NPR Music

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

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. 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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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: [email protected] a longer list of new albums out Oct. 4 and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

How Women Made Music, a new book out now from NPR, considers what the canon of popular music would look like without men.On this episode, we dig into the book and talk about the greatest albums and songs by women and other marginalized voices, with NPR Music's Ann Powers, contributor Marissa Lorusso and host Robin Hilton.Questions, comments, suggestions and feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] 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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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. 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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

We look back at Arcade Fire's monumental debut album, why it was so special, the ways it changed the musical landscape, and how it sounds two decades later. Questions, comments or any feedback at all always welcome: [email protected] 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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

'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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

We update our running list of the year's best songs with the shapeshifting rock of Caleb Landry Jones, Angélica Garcia's dystopian grooves, a searing look at infidelity from Damien Jurado and more.Featured songs and artists:1. Caleb Landry Jones: "Hey Dawn," from Hey Gary, Hey Dawn2. Angélica Garcia: "El Que," from Gemelo3. Damien Jurado & The Fremont Abbeye: "Sheets ('24)," from Sheets ('24)4. Laura Marling: "Patterns," from Patterns In Repeat5. Carlos Ares: "Cigarra," from Peregrino6. Melt-Banana: "Stopgap," from 3+5Feedback, questions, comments or suggestions always welcome: [email protected] 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.NPR Privacy Policy

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers take you on a tour of the most exciting albums out Friday, Sept. 6Featured albums:• LL Cool J, 'The FORCE'• MJ Lenderman, 'Manning Fireworks'• Nala Sinephro, 'Endlessness'• The Dare, 'What's Wrong with New York?'• Toro Y Moi, 'Hole Erth'For the complete list of new albums out this week and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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, RitualOther 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)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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

"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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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' OSTTo 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.NPR Privacy Policy

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'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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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.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.NPR Privacy Policy

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras visit the Miami studio of the Latin pop super-producer.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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'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.NPR Privacy Policy

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

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'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.NPR Privacy Policy

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"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.NPR Privacy Policy

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' 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.NPR Privacy Policy