All Songs Considered

Nick Cave, the Australian rock titan and frontman of The Bad Seeds, shares insights about his upcoming album, Wild God. He discusses personal tragedies that have shaped his music and spiritual journey. The conversation touches on the transformative power of music, likening it to religious rituals, and the ongoing balance between skepticism and faith in creativity. Cave emphasizes that the struggles in his belief process are essential, and he highlights the profound role of collaboration in yielding deeper artistic expression.

Daoud Tyler-Ameen, a member of NPR Music, and Hazel Cills, a noted contributor, dive into the exciting world of new album releases. They discuss Tinashe's captivating 'Quantum Baby,' Post Malone's surprising pivot to country with 'F-1 Trillion,' and Charly Bliss's impactful return after five years. The duo explores the emotional depth in Morgan Wade's lyrics and celebrates the nostalgia of Starflyer 59’s latest offering. Their insights highlight the evolving musical landscape while underscoring the importance of live performances in connecting artists with their audiences.

"Weird Al" Yankovic, the legendary musical satirist, joins to share the joy of funny songs from Tom Lehrer's classics to hidden gems by The Hazzards. They dive into the art of humorous songwriting, discussing tracks that combine clever lyrics with cultural commentary. Highlights include the charm of obscure artists and the emotional depth in songs like "White and Nerdy." With anecdotes and reflections on the laughter music brings to everyday life, this conversation celebrates the enduring impact of humor in music.

Daoud Tyler-Ameen, a seasoned music journalist, and Ann Powers, a gripping music critic, dive into the rich new releases of August 9. They spotlight Ravyn Lenae's focused R&B and the eclectic sounds of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Discussion on Ryuichi Sakamoto's poignant final work injects depth, while esperanza spalding and Milton Nascimento's collaboration symbolizes the beauty of generational partnerships. They also analyze the evolving landscape of music, emphasizing the significance of female expression in rap and intergenerational dialogues.

Danny Ocean, a Venezuelan artist crafting music amid his country's political challenges, shares insights on the personal significance of his work. Girl Ultra discusses her evolution into techno sounds, showcasing the vibrant electronic scene in Mexico City. Superfónicos brings funky, electro-cumbia vibes, reflecting cultural fusion in contemporary music. The conversation delves into how music serves as a powerful reflection of social and political landscapes, emphasizing connections between music, identity, and collective experiences.

This week’s guest is Beck, the eclectic musician behind the iconic hit 'Loser.' He reflects on the impact of slacker rock, celebrating its fusion of styles and cultural significance. Beck shares insights on the chaotic 90s music scene, personal anecdotes about navigating record labels, and how his lyrics evolved. The discussion also touches on the emotional depth found in tracks like 'Black Hole' and the lasting influence of the genre on today’s music landscape. A nostalgic journey through creativity and rebellion!

Meshell Ndegeocello, an innovative bassist, discusses her new album, "No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin," celebrating Baldwin's centennial with a blend of musical, political, and historical themes. She reflects on her artistic evolution and the fusion of genres throughout her career. Meanwhile, the hosts highlight exciting new releases from artists like Khalid and Maren Morris, emphasizing their unique sounds and storytelling capabilities. The podcast dives into the emotional depth in music, showcasing how it serves as a vehicle for personal and societal reflection.

These aren't the big bangers and Top 40 hits designed to capitalize on the typical summer vibes. We instead play the songs that feel like summer or say summer to us.Featured artists and songs:1. Kaytranada and Rochelle Jordan: "Lover/Friend," from 'Timeless'2. HUGEL: "Patadas de Ahogado / LATIN MAFIA (Rework)" (single)3. Keaton Henson: "Sandwalking," from 'Somnambulant Cycles'4. Tems: "Love Me Je Je," from 'Born in the Wild'5. Karol G: "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" (single)6. Mary Lattimore: "I Spent the Day Inside" (single)Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review in Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. Questions, comments, suggestions and any other feedback always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Delve into the bicultural Chicano soul music scene blending R&B and Mexican influences. Explore the emotional depth of Malo's 'Suavecito' and Tower of Power's 'You're Still A Young Man'. Discover the genre's revival with young artists like Thee Sacred Souls and Mikey Jimenez. Experience the nostalgia and community-building aspect of Chicano soul music. Celebrate the authentic and soulful essence of this unique genre.

Moses Sumney, Alisa Amador, and Orville Peck discuss their latest songs in this episode. Topics include Moses Sumney's sensuality and intuition in music, Alisa Amador's hopeful track 'Woke Up Today', and Orville Peck collaborating with Beck on 'Death Valley High'. The hosts also explore emotional impacts of various songs and artist collaborations.