The Contenders, Vol. 15: Wisp, Blonde Redhead, Sherelle, more

Summary

Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "The Contenders, Vol. 15: Wisp, Blonde Redhead, Sherelle, more"

Release Date: July 8, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of NPR's flagship music discovery program, All Songs Considered, host Robin Hilton teams up with guest Brittney Luce from NPR's It's Been a Minute. Together, they delve into the latest musical contenders vying for a spot on their coveted 2025 best-of lists. Celebrating the show's 25th anniversary, the duo also reflects on past musical highlights and the evolving landscape of music across generations.

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The Contenders: Updating the Best Songs List

Robin introduces the segment, explaining that "The Contenders" episodes are dedicated to updating their annual list of the year's best songs. These tracks are the ones they are passionately listening to and believe deserve recognition in the final rankings.

Cherelle and George Riley’s "Freaky (Just My Type)"

Brittney kicks off the discussion with her obsession over the song "Freaky (Just My Type)" by Cherelle and George Riley.

• Brittney Luce (02:20): “It's like as soon as you hear it, I don't even. Someone used it as the background music on their Instagram slideshow.”

• Robin Hilton (02:55): “The beat, like, right out the gate, instantly grabby, totally hooks you in. And then it is just this breathless ride to the end.”

Brittney elaborates on how the song’s high-energy tempo (150 BPM) aligns perfectly with her desire for upbeat music as the weather warms up. She highlights Sherrelle’s influence in the dance music scene, noting her mastery in creating fast-paced tracks that inspire movement.

• Brittney Luce (08:05): “Everything is really fast, which I love because... I'll start dancing. My husband has a bunch of videos of me on his phone dancing in the grocery store aisles.”

Robin appreciates the relentless pace of contemporary dance music, drawing parallels to societal stresses and the music serving as an outlet.

• Robin Hilton (09:23): “This feels like an appropriate reply [to the world's current state].”

Conclusion: They unanimously agree to add "Freaky (Just My Type)" to their contenders list for its infectious energy and relevance.

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Blonde Redhead’s "Rest of Her Life Choir Version"

Robin shifts the focus to a more mellow yet profound track from the esteemed band Blonde Redhead.

• Robin Hilton (10:03): “Blonde Redhead... their new album is called The Shadow of the Guest. The cut I want to play is 'Rest of Her Life Choir Version'.”

He provides emotional context, explaining that the song was written by lead singer Kazu Makino for her beloved horse, Harry, after his passing. The collaboration with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus adds a layer of majesty and hopefulness to the piece.

• Robin Hilton (16:14): “The choir lends a bit more majesty to the song, a sense of awe and wonder... it's a real celebration of life.”

Brittney praises the unexpected yet perfect addition of children's voices, enhancing the song's emotional depth without overshadowing its original sentiment.

• Brittney Luce (15:54): “They add this real hopefulness to it. It feels like unexpected... it’s literally perfect.”

Conclusion: This rendition stands out as a beautifully balanced tribute to loss and celebration, making it a strong contender.

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Natanya’s "Movie Star"

Brittney introduces a lively and fresh R&B track by UK artist Natanya, titled "Movie Star."

• Brittney Luce (19:45): “It's very light, fun, fizzy R&B.”

She connects the song's vibrant energy to her personal experiences, noting how it resonates with both younger and more mature audiences. The song's playful elements and British grit offer a refreshing take on contemporary R&B.

• Robin Hilton (25:50): “One of the things that [Natanya’s] song does well is the fake out... It’s great.”

Brittney highlights the song's seamless blend of American R&B influences with a distinctly British twist, making it a standout track.

• Brittney Luce (26:27): “That part feels very British... there's a little bit of tension.”

Conclusion: "Movie Star" captivates with its dynamic arrangement and cross-cultural appeal, securing its place among the top contenders.

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Wisp’s "Save Me Now"

Robin presents a departure from the high-energy tracks, introducing Wisp, a rising star in the shoegaze genre.

• Robin Hilton (26:27): “It's a big, expansive, massive universe of sound. Very heavy guitars. Her voice is always floating so beautifully in the mix.”

Wisp's music is credited with sparking a shoegaze revival, blending traditional elements with a modern twist. "Save Me Now" stands out for its uplifting melodies amidst the genre's typically gloomy tones.

• Brittney Luce (31:01): “There are several levels of pickup. The melody has elements that feel very satisfying.”

Robin notes Wisp’s youthful energy (she’s 20) brings a fresh perspective to shoegaze, avoiding rehashing classic sounds while maintaining fidelity to the genre’s roots.

• Robin Hilton (31:36): “It feels like 20, 25. It doesn't feel like a rehash.”

Conclusion: Wisp’s innovative take on shoegaze, combined with the song’s emotional resonance, makes "Save Me Now" a compelling addition to the contenders list.

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Ecafe featuring El Mundo Limon’s "Baba"

Concluding the music segment, Brittney shares a jazzy and lively track titled "Baba" by Ecafe in collaboration with El Mundo Limon.

• Brittney Luce (33:38): “It's lively, really fun, warm-blooded jazz. It feels fresh but also kind of reminds me of the kinds of things my dad would like.”

Robin appreciates the song's intricate arrangement and spirited vibe, likening it to Steely Dan’s sophisticated jazz influences.

• Robin Hilton (33:54): “Steely Dan jazz. Yeah, right.”

The collaboration brings together Argentine jazz elements and vibrant rhythms, creating a track that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

• Robin Hilton (34:12): “It's so good. So great.”

Conclusion: "Baba" offers a refreshing infusion of jazz with contemporary flair, making it a delightful contender for their best-of list.

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Generational Reflections on Music Preferences

The conversation shifts to exploring how different generations perceive and engage with music, particularly regarding emotional expression.

• Robin Hilton (23:00): “Do young people... want to be sad or do they just like, oh, everything to feel good?”

Brittney provides insights into millennials and Gen Z’s differing relationships with music, suggesting that political and societal influences shape their musical preferences.

• Brittney Luce (23:46): “...smooth, happy music that was coming out of that generation, because they've had a lot of really big world forces shape their lives...”

Robin adds that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more open about their feelings, using art as a means of emotional expression compared to the more reserved Gen X.

• Robin Hilton (25:30): “Gen Z and Gen Alpha young people, they're much more open about their feelings now.”

This dynamic highlights the evolving role of music as both a personal and collective emotional outlet across generations.

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Celebrating 25 Years of All Songs Considered

Marking its 25th anniversary, All Songs Considered commemorates the milestone by revisiting their number one songs from each year over the past quarter-century.

• Robin Hilton (18:37): “It's our 25th anniversary. We've been doing this show for 25 years.”

Brittney reflects humorously on the longevity of the show compared to her personal experiences.

• Brittney Luce (18:48): “I've been alive... I think I've been driving for 25 years. That's amazing.”

Robin previews the upcoming segment where Stephen Thompson joins to discuss favorite tracks from 2019, setting the stage for a nostalgic deep dive.

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Stephen Thompson Discusses 2019’s Musical Landscape

Stephen Thompson returns to analyze and reminisce about the standout tracks of 2019.

Billie Eilish’s "Bury a Friend"

• Stephen Thompson (38:02): “2019 was the year of Billie Eilish.”

He praises the song's impeccable production and its reflection of the unsettled times.

• Robin Hilton (39:53): “It is immaculately produced... a thread of unevenness. Unsettled.”

Tiny Ruins’ "School of Design"

Stephen highlights "School of Design" by Tiny Ruins, appreciating its evocative lyrics and immersive soundscapes.

• Robin Hilton (42:15): “They really put you in a very specific place and time. They're transporting.”

He commends the band’s ability to create transporting and picturesque musical experiences, making it a favorite from the decade.

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Conclusion

As All Songs Considered celebrates a storied 25-year journey, this episode effectively balances the excitement of new musical discoveries with reflective nostalgia. From high-energy dance tracks to profound shoegaze melodies and lively jazz collaborations, Robin Hilton and Brittney Luce curate a diverse array of songs that resonate across different moods and generations. The addition of Stephen Thompson’s retrospective on 2019 further enriches the conversation, honoring the program’s legacy while looking forward to future musical explorations.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brittney Luce (02:20): “It's like as soon as you hear it, I don't even. Someone used it as the background music on their Instagram slideshow.”

• Robin Hilton (02:55): “The beat, like, right out the gate, instantly grabby, totally hooks you in. And then it is just this breathless ride to the end.”

• Brittney Luce (08:05): “Everything is really fast, which I love because... I'll start dancing. My husband has a bunch of videos of me on his phone dancing in the grocery store aisles.”

• Brittney Luce (15:54): “They add this real hopefulness to it. It feels like unexpected... it’s literally perfect.”

• Robin Hilton (16:14): “The choir lends a bit more majesty to the song, a sense of awe and wonder... it's a real celebration of life.”

• Robin Hilton (31:36): “It feels like 20, 25. It doesn't feel like a rehash.”

• Brittney Luce (33:38): “It's lively, really fun, warm-blooded jazz. It feels fresh but also kind of reminds me of the kinds of things my dad would like.”

• Robin Hilton (34:12): “It's so good. So great.”

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Final Thoughts

For those who haven't tuned into this episode, "The Contenders, Vol. 15" offers a rich tapestry of musical insights, highlighting emerging artists and timeless tracks alike. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to All Songs Considered, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of what makes music resonate deeply across different contexts and generations.

Transcript

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[Brittney Luce]

You were on vacation last week?

[Robin Hilton]

I was on vacation last week.

[Brittney Luce]

Did you go somewhere?

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah, I went to the beach. Not really a beach kind of guy, but I like just hanging. You know, I can sit under an umbrella in the shade with a drink and talk with friends all day.

[Brittney Luce]

I think that's perfectly reasonable. I think that's perfectly reasonable.

[Robin Hilton]

Well, it is. All Songs Considered, the world's greatest podcast. I'm Robin Hilton. NPR's Brittney Luce is here this week. You may know her from such hits as It's Been a minute, which you've been hosting for a minute now.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah, it's been almost three years now.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah, I was thinking it was maybe about three years. And you all have been crushing it lately. You're going three times a week now.

[Brittney Luce]

Three times a week. Yeah.

[Robin Hilton]

And I was just going through some of the recent episodes. Why are people freaking out about the birth rate?

[Brittney Luce]

Listen.

[Robin Hilton]

These are some of your shows. Welcome to Midlife Millennials. Are you in crisis?

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Yeah.

[Robin Hilton]

One of my personal favorites. You did can only fans save the music industry? I actually know the answer to that one.

[Brittney Luce]

You already know the answer to that one.

[Robin Hilton]

I do know the answer. It's no.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah, that's the one. That's the one. We have a longer explanation as to why this episode. And we had a really wonderful won reporter from NPR Music, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento. Yeah. Who was with us on that episode. But oh, my gosh. Yeah, we've been having a good time just trying to make sense of the world and make sense of the news one episode at a time.

[Robin Hilton]

So this is a contenders episode. We do these every other week or so. We keep a running list of the year's best songs. And these contenders episodes, it's when we get together and we update that list, you know, we add our latest song picks to it. These are the songs we can't stop listening to, the ones that we love so much that they are contenders for a spot on our final best of 2025 lists. And I was thinking, Brittany, why don't you just hit us with something first here? Because I know there's a cut. You were telling me that you've been just obsessed with this song.

[Brittney Luce]

Ah, it's. I, I mean, it's like as soon as you hear it, like, I don't even. I think I heard it on someone's. Someone used it as, like, the background music on their Instagram slideshow.

[Robin Hilton]

Oh, wow.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah, I heard, like, a little snippet, and I was like, I must know more. It turns out it's a song called freaky in parentheses. Just my type. And it's by Cherelle and George Riley.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Girls, Nothing compares to you Truth I don't know if I might and baby, I do too but don't you can tell it's true so what do you think? I don't have on. They say I'm GRE they put me right I'm freaking yeah Is that a crime? They say I'm every day yeah they put me right I'm free Is that a crime? Lot of pretty girls but nothing compares to you I know you got and baby, I do too Let no kiss and tell the truth they say we days yeah yeah They h me right I'm freaking yeah Is that a crime? Is it a crime? Is it Sam? Is that crime? They say I'm GRE queen We could have looked deeper, too let's leave it I could be right and we came.

[Robin Hilton]

I should have checked my heart rate maybe before we started this song and after. It definitely has spiked. I mean, that beat, like, right out the gate, instantly grabby, totally hooks you in. And then it is just this breathless ride to the end.

[Brittney Luce]

Right, Right. I heard it, and I was like, this is a song. Just so y' all know, I heard this song and I emailed Robin. Like, I have to come on the show.

[Robin Hilton]

I want to show whatever it takes.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah. As soon as I. My husband always says that as soon as, like, the temperature rises above, like, 65 degrees, I need all my music to be 150bpm and up.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I get that. And I actually. I don't know. Do you hit the clubs? Do you like danc?

[Brittney Luce]

I do. I don't. Not as often as I used to, but I. Yes. Once you get me inside, I'm the last person to leave.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah. I mean, I actually love to dance. I think a lot of people think that's out of character for me, but I actually do love to dance. We have after dinner, dance parties at our house with the kids, and, you know, it's always a lot of fun. But this song, I have to admit, it's almost too much for me. Like, the pace of it, like, I think it's one and done for me. I think I'm totally gassed by the end of this song.

[Brittney Luce]

I Mean, yeah. One of the things about Sherrelle's music, she's a really fantastic DJ based in London, is that a lot of her music is known for being like 150, 160bpm. Everything is really fast, which I love because I'm just like. I'm. Even if I'm in the grocery store and I hear music, then I'll start dancing. My husband has a bunch of videos of me on his phone that he's taken surreptitiously of me dancing in the aisles of the grocery store.

[Robin Hilton]

So I heard this. That's a feed I would subscribe to. I want get that up. I want to see that.

[Brittney Luce]

So I'm like start churning out the content. But I heard this song and I actually, like. I think I had listened to it for the first time and I had this like stricken look on my face, I guess after I had finished it and I realized I hadn't been to the club in a long time and I wanted to go. My husband walked in the room and he's like, what's wrong? And I was like, I want to go to the club. I heard the song and it made me want to get up and start moving. And then George Riley's vocals. Another artist based out of London who makes kind of like R and B. But that has a little bit of an edge to it. Just like the vocals of it, it's just. I don't know, it's just like to me, it's just such a match made in heaven as far as exactly the kind of song that you want to hear to get the party started to make you feel like you gotta move. I heard it and this has been my song of summer. I've been bumping it multiple times a day, every day.

[Robin Hilton]

I think that's actually something I'm hearing in a lot of dance music now. Just this sort of relentless pace, you know, that just rapid fire, jackhammer, supersonic flow. Which I was thinking is kind of appropriate for the times, you know, like if you go to the dance floor to sort of get it all out, this really. The world is a lot right now. And this feels like an appropriate reply.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah, that's a really, really, really great way to put it.

[Robin Hilton]

Well, I'm totally down to add this one to our list of contenders for 2025. Your picks were all discoveries for me this week. You broug lot of new stuff that wasn't on my radar at all.

[Brittney Luce]

Oh, thank you.

[Robin Hilton]

Cherelle, the UK producer, along with George Riley. The song Freaky. Just my Type from an album called With a Vengeance that came out in April, at the top of April. So I think my picks this week are a good counterbalance to yours, Brittany. These are sort of sonic exhalations, you know, maybe a moment to catch our breath. Especially after that one. The first thing I want to play is from the band Blow, Blonde Redhead. Was this. Do you know Blonde Redhead?

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Yeah.

[Brittney Luce]

So my husband's a huge Blonde Redhead fan. And we actually got to see them at Le Poisson Rouge maybe like seven or eight years ago.

[Robin Hilton]

How nice.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah. And it was, I mean, a phenomenal, phenomenal phenomenal show.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah. So for people who don't know this very cool, long running, sort of arty rock band from New York, and we've been following, following them and playing them on the show really since our earliest days, like going back 25 years. The band itself's been together for more than 30 years now. And they just keep putting out great music. They had this album called Sit down to Dinner that came out a couple years ago and they've got a follow up now. It's not really a complete reworking of Sit down to Dinner, but it does reimagine some of the songs from that album. This new album is called the Shadow of the Guest. And the cut I want to play from it is called Rest of Her Life Choir Version. And just to sort of set it up and give you some context for hearing it, this is a song that the band's singer, Kazu Makino, wrote for her horse. It was a beloved horse that she had. His name was Harry. And she wrote this song for him a couple of days after he passed away.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Sam, do you know why she walks by? I have. She loves. 1 week ago Aren't she green? Every horse every day still drops to him How I she walks Without Jesus she was without you without you without you say that she can see again the rest of our life Dwelling on.

[Robin Hilton]

So beautiful, so beautiful, so beautiful. That too, but not in a morbid sort of way. Yeah. There's a lot of hope, I think, in this song. And so much beauty. That's the Brooklyn Youth Chorus singing on this. A very cool group of kids who I hope know what a cool job they have because they have worked on so many amazing projects. They've worked with Grizzly Bear and the national and Bon Iver, Alicia Keys.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Wow.

[Robin Hilton]

Beyonce and Jay Z featured them on one of their tours. They do amazing work and they always make everything better.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah. Even just like the sound of their voices on this song. They add this real hopefulness to it. It feels like unexpected. And that wouldn't have been necessarily the thing that I would have thought, like, you know, add children's voices to it. But it's perfect. It's literally perfect.

[Robin Hilton]

You know, the original version of it, it's really lovely too, but a lot more spare. Just that sort of acoustic guitar and some electronics, some ambient sounds of nature in it. I think kind of to your point. I think the choir lends a bit more majesty to the song, a sense of awe and wonder. I think there's a kind of magic in it, I think, because of the choir. And that feels right, I think, for the, for the themes of the song, because there is loss in it, but it's also a real celebration of life.

[Brittney Luce]

You know, I was such an unexpected pick, especially like Midsummer, you know what I mean? It felt very unexpected.

[Robin Hilton]

But, oh, if you listen to the show for any amount of time, you'll know that this is my son, this is my song. This summer. I am hibernating in the summer and I'm holding music like this very close to me the entire time. So again, the song rest of her Life Choir version from Blonde Redhead's latest album just came out at the end of June. It is called the Shadow of the Guest.

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[Robin Hilton]

All right. Coming up on the show, we will continue our look back at our number one songs from across the years. This is our 25th anniversary. Did you know that, Brittany? It is our 25th.

[Brittney Luce]

25Th anniversary. No way.

[Robin Hilton]

We've been doing this show for 25 years.

[Brittney Luce]

That's wild. I haven't done anything, I don't think, for 25 years. I mean, really, if I really think about reading, maybe that's alive.

[Robin Hilton]

You've been alive?

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah, I've been alive. I don't even think I've been driving for 25 years. That's amazing. 25 years of doing a show and I'm certainly never done. I don't think longer than four years maybe. So, yeah, 25 years. That's a huge accomplishment. Congratulations.

[Robin Hilton]

Well, thank you. And to mark the occasion, we've been closing out every episode this spring and summer with a different year, looking at our number one songs from each year across the past 25 years. And we are up to 2019. 2019. This week, Stephen Thompson will be back at the end of the show to talk about our number one songs from that year. Plus your weekly reset. That is all coming up. But Brittany, what do you want to play next? I was thinking maybe this Natanya cut.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Yes.

[Brittney Luce]

I'm going to play a song called Movie Star by another UK artist. I've been really leaning heavy across the pond this week. This is by another UK artist called Natanya. The song is called Movie Star. It's very light, fun, fizzy R and B.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

If I was looking for love I wouldn't be in your arms Someone to trust well you're not the one, you're a happy mistake I made last night after was right and why uh huh. I'd rather be a movie star. I'd rather be star far away. Turn the TV on when I'm gonna play. Don't wanna get down on your love gonna get stuck on the jog I can't fall straight from heaven to dust. Don't wanna get down on your love when I get stuck on a jug. I can't fall straight from heaven to dust Cuz I'mma live on your screen send a fantasy if it's me that you need Then my fate's guarantee I'm still your dream out on bridge April Wednesday ain't it you can see all the parts of me then play hide and see. Turn the TV on when I'm gonna play I'd rather be a movie star far away. Turn the TV on when I'm gonna Play don't wanna get down on your love Let me get stuck on the jug I can't fall straight from heaven to dust don't wanna get caught up on your love Let me get stuck on the jug I can't fall on from heaven to dust.

[Robin Hilton]

What'S it like to be happy?

[Brittney Luce]

Listen, we could ask Latonya, because that song definitely sounds like. It sounds like being young, wild and free. So I really enjoyed this song when I first heard it because I'm experiencing something. So I'm now in my late 30s. I'll be 38 this year. I'm experiencing something that I knew was coming. It's been interesting to see it hit, which is seeing fully grown adult people who are much younger than I am reference music that I grew up with because it was like, what was popular basically when they were born.

[Robin Hilton]

So are you a millennial, then? Does that make you.

[Brittney Luce]

I am a. What I'm finding out recently, I'm not quite an elder. Elder millennial. I refer to myself as a prime millennial because I'm about seven years older than the youngest millennials, six to seven years younger than the oldest millennials.

[Robin Hilton]

Well, let me ask you this because I'm curious what you think. So I'm solidly in Gen X, and so I was on vacation this past week with some other Gen Xers, and we were just talking about music and movies and books and TV and everything. And one of the things that we sort of wondered was whether young people now, whether young people like to feel sad the same way that Gen Xers seem to like to feel sad. Like, you know, do they like music and movies and books and whatnot that make them just bawl their eyes out? We all agreed, like, we think we all love it, but we wonder if that's still a thing with, like, do young people, like, do they want to be sad or do they just like, oh, everything to feel good?

[Brittney Luce]

I'll say definitely. Millennials enjoyed and still enjoy feeling sad. I think that that's why there so much emo. I wasn't really in emo. My younger sister was. But, you know, with Gen Z, it's interesting. I don't know if this is necessarily any type of indication, but we've been doing a lot of exploration on our show into sort of, like, the political attitudes of Gen Z and how that's affected everything from the way that they think about sex to the way that they approach voting, to how they think about, you know, their future economic prospects and, you know, how likely they are to want to be in a relationship or to think that that's something that's to them. And I wouldn't be surprised if there was a lot of sort of like, smooth, happy music that was coming out of that generation, because they've had a lot of really big sort of like, world forces shape their lives in such profound ways as young people.

[Robin Hilton]

Well, that's interesting, because I think that every generation has had its own challenges and horrible things that we've had to live through. And my theory is that Gen Z and Gen Alpha young people, they're much more open about their feelings now. They get it all out. And Gen Xers, not so much. So, like, we relied on and continue to rely on art to get all those feelings out for us. The books so ancient and everything. It's like I've got young kids and they do not stop talking to us or other adults about all their feelings and everything thing. And like, when I was growing up, kids were for ignoring and we never had conversations.

[Brittney Luce]

Children should be seen and not heard.

[Robin Hilton]

You know, we never talked about our feelings.

[Brittney Luce]

That's a really good observation. I actually think that you're right. I think that's probably true also, like, you live with Gen Alpha people, it sounds like. And I. I live with another. I live with an elder millennial. And we do talk about our feelings all of the time, now that I think about it.

[Robin Hilton]

All of which is to say, Natanya, Movie Star, great cut. It's got this. I think my favorite part in this cut is the fake out. Like, at the beginning. About, like 10 or 15 seconds in, there's this riser, and it just feels like, all right, this thing's gonna blow up. And then the bottom falls. Immediately falls out of it.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah.

[Robin Hilton]

And they're kind of goes through. It's great.

[Brittney Luce]

It's really great. Yeah, that part that's like. For all of, like, the American R and B references that are so clear, that part feels very British. That part feels like a little. It feels a little bit gritty. There's a little bit of tension. Of course, like you said, it of, like, dissipates in an unexpected way, but yeah.

[Robin Hilton]

So Movie Star, that is from an EP that Natanya dropped in June. It is called Felines Return. I've got something from an artist who usually makes pretty mopey stuff, but this is maybe the cheeriest you'll ever hear her. I mean, it's not saying much, but the song is called Save Me now, and it's from the guitarist and singer known as Wisp. Were you familiar with Wisp?

[Brittney Luce]

No, I wasn't familiar with Wisp, but I enjoyed this song. I'm excited.

[Robin Hilton]

Wisp is just killing it in the shoegaze space right now. Like, she has totally nailed this sound, put her own stamp on it. Just this big, expansive, massive universe of sound. Very heavy guitars. Her voice is always floating so beautifully in the mix, you know. She only released her very first single just a couple of years ago. It was called you'd Face. Kind of had a TikTok moment. And now she's got a debut album coming. It's called if Not Winter. And like I said, much of her music is about as gloomy as you would expect in the world of shoegaze, but this new song saved me. Kind of twinkles a little bit more.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

See what you think Give me just one day with your face beside me Will you make me feel okay for running away from here Free me from this all that I've been stuck and now it's time for me to go Please don't say the things I know Already turning into stars I. What you speak to me Sam Sa could you save me now?

[Robin Hilton]

I called these exhalations, but I. I guess that's got some drive to it too.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah, I mean, there's, like, it has real pickup to it.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah.

[Brittney Luce]

And, like. And, like, also several levels of pickup. And the melody has these elements of it that feel very satisfying and satisfying in that it's giving me something that I want. But also sometimes it feels like it's withholding a little bit. Yeah, it's a really great song.

[Robin Hilton]

And that guitar noise, I mean, inject it straight into my veins. I could live in that sound forever.

[Brittney Luce]

So good.

[Robin Hilton]

So some people credit Wisp with sparking this shoegaze revival. Like, apparently searches for shoegaze music online and streams of it as a genre have really spiked since she started putting stuff out. She's lifting all boats because people are starting to rediscover bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive.

[Brittney Luce]

It's also interesting just to hear, like, the elements of. Cause, like, Wisp is also quite young. Is that right?

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah, I mean, I think she's 20.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah. It's so interesting to hear the way that, like, just the way that she interprets the sound. It's very faithful, but it's also very, very fresh. It feels like 20, 25. It doesn't feel like a rehash.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah, I agree completely. So the song Save Me now from her debut album that is out August 1st, it is called if Not Winter.

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[Robin Hilton]

Our look back at our number one songs from 2019 coming up, plus your weekly reset. But Brittany, you've got one more cut you want to play?

[Brittney Luce]

Yes, I got one more cut. This one is jazzy. I have noticed my I used to talk about my dad for wanting to listen to jazz all the time and the older I get, the more I'm like, hmm, I see his point, I see his point. But this song, it's jazzy but it's lively. And as soon as I heard it I was like poking around just looking for sort of like newer jazz to listen to. And as soon as I heard this when it felt like a lightning bolt hit my ears. The name of the song is called Baba and it's by a collaboration between this band, this like Argentinian jazz band E Cathay and also another artist called El Mundo Limon. But their whole vibe is just like lively, really fun, warm blooded jazz. It just feels really, really good. It feels fresh but also kind of reminds me of the kinds of things that my dad would like.

[Robin Hilton]

Steely Dan jazz. Yeah, right. You know, like that jazz.

[Brittney Luce]

To name another dad band that my father also really loved that I have also begun to listen to like all of the time, unreservedly. But yeah, no, here's the song Baba by Ecafe featuring El Mundo Limon and.

[Robin Hilton]

We'Ll go out on this. But again, stay tuned after the song. Stephen Thompson will be here to talk about our favorite tracks from 2019. Also your weekly reset. That but Brittany Luce, host of NPR's It's Been a Minute. Thanks for just hanging out and sharing some great cuts and loved having you. Can we do this again?

[Brittney Luce]

I'd love to. Thank you so much for having me. This is so much fun.

[Robin Hilton]

All right, it's the 25th anniversary of all songs considered this year and we've been closing out every episode by looking back at our number one songs from each year, doing a different year on each episode. And Stephen Thompson back now to talk about our picks from 2019. Hey Stephen.

[Stephen Thompson]

Hello Robin.

[Robin Hilton]

So we're up to 2019. And, you know, when I went through this year and I started making a short list of everything that stood out to me, it's all stuff that I think maybe not be. Might not be on a lot of people's radars, but I don't know. What do you got? What do you think of 2019?

[Stephen Thompson]

Well, yeah, 2019 was the year of this Billy.

[Robin Hilton]

Huh? That name sounded familiar.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

What do you want from me? Why don't you run from me? What are you wondering? Why do you know? Why aren't you scared of me? Why do you care for me? When we all fall asleep where do we go?

[Robin Hilton]

I actually played this on All Songs Considered when it came out, so I should have thought of this, but Bury A Friend is the song from Billie Eilish. When we all fall asleep where do we go? Yeah. This album felt like it came out of nowhere to me.

[Stephen Thompson]

I mean, my favorite little data point about this record. A time the Grammys got something right.

[Robin Hilton]

Yes.

[Stephen Thompson]

So in the 2020 Grammys, the category of Producer of the Year, the nominees were Jack Antonoff, Dan Auerbach, John Hill, Phineas and Ricky Reed. And you would look at, like, Jack Antonoff's credits and it would be like, I don't even. I'm gonna be wrong because I'm pulling this out of thin air. But let's say it's 15 albums. You know, Jack Antonoff, first of all, works with everybody and is an enormously decorated and successful producer. But he would go through and be like, Dan Auerbach. Here's the nine albums he produced. Ricky Reed, he produced, you know, all the following. Phineas produced When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go by Billie Eilish. And won. And when he won, it was like, of course he won. Yeah, of course he won Best Produ. Of course he won Producer of the Year for the one album that he produced. Now he's gone on to produce tons and tons of stuff, and Billie Eilish has gone on to be.

[Robin Hilton]

You know, I hear she's pretty big. She. She's pretty big.

[Stephen Thompson]

She's won two Oscars.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Yeah, yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

No, in the aftermath of this record. But this album is so good.

[Robin Hilton]

It is immaculately produced. Yeah. I remember being so struck by the whole world of sound and just the clarity in the mix and just how perfectly placed everything was. And, yeah, it struck a chord with me. And I think a lot of people that felt very right for the times, you know, there was this thread of unevenness. Unsettled.

[Brittney Luce]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

This unsettled quality. But also, it's not necessarily often that a gigantic pop juggernaut record is also a headphone record.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Try to wake up. Cannibal clash Killing the sun Bury a friend I want to end me.

[Robin Hilton]

Well, I have something that could not be more different than that, and I just don't think you stand a chance to get it. But. But maybe you will.

[Stephen Thompson]

Oh, this sounds familiar.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

I found a school of design Twas in a wealthy town A river ran and by it was empty Holidays, who knows But I went in I was killing time Moving through the halls There was fresh paint where on the walls everything was white and all the cloaks were.

[Robin Hilton]

I'm gonna bail you out. The song is School of Design by a band called Tiny Ruins. Oh, do you remember Tiny Ruins?

[Stephen Thompson]

Absolutely.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

And I was struck by a feeling. It's hard to describe Vi the urge to burst through the ceiling Stun rays glass to the sky.

[Robin Hilton]

They.

[Stephen Thompson]

They have a song called Me at the Museum. You in the Winter Gardens. That is one of my favorite songs of the decade. That decade.

[Robin Hilton]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

And honestly, that song is so perfect that I don't usually listen to their other songs.

[Robin Hilton]

Well, I think both songs do well. What I think this one is, which is they really put you in a very specific place and time. They're transporting. This is a band. They're from New Zealand. They actually just had an album out a couple years ago called Ceremony. The album this one is from is called Olympic Girls, and it was on my top 10 list of that year. But just so beautiful, so transporting. Love the imagery.

[Stephen Thompson]

Yeah. I could just. I could live in that voice.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Yeah.

[Robin Hilton]

But we'll go out on this. And until next time, thanks, Stephen.

[Stephen Thompson]

Thank you, Robin.

[Robin Hilton]

And for NPR Music, I'm Robin Hilton. It's All Songs Considered.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Turning pages frail with dust. Good st I couldn't help but smile at the ideal shape and make up for things written like words divine. Sam it.

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