All Songs Considered

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.

Join Felix Contreras as he shares his favorites from the Tiny Desk Contest, featuring a vibrant lineup of Latin bands. Experience the dynamic sounds of Esotérica Tropica, Mario Diaz, and more, each showcasing unique cultural stories. Hear insights into the judging process and the excitement of discovering emerging talent. Celebrate the artistry of musicians like Charlie Siaba, whose emotionally charged songs resonate deeply. Plus, don't miss the spotlight on contest winner Ruby Ibarra and her fusion of Filipino and R&B rhythms.

Sufjan Stevens, a renowned singer-songwriter known for his deeply personal album 'Carrie & Lowell', reflects on the 10th anniversary of this haunting work. He shares his complex emotions surrounding grief and memory, revealing how art helped him navigate loss. The conversation touches on the transformative power of music and its ability to celebrate life despite sorrow. Stevens also explores the evolving nature of his relationship with music and the profound themes that connect personal experiences to broader human emotions.

Join Robert Moore, host of 'Sonic Spectrum' on 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, as he shares his insights on exciting new music. He and Stephen Thompson dive into Stereolab's album, emphasizing its exploration of love and nihilism. They also discuss Ganavya's unique blend of Tamil devotional music and Western sounds, particularly the soothing track 'Song for Sad Times.' Reflecting on nostalgia, the conversation touches on Robert Forster's poignant 'Strawberries' and the evolving emotional narratives in today's music scene.

Discover new Latin music gems as Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre spotlight artists like Paloma Morphy and Rusowsky. Dive into the vibrant jazz scene of New York through the journey of a Chilean vocalist, and explore Rosowski's emotional debut album. Experience a blend of cultures with Inez Velasco's jazz compositions and Pachiman's innovative sounds. The podcast celebrates transformative music and the personal stories behind it, making it a captivating listen for all music lovers.