All Songs Considered: New Music Friday – The Best Albums Out April 11

Introduction

On the April 11, 2025 episode of NPR Music's flagship program, All Songs Considered: New Music Friday, host Stephen Thompson teams up with Aaron Wolfe from Radio Milwaukee's 88.9 to explore the latest releases in the music world. This episode delves into a diverse range of albums, offering in-depth discussions, personal insights, and notable quotes from the hosts. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Record Store Day Excitement

Stephen Thompson kicks off the episode by highlighting the excitement surrounding Record Store Day, set for April 12. He and Aaron Wolfe discuss their anticipation for exclusive releases and hidden gems that independent record stores will feature nationwide.

• Stephen Thompson [00:29]: "Record Store Day is such a crapshoot. You know, for every like really cool obscurity that you've been dying to get your hands on, you get things like there's going to be a 12-inch picture disc of 'We Built This City' by Starship." (00:52)

Aaron expresses his specific interests, eyeing unique compilations and rare vinyl editions from iconic artists.

• Aaron Wolfe [01:07]: "I have my eye on Soul Slabs Volume Four from Coal Mine... and I have not yet been able to get my hands on a copy of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass; I really want that on vinyl." (01:07)

Their conversation underscores the thrill and unpredictability of the event, balancing nostalgic desires with the possibility of encountering unexpected releases.

2. Bon Iver's Sable Fable

The first major album discussed is Bon Iver's fifth release, Sable Fable. Stephen provides an overview of the album's evolution from its humble beginnings in a Wisconsin cabin to its current expansive and experimental sound.

• Stephen Thompson [04:32]: "Sable Fable is about cutting the darkness with joy. Even the title, 'Sable' is referring to kind of darkness, and 'Fable' is referring to joy and wonder." (04:32)

Aaron adds depth by sharing insights from his conversation with Justin Vernon, the mastermind behind Bon Iver.

• Aaron Wolfe [05:28]: "He was focusing more on making good with himself as a person... he was finally allowing himself to break free of that persona and just step into joy." (05:28)

The hosts highlight tracks like "Everything Is Peaceful Love," interpreting it as a testament to embracing joy amidst adversity.

• Stephen Thompson [07:02]: "One of the singles from this record is called 'Everything Is Peaceful Love'... it's a reminder that we have a right to joy." (07:02)

They commend the album's blend of reflective melancholy and uplifting harmonies, emphasizing Bon Iver's growth and the album's heartfelt narrative.

3. Valerie June's Owls, Omens and Oracles

Next, Valerie June's latest work, Owls, Omens and Oracles, receives attention for its genre-blending artistry. Stephen praises June's ability to intertwine psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian bluegrass, and more.

• Aaron Wolfe [11:36]: "She is just the most expansive artist, dabbling in psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian bluegrass, country, soul, gospel, you name it." (11:36)

The discussion delves into the album's thematic exploration of sweetness and human connection, particularly in challenging times.

• Aaron Wolfe [12:24]: "One of the songs... 'Sweet Things Just for You'... practicing sweetness, especially when facing the hurdles of the modern world." (12:24)

Stephen highlights the production quality, thanks to producer M. Ward, and how it complements June's versatile vocal delivery.

• Stephen Thompson [13:56]: "M. Ward's production stamp is all over this record... an ingenious pairing that results in ideas blooming from every corner." (13:56)

The album is lauded for its poetic lyricism and the seamless fusion of various musical styles, making it a standout release.

4. Gerald Clayton's Ones and Twos

Gerald Clayton's new album, Ones and Twos, marks a significant addition to the jazz scene. Stephen describes the album's adventurous spirit and innovative structure, allowing listeners to experience the music in multiple dimensions.

• Stephen Thompson [24:00]: "It's two records that individually sound great... but if you set up two laptops with the same album and play them simultaneously, you get a different vibe." (24:00)

Aaron appreciates Clayton's compositional brilliance and the album's dynamic interplay of tension and release.

• Aaron Wolfe [23:25]: "Ones and Twos feels like this really wide-eyed and totally smart, imaginatively produced album." (23:25)

The hosts commend the collaborative efforts of talented musicians like Joel Ross and Elena Pinderhughes, as well as the inventive production by Casa, which infuses hip-hop elements into the jazz framework.

• Stephen Thompson [25:00]: "There's an element inspired by turntablism... every second of this song, it's not fussed over in a way that makes it feel like a museum piece." (25:00)

Ones and Twos is celebrated for its rich textures and forward-thinking approach, positioning Gerald Clayton as a visionary in modern jazz.

5. Real Lies' We Will Annihilate Our Enemies

The British duo Real Lies introduces their latest album, We Will Annihilate Our Enemies. Stephen draws comparisons to bands like Stars and Salt-N-Pepa, noting the album's blend of EDM arrangements with emotionally charged vocals.

• Stephen Thompson [27:06]: "This taps into that kind of vibe really effectively." (27:06)

Aaron reflects on the album's nostalgic undertones, reminiscent of early 2000s emo and indie sounds, while appreciating its contemporary relevance.

• Aaron Wolfe [28:16]: "This record reminded me so much of what I was listening to about 20 years ago... an EDM meets Pet Shop Boys kind of ethereality." (28:16)

The track "Lover World" is highlighted for encapsulating the album's central theme of seeking genuine connection in a digital age.

• Stephen Thompson [28:13]: "There's a track called 'Lover World'... tapping into how hard it is to find love in the digital realm." (28:13)

Despite a last-minute release delay, the anticipation for this album underscores its impact and the duo's creative prowess.

6. Kills Birds' Crave EP

In a quick spotlight, Kills Birds unveils their EP Crave. Stephen and Aaron praise the band's fusion of heavy melodies with potent vocals, drawing parallels to contemporary bands like Mama and Ben Stellar.

• Aaron Wolfe [34:30]: "There's a new generation taking the lead on a new brand of hard melodic rock." (34:30)

Stephen shares his personal connection, having featured them in the Austin 100 lineup, and lauds the EP's cathartic energy.

• Stephen Thompson [35:00]: "You hear a band that has really tightened up and revved up its sound... Nina Letty has this volcanic presence at the center of this band." (35:00)

Crave is recognized for its intense emotional delivery and the seamless integration of heavy instrumentation with melodic hooks.

7. Lightning Round: Additional Notable Releases

The episode concludes with a lightning round, where Stephen and Aaron briefly discuss other noteworthy albums released on April 11.

• Turnpike Troubadours' Price of Admission: Celebrated for its outlaw country vibes, produced by Shooter Jennings. Stephen emphasizes the band's longstanding presence and the album's fresh yet authentic sound.

• Daughter of Swords' Latest Album: North Carolina's Daughter of Swords experiments with synth-pop infused folk, showcasing their evolved sound and vibrant harmonies.

• Jadu Hart's Post Heaven: The UK dream pop duo transitions from masked performances to a more raw sound, exploring genres from electropop to grunge.

• Casper Skulls' KitKat: A Toronto band blending indie rock flavors with literary-inspired melodies, creating an album that's as engaging as a captivating novel.

• Nell Smith's Anxious: A posthumous solo debut from the late Nell Smith, featuring bright indie pop songs with proceeds supporting a memorial fund for young musicians.

Conclusion

The April 11, 2025 episode of All Songs Considered: New Music Friday offers a rich tapestry of musical exploration, from introspective jazz compositions to electrifying indie rock anthems. Stephen Thompson and Aaron Wolfe provide insightful commentary, blending personal anecdotes with critical analysis to celebrate the diverse sounds shaping today's music landscape. Whether you're a jazz aficionado, indie enthusiast, or EDM lover, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to the best albums emerging this week.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Thompson [07:02]: "It's a reminder that we have a right to joy."
• Aaron Wolfe [05:28]: "He was finally allowing himself to break free of that persona and just step into joy."
• Aaron Wolfe [11:36]: "She is just the most expansive artist, dabbling in psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian bluegrass, country, soul, gospel, you name it."
• Stephen Thompson [23:25]: "Ones and Twos feels like this really really wide eyed and totally smart, imaginatively produced album."
• Stephen Thompson [28:13]: "There's a track called 'Lover World'... tapping into how hard it is to find love in the digital realm."

This summary was crafted to provide a detailed and engaging overview of the April 11 episode of All Songs Considered: New Music Friday. For those seeking to stay updated on the latest in music, this episode offers valuable insights and recommendations across various genres and styles.