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  New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 18 18.09.2026 42мин

  Beck. Carly Rae Jepsen. Beabadoobee. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Robert Moore from 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston, and Brian Burns from WUNC in Chapel Hill. Plus, a handful of of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(01:01) Album No. 1- Beck, 'Ride Lonesome'(07:10) Album No. 2- beabadoobee, 'Pylon'(13:01) Album No.3- Carly Rae Jepsen, 'Day and Night'(21:32) Album No. 4- Tove Lo, 'ESTRUS'(28:22) Album No. 5- Rhiannon Giddens, 'Hope is the Thing with Feathers'(34:18) The Lightning Round- Jake Xerxes Fussell, 'The Old Beloved Path'- Jóhann Jóhannsson & Adam Wiltzie, 'Friendship Survival Guide'- YENDRY, 'Como agua'- Krallice, 'Scour Order'- Son Lux, 'Out Into'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuests: Robert Moore, Amelia Mason, Brian BurnsAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Anamaria Sayre, Lars Gotrich and Robin HiltonSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Alt.Latino: Los Texmaniacs keep tradition alive 16.09.2026 25мин

  Shortly after Los Texmaniacs did what they do best at the Tiny Desk, I pulled them into a studio to chat with them about the traditions they represent with their music. It turned into a master class on the accordion-fueled style known as conjunto, a mix of European folk music and Spanish-language storytelling. Plus, the group shared some love for one of the iconic artists who taught the world how to love conjunto, Flaco Jimenez, and how their personal connection to him also inspired them to move the music forward.  - FelixDon't miss NPR Music's full coverage of Latin Music Month, with Tiny Desk Concerts featuring Mon Laferte, Los Tigres del Norte, Tim Bernardes, Los Texmaniacs and more starting September 15 at NPR.org.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  M83, Shygirl, FKJ and the best songs we heard this week 15.09.2026 42мин

  We’re back with another round of the best new songs out now, including the universe-splitting “Blister Sunrise” from M83, Shygirl’s bone-rattling, euphoric track “Alyse,” subversive funk from Asher White and more.NPR Music writer and editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Tell us what you think with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(02:02) M83: “Blister Sunrise”(07:51) Shygirl: “Alyse”(15:13) FKJ & Labrinth: “Little Little Voice”(22:21) Renny Conti: “Leaving the Zoo”(30:57) Asher White: “My Day at the Casino”(38:36) Rachel Chinouriri: “Make Believe”Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 11 11.09.2026 41мин

  Sylvan Esso. This Is Lorelei. Ezra Collective. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 11 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Brian Burns from WUNC in Chapel Hill, Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, and John Morrison from WXPN in Philadelphia. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:35) Album No. 1- Sylvan Esso, 'Ow 8'(06:57) Album No. 2- Ezra Collective, 'Here Because of Hope'(13:36) Album No. 3- This Is Lorelei, 'The Singer in My Band'(20:05) Album No. 4- The Tubs, 'Hard Life'(27:15) Album No. 5- Haruomi Hosono, 'Yours Sincerely'(33:00) The Lightning Round- Funkadelic, 'Maggot Brain (2026 Remastered)'- Locust, 'Spectral+'- Standing On The Corner, 'SOTC II'- Bri`ghde Chaimbeul & Colin Stetson, 'All the light in the world'- Angela Autumn, 'Believer'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuests: Brian Burns, Celia Gregory, John MorrisonAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Sheldon Pearce, Lars Gotrich and Ann PowersSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Alt.Latino: Brazil and Colombia on our minds 09.09.2026 30мин

  This week Ana features two very different Brazilian artists that both draw heavily on the '60s and '70s Tropicália genre. Felix presents two very different approaches to Colombian folkloric music and a new Spanish-language singer-songwriter who turns sadness into light.Artists and albums featured in this episode:(01:52) Maglore, 'Fluxo Natural'(07:13) Indus, 'El Mangle'(12:42) Candelabro, 'Deseo, Carne y Voluntad'(17:11) Araña, 'Araña'(21:07) Lucas Bezerra, 'EU MANDEI MEU AMOR PRO ESPAÇO'(25:21) Luca de Dios, 'De Amor y DesamorThis podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  More cover songs that are better than the originals 08.09.2026 47мин

  We share more reimagined and reinterpreted songs that rival the originals, including Janis Joplin’s iconic take on Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” a reggae version of The Beatles' “Don’t Let Me Down,” and more.NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Lars Gotrich rejoin host Robin Hilton for another round.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(04:30) Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris: Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush”(09:31) Frodus: Devo’s “Explosions” (12:58) Janis Joplin: Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee”(17:12) Jai Paul: Jennifer Paige’s “Crush”(22:26) Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey: Lionel Richie & Diana Ross's “Endless Love”(27:40) Nico: Jackson Browne’s “These Days”(32:34) Tricky: Public Enemy’s “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”(35:29) Cassandra Wilson: Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon”(40:04) Phoebe Bridgers: The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love”(43:56) Marcia Griffiths: The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down”Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 4 04.09.2026 44мин

  Rebecca Black. Paris Paloma. Button Masher. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 4 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco, Julie Bee from Marfa Public Radio in west Texas, and DeShun Nance from WJSU in Jackson, Miss. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(01:55) Album No. 1- Rebecca Black, 'Age of the Exhibitionist'(08:26) Album No. 2- Paris Paloma, 'The Fatal Flaw'(16:40) Album No. 3- Sharp Pins, 'Mod Mayday 23'(23:06) Album No.4- 1-800-Mikey, 'In Yun'(29:25) Album No. 5- Button Masher, 'Super Button Masher'(36:20) The Lightning Round- Senri Oe, 'Homework'- Madi Diaz, 'Fatal Optimist UN-unplugged'- Medium Build, 'King of Having Fun'- Chat Pile, 'Who Loves The Sun'- Steven R. Smith, 'Half Light Unfolding'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuests: Nastia Voynovskaya, Julie Bee, DeShun NanceAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellAudio Engineer: Cena LoffredoDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Lars Gotrich and Ann PowersSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Alt.Latino: Guadalajara loves metal? 02.09.2026 29мин

  I like to think I’m the one who keeps things fresh on the show — or at least that’s what I tell everyone. But this week Felix once again proved that false, bringing in a fresh corridos tumbados duo from Guadalajara who takes a something-old-turned-new genre and smashes it together with metal. It's something I’ve never heard before. What can I say, Felix keeps us all young. I went back to Brazil with some up-and-coming artists whose albums I’ve been excitedly awaiting. And, of course, Felix had to balance things out with one of his favorite jazz vocalists. As per usual, we’re all about whiplash here at Alt.Latino, but in a way that hopefully will make you the favorite DJ at your next fiesta. — AnaArtists and albums featured in this episode(03:52) Cultura Profética, 'En bucle'(09:53) Claudia Acuna, 'Ave de Luz: Chilean Jazz & Soul'(13:52) Mari Froes, 'Esquina do Sol'(17:36) Valeria Stewart, 'On A Wing'(21:17) Raquel Dimantas, 'Cosmo Dorme'(24:37) Ladrones, 'Arriba La L'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Dahi, Kendrick and Amber Mark, Dominic Fike, more 01.09.2026 45мин

  After nearly two decades of producing works by other musicians, including Kendrick Lamar and Vampire Weekend, the artist known as Dahi has just released his debut solo album. He describes it as “African Radiohead,” with kaleidoscopic soundscapes, intricate polyrhythms and a breathtaking list of collaborators. We open this week’s show with the song “How to Pray,” featuring both Kendrick Lamar and singer Amber Mark.Our other picks for the best new tracks of the week include Dominic Fike’s heady “Wallflower,” dancefloor beats from singer Jorja Smith, an 8-bit instrumental from composer Emily A. Sprague and more.NPR Music writer and editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(02:00) Dahi, Kenrick Lamar & Amber Mark: “How To Pray”(10:08) OHMA: “Ever Expanding”(18:46) Dominic Fike: “Wallflower”(25:20) Jorja Smith: “I Lied, You Lied”(33:20) Emily A. Sprague: “Noon Liquid Ore”(41:50) Osamu Fukuzawa & IYAMAH: “Butterflies (feat. edbl)”Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 28 28.08.2026 40мин

  Alabama Shakes. Mike D. Interpol. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Sean Carolan of WBJB in New Jersey about their favorite albums out Friday, August 28. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5(03:37) Album No. 1- Mastodon, 'Marrow Deep'(08:56) Album No. 2- Mike D 5D, 'Thank You'(15:41) Album No. 3- Alabama Shakes, 'I Must Be Dreaming'(21:43) Album No. 4- Interpol, 'This Mirror Weighs a Ton'(27:47) Album No. 5- The Linda Lindas, 'Gotta Get Out'(33:37) The Lightning Round- Billy Strings, 'So Much For Goodbyes'- Elephant Stone, 'ASHA'- Tiny Habits, 'Keepers'- Saul Williams, 'Leap Life'- Liim, 'A Sunflower Garden In Harlem Is Hard To Find'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Sean Carolan, WBJB Audio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Ann Powers and Rodney CarmichaelSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Alt.Latino: Cypress Hill en español 27.08.2026 26мин

  Latin identity has been at the core of Cypress Hill's music from the very beginning -- their 1991 track "Latin Lingo" gave voice to the Latin roots of hip hop with its funky Spanglish callouts. But it took the band thirty-five more years to make an album of original songs written in Spanish: 'Dios Bendiga,' which was just released. In this episode, Felix chats with the band -- B-Real, Sen Dog and Eric Bobo -- about the influences behind the album, and why this moment felt right to finally make it. Plus, a cameo from the band's longtime producer and turntablist, DJ Lord. This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Dolly Parton in her own words 26.08.2026 27мин

  Dolly Parton was more than just a country music superstar. She was a songwriter for others, a philanthropist, a businesswoman, an actress and more. As a pop icon across seven decades, Parton sat down with a number of NPR hosts to tell the stories of her life and art. In this episode, NPR Music’s Ann Powers takes listeners through a number of those interviews to hear Parton tell her story, in her own words.Want more Dolly? Head to the NPR app’s music tab for a Dolly Parton playlist from our archives. Download the app at npr.org/gettheapp. And read Ann Powers’ remembrance of Dolly Parton here.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.This episode was produced by Otis Hart, Suraya Mohamed and Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Hazel Cills. Sonali Mehta is the executive director of NPR Music.Image courtesy of the Michael Ochs Archives.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  The best Sunday morning albums 25.08.2026 49мин

  Is Sunday morning the best time for music? Whether you prefer solitude, get-togethers with family or friends, or steeling yourself for the week to come, we’ve got the perfect album to score your early hours.  NPR Music’s Hazel Cills and Lars Gotrich join host Robin Hilton.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] songs and artists:(00:00) Intro / Miles Davis: “So What”(02:32) Astrud Gilberto: “Once I Loved”(06:29) The Congos: “Fisherman”(08:48) Madredeus: “Três Ilusoses - Amargura”(13:02) Laurie Spiegel: “Patchwork”(17:03) BAD OPERATION: “Bagel Rooks”(20:10) Django Reinhardt: “Exactly Like You”(24:05) Tirzah: “Holding On”(28:13) Margo Guryan: “Sunday Morning”(33:32) Ishman Williams & the William Singers: “The Old Ship Zion”(37:42) Electrelane: “Gone Under Sea”(41:35) Woo: “Make Me Tea”(45:17) St. Germain: “So Flute”Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2025.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 21 21.08.2026 42мин

  Brennan Wedl. Jorja Smith. Brandon Flowers. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, August 21. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(01:23) Album No. 1- Brennan Wedl, 'Brennan Wedl'(08:34) Album No. 2- Squirrel Flower, 'Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going'(16:07) Album No. 3- Westside Cowboy, 'It Goes On'(22:45) Album No. 4- Brandon Flowers, 'THRASHER'(28:50) Album No. 5- Jorja Smith, 'What Are The Odds'(34:27) The Lightning Round- Rapsody, 'God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops'- OK Cowgirl, 'Rhinestone Cowgirl'- Elanor Moss, 'The Knife, The Needle'- Julia Holter, 'Materia'- The Cramps, 'Gravest Gravy'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Celia Gregory, WNXPAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Ann Powers, Sheldon Pearce and Lars GotrichSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Alt.Latino: Electrónica rising in Mexico 19.08.2026 32мин

  Mexico isn't the first place you think of as the cutting edge of experimental electronic music. But two new projects show that might be changing. LATIN MAFIA recently teamed up with British producer Fred again.. to make a bold new album featuring collaborators like Mabe Fratti and Lil Yachty. And the up-and-coming duo RØZ -- comprised of producers Manolo Cabrera and Hugo Lara -- just released their debut album, spinning a dazzling mix of hip hop, gospel and glitchy electronica. This week's episode also features a comically brilliant track from El David Aguilar, cumbia jam rockers Dos Santos, a cover from La Zorra Zapata, and a deep dive from Felix on the many interpretations of Consuela Velazquez's classic "Verdad Amarga."Artists and albums featured in this episode:(00:43) LATIN MAFIA & Fred again.., '9 months & 50 hours'(07:40) Dos Santos, 'Es Amor'(13:12) El David Aguilar, 'VIGENTE'(18:42) Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo, 'El Arte de Bolero, Vol. 3'(25:23) RØZ, 'SE ESTÁ HACIENDO TARDE'(29:11) La Zorra Zapata, 'I Love You Baby'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Weezer, Colin Stetson, Jlin, Meredith Monk more 18.08.2026

  On this week’s show, Weezer gives the people what they want, plus a breathless “dirt dance” from saxophonist Colin Stetson and bagpiper Brìghde Chaimbeul, the scruffy cello-pop of yeemz, works by composer and vocalist Meredith Monk, electronic artist Jlin and more.  NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as we share our picks for the best new songs of the week.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected] artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(00:51) Weezer: “C.E.O.”(08:24) Colin Stetson, Brìghde Chaimbeul: “Dirt dance”(18:16) slimdan: “Let’s Start A Cult!”(25:09) Phaedra Ensemble: “Phantom Strings” (Meredith Monk)(31:43) yeemz: “Brace for Impact” (single)(37:36) PUBLIQuartet: “Baobab” (Jlin)Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 14 14.08.2026 46мин

  Phoebe Bridgers. Jungle. Hovvdy. It's a surprisingly stacked Summer Friday this week, and you can hear all about it with New Music Friday host Stephen Thompson and guest Samantha Hval from WMNF in Tampa, Fla. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Phoebe Bridgers'Lost Weekend' (Dead Oceans)(10:25) Jungle'Sunshine' (AWAL)(19:38) Hovvdy'Big World' (Arts & Crafts)(27:08) Sweeping Promises'You Say I Romanticize' (Sub Pop)(32:59) L'Rain'fata morgana' (Mexican Summer)(37:54) The Lightning Round• The Womack Sisters, s/t• Channel Tres 'Enigma POV'• Ayra Starr, 'Starr Girl'• Nina Winder-Lind, 'Wild Love'• Open Mike Eagle & Kenny Segal, 'DOOMED!'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Samantha Hval, WMNFAudio Producer: Suraya MohamedDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Sheldon Pearce, Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Alt.Latino: Why Harry Styles and The xx love Latin America 12.08.2026 39мин

  Harry Styles just finished a 5-night run in Mexico City. You know who else had a 5-night run in Mexico City? Michael Jackson in 1993.Mainstream artists have a long history of being enticed by the energy of performing for a Latin American crowd … which means there’s also a long and less-known history of big pop stars making music for that audience.Did you know Michael Jackson has a Latin track? So does Madonna. A few actually.As early as the '50s, Nat King Cole experimented with Spanish and released an entire record, Cole Español, writing songs in partnership with legendary "Bésame Mucho" composer Consuelo Velásquez.This week’s Alt.Latino is a pop takeover. We’re mythbusting the idea that there’s only been one kind of crossover — from Latin to mainstream — and walking through a long history of mainstream wanting to go… Latin.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Cover songs that are better than the originals 11.08.2026 51мин

  Sometimes a cover song is so good, so singular that it completely eclipses the original version.  Think Sinéad O'Connor doing Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Jimmy Hendrix lighting up Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” or, of course, Whitney Houston’s defining take on Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”  On this week’s show, we share some of our picks for cover songs that are better than the originals, talk about why, and what, exactly, a cover song needs to become a classic.NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Lars Gotrich join host Robin Hilton.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected](00:00) Intro and the top five G.O.A.T.s (06:06) Al Green: “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”(09:58) Björk: “It’s Oh So Quiet”(12:28) Aretha Franklin: “Respect”(16:22) Low: “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me”(19:45) Andrew Paul Woodworth: “Fight For Your Right to Party”(25:10) Yaeji: “Passionfruit”(28:13) Shonen Knife: “Top of the World”(32:06) Wednesday: “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Double)”(34:54) Low: “Fearless”(36:37) Harry Nilsson: “Without You”(39:57) Beyonce: “Before I Let Go (Homecoming Live Bonus Track)”(42:35) Gary Jules: “Mad World”(49:19) Chaka Khan: “I Feel For You”Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  The Ripple Effect: Deadheads share their stories 09.08.2026 39мин

  At the outset of The Ripple Effect, NPR Music’s series on the Grateful Dead, we asked fans to share stories about how they fell in love with the band. The response was overwhelming: wry, emotional and personal. It was overflowing with shared experiences that underline exactly how crucial the community that surrounds the Dead is to the band’s legacy.Now that we’ve reached the end of Days Between, we’re closing The Ripple Effect by listening to voice memos from you: Deadheads and people who love Deadheads, lifelong fans and late converts. We’ll hear about first shows, encounters with the musicians and multiple cross-country road trips.Check out all of our coverage from The Ripple Effect: The Grateful Dead's long, strange trip might keep going foreverHosts: Felix Contreras, Isabella Gomez SarmientoAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellEditors: Jacob Ganz, Hazel CillsVisuals: Jackie LayExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedExecutive Director: Sonali MehtaSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy