All Songs Considered

This week, Raina Douris, the charismatic host of World Cafe, dives into the freshest tunes hitting the airwaves. She highlights HAIM's empowering new album 'I Quit,' brimming with vibrant pop anthems perfect for summer. The conversation flows to Hotline TNT's nostalgic 'Raspberry Moon' and the emotional depth found in Yaya Bey's 'Do It Afraid.' Kelsey Waldon's 'Every Ghost' explores themes of independence, while S.G. Goodman's 'Planting by the Signs' resonates with rich storytelling on grief and connection.

Discover the vibrant music landscape of 2025 as this discussion highlights the rich narratives of Latino experiences. Dive into emerging artists fusing traditional folk with modern sounds, and explore the emotional depth of flamenco that speaks to personal connections. Bad Bunny takes center stage, evoking nostalgia while showcasing cultural ties. The conversation also touches on identity through music, humorously weaving in anecdotes, and celebrates Adrian Quesada's collaborations in 'Boleros Psychodélicos 2,' reflecting the innovative spirit of the Spanish music scene.

Discover a joyful anthem from The Beaches as they intertwine heavier emotions in their music. Patrick Watson shares his journey of recovery through song, while Fever Ray's unique blend of humor and surrealism tackles themes of fear. Ethel Kane dives into her evolving artistry, reflecting on love and loss in her poignant tracks. The conversation also celebrates 25 years of iconic music and explores how personal struggles shape creativity. Join in as they navigate the vibrant and evolving landscape of new music!

Nate Chinen, a writer for WRTI and the new associate program director for jazz, joins the conversation to unpack some of the week's most intriguing albums. They delve into Brandee Younger's emotional and dynamic harp compositions in 'Gadabout Seasons.' Additionally, they discuss the haunting debut 'Tether' by Annahstasia, influenced by legends like Bill Withers. Highlights also include Mary Halvorson's innovative 'About Ghosts' and The Cure's fresh take with 'Mixes for a Lost World,' showcasing the diversity and creativity in today's music scene.

This week, discover the dynamic collaboration between reggaeton stars Yorgaki and Alleh. Dive into the unique intersection of country and Latino music with Louie TheSinger. Explore Bruce Springsteen's unreleased albums, connecting his work to Mexican corridos and cultural identity. Enjoy heartfelt tributes to musical legends, while experiencing the emotional layers of various tracks that highlight loss and brotherhood. The show brings a vibrant mix of personal stories, humor, and insightful reflections on today's diverse music scene.

NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce teams up with Celia Gregory, host at WNXP in Nashville, to dive into the most anticipated summer albums. They spotlight Wet Leg’s evolving sound and discuss artists like Marissa Nadler and Superchunk, emphasizing emotional resonance and authenticity. The talk includes the shift of Indigo De Souza to pop and Lucrecia Dalt's personal themes. The vibrant jazz collective Kokoroko also gets a mention, showcasing the blend of modern sounds and traditional roots. They wrap up with a nostalgic nod to memorable songs from 2015.

Izzi Bavis, a music aficionado from WTMD in Baltimore, joins Stephen Thompson to dive into an exciting week of new releases. They discuss Turnstile's genre-blending album 'Never Enough,' emphasizing its impact on the hardcore scene. Pulp makes a nostalgic return, while Little Simz showcases her artistic evolution with standout tracks like 'Lotus.' The duo also highlights McKinley Dixon's 'Magic, Alive!' and Lifeguard's promising debut 'Ripped and Torn.' Their insights ignite a celebration of fresh sounds and emotional storytelling in music.

Eduardo Díaz, former director of the Smithsonian Latino Center and co-founder of the International Accordion Festival, dives into the vibrant world of accordion music in Latin America. He discusses how Eastern European immigration influenced genres like Vallenato and conjunto, emphasizing the accordion's communal nature. The episode celebrates lively songs such as 'La Pollera Colorada' and explores the Brazilian fojo genre's evolution. Díaz also highlights the rich blend of indigenous, African, and European influences in rural Latin American music, showcasing its cultural significance.

Dive into the playful sounds of Little Simz and yeule as they explore youth's fleeting moments in contemporary music. Ty Segall revives old-school guitar rock, blending nostalgia with modern vibes. The metaphor of elderberry wine captures love's delicate nature in relationships, while Nourished by Time's emotional track delves deep into personal connections. Plus, a light-hearted take on generational coffee trends adds humor to the mix. It's a celebration of music's evolution and the emotions that drive it.

Jackson Wisdorf, the Manager of Radio Operations for KERA and host of a nightly show on KXT, joins Stephen Thompson to discuss standout albums released on May 30. They delve into Matt Berninger's introspective solo work, the genre-blending sounds of yeule, and the emotional explorations in Ben Kweller's new album. Wisdorf highlights the powerful themes of loss in music, especially reflecting on collaborations that provide solace. They also touch on Alan Sparhawk's poignant partnership with Trampled by Turtles, showcasing the depth of contemporary music.