Sturgill Simpson as Johnny Blue Skies

James Blake. Kim Gordon. Sturgill Simpson's country-funk alter ego. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston about their favorite albums out Friday, March 13. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Oscars predictions
(02:15) Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds, 'Mutiny After Midnight'
(08:50) James Blake, 'Trying Times'
(17:04) Anjimile, 'You're Free To Go'
(22:53) Kim Gordon, 'Play Me'
(27:52) Blessing Jolie, '20nothing'

(35:15) The Lightning Round

- Morgan Nagler, 'I've Got Nothing To Lose, and I'm Losing It'
- Tinariwen, 'Hoggar'
- Jorge Drexler, 'Taracá'
- The Tallis Scholars, 'Nico Muhly: No Resting Place'
- Fugazi, 'Albini Sessions'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits: 
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Amelia Mason, WBUR
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Felix Contreras, Tom Huizenga and Lars Gotrich

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