Julie Bernal, a DJ at Marfa Public Radio and host of Amplified, joins to discuss the latest music gems. They explore Car Seat Headrest's evolution into rock opera, featuring their storytelling prowess. Samantha Crane's new album 'Gumshoe' shines with its captivating tracks and lyrical depth. The lively music scene in Marfa is celebrated, alongside PUP's punk spirit and Jenny Hval's ethereal 'Iris Silver Mist'. Bernal highlights Jolie Laide's collaborative artistry, bringing personal experiences into their unique sound.
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Car Seat Headrest's Epic Opera
Car Seat Headrest's new album The Scholars is a rock opera with long, epic songs that flow wonderfully.
The 19-minute track "Planet Desperation" is uplifting despite its title and showcases varied musical phases within one piece.
insights INSIGHT
Samantha Crain's Rooted Reflection
Samantha Crain's album Gumshoe reflects her enforced roots in Oklahoma after injuries.
The record captures home life and daily struggles with a mix of thoughtful folk and psychedelic rock.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Pup's Punk Energy and Growth
Pup's album Who Will Look After The Dogs? blends aggressive punk energy with moments of introspection.
Frontman Stefan Babcock's breakup inspired reflective lyrics amid high-energy rock anthems.
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The search results refer to 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' as PUP's 2025 punk album, not a literary work. Frontman Stefan Babcock's lyrics address themes of isolation, self-doubt, and relationship breakdowns, with the title track referencing existential concerns through the lens of pet care responsibilities.
Gumshoe
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Samantha Crain
Creatures
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Nina Nastassia and Jeff MacLeod
Oh Smokey
Eef Barzelay
Clem Snide's 'Oh Smokey' is an 8-track album featuring slow, introspective songs about God, death, and existential surrender. Produced with Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horseman), the record blends acoustic intimacy with Neil Young-esque electric textures, including standout tracks like 'All Was Revealed' and the title track 'Smokey' inspired by a collaboration with pop artist YEBBA. The project continues Eef Barzelay's signature style of poetic vulnerability over organic instrumentation.
Lucius
Holly Laessig
Jess Wolfe
While Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig are prominent musicians in the indie band Lucius, there is no evidence of a published book authored by them under the title 'Lucius'. Their creative output primarily includes music releases such as their 2013 debut album 'Wildewoman' and its 2024 re-recording, along with collaborations across the music industry.
The Scholars
A Rock Opera Album
Seth Dalby
Will Toledo
Andrew Katz
Ethan Ives
The Scholars is a concept album by Car Seat Headrest, featuring a narrative set at Parnassus University. It explores themes of identity, youth, and spiritual crisis through a diverse cast of characters. The album draws inspiration from classical opera, Shakespeare, and iconic rock operas like The Who's Tommy.
NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Julie Bee of Marfa Public Radio to talk through the best albums released on May 2.
See the long list of albums out May 2 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.
Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Julie Bernal, Marfa Public Radio Producer: Simon Rentner Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins
All Songs Considered 
