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Victoria Monét. Meshell Ndegeocello. Sons of Sevilla. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 2, with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver, Evan Miller from WYSO in Ohio and DJ Llu from Vermont Public. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (01:53) Album No. 1- Victoria Monét, 'Frequency Of Love' (08:40) Album No. 2- Meshell Ndegeocello, 'Synonym' (15:28) Album No.3 - Helen, 'Linda's Head' (22:09) Album No. 4- Wishy, 'Nature's Pill' (28:36) Album No. 5- Sons of Sevilla, 'It Could Be Today' (34:27 The Lightning Round - Greg Freeman, 'All Set the Bone'- Miranda Lambert, 'Crisco'- Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth, 'Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth'- Lalah Hathaway, 'Made in Chicago'- Beth Taylor, 'The Deeps Have Music' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist. Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuests: Ayana Contreras, Evan Miller, DJ LluAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Lars Gotrich, Ann Powers and Tom Huizenga 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

Jazz has often been called America's musical gift to the world. This week's guests remind us not only of the well-documented ways that Cuba revolutionized that gift, but also how it blossomed in South America. Chilean tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana and Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba stopped by after their recent Tiny Desk performance to chat about their own personal histories with jazz and its lineage in their respective countries. The memories Rubalcaba shares about Havana's jazz scene in the 1980s adds another layer to a story we've talked a lot about on Alt.Latino. And Aldana looks back on her youth learning music from her father and grandfather, both of whom were Chilean jazz pioneers. The conversation also covers the music they played at the Tiny Desk, which comes from their recent album, 'Filin,' a reexamination of a Cuban musical movement that lasted from the 1940s through the '60s. Ultimately, this week's episode is time spent with two master musicians to hear how their lives and experiences contribute to their mutual appreciation and love of jazz. Check out Melissa Aldana and Gonzalo Rubalcaba's Tiny Desk Concert here. 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

We get big and loud this week with a surprise drop from Phoebe Bridgers and her song “On Video,” from the Primetime soundtrack; the monstrously disjointed “Placeholder” from Gilla Band; widescreened shoegaze from the Danish artist Trentemøller and more.   NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton as they share their picks for the best new songs out now. 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] Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (03:22) Phoebe Bridgers: “On Video” (10:26) Gilla Band: “Placeholder” (17:25) Trentemøller: “Swerve” (23:31) Wednesday: “Carolina Murder Suicide (Avey Tare Remix)” (30:29) serpentwithfeet: “sentinel” (36:37) Lily Konigsberg: “Free Byrd” 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

Leon Bridges. Blondshell. Joy Oladokun. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee, Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville and Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:53) Album No. 1- Blondshell, 'Violins' (07:43) Album No. 2- Julia Jacklin, 'The Gem' (15:13) Album No. 3- Joy Oladokun, 'Hope Is A Heavy Thing' (22:33) Album No. 4- Leon Bridges, 'Happiness Anytime' (28:52) Album No. 5- Protomartyr, 'Hotel Usona' (34:04) The Lightning Round - Space Afrika, 'Quiet Storm'- claire rousay & Martyna Basta, 'hotel room'- Tinashe, 'Popstar'- Mary Gauthier, 'Reckoning'- Axel Boman & Superpitcher, 'Tell It To The Mountain' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist. Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuests: Erin Wolf, Jewly Hight, Liz WarnerAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Sheldon Pearce and Ann Powers 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

By the time Neil Young reached 1989, he’d already achieved all the highs and lows that could come with a successful rock ’n’ roll career. But then he made the album “Freedom,” and ended it with a song that challenged what people thought about his personal politics and that would catapult him back into the mainstream and the top of the rock charts. It would become something of a rock standard, and curiously adopted by people all over the political spectrum.  This week, NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss what’s happened with “Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young, from 1989.  To access this episode, sign up for NPR+. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Follow NPR Music coverage and the Tiny Desk Concerts at npr.org/music.

YEИDRY's music is almost as diverse she is. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Italy, the singer’s repertoire of genre and sound pulls from multiple continents, and even more unique cultural roots. It’s complicated to explain so many mixed identities, but, as we know quite well at Alt.Latino, music is an easy way to tell a complex story. From the first song she ever heard to a track that brings her peace, we’re presenting a playlist of YEИDRY, the artist and the person. It’s raw, unprepped, and just like YEИDRY: alive and constantly evolving. Songs discussed in this episode: - "Ese Hombre" by LA INDIA - "Guitarra" by Yoskar Sarante - "Weird Fishes / Arpeggi" by Radiohead - "Bam Bam" by Sister Nancy - "To Zion (feat. Carlos Santana)" by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Carlos Santana - "Paloma" by Angélica Garcia 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

Our latest mix of the week’s best new songs swings from the shoegaze rock of rising LA band untitled (halo) to Bach’s “Air on the G String” performed by pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. We’ve also got singer Lizzy McAlpine’s breathtaking ode to her late father, the laid-back grooves of polymath Sen Morimoto, the extraordinary voice of Scottish singer Beth Taylor and more. NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga 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] Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (02:05) Sen Morimoto: “Chewing Gum” (09:27) Víkingur Ólafsson: “Air on the G String” (Johann Sebastian Bach) (16:56) Lizzy McAlpine: “The crowd” (25:51) Beth Taylor: “My Lagan Love” (33:49) untitled (halo): “easy rider” (41:58) inti figgis-vizueta: “Samara (maple seed) mvmt. III - find roots” 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

In September 2025, the electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso made headlines with the announcement that it was removing its catalog from Spotify. The world’s most popular music streamer wasn’t new to criticism, but the temperature changed last year with the revelation that then-CEO Daniel Ek was a major investor in Helsing, an AI software company that designs military weapons systems. A year later, the band has returned bearing new music and another small bombshell: A week after the release of 'Ow ∞,' Sylvan Esso’s fifth studio album, came the news that all of its music was returning to Spotify beginning Sept. 18. In a conversation with reporter Brian Burns from NPR member station WUNC in Chapel Hill, N.C., members Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn (also a married couple) describe that return as the result of a series of sobering discoveries — but also stress how much they learned on the road to this moment. 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

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.org Credits: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 Hilton 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

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.  - Felix Don'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

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] Featured 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

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.org Credits: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 Powers 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

It’s the time of the season for this party playlist favorite. But what makes “September” a standout among Earth, Wind & Fire’s many other hits? And why is September the most popular month in song?  This week, NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, from 1978.  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 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 Desamor 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

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] Featured 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