All Songs Considered: New Music Friday – March 28, 2025

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alicia Sweeney (Colorado Public Radio, Indy 1023)
Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's All Songs Considered, host Stephen Thompson is joined by Alicia Sweeney from Colorado Public Radio's Indy 1023. Together, they delve into the standout music releases of March 28, 2025, discussing new albums from an array of artists such as Lucy Dacus, Perfume Genius, Great Grandpa, and more. The conversation highlights the themes of community, artistic growth, and the vibrant energy of springtime music releases.

Lucy Dacus – Forever is a Feeling

[01:26]
Lucy Dacus debuts her fourth solo album, Forever is a Feeling, her first since her 2021 release and following her three Grammy wins with the band Boygenius. The album is celebrated for its intimate and confident sound, blending lush arrangements with poignant lyrics.

Notable Discussion:

• Relationship Influence: Alicia brings up the personal aspect of Lucy confirming her relationship with Boygenius co-star Julien Baker, prompting Stephen to reflect on separating artists' personal lives from their music creations.
  Stephen Thompson: "I try not to get bogged down in the personal lives of the musicians I love... I root for their happiness." [02:57]

• Song Highlights: The duet with Hozier and the closing track “Lost Time” are highlighted for their emotional depth and beautiful instrumentation.
  Stephen Thompson: "It’s a lush, rich, beautiful record." [05:40]

Notable Quotes:

• Lucy Dacus: "Flicking embers into daffodils. You didn't plan to tell me how you feel?" [01:40]
• Alicia Sweeney: "The lyric, it's so intense... it is about them finding their love while on tour with Boygenius." [04:41]

Perfume Genius – Glory

[08:24]
Perfume Genius releases his seventh album, Glory, emerging from a period of depression experienced during the COVID pandemic. The album showcases his signature sound—tremulous vocals layered over bold, sparkling arrangements.

Notable Discussion:

• Artistic Evolution: Alicia notes this is the first time Perfume Genius has opened up his songwriting extensively, collaborating closely with his band and partner, Adam Wyffels.
  Alicia Sweeney: "This is the first time that he's opened up his songwriting like that..." [10:01]

• Standout Tracks: "In A Row" and "Left for Tomorrow" are praised for their haunting quality and Lynchian feel, respectively.
  Stephen Thompson: "This song will truly haunt my dreams in the best way." [12:16]

Notable Quotes:

• Perfume Genius: "Counting Every bone I hear murmurs from the front broken up." [11:08]
• Alicia Sweeney: "It's very Lynchian to me... an otherworldly voice." [12:49]

Great Grandpa – Patience Moonbeam

[18:16]
Seattle-based band Great Grandpa unveils Patience Moonbeam, their first full album in five years. Known for their harmonious collaborations and intricate songwriting, the album reflects a reunion after internal tensions during the pandemic.

Notable Discussion:

• Band Dynamics: Alicia discusses the band's reconvening post-pandemic, emphasizing the strength of their relationships and collective creativity.
  Alicia Sweeney: "They threw out all the songs they had kind of written in the past and started afresh." [19:23]

• Musical Highlights: "Ladybug" is celebrated for its nostalgic yet modern sound, while "Doom" is noted for its Radiohead-esque complexity.
  Stephen Thompson: "It's like a long lost David Lynch soundtrack in a way." [24:21]

Notable Quotes:

• Great Grandpa: "Staring at me, taking cake for free and hello, how are you?" [21:59]
• Alicia Sweeney: "I'm just trying to make a great record and put a good song together." [22:55]

Destroyer (Dan Behar) – Dan's Boogie

[25:59]
Dan Behar, performing as Destroyer, releases Dan's Boogie, his latest album that showcases his unique lyrical prowess and evolved musical techniques honed over 14 solo albums and numerous projects with New Pornographers.

Notable Discussion:

• Songcraft Evolution: Stephen praises the incorporation of new elements reminiscent of A.C. Newman’s influence, highlighting tracks like "Hydroplaning off the Edge of the World."
  Stephen Thompson: "He's weaving in a bunch of the tricks that he's learned along the way." [27:25]

• Live Performances: Alicia shares anecdotes about Behar's live performances, noting his charismatic yet enigmatic stage presence.
  Alicia Sweeney: "He's just on a different level." [28:30]

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Behar: "A British Columbian thread. No matter when, no matter." [28:26]
• Alicia Sweeney: "I could get that [random lyric] tattooed on my arm right now." [31:14]

Spelling – Portrait of My Heart

[33:04]
Christian Cabral, performing as Spelling, releases Portrait of My Heart, an album that traverses various genres while maintaining a cohesive identity. The record is noted for its theatricality and dynamic range.

Notable Discussion:

• Genre Diversity: The album features a mix of anthemic tracks like "Keep It Alive" and "Alibi," alongside R&B-influenced songs such as "Destiny Arrives."
  Stephen Thompson: "This record manages to be all over the place while still always sounding like her." [34:08]

• Collaborations: The duet with Chaz Bear (Toro y Moi) on "Mount Analog" is highlighted as Spelling's first true duet, adding depth to the album's diversity.
  Alicia Sweeney: "She joins her on the song Mount Analog." [37:14]

Notable Quotes:

• Spelling (Christian Cabral): "Heart and Soul. Right down the line." [33:47]
• Alicia Sweeney: "This record truly contains multitudes." [35:47]

Lightning Round: Other Notable Releases

[33:04]
In a brief segment, Stephen and Alicia highlight additional albums, offering a snapshot of the diverse music landscape.

• Alison Krauss and Union Station – Arcadia
  Alison Krauss returns with Union Station, introducing Russell Moore as the new band member. The album is a testament to their enduring legacy and evolving sound.
  Quote: "A staggering 27 Grammys in a career..." [38:16]

• Yukimi – For Your
  Yukimi from Little Dragon embarks on a solo journey with her debut album, blending infectious Swedish pop with her distinctive vocals.
  Quote: "Infectious Swedish pop bands..." [39:32]

• Palmyra – Restless Payphone in Sedona Calling Someone Falling Up
  A breakout from the Tiny Desk Contest, Palmyra delivers rustic folky pop with sparkling energy under John Prine's Oh Boy Records.
  Quote: "Full of sparkly and propulsive rustic folky pop." [40:20]

• Hannah Cohen – Earth Star Mountain
  Hannah Cohen, collaborating with Sam Evian, presents a concept album dedicated to the Catskills, featuring guests like Sufjan Stevens.
  Quote: "An ode to curiosity." [40:59]

• Brian Pinero (DJ Python) – I Was Put on this
  Producer Brian Pinero showcases his genre-spanning versatility in his first EP with XL Label, offering a meditative and surprising listening experience.
  Quote: "Consistently surprising." [41:52]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to Alicia Sweeney for her insights and contributions. Hosts encourage listeners to explore the highlighted albums and share their feedback through positive reviews on various platforms. The conversation underscores the importance of community and collaboration in the music industry, celebrating both established and emerging artists.

Final Quote: Stephen Thompson: "Take a moment to be well... and treat yourself to lots of great music." [42:26]

Produced by: Simon Rentner
Edited by: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Soraya Mohamed
NPR Vice President of Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

This summary captures the essence of the March 28, 2025, episode of All Songs Considered, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and insights into the featured albums. For those who haven't listened, it provides a comprehensive overview of the latest in the music world.