All Songs Considered – New Music Friday: The Best Albums Out June 6
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Izzy Bevis from WTMD, Baltimore
Introduction
In this vibrant episode of NPR's flagship music discovery podcast, All Songs Considered, host Stephen Thompson welcomes Izzy Bevis from WTMD in Baltimore to discuss the most exciting album releases for the week of June 6. The conversation is rich with insights into diverse genres, artist backgrounds, and the creative processes behind the new music.
Spotlight on Turnstile – "Never Enough"
[00:00 - 06:50]
Stephen Thompson kicks off the show by highlighting the significance of June 6 as a major release day, featuring Turnstile's highly anticipated album, Never Enough. Izzy Bevis expresses her enthusiasm:
“I'm so excited about the new album and I feel like, so, so special to be like, in Baltimore while it's happening.”
[00:21]
Key Points:
- Turnstile's Evolution: Active since 2010, Turnstile has developed a strong following in the hardcore scene. Never Enough marks a more introspective turn for the band.
- Musical Diversity: The album blends hardcore roots with elements of dream pop and shoegaze, creating a versatile soundscape.
- Notable Tracks:
- Look Out For Me: Features 80s guitars transitioning into chunky 90s riffs and electronic segments.
“The song you mentioned, look out for Me, opens with these, like, very 80s guitars...”
[02:51] - Dreaming: Incorporates horns and takes listeners on a sonic journey.
“...turns out that Turnstile is not afraid to take risks...”
[04:01] - Sun Shower: Explores speedball hardcore with unexpected interludes.
- Magic Man: Concludes the album with a peaceful and emotional closure.
“Magic man... is this a big swing.”
[06:26]
- Look Out For Me: Features 80s guitars transitioning into chunky 90s riffs and electronic segments.
Accompanying Media: The album release is paired with a movie screening on over 300 theater screens, underscoring the album's ambitious scope.
Pulp Returns – "More"
[06:50 - 15:19]
Stephen transitions to Pulp's first new album in 24 years, titled More. The discussion delves into the band's legacy and the fresh perspectives brought by frontman Jarvis Cocker.
Key Points:
- Band Reunion: Despite lineup changes and the passing of longtime bassist Steve Mackey in 2023, More feels true to Pulp's classic sound.
- Lyrical Themes: Jarvis Cocker's songwriting remains incisive, addressing topics like class, love, and personal growth.
- Recording Process: Recorded in three weeks, showcasing Cocker's consistent creativity and adaptability.
“Jarvis Cocker is still as clever as ever...”
[10:59] - Notable Tracks:
- Tina: Explores themes of unrequited love through a fantasy narrative.
“Epic of Tina and this kind of like, odd, unrequited love stalker situation.”
[11:17] - Spike Island: Sets the tone with a grand orchestral feel.
“I was born to perform, it's a calling.”
[12:44] - Hymn of the North: A tender tribute reflecting on the band's history and personal losses.
“These guys have been through a lot...”
[14:03]
- Tina: Explores themes of unrequited love through a fantasy narrative.
Little Sims – "Lotus"
[16:20 - 25:08]
Next, Stephen and Izzy explore Little Sims' sixth album, Lotus, celebrating her growth as a UK rapper and her seamless integration of hip hop with psychedelic and pop elements.
Key Points:
- Artist Evolution: From teaching street dance to becoming a prominent hip hop figure, Little Sims showcases her versatility and resilience.
- Collaborations: Features artists like Michael Kiwanuka, Moses Sumney, and Samfa Obang, enhancing the album's depth and variety.
- Themes:
- Resilience and Growth:
“...resilience and the common conversation of like not being controlled by faith or bad influences...”
[17:57] - Family Dynamics: The track Blood is a standout conversation between family members, exploring complex relationships with a catchy, thoughtful hook.
“...conversation between family members... so hooky, so catchy and thoughtful.”
[20:04] - Magic and Escapism: The title track serves as a metaphorical journey through magic, addressing trauma and personal growth.
“Magic itself is woven all through this record.”
[28:08]
- Resilience and Growth:
Notable Tracks:
- Only: A grand gesture of love reflecting personal relationships.
- Lotus: A six-and-a-half-minute psychedelic jam featuring guest vocals from Michael Kiwanuka and Yusuf Dees.
- Blue: Closes the album with Sampha, adding an angelic and melancholic touch.
“Closing on Blue as the last song is this, like, amazing farewell.”
[24:25]
McKinley Dixon – "Magic Alive"
[25:17 - 32:04]
McKinley Dixon's new album, Magic Alive, is discussed next, highlighting its Chicago-influenced sound and thematic focus on magic as a means of escaping trauma.
Key Points:
- Background: From Maryland with influences from Chicago’s vibrant music scene.
- Themes: The album uses magic as a lyrical device to explore resilience and healing.
“Magic is using magic as a lyrical trapdoor to kind of escape from trauma...”
[28:48] - Notable Tracks:
- Beloved Paradise Jazz: Explores conversations between past and present selves.
- We're Outside Rejoice: A summer jam perfect for uplifting moments.
“...killer summer jam. Add this song to your rotation anytime you are getting ready to go outside into the world.”
[31:22] - Listen Gentle: Features a dialogue about magic between an adult and a child, symbolizing healing and growth.
“...conversation about magic with a child...”
[30:44]
Collaborations: Features experimental artists like Teller Bang, adding depth and complexity to the album’s narrative.
Lifeguard – "Ripped and Torn"
[32:49 - 35:48]
Emerging from Chicago, Lifeguard introduces their debut album, Ripped and Torn, characterized by its raw post-punk energy and experimental sounds.
Key Points:
- Sound and Style: Combines wiry, intense post-punk with noise and experimental elements, produced by Randy Randall.
“...leaning in and accepting noise as a genre, it can really be a fun experience...”
[35:28] - Notable Tracks:
- Silence: Embraces noise punk influences.
- I Want to Break Out: A high-energy track lasting just under two minutes.
“...sounds like it's the fifth album, and the band has come back to the drawing table...”
[33:57] - France: Highlights the band’s potential for captivating live performances.
“...feel like they would be so good live...”
[36:08]
Live Performances: Izzy expresses excitement about their upcoming shows, anticipating a dynamic live presence based on their album’s intensity.
Lightning Round: Additional Album Highlights
[35:48 - 43:58]
To wrap up, Stephen and Izzy engage in a rapid-fire segment, highlighting other notable new releases:
-
Broken Social Scene – "Anthems: A Celebration of Broken Social Scene's You Forgot It in People"
A tribute album featuring diverse artists like Maggie Rogers and Toro y Moi.“...a really charming tribute album...”
[38:20] -
Addison Rae – "Addison and I"
Transitioning from TikTok fame to pop stardom, Addison collaborates with Charli XCX to explore fame and ambition.“...relationship between her... chasing and putting all of her ambition into music.”
[38:36] -
Comet Gain – "Letters to Ordinary Outsiders"
Celebrates the band's 30-year legacy with smart, timeless indie pop tracks.“...superior indie pop music...”
[40:04] -
Loaded Honey – "Love Made Trees"
From members of Jungle, this album evokes nostalgic Sunday mornings with its mellow, serene vibes.“...feels like Sunday morning you're brewing coffee...”
[40:20] -
Hayden Pedego – "I'll Be Waving as You Drive Away"
An instrumental masterpiece perfect for reflective mornings, featuring shimmery and atmospheric compositions.“...crafting music that isn't just intricately fingerpicked...”
[41:01]
Favorite Tracks:
- Izzy’s Pick: Black Moth's Super Rainbow on Soft New Magic Dream.
“...ethereal, it's very ambient...”
[42:35] - Stephen’s Pick: Little Sims' Blood for its profound exploration of family dynamics.
“...captivated by it...”
[42:35]
Closing Remarks
Stephen encourages listeners to engage by sharing their favorite songs of the week on Spotify and thanks Izzy Bevis for her insightful contributions from WTMD in Baltimore.
“...take a moment to be well, get outside and rejoice and treat yourself to lots of great music.”
[43:55]
Produced by: Simon Rettner
Edited by: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Saraya Mohamed
NPR Music Vice President: Keith Jenkins
Tune in next week for more in-depth discussions on June 13th's album releases with guest Nate Chenen from WRTI Philadelphia.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Turnstile Excitement: “I'm so excited about the new album...” [00:21]
- Look Out For Me Description: “The song you mentioned, look out for Me, opens with these, like, very 80s guitars...” [02:51]
- Pulp's Resilience: “Despite some of the songs being a little bit crass...” [15:19]
- Little Sims on Resilience: “...resilience and the common conversation of like not being controlled by faith or bad influences...” [17:57]
- Lifeguard's Raw Energy: “...leaning in and accepting noise as a genre...” [35:28]
- Final Farewell: “...take a moment to be well, get outside and rejoice...” [43:55]
This episode of All Songs Considered offers a comprehensive dive into the latest music releases, blending detailed analysis with personal reflections, making it a valuable resource for music enthusiasts eager to discover new sounds and revisit beloved genres.