Greene & the Swayzees: "Long Story Short"

(14:08) Nicolosi: ?Are You Coming To The Ivy??

(17:20) Jackie Marchal: ?Excavate The Girl?

(21:43) the King will come: ?welcome?

(24:33) Yuri Shin: ?Falling Rabbit?

(27:54) Lauren Frihauf: ?One Thing Always Leads To Another?

(31:41) Meira: ?Make Me Go?

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]

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Robyn. RAYE. A jazzy left turn from Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Alisa Ali from WFUV in the Bronx about their favorite albums out Friday, March 27. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. 

The Starting 5

(01:42) Robyn, 'Sexistential'
(07:15) RAYE, 'This Music May Contain Hope'
(14:21) Courtney Barnett, 'Creature of Habit'
(20:20) The New Pornographers, 'The Former Site Of'
(25:32) Flea, 'Honora'

(32:08) The Lightning Round

- Connie Converse, 'How Sad, How Lovely' (Reissue)
- Snail Mail, 'Ricochet'
- The Philharmonik, 'Transcendentalism I' EP
- Irreversible Entanglements, 'Future Present Past'
- Sluice, 'Companion'
- Charlotte Cornfield, 'Hurts Like Hell'

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: Alisa Ali, WFUV
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Bobby Carter, Sheldon Pearce and Ann Powers

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From the very beginning of Alt.Latino, female vocalists have captivated us the most -- and New York-based Argentine vocalist Sofia Rei has been high on our list of favorites for a while. She uses the human voice like paint on a canvas, layering voices to create choirs that take flight at the mere suggestion of a melody. On her new album Antónima, she not only creates magic with her own voice but also collaborates with some Alt.Latino favorites: Gaby Moreno, Daymé Arocena and Xenia Rubinos, among others. As we revive our Guest DJ series, we asked her to bring on some of the songs she loves, for an insider's perspective of the art behind the human voice. 

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Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a stunning live version of Bon Iver?s ?Heavenly Father,? a track the band originally wrote for the 2014 film Wish I Was Here, but never made available to stream before now. We?ve also got a stirring new ballad from Tori Amos, Luxembourg indie rocker Francis of Delirium (who assures us this is, in fact, a beautiful life), the long-awaited (if complicated) return of influential metal band Neurosis and more.

NPR Music?s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

(00:00) Intro

(01:41) Bon Iver: ?Heavenly Father? from VOLUMES: ONE (SELECTIONS FROM MUSIC CONCERTS 2019-2023)

(08:25) Souled American: ?Freeing Wheels? from Sanctions

(13:58) Francis of Delirium: ?It?s a Beautiful Life? from Run, Run Pure Beauty

(20:28) Tara Clerkin Trio: ?Somewhere Good? from Somewhere Good

(28:58) Tori Amos: ?Stronger Together? from In Times of Dragons

(35:36) Neurosis: ?Untethered? from An Undying Love for a Burning World

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]


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In this special episode, the beloved singer-songwriter performs four songs live and speaks with Raina Douris of NPR's World Cafe about her acclaimed new album, 'Nothing's About To Happen To Me.'

Follow the World Cafe podcast for more live performances and interviews every week.

Featured performers:

? Mitski: vocals
? Patrick Hyland: electric, acoustic guitars
? Bruno Esrubilsky: drums
? Jeni Magaña: bass, backing vocals
? Emily Moore: guitarist, keys, backing vocals
? Ty Bailie: keys

Thanks to the production team at Power Station: Neal Shaw, Omisha Chaitanya, Grace Leckey and Ben Miller.

This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Kimberly Junod.  Our digital producer is Miguel Perez. World Cafe's engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.

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BTS. Alex Isley. Dubstep-infused hyperpop from underscores. NPR Music's Hazel Cills chats with Francesca Harding of member station KCRW in Los Angeles about their favorite albums out Friday, March 20. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & BTS, 'ARIRANG'
(02:28) Alex Isley, 'When The City Sleeps'
(07:52) underscores, 'U'
(15:38) ZENA, 'TEMESGEN'
(20:39) Grace Ives, 'Girlfriend'
(26:16) Suitor, 'Saw You Out With The Weeds'

(32:23) The Lightning Round

- Ali & Charif Megarbane, 'Tirakat'
- Naomi Scott, 'F.I.G.'
- Samara Cyn, 'Detour' EP
- Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, 'Live at the Village Vanguard, Vol.1'
- Luke Combs, 'The Way I Am'

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

Credits:
Host: Hazel Cills
Guest: Francesca Harding, KCRW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Rodney Carmichael, Ann Powers and Stephen Thompson

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