Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered

Episode: New Music Friday – The Best Albums Out Jan. 23

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Jesse Scott (WMOT, Nashville)
Date: January 23, 2026

Main Theme

The episode celebrates New Music Friday with an in-depth discussion of standout albums and notable reissues released on January 23, 2026. Host Stephen Thompson and guest Jesse Scott review and reflect on new records across genres, from Americana to jazz, folk, and R&B. Through listening sessions, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary, they explore protest music’s evolving role, Southern musical traditions, and the joy of discovery within roots and contemporary sounds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cat Power – 'Redux' EP (Reissue of 'The Greatest')

• [00:43] Cat Power’s 2006 classic The Greatest gets a deluxe reissue with a three-song EP, Redux, including covers and reimaginings.
• The hosts discuss her rendition of James Brown’s “Try Me” and Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” (popularized by Sinead O’Connor).
• Jesse Scott:

  “Anybody that redoes 1958 James Brown and the Famous Flames in power ballad style is a worthy entry... the piano sounds like it banged off the ionosphere.” (01:09)

• Cat Power’s connection to legendary musicians is highlighted, specifically as a tribute to Teenie Hodges.
• Stephen Thompson:

  “Blurring the boundaries of space and time, playing with classic vintage, beautiful sounds and setting that gorgeous voice against it.” (01:43)

2. Lucinda Williams – 'World's Gone Wrong'

• [02:39] Lucinda returns with a topical, protest-minded rock album, featuring guests like Mavis Staples and Norah Jones.
• The album is described as her most rocking in years, with “Neil Young-esque, kind of gnarled guitars and screaming organs.” (03:59)
• Protest music’s relevance is debated:
  Stephen Thompson:

  “There’s been this canard... that there’s no protest music anymore... But this is a protest album through and through.” (03:59)

• Songs touch on confusion, surviving dark times, and small joys:
  • “World’s Gone Wrong” calls for resilience and comfort (“Come on, baby, we gotta be strong...”). (05:23)
  • “How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?” delivers a biting yet unnamed takedown with a 60s garage band vibe.
  • “Sing Unburied, Sing” fuels a communal, rollicking spirit.
• Jesse Scott:

  “Lou has always been in touch with everyday people and really represents the poetry of everyday life... just remind you to live your life today.” (05:49)

3. Carolina Chocolate Drops – 'Genuine Negro Jig' (15th Anniversary Edition)

• [07:48] The influential Black string band’s essential 2010 album is reissued with remixed tracks and seven unreleased songs.
• The Drops’ role in highlighting African American roots in Americana is praised: Jesse Scott:

  “They wrote the book for awareness of African American contributions to roots music... Rhiannon Giddens is a masterful purveyor of these sonics.” (08:31)

• Reissue includes the ageless, vibrant cover of Blue Cantrell’s “Hit ’Em Up Style.”
• Stephen Thompson:

  “Taking this, you know, this kind of revenge minded R&B anthem... and treating it as if it is passed from front porch to front porch...” (09:29)

• Discussed are gospel-tinged tracks (“City of Refuge”), Cajun flavors (“Rattler”), and primal blues (“Jack of Diamonds”).
• Jesse Scott:

  “Their voice together was so important and singular... This is essential listening... so artistically satisfying.” (12:48)

4. Cassius Culpepper – 'Act One'

• [17:12] Alabama’s Cassius Culpepper bridges country, soul, blues, folk, and rock with authenticity and adventurous spirit.
• Lead track “Southern Man” features Marcus King’s guitar solo and stakes out Culpepper’s roots-music identity.
• Jesse Scott:

  “Can I name this the album of the year? Is it too soon?” (18:02)

• Songs traverse genre lines boldly; “Out of My Mind” has a Teddy Swims/Jelly Roll vibe, shifting to folk and bluegrass (“Broken Wing Bird” with Sierra Ferrell).
• Stephen Thompson:

  “You just have this feeling like it is this survey of Southern roots music that goes so big and is so unafraid to take detours, knowing that listeners are going to follow him wherever he goes.” (18:56)

5. The Lowest Pair – 'Always As Young as Will Ever Be'

• [21:55] The folk duo returns after six years with personal, thematically expansive songs.
• Kendall Winter’s soft, plaintive vocals contrast with Palmer T. Lee’s gruff folk timbre; together, they blend stunningly.
• Stephen Thompson:

  “Their voices are tethered together in these really, really interesting ways.” (22:48)

• Standouts include “Diamonds” (power pop-Americana), “Tiny Rebellions” (epic reflection on resilience), and “Quantum Physics” (celestial lyricism).
• The album is praised for introspective and philosophical lyrics: Jesse Scott:

  “I particularly love ‘Quantum Physics.’ I mean, how many songs carry such weighty titles?” (25:01)

6. Julian Lage – 'Scenes from Above'

• [27:43] Jazz guitar virtuoso Julian Lage explores timeless and creative soundscapes.
• His stylistic breadth—collaborating with Gary Burton and John Zorn—is emphasized.
• Jesse Scott:

  “It’s really elegant and timeless... This is a record you could listen to anywhere—on your front porch, while you’re taking a bath.” (29:13)

• “Opal” (liquid and atmospheric), “Red Elm” (jittery, exploratory), “Nightshade” (anthemic centerpiece).
• Stephen Thompson:

  “This is not wallpaper... It still manages to find so much creativity and so much expansiveness.” (30:18)

• Both reflect on how music discovery pushes their boundaries and expands their “wheelhouse.”

7. Lightning Round: Other Notable Releases

• Ari Lennox – 'Vacancy' (33:53)

  • Steamy, soulful R&B, long-anticipated follow-up to Age, Sex, Location.
  • Stephen Thompson:

    “It’s full of timeless, steamy, soaring soul. Ari Lennox’s new record is titled 'Vacancy.'” (34:39)

• Sammy Brue – 'The Journals' (34:48)

  • Young artist sets newly surfaced Justin Townes Earle lyrics to music; emotionally rich, modern folk.

• Naive Melodies (Talking Heads Tribute) (36:02)

  • Talking Heads classics reimagined by artists like Bilal, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Aja Monet through jazz, dub & Afrobeat lenses.

• Della Mae – 'Magic Accident' (37:12)

  • All-female bluegrass band from Boston; praised for harmonies and powerful musicianship.
  • Jesse Scott:

    “Their vocals are incredible. Their harmonies are magical.” (37:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On protest music:

  “This is a protest album through and through. I mean, this is. Everything’s messed up in album form and she’s not kidding around...”
  — Stephen Thompson, Lucinda Williams (03:59)

• On genre openness:

  “You just realize that there are so many brilliant musicians making incredible stuff. And if you open yourself up to it, you’re just gonna find so many more joys in life.”
  — Stephen Thompson (32:02)

• On roots of Americana:

  “What we were doing initially at Americana radio was very country rock. And for us over the years to have expanded our horizons as the tent grew and more and more people were welcomed into the fold of it. You know, this is essential listening.”
  — Jesse Scott, Carolina Chocolate Drops (12:48)

• Jesse Scott’s bold endorsement:

  “Can I name this the album of the year? Is it too soon?”
  — Jesse Scott, Cassius Culpepper (18:02)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:43] Cat Power – Redux EP
• [02:39] Lucinda Williams – World's Gone Wrong
• [07:48] Carolina Chocolate Drops – Genuine Negro Jig
• [17:12] Cassius Culpepper – Act One
• [21:55] The Lowest Pair – Always As Young as Will Ever Be
• [27:43] Julian Lage – Scenes from Above
• [33:53] Lightning Round: Ari Lennox, Sammy Brue, Naive Melodies, Della Mae

Tone & Style

Friendly, enthusiastic, deeply knowledgeable, and passionate about music discovery and its cultural resonance. Both hosts champion the importance of protest, roots, and boundary-pushing music while encouraging openness among listeners to new and diverse sounds.

Recommended For...

Anyone looking for engaging, in-depth commentary on the week’s best new albums and reissues, as well as celebration of music’s ability to connect, comfort, and challenge listeners.