All Songs Considered: Laufey, Fiona Apple, Lord Huron, and More – The Contenders, Vol. 11

Release Date: May 20, 2025 | Host: Robin Hilton

Opening Conversation: Reflections on the Current Era (00:15 - 01:31)

Robin Hilton and Sheldon Pierce kick off the episode with a candid discussion about the state of the world, expressing a sense of frustration with contemporary issues. They reflect on the "dumbest time" sentiment, delving into how current "fresh horrors" feel avoidable, amplifying the perceived stupidity of the times.

Robin Hilton:

"I gotta be honest, it's hard sometimes not to think that we live in just the dumbest time."
(00:26)

Sheldon Pierce:

"We literally do. I think there's more an argument for than against at this point."
(00:40)

Fiona Apple’s New Single "Pretrial": A Critique of the Cash Bail System (01:38 - 07:15)

The conversation transitions to Fiona Apple's highly anticipated return with her new song, "Pretrial." After a five-year hiatus since "Fetch the Bolt Cutters," Apple addresses the cruelty and inefficiency of the cash bail system, drawing from her real-life experiences as a court watcher and volunteer with the Free Black Mamas DMV campaign.

Sheldon Pierce:

"The song ends up being this, like, amalgamation of the experience she's seen over and over and over again where women, especially black women who are caretakers for others, are then sort of criminalized for being poor."
(06:06)

Robin Hilton:

"I think that's what's really beautiful about it. It's not just about the cruelty and stupidity of the cash bail system itself... it's also just about the ways in which classism can crush a person."
(07:15)

Apple's poignant lyrics highlight the systemic issues that lead to the downfall of individuals who are presumed innocent but become ensnared in a cycle of economic and social instability due to inability to pay bail.

Jerskin Fendrix’s "SK1": Bridging Solo Work and Film Scoring (08:36 - 14:04)

The duo shifts focus to Jerskin Fendrix, celebrating his latest solo effort alongside his work in film scoring. Discussing his single "SK1," they commend the dynamic shifts and abstract lyricism that make the track both intriguing and emotionally resonant.

Robin Hilton:

"The place he takes that song just blows me away... the contrast between that and the noise that he brings in is just incredible."
(13:43)

Sheldon Pierce:

"The lyrics, when you key into them, are so abstract, so weird."
(14:04)

Fendrix's ability to blend subtle vocal styles with experimental sounds creates a compelling listening experience, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Lord Huron’s "Looking Back" and Upcoming Album "Cosmic Selector, Volume One" (18:09 - 25:25)

Robin and Sheldon delve into Lord Huron's nearly two-decade-long journey, discussing their newfound appreciation for the band through their latest single "Looking Back." The song's exploration of life's choices and their consequences dovetails with the themes of their forthcoming album, "Cosmic Selector, Volume One," set to release on July 18th.

Sheldon Pierce:

"It's structured so carefully, so precisely, that you can only be sort of obsessed with the details."
(23:08)

Robin Hilton:

"It's about unity... taking note of the similarities between them and their driver, finding real and lasting and meaningful connections."
(31:00)

The conversation highlights the album's introspective nature, questioning fate versus free will and the inescapable nature of self, regardless of life’s paths.

Tiny Desk Contest Winner and FC’s "Malachi the Uber Driver" (25:25 - 32:50)

Celebrating the Tiny Desk Contest's winner, Ruby Abarra, the hosts also feature FC’s emotionally charged song "Malachi the Uber Driver." This original entry captures a profound moment of connection and reflection during an Uber ride, emphasizing themes of unity and shared human experiences.

Sheldon Pierce:

"It's so fragile and yet so strong, so resilient at the same moment."
(31:43)

Robin Hilton:

"It's about unity... meaningful connections with the people around them that are otherwise very easy to ignore."
(31:00)

FC’s lyrical storytelling and heartfelt performance resonate deeply, showcasing the power of music to connect individuals across different walks of life.

Levi’s "Tough Luck" and Album "A Matter of Time": Breaking Musical Boundaries (33:57 - 47:10)

Sheldon introduces Levi’s latest single "Tough Luck" from her upcoming album "A Matter of Time," highlighting her bold shift from traditional jazz and crooning to a more dynamic, rock-influenced sound. The song’s gradual intensification mirrors the metaphorical "boiling pot" of emotion, demonstrating Levi’s evolution as an artist.

Robin Hilton:

"As a listener, you're the frog in the pot of water... you can't escape yourself."
(44:01)

Sheldon Pierce:

"I was a bit put off by how practiced and deferential it seemed to history... but this record feels quite the opposite."
(45:24)

The hosts appreciate Levi’s strategic departure from her established style, praising the song's ability to seamlessly integrate new musical elements while maintaining emotional depth.

25th Anniversary Retro: Celebrating 2013’s Musical Milestones (47:21 - 53:28)

In commemoration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary, Robin and Stephen Thompson reflect on standout tracks from 2013. They spotlight Kacey Musgraves' revolutionary "Follow Your Arrow," which challenged mainstream country norms with its progressive themes, and James Blake’s "Retrograde," lauded for its emotional resonance and impeccable vocal performance.

Stephen Thompson:

"Having a country singer singing a song where it's basically... felt, you know, in 2013 was a fairly revolutionary sentiment."
(49:21)

Robin Hilton:

"Retrograde is when an object appears to be moving in the opposite direction of the other objects around it... and the music has this falling thing."
(52:35)

These tracks not only defined the year but also left a lasting impact on their respective genres, exemplifying the diverse range of music celebrated by the show.

Closing Remarks: Looking Ahead (53:28 - 56:08)

Robin wraps up the episode by expressing excitement for the upcoming releases and thanking Sheldon for his insights. The hosts encourage listeners to explore the featured tracks and continue their musical journeys.

Robin Hilton:

"It's All Songs Considered. Show me where you feel."
(53:28)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Robin Hilton:

  "It's hard sometimes not to think that we live in just the dumbest time."
  (00:26)

• Sheldon Pierce:

  "We literally do. I think there's more an argument for than against at this point."
  (00:40)

• Fiona Apple: "Pretrial" Lyrics:

  "They wouldn't let her go home... Shame and isolation economic deprivation and there's no more home."
  (05:55)

• Sheldon Pierce on Fiona Apple:

  "It's also just about the ways in which classism can crush a person."
  (07:15)

• Robin Hilton on Jerskin Fendrix:

  "The contrast between that and the noise that he brings in is just incredible."
  (13:43)

• Sheldon Pierce on Lord Huron:

  "You can only be sort of obsessed with the details."
  (23:08)

• Robin Hilton on Lord Huron's Album Theme:

  "It's about unity... meaningful connections with the people around them that are otherwise very easy to ignore."
  (31:00)

• Sheldon Pierce on FC’s Song:

  "It's so fragile and yet so strong, so resilient at the same moment."
  (31:43)

• Robin Hilton on Levi’s "Tough Luck":

  "You can't escape yourself... you're still stuck with yourself."
  (44:01)

• Stephen Thompson on Kacey Musgraves:

  "Having a country singer singing a song where it's basically... in 2013 was a fairly revolutionary sentiment."
  (49:21)

Tune In Next Week: Join Robin Hilton and the NPR Music family as they continue to explore new music, revisit classic tracks, and engage in thoughtful conversations about the ever-evolving landscape of the music world.

Thank you for listening to All Songs Considered. Share the show with friends, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and stay tuned for more musical discoveries!