Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – New Music Friday: The Best Albums Out Jan. 9 (January 9, 2026)

Overview

This episode of NPR’s All Songs Considered (hosted primarily by Stephen Thompson, with guest Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville) dives into the best new albums released on January 9, 2026. The duo explores a range of genres and artists—from post-punk and indie pop to jazz-neoclassical crossover—reflecting on themes of change, identity, grief, hope, and whimsy. The episode’s tone is warm, collegial, and gently irreverent, with both hosts savoring the role of music in shaping our moods and perspectives entering the new year.

Featured Album Discussions

Dry Cleaning – Secret Love

• [00:47–07:07]
  • Dry Cleaning’s third album, produced in part by Kate Le Bon, draws praise for its deadpan, spoken-word delivery and its ability to evoke emotion through a seemingly minimal sonic palette.
  • Hosts compare Dry Cleaning’s textural minimalism and emotional variation to the band Low, despite stylistic differences.
  • Florence Shaw’s lyrics blend darkness and humor, exploring everyday struggles (“not wanting to clean”) and existential musings.
  • Memorable Quote (Stephen Thompson):
    “Both artists take what seems like a very limited palette and find tons of interesting variation and gradation within that sound.” [02:34]
  • Notable Excerpt (Florence Shaw lyric):
    “Everything has a home in my house, but I don't like to clean. I find cleaning demeaning, but that's kind of a problem of mine.” [05:54]

Jenny On Holiday – Quicksand Heart

• [07:19–13:03]
  • Jenny Hollingworth’s debut under this moniker departs from Let’s Eat Grandma’s esotericism for a shinier, anthemic take on ‘80s/’90s Britpop, but with emotional openness at its core.
  • The record’s title reflects the idea of vulnerability and being “enveloped” by experience.
  • “Every Ounce of Me” stands out for its big, sing-along feel—a “big, swifty sing along quality” akin to Taylor Swift.
  • Memorable Quote (Stephen Thompson):
    “I'm still trying to figure out exactly how I want to attack this year, and I think that's a perfectly fine way to do it. Now let's be honest, by February, I will have leaned all the way into sullenness.” [10:49]
  • Notable Excerpt:
    “I wanna see dolphins in the ocean / I wanna meet the eyes of something that don’t live a human life...” [12:32]

Tiny Desk Contest News

• [15:18–17:16]
  • The 12th annual Tiny Desk Contest opens soon, with Celia Gregory announced as a guest judge.
  • The contest is celebrated for discovering and uplifting unsigned, independent artists.
  • Memorable Quote (Celia Gregory):
    “It's an honor and quite frankly, it's a responsibility of us, you know, in 2026. Let's hold onto these good things. And independent artistry is one of those good things.” [16:26]

Monrovia – Bloodline

• [17:16–23:28]
  • Monrovia, a Liberian-born, Tennessee-based artist, explores themes of homeland, identity, and adaptation in his debut LP.
  • The album narrates a personal and cultural journey (“came a long way, can’t find my bloodline”), with poetic, clear vocals akin to Sufjan Stevens and José González.
  • Tracks move from childhood nostalgia to complex questions of belonging and heritage.
  • Memorable Quote (Celia Gregory):
    “The clarity of his voice, and I mean that in listening to him...and his storytelling, it begs you to listen closely.” [20:57]

Homestar – A Binding Life

• [23:28–28:33]
  • Homestar is a power-pop/punk solo project by Evan Lescallette (formerly of Marietta) with Tim McMonagle on drums.
  • Songs shine with post-pandemic introspection, big hooks, and energetic, brash presentation—a strong debut for fans of Pup, White Reaper, or Green Day.
  • The hosts note the songs’ relatability and unfiltered emotion: “He manages to deliver it without whining.” [27:56]
  • Memorable Moment:
    Instrumental richness (“guitars as kind of a leavening agent”)—not just fuzz but lively layering. [28:33]

Chris Davis & Lutoslawski Quartet – Solastalgia Suite

• [30:09–36:32]
  • Grammy-winning pianist/composer Chris Davis, with the Polish Lutoslawski Quartet, crafts a jazz/neoclassical meditation on grief, dread, and hope in the face of climate change.
  • The suite evokes emotional unease (“horror-sounding record”), yet is lauded for its compositional brilliance.
  • The hosts discuss the term “solastalgia” — homesickness for a place as it changes or decays.
  • Memorable Quote (Celia Gregory):
    “You’re not just sad, you’re not just grieving, you’re horrified. And that’s why it’s a horror-sounding record.” [32:58]
  • Memorable Quote (Stephen Thompson):
    “This is not your gentle string music while you sip an herbal tea and stare out your kitchen window. This is not that recognizable.” [35:39]

Lightning Round: Other Notable Releases

• [36:32–39:52]
  • Zach Bryan – With Heaven on Top: Major country release; details still emerging.
  • The Cribs – Selling a Vibe: A strong return from veteran indie band; fans of garage rock take note.
  • Pullman – Three: First record in 25 years from the supergroup (members of Tortoise, Rex, etc.); warm, layered guitar sounds.
  • Clementine March – Powder Keg: Eclectic London artist; recommended for fans of Stereolab, Pixies, Rubblebucket, Belle & Sebastian—delightfully whimsical.
  • Rawayana – Donde Es El After: Venezuelan pop band; Latin Grammy-winner with a new, trippy release.

Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off

• Celia and Stephen encourage supporting independent artists, public media, and seeking joy and hopefulness amid turbulence.
• Closing Quote (Stephen Thompson):
  “Take a moment to be well. Don't lose your sweetness in this horror show and treat yourself to lots of great music.” [40:47]

Timestamps by Segment

• 00:47–07:07: Dry Cleaning – "Secret Love"
• 07:19–13:03: Jenny On Holiday – "Quicksand Heart"
• 15:18–17:16: Tiny Desk Contest announcement
• 17:16–23:28: Monrovia – "Bloodline"
• 23:28–28:33: Homestar – "A Binding Life"
• 30:09–36:32: Chris Davis & Lutoslawski Quartet – "Solastalgia Suite"
• 36:32–39:52: Lightning round (Zach Bryan, The Cribs, Pullman, Clementine March, Rawayana)

The episode is rich with recommendations, contextual depth, and the perspective of two passionate music lovers guiding listeners through the early days of 2026’s music landscape.