All Songs Considered The Contenders, Vol. 20: The Beths, Dustin O’Halloran, Nicholas Payton, more
Sep 16, 2025
Kiana Faircloth, a jazz expert and festival host known for her podcast "Jazz Beyond Tradition," joins the conversation to explore captivating new tracks. They dive into The Beths’ relatable disillusionment in "No Joy" and Dustin O’Halloran’s calming composition "Gold." The nostalgic themes in Darstar Tucker's rendition of "Pure Imagination" evoke childhood wonder. They also discuss Nicholas Payton’s collaboration with Esperanza Spalding, weaving melodies that resonate with emotional depth. Plus, humor shines through in the playful banter about the band Grumpy.
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Beths Peak Creative Moment
- The Beths' new album Straight Line Was A Lie feels like their strongest record yet and shows musical growth.
- The band channels emotional bluntness into sharp, melodic indie rock that still lands as accessible and powerful.
Progress Is Maintenance
- Elizabeth Stokes wrote "No Joy" about medicated depression and the flattened pleasures that can follow treatment.
- The album title Straight Line Was A Lie captures the realization that progress requires ongoing maintenance, not steady ascent.
Cassette Bedroom Sound
- Nate Smith recorded Live Action with an analog, bedroom-cassette aesthetic to evoke teenage nostalgia.
- He intentionally captured a human, live feel rather than heavily produced tracks.