There's been some great music released since the last New Music Friday episode in late November. So, on this slow January release day, NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and WRTI's Nate Chinen catch you up on the best albums we heard in December in between "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." Featured Albums: • ROSÉ, 'rosie' • Lauren Mayberry, 'Vicious Creature' • Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner & Peter Bernstein, 'Solid Jackson' • The Innocence Mission, 'Midwinter Swi...
Jan 03, 2025•32 min
NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich turns us on to lesser known corners of music from 2024: blooming drone-folk, richly textured jazz, Somali garage-rock, medieval metal and a bittersweet farewell from a beloved Athens psych-pop band. You can find more adventurous music and mixtapes via Lars' newsletter, vikingschoice.org . Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 31, 2024•39 min
We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to in 2024 because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share some of their picks and the stories behind them. Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 24, 2024•42 min
When it comes to music, December is overflowing with gifts, but we aren't quite done with the presents. This time, the NPR Music team is giving ... to each other! On this episode of All Songs Considered , our hosts, writers and editors get into a sort of chain-letter, Secret Santa-type gift exchange. The rules were simple: Pick a song from 2024 specifically for one of your colleagues, who then has to pick a song for someone else, and so on, until the gift train comes full circle. What songs did ...
Dec 20, 2024•56 min
'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre do their best to keep up with new releases, but sometimes great music evades their radar. On this episode, the duo highlight some of the best songs they never got a chance to share during the year. Music We Missed in 2024 • Sanje, "Buen Fantasma" (from 'De Repente Otra Vez') • David Lindes, "Te Vengo A Perdonar" (from 'Peace With A Lion') • Yung Dupe X Kimmø X PUGSPUGSPUGS, "Nube Negra" (from 'Políticamente Correcto') • Benjamin Walker, "Libr...
Dec 18, 2024•27 min
Our annual attempt to throw a holiday party for the ages continues with a tolerable mix of songs for the season and, as always, some very special guests. Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Record-breaking mainstream hits. A new generation of artists rising to seize their moment. Rappers in and out of courts. A pair of the biggest names in the game transforming their careers by taking their rivalry to sometimes bitter new heights. In 2024, hip-hop brought us wave upon wave of massive, surprising, culture-shifting moments. NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce, Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael were watching and listening all year long, and they've gathered together to explain the most impor...
Dec 13, 2024•57 min
Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through their favorites in a crowded year for excellent songs, from innovative Spanish hip-hop to distinctive jazz. Songs featured in this episode: •Çantamarta, "MOTORIZADO" •Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada" •Zaccai Curtis, "Maple Leaf Rag" •Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, "DUMBAI" •Melissa Aldana, "A Purpose" •Residente, "313" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our pr...
Dec 11, 2024•25 min
Our special coverage of the year in music continues with a look at the best songs of 2024, featuring Clairo, Tinashe, Chief Keef, Laura Marling and more. See NPR Music's complete list of the 124 best songs of the year. See NPR Music's list of the 50 best albums . Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you get podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoi...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Our look back at the best albums of 2024 continues, with Tyler, The Creator, Cassandra Jenkins, The Cure and more. See NPR Music's complete list of the 50 best albums of the year . And be sure to check out our list of the 124 best songs of 2024 . Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Pri...
Dec 06, 2024•33 min
It's that time of the year — figuring out the best Latin music of 2024. And every year, it gets harder and harder (seriously, it's difficult!) for Ana and Felix to narrow down their extensive lists. Joined by NPR culture reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, the three round up the best albums of this year. Songs featured in this episode: •Angélica Garcia, "El Que" from Gemelo •Hinds, "Coffee" from Viva Hinds •Spanish Harlem Orchestra, "Lluego El Caballero (feat. Gilberto Santa Ross)" from Swing For...
Dec 04, 2024•24 min
Our annual look back at the year in music begins with the first of a two-part episode highlighting the year's best albums, with Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Waxahatchee and more. Look for Part 2 on Friday, Dec. 6. See NPR Music's complete list of the 50 best albums from 2024. Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you get podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoice...
Dec 03, 2024•34 min
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre continue their discussion on the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys and the industry's changes, featuring insight from Nathy Peluso, Rauw Alejandro and more. Songs featured in this episode: •Fuerza Regida, "TQM" •Fuerza Regida, "Que onda" •Fuerza Regida "HARLEY QUINN" •Latin Mafia, "y como te digo que" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music'...
Nov 27, 2024•19 min
Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners. Featured songs and artists: 1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: "Simple Gifts," from Classic Yo-Yo 2. Bill Withers: "Lean On Me," from Still Bill 3. The Mountain Goats: "This Year," from The Sunset Tree 4. Crosby, Stills & Nash: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," from Crosby, Stills & Nash 5. Louis Armstrong: "What A Wonderful World" 6. John Williams: "End Credits," from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Music from the O...
Nov 26, 2024•39 min
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers are your guides to the last big Friday of 2024. Plus a deep dive into an epic new Red Hot compilation titled TRAИƧA . Featured albums: • Kim Deal, Nobody Loves You More • Father John Misty, Mahashmashana • Say Lou Lou, Dust • Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes • Various Artists, TRAИƧA (Red Hot) See the long list of albums out Nov. 22 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoic...
Nov 22, 2024•53 min
The Latin Grammys recently marked its 25th anniversary. Alt.Latino 's Anamaria Sayre was in Miami to talk to some of Latin music's most influential artists to understand some of the trends that are shaping Latin music today, shared over two episodes. Songs featured in this episode: •Juanes, "Fíjate Bien" •Juanes, "Vida Cotidiana" •Álvaro Díaz, "Quien Te Quiere" •Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera "Bebé Dame" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support...
Nov 20, 2024•22 min
In the final update to our running list of the year's best songs, we've got the cathartic rock of Kassie Krut, a nerve-settling collaboration between the singers SOAK and Gordi, Ethel Cain and more. Featured songs and artists: 1. Kassie Krut: "Reckless," from Kassie Krut 2. Gordi: "Reverie," from Lunch At Dune 3. Katy J Pearson: "Save Me," from Someday, Now 4. Freak Slug: "Ya Ready," from I Blow Out Big Candles 5. Hildegard: "Bach In Town," from Jour 1596 6. Ethel Cain: "Punish" (single) Enjoy t...
Nov 19, 2024•45 min
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling releases out on November 15. Featured Albums: • FLO, Access All Areas • Dwight Yoakam, Brighter Days • Ganavya, Daughter of a Temple • Wussy, Cincinnati Ohio Check out the longer list of albums out Nov. 15 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music . Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Nov 15, 2024•56 min
Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre recorded their latest new music guide on the streets of Spain. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Nov 13, 2024•19 min
We update our running list of the year's best songs with more calming sounds from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi, the electronic artist Jon Hopkins, Muno singer Katie Gavin's new solo album and more. Featured artists and songs: 1. Jónsi: "Flicker," from First Light 2. Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste," from What A Relief 3. Jon Hopkins: "part viii - nothing is lost," from RITUAL 4. Katie Malco: "Fatal Attraction (feat. Laura Stevenson)" (Single) 5. Clairo: "Add Up My Love," from Charm 6. Max Richter: "Movemen...
Nov 12, 2024•50 min
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling albums released this Friday. Featured albums: • Ab-Soul, Soul Burger • Jamey Johnson, Midnight Gasoline • Our Girl, The Good Kind • Various Artists, Like Someone I Know: A Celebration of Margo Guryan Check out the longer list of albums out Nov. 8 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music . Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are in Spain for a music conference. On this episode, they share their favorite discoveries from Bilbao, San Sebastián and beyond. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Nov 06, 2024•18 min
In our second installment of blood-slowing songs we take a deep breath and let it out with the music of Max Richter, Hania Rani, Fleet Foxes, Yasmin Williams and more. Featured artists and songs: 1. Joan Shelley: "Easy Now," from Over and Even 2. Fleet Foxes: "Helplessness Blues," from Helplessness Blues 3. Theo Alexander: "re; Waiting," from Animadversions 4. Hania Rani & Dobrawa Czocher: "There Will Be Hope," from Inner Symphonies 5. Nicholas Britell: "Eden (Harlem)," from If Beale Street Coul...
Nov 03, 2024•59 min
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling new releases of the week, including the first album in 16 years by The Cure and a surprise release by Tyler, the Creator. Featured albums: • The Cure, 'Songs of a Lost World' • Tyler, the Creator, 'Chromokopia' • Willie Nelson, 'Last Leaf on the Tree' • Haley Heynderickx, 'Seed of a Seed' Check out the longer list of albums out November 1 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music. Learn mo...
Nov 01, 2024•56 min
Over half a century, hip-hop has grown into a globally dominant musical and cultural force while remaining stubbornly, vitally local. When DJ Kool Herc spun records at a small party in the Bronx in August of 1973, no one would have predicted his unique style would give birth to the most influential and dominant music in the world: hip-hop. In this special episode, NPR Music editors Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce are joined by contributor Christina Lee to look at how and why the music has m...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the week's most compelling new releases. Featured albums: • Amythyst Kiah, Still + Bright • Soccer Mommy, Evergreen • Laura Marling, Patterns in Repeat • Elmiene, Anyway I Can • Anna Butterss, Mighty Vertebrate Plus: A discussion of unconventional album release strategies. Check out the complete list of albums out Oct. 25 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastch...
Oct 25, 2024•47 min
Anamaria Sayre brings some exciting new sounds coming out Mexico City (while recording from Mexico City) including sweet new music from Colombian artist Elsa Y Elmar, while Felix Contreras shares new jazz-classical out of Barcelona and more. Songs featured in this episode: •Elsa y Elmar, "Palacio" •Alih Jey, "Luz de Gas" •Little Jesus, "Tierra Llamando A Sant" •Lucia Fumero, "Folklore II" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cil...
Oct 23, 2024•24 min
We debate the pros and cons of small-town living through the music of Christian Lee Hutson, Youth Lagoon, Bartees Strange and more in our biweekly update of the year's best songs. Featured artists and songs: 1. Christian Lee Hutson: "Carousel Horses," from Paradise Pop. 10 2. Youth Lagoon: "My Beautiful Girl" (single) 3. Memorials: "Cut It Like A Diamond," from Memorial Waterslides 4. Bartees Strange: "Sober," from Horror 5. Sam Phillips: "I Wanted To Be Alone," from A Boot And A Shoe (20th anni...
Oct 22, 2024•44 min
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce are your guides to this week's most compelling new musical offerings. For October 18, their selections include an array of ambitious, melodic and emotional new albums spanning genres. Plus: celebrating the arrival of a new music website and considering what drives us to write and talk about music in the first place. Featured albums: • Joy Oladokun, 'Observations From a Crowded Room' • CKay, 'EMOTIONS' • Kelly Lee Owens, 'Dreamstate' • Porridge Radio, 'Cl...
Oct 18, 2024•55 min
To celebrate the release of a new book from NPR Music, How Women Made Music , as well as the 50th anniversary this year of the album Celia & Johnny, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre walk through their favorite songs by the legendary Celia Cruz, alongside the artist's niece Linda Pritchett. Songs featured in this episode: • Celia Cruz, "Bemba Colorá" • Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, "Yiri Yiri Bon" • Celia Cruz, "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" • Celia Cruz, "Quimbara" • Celia Cruz, "Cuando Salí de Cuba" • Ce...
Oct 16, 2024•34 min
