All Songs Considered: "The Contenders, Vol. 14" Summary

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Hosts: Robin Hilton and Nate Chinen
Podcast: All Songs Considered by NPR

I. Reunion and Introduction

[00:19]
Robin Hilton opens this special episode with enthusiasm, welcoming back Nate Chinen, the editorial director at WR. Their reunion is marked by playful banter, reestablishing their strong rapport after a long hiatus.

Robin Hilton:
"It's All Songs Considered. I'm Robin Hilton. And this week on a very special edition of All Songs Considered, the prodigal son returns."

Nate Chinen:
"Yeah. I'm psyched to be back. Thank you."

Their friendly exchange underscores the deep camaraderie and shared passion for music that defines the show.

II. Exploring the Week’s Song Contenders

Robin and Nate delve into the week’s selection of songs, noting the complexity and thematic richness. Robin initially struggles to pinpoint a unifying theme but Nate suggests that "authority" might be a central thread.

Nate Chinen:
"Yeah, I'm not sure if I could find a through line other than just sheer authority."
[01:36]

III. Feature on Upchuck and Their Single "Plastic"

[01:55]
The discussion shifts to Upchuck, an Atlanta-based band known for their intense and authoritative sound. Robin introduces their latest single, "Plastic," which is described as a pulse-spiking track that commands attention.

Robin Hilton:
"This batch of tunes really tells you the people making them know exactly what they want and they know how to get it."
[01:45]

Nate draws comparisons to iconic bands like the Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers, highlighting Upchuck's roots in the skater punk scene and their DIY ethic.

Nate Chinen:
"This band took me by surprise. And then when I looked into their story, it's like, oh, yeah, of course, they're like skaters, right?"
[04:18]

The production by Ty Siegel and endorsements from Henry Rollins and Iggy Pop are noted as significant influences, especially in a year where hardcore music is resurging.

Robin Hilton:
"I really love Ty Siegel and his fingerprints are kind of all over this."
[05:07]

The song's bilingual lyrics in English and Spanish are identified as an intentional move to subtly address contemporary issues like immigration without being overt.

Robin Hilton:
"They're getting you thinking about things without saying very explicitly... a very intentional move on their part."
[06:01]

IV. The Westerlies and Their Track "Paradise"

[07:02]
Robin suggests featuring The Westerlies' "Paradise," a stark contrast to Upchuck's aggressive sound. Nate agrees, highlighting the song's themes of community, empathy, and healing.

Nate Chinen:
"This is all about community and softness and empathy and love. It's a very nurturing and healing track."
[07:40]

[11:06]
Nate provides an in-depth look at The Westerlies, a brass quartet rooted in jazz and classical training, influenced by American folk and sacred harp singing. He explains how their music fosters a vocal ideal and collective musical endeavors.

Nate Chinen:
"It is very directly inspired by the tradition of sacred harp singing or shape note music... a rural community, collective music making endeavor."
[11:06]

Robin reflects on the song's beauty intertwined with dissonance, pondering its deeper meanings about the balance between present well-being and future hopes.

Robin Hilton:
"It has something in her phrasing... it's like she doesn't flinch at all."
[12:22]

V. Spotlight on Just Mustard and "Pollyanna"

[15:50]
Robin introduces Just Mustard, an Irish shoegaze rock band with a grungy edge. Their new single "Pollyanna" is praised for its compelling sound and intricate pedal effects.

Robin Hilton:
"This sound is just glorious to me."
[20:37]

Nate discusses the song's drumbeat, initially mistaking it for a Radiohead sample, which leads to a comparison between Just Mustard and Radiohead's "Weird Fishes."

Nate Chinen:
"I think this is like Radiohead's 'Weird Fishes.' It makes me see some similarities between the two groups."
[21:00]

The duo appreciates Katie Ball's vulnerable yet determined vocal delivery, likening her presence to Deerhoof's approach of balancing clarity against tumultuous instrumentation.

Robin Hilton:
"When that beat kicks in... I can't get it out of my head."
[21:35]

VI. Brandon Woody and "Beyond the Reach of Our Eyes"

[23:12]
Nate introduces Brandon Woody, a Baltimore-based trumpeter who has rapidly gained recognition, signing with Blue Note Records. His band Upendo's debut album and multiple festival appearances are highlighted as indicators of his meteoric rise.

Nate Chinen:
"There's rarely a glow up for an improvising musician quite like the one we've seen this year for Brandon Woody."
[23:12]

Robin praises Woody's song "Beyond the Reach of Our Eyes" for its catchy melody and compelling arrangement that stays with the listener long after the song ends.

Robin Hilton:
"I love the way it sort of lights back down to earth at the end of this song."
[31:37]

Nate explains the song's structure and emotional journey, emphasizing its battle cry-like intervals that convey triumph and perseverance.

Nate Chinen:
"This song is really a whole journey."
[32:03]

VII. Revisiting 2017’s Number One Songs

[33:30]
To celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, Robin and guest Stephen Thompson look back at their favorite tracks from 2017. Kendrick Lamar’s "DNA" from the album Damn is a unanimous pick, celebrated for its profound impact and Pulitzer Prize win.

Robin Hilton:
"DNA from Kendrick Lamar, obviously from the album Damn... I listened to it and then I just started it all over again."
[34:14]

Stephen Thompson:
"DNA is a perfect jam. You could play that one or play loyalty. But I have a song that very few people know—'Afterthought' by Close Talker."
[37:17]

Robin admits unfamiliarity with Close Talker, prompting Stephen to passionately advocate for the song's brilliance and emotional depth.

Stephen Thompson:
"I have never gotten tired of it. It just slides under your skin."
[38:14]

Other notable mentions include Mount Eerie’s "A Crow Looked at Me," Feist’s "Pleasure," and Ke$ha’s "Praying," highlighting the diverse and impactful music landscape of 2017.

VIII. Conclusion

Robin and Nate wrap up the episode by reflecting on the joy of discovering and sharing music with friends, underscoring the enduring relevance of meaningful musical conversations.

Robin Hilton:
"Listening to music with a friend is fun. It really is."
[40:46]

As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a rich tapestry of musical insights, compelling tracks, and a celebration of both new and nostalgic sounds that define the vibrant world of music discovery.

This episode of All Songs Considered masterfully intertwines in-depth discussions of emerging artists with nostalgic retrospectives, offering listeners both fresh perspectives and cherished memories in the realm of music.