NPR Music's Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich guide listeners through the best new releases, including albums by Arooj Aftab and Shaboozey. They discuss the fusion of hip hop and country music, innovative genre-blending tracks, and critique consumer capitalism in Richard Thompson's album. The episode highlights diverse music releases from experimental hip hop to bluegrass, urging listeners to explore new sounds.

Composer Julia Holter and NPR music journalist Lars Gotrich discuss their favorite new music, including Jessica Pratt's mesmerizing vocals, Deerlady's ethereal sound, and Helado Negro's calming tunes. They also explore the themes of existentialism and personal truth in the song 'Masterpieces' and delve into the unique musical landscapes inspired by nature in Asheville. The podcast covers a variety of new albums and tracks, highlighting the intimate and cinematic elements in the music.

NPR Music's Lars Gotrich joins All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen to share their favorite new tracks of the week.Featured Songs And Artists:1. Meurtrières: "Ronde De Nuit," from Ronde De Nuit2. Sally Anne Morgan: "Awake," from Carrying3. Mitski: "Bug Like an Angel," from The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We4. GUJI: "I Like to Hang Out in China," from GUJI5. Irreversible Entanglements: "Free Love," from Protect Your Light6. Activity: "Careful Let's Sleepwalk," from Spirit in the RoomLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our resident Viking Lars Gotrich explores epic Japanese storytelling, soul-sampling powerviolence, ambient rap, and beautiful noise. Topics include unexpected sample sources in experimental music, the history of documenting everyday sounds, the relationship between time and memory, the concept of home, and the transformative power of music and collaboration.

Lars Gotrich, an NPR Music producer known for his insightful newsletter Vikings Choice, shares a treasure trove of eclectic sounds from 2024. He explores blooming drone-folk and richly textured jazz, along with the vibrant Somali garage-rock scene. The conversation also highlights the unique blend of medieval metal and the bittersweet farewell of the Athens psych-pop band Limbo District. Gotrich emphasizes music's therapeutic power and its ability to foster community and connection during challenging times.