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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.
215episodes
Episodes
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 29
2d ago00:41:25Summary readyBoards of Canada. Kurt Vile. Iceage. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Andrew Brown of KUTX in Austin about their favorite albums out Friday, May 29. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Paul McCartney(02:00) Boards of Canada(09:22) Kurt Vile(17:01) Iceage(22:18) feeble little horse(27:45) Greg Mendez(33:46) Lightning Round Recommendations- The Greenberry Woods- obli- RaiNao- ear- Brian JacksonSample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Andrew Brown, KUTXAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Otis Hart, Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Ann Powers, Robin Hilton and Anamaria SayreSee 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
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Alt.Latino: The Vaqueros of Hawaii
4d ago00:33:54Summary readyWe don’t often get to discuss the ways that Latin American music made its way west across the Pacific Ocean. But this week we have two incredible projects that celebrate that journey. First, a Japanese band that fuses traditional minyo folk sounds with cumbia and other Latin rhythms. Then, a project that unearths a forgotten history of the 19th century Mexican cowboys who went to Hawaii to help manage livestock.Plus, a tribute to Afro-Colombian folk legend Totó La Momposina, who passed away this month at 85; an underrated Puerto Rican reggaetonero shines again; and, of course, Ana continues her Brazilian obsession with new tracks from up-and-comer Bebé.Artists and albums featured in this episode:(00:55) Bebé - 'Dissolução'(05:45) Minya Crusaders - 'From Japan With Love'(10:06) Álvaro Díaz - 'OMAKASE'(17:35) Los Cenzontles - 'Adios Ke Aloha: Waves of the Same Sea'(23:05) Orestes Gomez - 'No me fui porque quise'(28:04) Totó La Momposina - VariousThis podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.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
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What’s the defining Millennial song?
5d ago01:04:18Summary readyWe weigh the options and attempt to pick the one song that best captures the Millennial experience, from the dizzying highs of the dot-com boom, when anything seemed possible, to the post-9-11 bust, the "hope and change" of the Obama years, and prolonged period of generational disillusionment.NPR Music editors Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton.A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org 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
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 22
1w ago00:39:08Summary readyAja Monet. Jack Antonoff's Bleachers. Radiohead's Ed O'Brien. Guest host Ann Powers chats with Aurora McGuckin of MVY Radio in Massachusetts about their favorite albums out Friday, May 22. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Bleachers, 'everyone for ten minutes'(06:55) JPEGMAFIA, 'EXPERIMENTAL RAP'(12:49) Ed O'Brien, 'Blue Morpho'(19:01) aja monet, 'the color of rain'(25:19) Lowertown, 'Ugly Duckling Union'(30:35) The Lightning Round- Alela Diane, 'Who's Keeping Time?'- Mexican Institute of Sound & Meridian Brothers, 'Ruido Tovar'- Balming Tiger, 'Gongbu'- Bill Orcutt & Mabe Fratti, 'Almost Waking'- Traumprinz, 'Life'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Ann PowersGuest: Aurora McGuckin, MVY RadioAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Otis Hart, Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Lars Gotrich and Robin HiltonSee 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
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Alt.Latino: Gipsy Kings are back, Julieta Venegas' norteña roots and more
2w ago00:36:05Summary readyTwo different pioneers - from two different continents - are at the heart of this episode of new music. Since the late 80s, Gipsy Kings have been infusing Catalan rumba flamenca with a pop sensibility that defies the purists. Their new single "Historia," from an upcoming album of the same name, shows they've still got that punchy danceability forty years on. And across the pond, Mexican rocker and songwriter Julieta Venegas explores the musical roots of her norteña heritage on a new album, playing with the biculturalism that defines so much of life along the border.Plus, Las Añez brings twin harmonies to Andean folk-pop, Helado Negro teams up with Reyna Tropical, Mexican upstart Esteesgarcia confounds Ana and Felix, and more!Artists & songs featured in this episode:(00:22) Las Añez - "Cebolla", "Libéralo"(05:21) Helado Tropical - "Tocando"(09:44) Esteesgarcia - "south kids", "Okupa"(14:35) Gipsy Kings - "Historia"(23:23) Julieta Venegas ft. Yahritza y Su Esencia - "La Línea"(25:53) bpuntito - "colitaderana", "después"(31:29) Ana Moura & MARO - "Era de Aquário/Deixa o Sol Entrar"This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.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
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All Songs Considered: Gracie Abrams hits a wall, more best new songs
2w ago00:39:23Summary readyOur latest mix of the week’s best new songs includes a moody reflection on burnout from Gracie Abrams, rising L.A. duo Evening Elephants, the elusive electronic collagists Ear and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.Please leave a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgFeatured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(01:45) Gracie Abrams: “Hit the Wall”(08:10) Zoh Amba: “Eyes Full"(14:18) Jazmin Bean: “Darling”(21:57) Ear: “Ne Plus Ultra”(27:46) Evening Elephants: “A Digital Touch”(33:07) Knats: “Carpet Doctor (feat. Geordie Greep)”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
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Interview: Isaiah Rashad is ready to bare his soul
2w ago00:47:26Summary readyIt’s been five years since we last heard music from Isaiah Rashad. And four years since he largely disappeared from the public eye after two leaked sex tapes, featuring Rashad with other men, upended his life. Now, he's back. On his album, 'It's Been Awful,' he reaches new levels of clarity and intimacy. Having survived hypervisibility, this new music encapsulates what it means to truly be seen. In this episode, NPR Music's Rodney Carmichael sits down with Rashad for a wide-ranging interview about the new album, family, addiction and masculinity in hip hop.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Sheldon Pearce.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
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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 15
2w ago00:42:57Summary readyJobi Riccio. Dua Saleh. Tank and the Bangas. Plus, others not named Drake! NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Joe Kendrick of WNCW in North Carolina about their favorite albums out Friday, May 15. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Jobi Riccio, 'Face The Feeling'(07:49) Dua Saleh, 'Of Earth & Wires'(15:38) Tank and the Bangas, 'The Last Balloon'(21:41) Cocanha, 'Flame Folclòre'(26:50) Tamikrest, 'Assikel'(33:01) The Lightning Round- Eluvium, 'Virga III'- Kevin Morby, 'Little Wide Open- Martyn, 'Music for Existing'- Julieta Venegas, 'Norteña'- Jeff Parker ETA IVtet, 'Happy Today'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Joe Kendrick, WNCWAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Otis Hart, Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Lars Gotrich and Anamaria SayreSee 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
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Alt.Latino: Our favorite Latin Tiny Desk Contest entries
3w ago00:31:02Summary readySince 2014, we've been hitting bands up to send in their videos for the opportunity to win the Tiny Desk Contest. And almost from the beginning, Alt.Latino has been pulling aside the bands and artists that play Latin music. It’s always been a highlight to see the incredible talent that's out there night after night in bars, clubs, community centers, street parties and backyards, finding new ways to express their Latino identity through music. This year was no different.We waded through hundreds of entries to select the six to feature this week, which showcase a huge variety of musical expressions.And a reminder: you can see every band that sent in a video this year right here - and a big shout out to this year’s winner, Cure For Paranoia!Artists and songs featured in this episode:(04:10) Sofia Gomez, "Without Me"(07:58) Ed Harvest, "Me Toca Despedirme de Ti"(11:05) alegrías, "Wahoo!"(16:05) Ivan Llanes and Friends, "Cubahia"(22:27) Majo Puente, "MAKTUB"(25:56) Thee Almighty Majestics, "Última Noche"This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive director of NPR Music.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
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All Songs Considered: Charli xcx, Mike D, Boards of Canada
3w ago00:39:02Summary readyOur latest mix of the best new tracks this week includes a massive eye-roll from Charli xcx, the first-ever solo music from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, another surprise drop from electronic music icons Boards of Canada, and more.NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.Leave us a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgFeatured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(01:18) Charli xcx: “Rock Music” (Single)(07:30) Starflyer 59: “I’m Disappointed” from Disappointed EP(12:22) Mike D: “Switch Up” (Single)(19:53) Black Swan Network: “The Shell” from The Early Music, Vol. 1(25:30) Hannah Cohen: “Golden Chain” (Single)(31:55) Boards of Canada: “Introit/Prophecy At 1420 MHz” from InfernoSee 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
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