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NewNew Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 23
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- 300
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- several times a week
- Latest episode
- Oct 23, 2026
About the podcast
Welcome to your all-in-one destination for every NPR Music podcast. We break down the best new albums to hit streaming each week on New Music Friday; we share the latest songs worthy of your playlists on All Songs Considered; there’s off-the-rails conversations (and chisme!) about Latin music on Alt.Latino. The NPR Music channel is your hub for new records, iconic artists and cult heroes, free of algorithms and full of surprises.
Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for NPR Music.
Episodes 300
New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 23
Anderson .Paak and Cordae. Michael Kiwanuka. Fenne Lily. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 23 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Francesca Harding from KCRW in Los …
Show notes
Anderson .Paak and Cordae. Michael Kiwanuka. Fenne Lily. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 23 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Francesca Harding from KCRW in Los Angeles, Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee and Alex Newman from KMHD Jazz Radio in Portland, Ore. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(00:47) Album No. 1
- Anderson .Paak & Cordae, 'Heavy Is The Crown'
(07:34) Album No. 2
- Michael Kiwanuka, 'Fudge'
(14:33) Album No. 3
- Fenne Lily, 'Win Win'
(20:34) Album No. 4
- Fine, 'Jazz dreams'
(27:07) Album No. 5
- Surprise Chef, 'Frogs In A Pond'
(33:53) The Lightning Round
- Shabazz Palaces, 'It's a Style Sport'
- Claud, 'Me and the Music'
- Josh Johnson, 'Animative'
- The Olivia Tremor Control, 'The Same Place'
- Jlin & Third Coast Percussion, 'Vernacular'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Francesca Harding, Erin Wolf, Alex Newman
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Lars Gotrich and Tom Huizenga
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NPR Privacy PolicyOver and Over: "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells (NPR+)
More than any song we’ve covered yet in this series about songs that persist in culture, "Crimson and Clover" is a stealth classic. Maybe you heard it in 1968 after its rough mix was leaked by a radio station …
Show notes
More than any song we’ve covered yet in this series about songs that persist in culture, "Crimson and Clover" is a stealth classic. Maybe you heard it in 1968 after its rough mix was leaked by a radio station and it became a top-40 hit. Maybe you only know it from a popular rock ’n’ roll cover in 1980s, or when it became a singalong in an emo song in the 2000s. Maybe it’s not even the lyrics that you recognize, but those three heavy, insistent chords. But it’s a song that’s stuck around, that feels endlessly replayable, and that helped inspire the new name for this NPR Music series: “Over and Over.”
This week on Over and Over, NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James and the Shondells, from 1968.
Check out more episodes on songs that keep coming back by looking for “Over and Over” in the NPR Music podcast feed. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one by signing up at plus.npr.org. Follow NPR Music coverage and the Tiny Desk Concerts at npr.org/music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Los Tigres' Tiny Desk, explained
Last week we published a Tiny Desk Concert that ended up being unusual for a few reasons.First of all, it was the final production of our sixth annual El Tiny series. This was a very emotional moment for a lot …
Show notes
Last week we published a Tiny Desk Concert that ended up being unusual for a few reasons.
First of all, it was the final production of our sixth annual El Tiny series. This was a very emotional moment for a lot of reasons. People really love Los Tigres del Norte, to the point that playing their albums feels like sitting with family. And if you’ve seen the introduction I gave the band just before they played at the desk you can see that I wasn’t embarrassed to get emotional when I talked about what the band means to me.
That emotional intro led to some changes in our process and format that resulted in a huge response from the audience that went viral. The result was a messy moment behind the scenes here at NPR and more than a little confusion for a lot of you.
This week’s episode looks back at last week.
First we want to share with you, directly from us, an explanation of what happened.
But mostly we want to put the spotlight back on the band and their music because for decades they have been bringing out the kind emotions that got this whole thing started.
Give it a listen and enjoy the music. Again. - Felix
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Jacob Ganz and Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyElephant 6's rapturous, heartbreaking story
With the arrival of the first new Olivia Tremor Control album in nearly 30 years, we attempt to make sense of the sprawling, enigmatic collective behind it known as Elephant 6.NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins …
Show notes
With the arrival of the first new Olivia Tremor Control album in nearly 30 years, we attempt to make sense of the sprawling, enigmatic collective behind it known as Elephant 6.
NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.
Special thanks to Greenwich Entertainment, C.B. Stockfleth and Rob Hatch-Miller for use of audio featured in the 2022 documentary, The Elephant 6 Recording Co.
Featured artists and songs:
(00:00) Intro with “A New Day” by The Olivia Tremor Control
(03:00) The Elephant 6 story in 60 seconds with “Black Foliage (Animation 2)” by The Olivia Tremor Control
(04:28) The Apples In Stereo: “Tidal Wave”
(07:34) Robert Schneider on the creative process, from the documentary ‘The Elephant 6 Recording Co.’
(12:39) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Love Athena”
(16:17) The Apples In Stereo: “Glowworm”
(18:14) Neutral Milk Hotel: “Ghost”
(22:13) Elf Power: “Embrace The Crimson Tide”
(26:08) of Montreal: “Gallery Piece”
(29:25) The Gerbils: “Glue”
(33:54) The Instruments: “Song for Thomas”
(37:01) Beulah: “Score From Augusta”
(39:35) Great Lakes: “A Little Touched”
(41:21) Dressy Bessy: “I’m Still Here”
(51:12) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Meeting Ourselves”
(53:39) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Path of the Parallels VI - Last Occupants”
(55:15) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Leaf”
(57:41) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Begin Now!”
Tell us what you think with a review 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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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 16
Fontaines D.C. Sophia Stel. The Avalanches. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 16 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, Skylar …
Show notes
Fontaines D.C. Sophia Stel. The Avalanches. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 16 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, Skylar Rochelle from 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City and Andrew Brown from KUTX in Austin. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(02:23) Album No. 1
- Fontaines D.C., 'Dopamine Chamber'
(09:30) Album No. 2
- @, 'Autosmile'
(16:34) Album No. 3
- Sophia Stel, 'the greatest album of all time'
(23:05) Album No. 4
- June McDoom, 'Follow the Light'
(28:32) Album No. 5
- The Avalanches, 'No Bad Memories'
(35:53) The Lightning Round
- N8NOFACE, 'Tomorrow's World'
- Richard Thompson, 'Hippies, Thugs and Heroes'
- Max Richter, 'While The Flood Rages'
- Chuwi, 'Libertad'
- Flora Hibberd, 'Mammoth'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Celia Gregory, Skylar Rochelle, Andrew Brown
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Anamaria Sayre and Tom Huizenga
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Every El Tiny song has a secret
The Tiny Desk’s magnetism is its intimacy. We strip back lights and a big stage and get to see artists speak honestly about who they are directly to an audience around the world.This becomes all the more …
Show notes
The Tiny Desk’s magnetism is its intimacy. We strip back lights and a big stage and get to see artists speak honestly about who they are directly to an audience around the world.
This becomes all the more profound during our El Tiny takeover of Latin Music Month, where artists whisper truths and share secrets about community, country, pain and family. Often on production days, artists share with us the importance of each individual song — the stories behind them and why they needed to be played in such an honest space.
So, this week on Alt.Latino we wanted to let you all in on the secrets. Alex Ferreira, Draco Rosa and Los Tigres del Norte shared in their own words, what their Tiny Desk songs meant to them. Hopefully, learning what’s behind the songs will help each show mean a little bit more for all of you, too.
Artists and songs featured in this episode:- Mon Laferte, "No Le Regales Tu Corazón"
- Alex Ferreira, "Monte Adentro"
- Draco Rosa, "Vagabundo"
- Los Tigres del Norte, "Somos Más Americanos"
This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
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NPR Privacy PolicyA new canon of Halloween music
Who’s the Mariah Carey of Halloween? Labels and artists are trying to capitalize on spooky season, but these are the songs that belong in the creepy canon, from the truly terrifying to simply seasonal and …
Show notes
Who’s the Mariah Carey of Halloween? Labels and artists are trying to capitalize on spooky season, but these are the songs that belong in the creepy canon, from the truly terrifying to simply seasonal and nostalgic.
Note: An earlier version of this episode appeared on All Songs Considered in 2025.
Tell us what you think with a review 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:
Phoebe Bridgers: “Killer” from ‘Stranger in the Alps’
Fever Ray: “If I Had A Heart,” from ‘Fever Ray’
Sufjan Stevens: “John Wayne Gacy, Jr” from ‘Illinois’
Jack Lenz: “Goosebumps” (theme from the TV show)
Disneyland Records: “Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House”
Alice Cooper: “Welcome to My Nightmare,” from ‘Welcome to My Nightmare’
Oksana Linde: “Horizontes lejanos,” from ‘Travesias’
Florence + the Machine: “Everybody Scream,” from ‘Everybody Scream’
Ethel Cain: “Housofpsychoticwomn,” from ‘Perverts’
girl in red: “We Fell In Love In October” (single)
Mimicking Birds: “Bloodlines,” from ‘EONS’
Van Morrison: “Moondance,” from ‘Moondance’
The Cramps: “I Was A Teenage Werewolf,” from ‘Songs the Lord Taught Us’
Dead Man’s Bones: “My Bodies a Zombie for You,” from ‘Dead Man’s Bones’
Vince Guaraldi: “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” from ‘The Great Pumpkin’
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NPR Privacy PolicyInterview: Fontaines D.C.'s decadent, dystopian 'Dopamine Chamber'
At almost exactly the midpoint of our conversation about the fifth album made by his band, Fontaines D.C., Grian Chatten told me, “It's an interesting time to be a self.” We'd been talking about the themes on …
Show notes
At almost exactly the midpoint of our conversation about the fifth album made by his band, Fontaines D.C., Grian Chatten told me, “It's an interesting time to be a self.” We'd been talking about the themes on 'Dopamine Chamber,' which comes out on Oct. 16, and could serve as a soundtrack to the era we live in now, what Chatten calls our “glorious age of distraction.”
It's also an interesting time to be a rock band in the mainstream, and that’s where Fontaines D.C., which formed in 2014, definitely lives these days. The Irish quintet’s next tour has them in stadiums and arenas, and the one guest on 'Dopamine Chamber' is pop's universal “it” girl, the Spanish singer Rosalía. The 2024 album Romance took Fontaines to another level, earning them two Grammy nominations and their best sales ever, with hits like the sweet and earnest “Favourite.” Following it up, Fontaines didn't take the easy way. Instead, they explored new sounds to create a captivating sonic travelogue that somehow connects the decadent beauty of old Europe with the narcotic ethereality of cyberspace.
Things really gel for Fontaines on 'Dopamine Chamber.' Using vintage synthesizers and studio effects, the band builds on the hypnotic energy that's always been its calling card to make something huge and seductive and haunting. I was lucky to speak with Chatten about his evolution as a storyteller and his place within a band that's always growing, but which remains utterly true to itself.
When they were making 'Dopamine Chamber,' Chatten’s bandmates recorded the instrumental parts of the songs first, and then Chatten went off on his own to write and record lyrics. This interview worked the same way — I talked with Chatten on his own, and with bassist Conor Deegan (who goes by “Deego”) about how guys who have been playing together since college have taken their bashing punk sound all the way to the stratosphere. - Ann Powers
Credits:
Host: Ann Powers
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Editor: Jacob Ganz
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director: Sonali Mehta
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NPR Privacy PolicyInterview: Troye Sivan is leaning into loneliness
Troye Sivan’s 2023 album, 'Something to Give Each Other,' marked a turning point in the Australian singer-songwriter’s career. Its choreo-driven singles “Rush” and “Got Me Started” became viral hits, earned …
Show notes
Troye Sivan’s 2023 album, 'Something to Give Each Other,' marked a turning point in the Australian singer-songwriter’s career. Its choreo-driven singles “Rush” and “Got Me Started” became viral hits, earned Sivan his first Grammy nominations and even spawned a Timothée Chalamet and boygenius spoof on Saturday Night Live. Soon after came the Sweat tour with friend and peer Charli xcx amid the hype of “Brat” summer.
But while Sivan says it was a thrilling moment in his career, it also didn’t paint a full picture of what he was going through at the end of his 20s. His new album, 'She’s the Best,' gives the artist breathing room to dig into some darker feelings. Sivan sat down with NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento to talk about honoring the women in his life, moving away from perfect pop music and making an “unsexy” album that reflects his true feelings.
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Hazel Cills. NPR Music’s chief editor is Jacob Ganz. Our executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our executive director is Sonali Mehta.
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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 9
Cameron Winter. Troye Sivan. Remi Wolf. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 9 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Tshego Letsoalo from KALW in San Francisco, Aurora …
Show notes
Cameron Winter. Troye Sivan. Remi Wolf. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 9 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Tshego Letsoalo from KALW in San Francisco, Aurora McGuckin from MVYRADIO in Massachusetts and Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(00:39) Album No. 1
- Cameron Winter, 'Live at Carnegie Hall'
(07:30) Album No. 2
- Troye Sivan, 'She's the Best'
(14:45) Album No. 3
- Remi Wolf, 'Mud'
(21:11) Album No. 4
- Jess Williamson, 'A Mile South of Heaven'
(27:20) Album No. 5
- Danielle Ponder, 'Everything Has Changed'
(34:40) The Lightning Round
- Dawn Richard, 'creole culture'
- Margo Cilker, 'Little White Cross'
- Imperial Teen, 'All Over You'
- heavensouls, 'cantu of the sower'
- Joyce Wrice, 'Machiko'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Tshego Letsoalo, Aurora McGuckin, Jewly Hight
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Tim, The Beatles and all of Brazil
The music of Tim Bernardes fits as easily in the poetry of the cosmos as it does in the songwriting canon of his country. Brazil has a legacy of some of the greatest most intricate, emotional songwriting there …
Show notes
The music of Tim Bernardes fits as easily in the poetry of the cosmos as it does in the songwriting canon of his country. Brazil has a legacy of some of the greatest most intricate, emotional songwriting there is, and if you ask me, I’d argue Tim fits right into it. So, I invited him in to play a Tiny Desk for our annual El Tiny takeover. And, of course, I took the opportunity to pull him into the studio after – I absolutely needed to know what he’s been listening to. So, here we are again playing my latest and greatest new game: a special version of our typical guest DJ episode, where I ask them to recall different parts of their lives and themselves through music. No prepared songs or ideas. Let’s call this episode a musical tapestry painted by one of the greatest Brazilian singer-songwriters of this era. - Anamaria Sayre
Artists and songs mentioned in this episode:
- The Beatles, 'I Want To Hold Your Hand'
- Os Mutantes, 'Caminhante Noturno'
- Milton Nascimento, 'Nuvem Cigana'
- Nelson Cavaquinho, 'Eu E As Flores'
- Gilberto Gil, 'Luzia Luluza'
- Antônio Carlos Jobim, 'Saudade Do Brasil,' 'O Boto'
- Caetano Veloso, 'Minha Mulher'
- Tim Bernardes, 'Realmente Lindo'
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyHow The Beatles made ‘Rubber Soul’ and broke up with their past
A super deluxe box set of The Beatles' legendary 1965 album Rubber Soul has just been released with brand new mixes, demos and outtakes that show The Beatles breaking up with the past, their fans and everything …
Show notes
A super deluxe box set of The Beatles' legendary 1965 album Rubber Soul has just been released with brand new mixes, demos and outtakes that show The Beatles breaking up with the past, their fans and everything people knew and loved about the band.
In this conversation with All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton, Giles Martin, the producer behind the new mixes and son of late Beatles producer George Martin, talks about why Rubber Soul was such a pivotal album for the band, how the music was changing, and why it sounds “reasonably bleak.” Martin also explains how the AI tools he used to update the mixes work, how he preserved the original spirit of Rubber Soul and more.
Tell us what you think with a review 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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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 2
Victoria Monét. Meshell Ndegeocello. Sons of Sevilla. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 2, with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver, Evan …
Show notes
Victoria Monét. Meshell Ndegeocello. Sons of Sevilla. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 2, with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver, Evan Miller from WYSO in Ohio and DJ Llu from Vermont Public. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(01:53) Album No. 1
- Victoria Monét, 'Frequency Of Love'
(08:40) Album No. 2
- Meshell Ndegeocello, 'Synonym'
(15:28) Album No.3
- Helen, 'Linda's Head'
(22:09) Album No. 4
- Wishy, 'Nature's Pill'
(28:36) Album No. 5
- Sons of Sevilla, 'It Could Be Today'
(34:27 The Lightning Round
- Greg Freeman, 'All Set the Bone'
- Miranda Lambert, 'Crisco'
- Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth, 'Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth'
- Lalah Hathaway, 'Made in Chicago'
- Beth Taylor, 'The Deeps Have Music'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Ayana Contreras, Evan Miller, DJ Llu
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Ann Powers and Tom Huizenga
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Melissa Aldana and Gonzalo Rubalcaba talk jazz
Jazz has often been called America's musical gift to the world. This week's guests remind us not only of the well-documented ways that Cuba revolutionized that gift, but also how it blossomed in South …
Show notes
Jazz has often been called America's musical gift to the world. This week's guests remind us not only of the well-documented ways that Cuba revolutionized that gift, but also how it blossomed in South America.
Chilean tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana and Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba stopped by after their recent Tiny Desk performance to chat about their own personal histories with jazz and its lineage in their respective countries. The memories Rubalcaba shares about Havana's jazz scene in the 1980s adds another layer to a story we've talked a lot about on Alt.Latino. And Aldana looks back on her youth learning music from her father and grandfather, both of whom were Chilean jazz pioneers.
The conversation also covers the music they played at the Tiny Desk, which comes from their recent album, 'Filin,' a reexamination of a Cuban musical movement that lasted from the 1940s through the '60s. Ultimately, this week's episode is time spent with two master musicians to hear how their lives and experiences contribute to their mutual appreciation and love of jazz.
Check out Melissa Aldana and Gonzalo Rubalcaba's Tiny Desk Concert here.
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyPhoebe Bridgers, Gilla Band, Wednesday, and more of the week’s best songs
We get big and loud this week with a surprise drop from Phoebe Bridgers and her song “On Video,” from the Primetime soundtrack; the monstrously disjointed “Placeholder” from Gilla Band; widescreened shoegaze …
Show notes
We get big and loud this week with a surprise drop from Phoebe Bridgers and her song “On Video,” from the Primetime soundtrack; the monstrously disjointed “Placeholder” from Gilla Band; widescreened shoegaze from the Danish artist Trentemøller and more.
NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton as they share their picks for the best new songs out now.
Tell us what you think with a review 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) Intro
(03:22) Phoebe Bridgers: “On Video”
(10:26) Gilla Band: “Placeholder”
(17:25) Trentemøller: “Swerve”
(23:31) Wednesday: “Carolina Murder Suicide (Avey Tare Remix)”
(30:29) serpentwithfeet: “sentinel”
(36:37) Lily Konigsberg: “Free Byrd”
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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 25
Leon Bridges. Blondshell. Joy Oladokun. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee, Jewly Hight from WPLN …
Show notes
Leon Bridges. Blondshell. Joy Oladokun. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee, Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville and Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(00:53) Album No. 1
- Blondshell, 'Violins'
(07:43) Album No. 2
- Julia Jacklin, 'The Gem'
(15:13) Album No. 3
- Joy Oladokun, 'Hope Is A Heavy Thing'
(22:33) Album No. 4
- Leon Bridges, 'Happiness Anytime'
(28:52) Album No. 5
- Protomartyr, 'Hotel Usona'
(34:04) The Lightning Round
- Space Afrika, 'Quiet Storm'
- claire rousay & Martyna Basta, 'hotel room'
- Tinashe, 'Popstar'
- Mary Gauthier, 'Reckoning'
- Axel Boman & Superpitcher, 'Tell It To The Mountain'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Erin Wolf, Jewly Hight, Liz Warner
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce and Ann Powers
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: YEИDRY's life in six songs
YEИDRY's music is almost as diverse she is. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Italy, the singer’s repertoire of genre and sound pulls from multiple continents, and even more unique cultural roots …
Show notes
YEИDRY's music is almost as diverse she is. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Italy, the singer’s repertoire of genre and sound pulls from multiple continents, and even more unique cultural roots. It’s complicated to explain so many mixed identities, but, as we know quite well at Alt.Latino, music is an easy way to tell a complex story. From the first song she ever heard to a track that brings her peace, we’re presenting a playlist of YEИDRY, the artist and the person. It’s raw, unprepped, and just like YEИDRY: alive and constantly evolving.
Songs discussed in this episode:
- "Ese Hombre" by LA INDIA
- "Guitarra" by Yoskar Sarante
- "Weird Fishes / Arpeggi" by Radiohead
- "Bam Bam" by Sister Nancy
- "To Zion (feat. Carlos Santana)" by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Carlos Santana
- "Paloma" by Angélica Garcia
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyLizzy McAlpine, Víkingur Ólafsson plays Bach, and more of the week's best songs
Our latest mix of the week’s best new songs swings from the shoegaze rock of rising LA band untitled (halo) to Bach’s “Air on the G String” performed by pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. We’ve also got singer Lizzy …
Show notes
Our latest mix of the week’s best new songs swings from the shoegaze rock of rising LA band untitled (halo) to Bach’s “Air on the G String” performed by pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. We’ve also got singer Lizzy McAlpine’s breathtaking ode to her late father, the laid-back grooves of polymath Sen Morimoto, the extraordinary voice of Scottish singer Beth Taylor and more.
NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton.
Tell us what you think with a review 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) Intro
(02:05) Sen Morimoto: “Chewing Gum”
(09:27) Víkingur Ólafsson: “Air on the G String” (Johann Sebastian Bach)
(16:56) Lizzy McAlpine: “The crowd”
(25:51) Beth Taylor: “My Lagan Love”
(33:49) untitled (halo): “easy rider”
(41:58) inti figgis-vizueta: “Samara (maple seed) mvmt. III - find roots”
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NPR Privacy PolicySylvan Esso: The NPR Music Interview
In September 2025, the electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso made headlines with the announcement that it was removing its catalog from Spotify. The world’s most popular music streamer wasn’t new to criticism, but the …
Show notes
In September 2025, the electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso made headlines with the announcement that it was removing its catalog from Spotify. The world’s most popular music streamer wasn’t new to criticism, but the temperature changed last year with the revelation that then-CEO Daniel Ek was a major investor in Helsing, an AI software company that designs military weapons systems. A year later, the band has returned bearing new music and another small bombshell: A week after the release of 'Ow ∞,' Sylvan Esso’s fifth studio album, came the news that all of its music was returning to Spotify beginning Sept. 18. In a conversation with reporter Brian Burns from NPR member station WUNC in Chapel Hill, N.C., members Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn (also a married couple) describe that return as the result of a series of sobering discoveries — but also stress how much they learned on the road to this moment.
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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 18
Beck. Carly Rae Jepsen. Beabadoobee. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Robert Moore from 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, Amelia …
Show notes
Beck. Carly Rae Jepsen. Beabadoobee. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Robert Moore from 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston, and Brian Burns from WUNC in Chapel Hill. Plus, a handful of of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(01:01) Album No. 1
- Beck, 'Ride Lonesome'
(07:10) Album No. 2
- beabadoobee, 'Pylon'
(13:01) Album No.3
- Carly Rae Jepsen, 'Day and Night'
(21:32) Album No. 4
- Tove Lo, 'ESTRUS'
(28:22) Album No. 5
- Rhiannon Giddens, 'Hope is the Thing with Feathers'
(34:18) The Lightning Round
- Jake Xerxes Fussell, 'The Old Beloved Path'
- Jóhann Jóhannsson & Adam Wiltzie, 'Friendship Survival Guide'
- YENDRY, 'Como agua'
- Krallice, 'Scour Order'
- Son Lux, 'Out Into'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Robert Moore, Amelia Mason, Brian Burns
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Anamaria Sayre, Lars Gotrich and Robin Hilton
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Los Texmaniacs keep tradition alive
Shortly after Los Texmaniacs did what they do best at the Tiny Desk, I pulled them into a studio to chat with them about the traditions they represent with their music. It turned into a master class on the …
Show notes
Shortly after Los Texmaniacs did what they do best at the Tiny Desk, I pulled them into a studio to chat with them about the traditions they represent with their music. It turned into a master class on the accordion-fueled style known as conjunto, a mix of European folk music and Spanish-language storytelling. Plus, the group shared some love for one of the iconic artists who taught the world how to love conjunto, Flaco Jimenez, and how their personal connection to him also inspired them to move the music forward. - Felix
Don't miss NPR Music's full coverage of Latin Music Month, with Tiny Desk Concerts featuring Mon Laferte, Los Tigres del Norte, Tim Bernardes, Los Texmaniacs and more starting September 15 at NPR.org.
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyM83, Shygirl, FKJ and the best songs we heard this week
We’re back with another round of the best new songs out now, including the universe-splitting “Blister Sunrise” from M83, Shygirl’s bone-rattling, euphoric track “Alyse,” subversive funk from Asher White and …
Show notes
We’re back with another round of the best new songs out now, including the universe-splitting “Blister Sunrise” from M83, Shygirl’s bone-rattling, euphoric track “Alyse,” subversive funk from Asher White and more.
NPR Music writer and editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.
Tell us what you think with a review 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) Intro
(02:02) M83: “Blister Sunrise”
(07:51) Shygirl: “Alyse”
(15:13) FKJ & Labrinth: “Little Little Voice”
(22:21) Renny Conti: “Leaving the Zoo”
(30:57) Asher White: “My Day at the Casino”
(38:36) Rachel Chinouriri: “Make Believe”
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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 11
Sylvan Esso. This Is Lorelei. Ezra Collective. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 11 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Brian Burns from WUNC in Chapel Hill, Celia …
Show notes
Sylvan Esso. This Is Lorelei. Ezra Collective. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 11 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Brian Burns from WUNC in Chapel Hill, Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, and John Morrison from WXPN in Philadelphia. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(00:35) Album No. 1
- Sylvan Esso, 'Ow 8'
(06:57) Album No. 2
- Ezra Collective, 'Here Because of Hope'
(13:36) Album No. 3
- This Is Lorelei, 'The Singer in My Band'
(20:05) Album No. 4
- The Tubs, 'Hard Life'
(27:15) Album No. 5
- Haruomi Hosono, 'Yours Sincerely'
(33:00) The Lightning Round
- Funkadelic, 'Maggot Brain (2026 Remastered)'
- Locust, 'Spectral+'
- Standing On The Corner, 'SOTC II'
- Bri`ghde Chaimbeul & Colin Stetson, 'All the light in the world'
- Angela Autumn, 'Believer'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Brian Burns, Celia Gregory, John Morrison
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce, Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Brazil and Colombia on our minds
This week Ana features two very different Brazilian artists that both draw heavily on the '60s and '70s Tropicália genre. Felix presents two very different approaches to Colombian folkloric music and a new …
Show notes
This week Ana features two very different Brazilian artists that both draw heavily on the '60s and '70s Tropicália genre. Felix presents two very different approaches to Colombian folkloric music and a new Spanish-language singer-songwriter who turns sadness into light.
Artists and albums featured in this episode:
(01:52) Maglore, 'Fluxo Natural'
(07:13) Indus, 'El Mangle'
(12:42) Candelabro, 'Deseo, Carne y Voluntad'
(17:11) Araña, 'Araña'
(21:07) Lucas Bezerra, 'EU MANDEI MEU AMOR PRO ESPAÇO'
(25:21) Luca de Dios, 'De Amor y Desamor
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyMore cover songs that are better than the originals
We share more reimagined and reinterpreted songs that rival the originals, including Janis Joplin’s iconic take on Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” a reggae version of The Beatles' “Don’t Let Me …
Show notes
We share more reimagined and reinterpreted songs that rival the originals, including Janis Joplin’s iconic take on Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” a reggae version of The Beatles' “Don’t Let Me Down,” and more.
NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Lars Gotrich rejoin host Robin Hilton for another round.
Leave us a review 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) Intro
(04:30) Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris: Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush”
(09:31) Frodus: Devo’s “Explosions”
(12:58) Janis Joplin: Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee”
(17:12) Jai Paul: Jennifer Paige’s “Crush”
(22:26) Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey: Lionel Richie & Diana Ross's “Endless Love”
(27:40) Nico: Jackson Browne’s “These Days”
(32:34) Tricky: Public Enemy’s “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”
(35:29) Cassandra Wilson: Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon”
(40:04) Phoebe Bridgers: The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love”
(43:56) Marcia Griffiths: The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down”
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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 4
Rebecca Black. Paris Paloma. Button Masher. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 4 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco, Julie …
Show notes
Rebecca Black. Paris Paloma. Button Masher. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 4 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco, Julie Bee from Marfa Public Radio in west Texas, and DeShun Nance from WJSU in Jackson, Miss. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(01:55) Album No. 1
- Rebecca Black, 'Age of the Exhibitionist'
(08:26) Album No. 2
- Paris Paloma, 'The Fatal Flaw'
(16:40) Album No. 3
- Sharp Pins, 'Mod Mayday 23'
(23:06) Album No.4
- 1-800-Mikey, 'In Yun'
(29:25) Album No. 5
- Button Masher, 'Super Button Masher'
(36:20) The Lightning Round
- Senri Oe, 'Homework'
- Madi Diaz, 'Fatal Optimist UN-unplugged'
- Medium Build, 'King of Having Fun'
- Chat Pile, 'Who Loves The Sun'
- Steven R. Smith, 'Half Light Unfolding'
Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org
Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Nastia Voynovskaya, Julie Bee, DeShun Nance
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Audio Engineer: Cena Loffredo
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Guadalajara loves metal?
I like to think I’m the one who keeps things fresh on the show — or at least that’s what I tell everyone. But this week Felix once again proved that false, bringing in a fresh corridos tumbados duo from …
Show notes
I like to think I’m the one who keeps things fresh on the show — or at least that’s what I tell everyone. But this week Felix once again proved that false, bringing in a fresh corridos tumbados duo from Guadalajara who takes a something-old-turned-new genre and smashes it together with metal. It's something I’ve never heard before. What can I say, Felix keeps us all young. I went back to Brazil with some up-and-coming artists whose albums I’ve been excitedly awaiting. And, of course, Felix had to balance things out with one of his favorite jazz vocalists. As per usual, we’re all about whiplash here at Alt.Latino, but in a way that hopefully will make you the favorite DJ at your next fiesta. — Ana
Artists and albums featured in this episode
(03:52) Cultura Profética, 'En bucle'
(09:53) Claudia Acuna, 'Ave de Luz: Chilean Jazz & Soul'
(13:52) Mari Froes, 'Esquina do Sol'
(17:36) Valeria Stewart, 'On A Wing'
(21:17) Raquel Dimantas, 'Cosmo Dorme'
(24:37) Ladrones, 'Arriba La L'
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy PolicyDahi, Kendrick and Amber Mark, Dominic Fike, more
After nearly two decades of producing works by other musicians, including Kendrick Lamar and Vampire Weekend, the artist known as Dahi has just released his debut solo album. He describes it as “African …
Show notes
After nearly two decades of producing works by other musicians, including Kendrick Lamar and Vampire Weekend, the artist known as Dahi has just released his debut solo album. He describes it as “African Radiohead,” with kaleidoscopic soundscapes, intricate polyrhythms and a breathtaking list of collaborators. We open this week’s show with the song “How to Pray,” featuring both Kendrick Lamar and singer Amber Mark.
Our other picks for the best new tracks of the week include Dominic Fike’s heady “Wallflower,” dancefloor beats from singer Jorja Smith, an 8-bit instrumental from composer Emily A. Sprague and more.
NPR Music writer and editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.
Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected]
Featured artists and songs:
(00:00) Intro
(02:00) Dahi, Kenrick Lamar & Amber Mark: “How To Pray”
(10:08) OHMA: “Ever Expanding”
(18:46) Dominic Fike: “Wallflower”
(25:20) Jorja Smith: “I Lied, You Lied”
(33:20) Emily A. Sprague: “Noon Liquid Ore”
(41:50) Osamu Fukuzawa & IYAMAH: “Butterflies (feat. edbl)”
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NPR Privacy PolicyNew Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 28
Alabama Shakes. Mike D. Interpol. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Sean Carolan of WBJB in New Jersey about their favorite albums out Friday, August 28. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer …
Show notes
Alabama Shakes. Mike D. Interpol. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Sean Carolan of WBJB in New Jersey about their favorite albums out Friday, August 28. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.
The Starting 5
(03:37) Album No. 1
- Mastodon, 'Marrow Deep'
(08:56) Album No. 2
- Mike D 5D, 'Thank You'
(15:41) Album No. 3
- Alabama Shakes, 'I Must Be Dreaming'
(21:43) Album No. 4
- Interpol, 'This Mirror Weighs a Ton'
(27:47) Album No. 5
- The Linda Lindas, 'Gotta Get Out'
(33:37) The Lightning Round
- Billy Strings, 'So Much For Goodbyes'
- Elephant Stone, 'ASHA'
- Tiny Habits, 'Keepers'
- Saul Williams, 'Leap Life'
- Liim, 'A Sunflower Garden In Harlem Is Hard To Find'
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: Sean Carolan, WBJB
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael
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NPR Privacy PolicyAlt.Latino: Cypress Hill en español
Latin identity has been at the core of Cypress Hill's music from the very beginning -- their 1991 track "Latin Lingo" gave voice to the Latin roots of hip hop with its funky Spanglish callouts. But it took the …
Show notes
Latin identity has been at the core of Cypress Hill's music from the very beginning -- their 1991 track "Latin Lingo" gave voice to the Latin roots of hip hop with its funky Spanglish callouts. But it took the band thirty-five more years to make an album of original songs written in Spanish: 'Dios Bendiga,' which was just released. In this episode, Felix chats with the band -- B-Real, Sen Dog and Eric Bobo -- about the influences behind the album, and why this moment felt right to finally make it. Plus, a cameo from the band's longtime producer and turntablist, DJ Lord.
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
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NPR Privacy Policy
These are the latest 100 of 300 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
