All Songs Considered: Summer '25 Album Preview Released June 10, 2025 | Host: Robin Hilton | Guests: Sheldon Pierce & Celia Gregory

Introduction

In the vibrant summer episode of NPR's flagship music program, All Songs Considered, host Robin Hilton teams up with Sheldon Pierce from NPR Music and first-time guest Celia Gregory, host at WNXP in Nashville. The trio delves into the most anticipated album releases of Summer 2025, showcasing their excitement and providing insightful commentary on each artist's latest work.

Featured Albums

Wet Leg – Moisturizer

One of the standout discussions centers on Wet Leg's eagerly awaited sophomore album, Moisturizer. Celia Gregory enthuses, "I think Wet Leg is my favorite band right now. Everything about them is so perfect" [03:09]. Sheldon Pierce echoes this sentiment, highlighting the band's growth: "These are love songs... they're settling in a little bit and growing up right before us" [04:03].

Robin Hilton adds depth to the conversation: "All three of the members who they tour with have writing credits on this record... you can really hear that across this record" [04:21]. The album, releasing on July 11th, blends Wet Leg's signature sass with more reflective moments, showcasing a matured sound without losing their playful edge.

Marissa Nadler – New Radiations

Moving to folk music, Robin Hilton introduces Marissa Nadler's latest album, New Radiations, set for release on August 15th. Nadler's introspective lyrics and haunting melodies take center stage as she sings, "Is it love or suicide?" from the track Cpr [02:02].

Celia Gregory initially mislabels Nadler as a "folk singer" but quickly embraces the broader genre, noting, "Her music isn't always this quiet. Her voice isn't always this hushed" [07:38]. Sheldon Pierce appreciates the album's emotional depth: "It's a good lesson because... exactly. This song especially sounds like the kind of album I want to listen to this summer with headphones" [08:37].

Superchunk – Songs in the Key of Yikes

Superchunk, a beloved band from Chapel Hill, is discussed with enthusiasm. Celia Gregory praises their new album, Songs in the Key of Yikes, particularly the single Everybody Dies: "Quintessential Superchunk here... moving into a bit more hope" [11:38].

Sheldon Pierce appreciates their consistency and fun spirit: "They still maintain this fun about them... hepat it as their first record with the touring members involved" [12:17]. The album, releasing in late August, continues Superchunk's legacy of hook-laden lo-fi rock infused with punk energy.

Indigo D'Souza – Precipice

Indigo D'Souza's upcoming album, Precipice, is highlighted for its pop-infused sound. Releasing on July 25th, the album features the single Crying Over Nothing, which blends folk sensibilities with polished pop production. Sheldon Pierce remarks, "She's staying true to what she's sharing and how much of her heart she's just pouring out" [17:52], while Robin Hilton notes the album's perfect balance: "It strikes that perfect balance between sorrow and joy" [19:36].

Lucretia Dalt – A Danger to Ourselves

Lucretia Dalt returns with A Danger to Ourselves, set for September 5th. Robin Hilton describes the album as "a bit more grounded, less fictional, based more in personal experience" [22:28], yet maintains her characteristic off-kilter style. Sheldon Pierce praises the album's dreamy quality: "It's so dreamy... loving that" [24:17].

Coco Rocco – Tough Times Never Last

Emerging from London, Coco Rocco's Tough Times Never Last is celebrated for its vibrant and chill vibes. Releasing on July 11th, the album fuses jazz, neo-soul, and funk influences. Celia Gregory likens their creativity to "magical creatures from another dimension" [27:22], while Sheldon Pierce lauds their mission-driven approach: "They are trying to do justice to where they've come from and also make it sound like something fresh and new" [28:43].

Parcels – Loved

Parcels, the Australian disco-rock ensemble, are introduced with their new album, Loved, releasing on September 12th. Celia Gregory describes the title track You Got Me Feeling as "the most unambiguous, uplifting, joyful, euphoric pop that I've heard this year" [35:10]. Sheldon Pierce adds, "I feel like it just is what we need" [35:54], emphasizing the album's dance-friendly vibes.

Doobie Brothers – Sorry

The legendary Doobie Brothers make an appearance with their album Sorry, hailed for its sunny '70s pop aesthetic. Celia Gregory praises the album's harmonies and guitar work, noting, "There's a great example of... It's like Cheeseball, but so joyful and fun" [36:27]. Robin Hilton highlights the band's enduring groove: "More bands who are just out here having fun, bringing positivity and good vibes" [38:27].

Big Thief – Double Infinity

Big Thief's Double Infinity is discussed as their first album as a trio, released on September 5th. Sheldon Pierce commends the band's relentless creativity: "If Adrian doesn't want to stop writing great songs, who. Don't" [41:35]. Celia Gregory envisions Adrienne Lenker reaching a "Dylan level" with her profound lyricism [42:18]. Robin Hilton praises the album's vibrancy and field recording elements: "This one shrinks again. Only 10 songs, but so full of life, so vibrant" [40:42].

Georgia Harmer – Eye of the Storm

Concluding the featured albums, Georgia Harmer's Eye of the Storm is introduced as a powerful debut set for August 15th. Celia Gregory is captivated by Harmer's lyrical imagery: "Home early with the flu... the ways that she ties the present to the past" [44:02]. Sheldon Pierce appreciates the song's emotional resonance: "It's really sparse and gorgeous. I want to hear more" [45:58].

Lightning Round: Additional Summer Releases

In a rapid-fire segment, the hosts briefly highlight several other anticipated albums:

• Hotline TNT – Raspberry Moon (June 20th)
• The Black Keys – No Rain, No Flowers (August)
• Lorde – Solar Power (June 27th)
• Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness (July 11th)
• Clips – Let God Sort Him Out (July 11th)
• Lord Huron – The Cosmic Selector, Volume 1 (July 18th)
• Nourish By Time – The Passionate Ones (August 22nd)
• Frankie Cosmos & Babymetal – Different Talking & Metal Fourth (June 27th)
• Levi's – A Matter of Time (August 22nd)
• The Beaches – No Hard Feelings (August 29th)

Notable Quotes

• Sheldon Pierce on Wet Leg's growth: "These are love songs... they're settling in a little bit and growing up right before us." [04:21]
• Marissa Nadler's poignant lyrics: "Is it love or suicide?" [02:02]
• Celia Gregory on Superchunk: "They consistently amaze me." [12:17]
• Sheldon Pierce on Big Thief: "If Adrian doesn't want to stop writing great songs, who. Don't." [41:35]
• Celia Gregory on Parcels: "This is the most unambiguous, uplifting, joyful, euphoric pop that I've heard this year." [35:10]

Conclusion

As Summer 2025 unfolds, All Songs Considered provides a comprehensive and enthusiastic preview of the season's most exciting album releases. From the playful yet matured sounds of Wet Leg to the heartfelt introspections of Marissa Nadler and the groove-filled tunes of Superchunk, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of music that promises to define the summer. The hosts' insightful discussions and genuine excitement make this episode a must-listen for music enthusiasts eager to discover their next favorite album.

Stay tuned to All Songs Considered for more music discoveries, artist interviews, and in-depth conversations about the big questions in music.