All Songs Considered: New Music Friday – The Best Albums Out April 18

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Hosts:

• Stephen Thompson – NPR Music
• Brian Burns – WUNC

Introduction

In this episode of NPR Music’s flagship program, All Songs Considered, hosts Stephen Thompson and Brian Burns delve into the latest releases featured in New Music Friday. Skipping over sponsor messages and advertisements, the duo centers their conversation around the standout albums released on April 18th, providing insightful critiques, personal anecdotes, and memorable quotes with corresponding timestamps from the transcript.

1. Julian Baker and Taurus – Send a Prayer My Way

Timestamp: [02:06]

Stephen Thompson kicks off the discussion with Send a Prayer My Way, a collaborative effort between Julian Baker and Taurus. Thompson praises Baker's transition from her solo work and as a member of the supergroup Boy Genius (with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus) to this new country-infused project.

Stephen Thompson [03:34]: "My first thought listening to this record is just what a clever post Boy Genius move this is for Julian Baker."

Country Signifiers and Authenticity

The album embraces country music’s simplicity and relatable struggles without leaning into clichés. Tracks like “Dirt” resonate deeply, addressing themes of regret and substance abuse with authenticity.

Julian Baker [04:34]: "Spend your whole life getting clean just to wind up in the dirt."

Personal Stories Enhance the Music

Brian Burns highlights personal stories behind the songs, such as the inspiration for “Sylvia.”

Brian Burns [07:23]: "Sylvia is her dog, and this was meant to be a foster dog, but she ended up adopting her."

Conclusion on Send a Prayer My Way

Thompson lauds the album as a continuation of Baker’s introspective artistry, emphasizing its ties to friendship and mutual support fostered during her time with Boy Genius.

Stephen Thompson [06:36]: "I love that about this record, Sylvia My Baby. It ties into a lot of the good vibes that surrounded Boy Genius."

2. Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson – What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow?

Timestamp: [08:45]

Next, the hosts explore What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow?, an album by Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson. Burns describes it as a homage to North Carolina’s fiddle and banjo traditions, recorded live outdoors to capture an authentic porch-sitting ambiance.

Brian Burns [09:44]: "The album was recorded live and outdoors... you really do just feel like you're sitting on the back porch of somebody's house."

Honoring Musical Heritage

The collaboration honors Joe Thompson, a mentor to both artists, ensuring the preservation of black string music traditions. Tracks like “Hook and Line” pay tribute to Thompson’s influence.

Brian Burns [11:56]: "They are celebrating him by carrying the tradition on of that one."

Upcoming Festival: Biscuits and Banjos

Giddens is set to host her first music festival, Biscuits and Banjos, featuring a blend of musical performances and culinary demonstrations, aiming to become a North Carolina tradition.

Brian Burns [14:27]: "The lineup, the music lineup is insane... it's going to be really special and I'm hoping this will be a tradition."

3. Tunde Adebimpe – The Black Bolts

Timestamp: [18:42]

Tunde Adebimpe, known from TV on the Radio, presents his solo project, The Black Bolts. Burns expresses admiration for TV on the Radio’s innovative spirit and Adebimpe’s ability to channel that into his independent work.

Brian Burns [19:31]: "TV on the Radio is probably my favorite band of the early 2000s New York scene."

Creative Freedom and Evolution

Adebimpe discusses the challenges of transitioning from a collaborative band environment to solo projects, emphasizing his desire to finish his own ideas.

Stephen Thompson [19:50]: "He started sketching out concepts and ideas for the record a little bit after that. And now we have the final product and it's great."

Dynamic and Energetic Composition

The album maintains the high-energy and experimental essence of TV on the Radio, with tracks like “Ate the Moon” featuring collaborations that infuse fresh elements into his sound.

Brian Burns [21:36]: "Another favorite of mine is called the Most... it really is in the spirit of the best country things."

4. Beirut – A Study of Losses

Timestamp: [26:29]

Beirut’s latest release, A Study of Losses, is a departure from their typical sound, commissioned by Swedish circus Company Giraffe. The album blends global influences with Beirut’s signature instrumentation, enriched by collaborations with cellist Claris Jensen.

Stephen Thompson [27:26]: "This album is freaking gorgeous."

Cultural and Historical Inspirations

The album draws inspiration from Judith Shalansky’s novel and the mythical Tuanaki Atoll, blending storytelling with eclectic musical arrangements.

Brian Burns [30:25]: "Tuanaki Atoll is said to have been an Eden-like island... the people of this island were so peaceful."

Timeless and Exotic Sounds

Tracks like “Villa Sacchetti” and “Gorecki's Unicorn” showcase Beirut's ability to create timeless, immersive soundscapes that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

Stephen Thompson [31:37]: "It's just a beautiful listen."

5. Sarah Siskind – Simplify

Timestamp: [35:09]

Sarah Siskind’s Simplify is lauded as a minimalist masterpiece, focusing on her ethereal vocals and intricate guitar work. Burns and Thompson commend the album’s introspective nature, highlighting its timeless quality.

Brian Burns [36:30]: "This record is really beautiful. It's very minimal. It's really just her voice and her guitar."

Evolution as an Artist

Siskind’s journey from songwriting for major artists to creating deeply personal music is emphasized, showcasing her growth and unwavering passion for authentic expression.

Stephen Thompson [41:50]: "This record feels very much like it was made on her terms."

Emotional Resonance

Tracks like “Heavenly Father” and “Simplify Our Love” exhibit Siskind’s ability to convey profound emotion through simplicity, making her music universally relatable.

Sarah Siskind [39:50]: "Heavenly Father relieves my sorrow."

6. Lightning Round: Other Notable Albums Released April 18th

Timestamp: [43:16]

The hosts transition to a lightning round, briefly highlighting additional albums that made an impact on April 18th:

• Davido – five: A powerhouse in Afrobeat, Davido’s fifth album delivers booming anthems and infectious rhythms.

  Brian Burns [44:34]: "It's full of booming anthemic ear worms."

• Adrienne Young – Something About April 3: The final installment of Young’s series, inspired by 60s and 70s Brazilian music, showcases her analog recording prowess.

  Brian Burns [45:23]: "She totally nailed it."

• Avery Friedman – New Thing: A Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter whose album blends anxiety with uneasy beauty, featuring chiming arrangements that captivate listeners.

  Stephen Thompson [45:29]: "Avery Friedman's new album is called New Thing."

• Jess Sabi – Jesus Christ Ne de soi pas: A reissue on the Tapes From Africa label, this album from 1991 Ivory Coast artist Jess Sabi brings her vibrant sounds to a broader audience.

  Brian Burns [46:17]: "It's a really cool one."

• Neil Young – Coastal. The Soundtrack: Complementing a new documentary, this intimate live album features Young performing solo, offering a raw glimpse into his extensive catalog.

  Stephen Thompson [46:48]: "It's an incredible, extremely intimate live document."

Conclusion

Stephen Thompson and Brian Burns conclude the episode by expressing their excitement for the featured albums and appreciation for the vibrant music scene. They encourage listeners to explore the highlighted records and anticipate future discussions with upcoming guests.

Stephen Thompson [48:27]: "Take a moment to be well, drink a tall glass of ice water and treat yourself to lots of great music."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stephen Thompson [03:34]: "What a clever post Boy Genius move this is for Julian Baker."
• Julian Baker [04:34]: "Spend your whole life getting clean just to wind up in the dirt."
• Brian Burns [07:23]: "Sylvia is her dog, and this was meant to be a foster dog, but she ended up adopting her."
• Brian Burns [09:44]: "You really do just feel like you're sitting on the back porch of somebody's house."
• Stephen Thompson [19:50]: "He started sketching out concepts and ideas for the record a little bit after that. And now we have the final product and it's great."
• Stephen Thompson [27:26]: "This album is freaking gorgeous."
• Stephen Thompson [35:09]: "This record feels very much like it was made on her terms."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the April 18th episode of All Songs Considered, providing listeners with an in-depth overview of the discussed albums, enriched by personal insights and impactful quotes from the hosts.