NPR Music New Music Friday: The best albums out March 27
8 snips
Mar 27, 2026 Alisa Ali, WFUV radio host and music programmer in New York, shares her picks for March 27 releases. She and Stephen highlight Robyn's Blade Runner electro-pop return and RAYE's sprawling 73-minute mashup. They discuss Flea's jazzy trumpet turn and The New Pornographers' reflective new record. Short lightning picks from critics cap the conversation.
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Courtney Barnett Chooses Self Kindness And Confidence
- Courtney Barnett's Creature of Habit balances her rambling slacker-rock and grunge sides while reflecting on personal change and self-kindness.
- The record stems from watching a documentary about herself and deciding to be kinder and more confident in songwriting.
New Pornographers Embrace Patience For Grander Songs
- The New Pornographers' The Former Sight Of shows more patience and adventurous arrangements, trading some early immediacy for sweeping, epic builds.
- The title track runs nearly seven minutes and culminates in a powerful crescendo, making this their best recent record.
Flea Practiced Trumpet Two Years Then Made A Jazz Album
- Flea practiced trumpet for two years with a self-imposed rule to make a jazz album afterward, resulting in Onora, a collaborative jazz-trumpet record.
- He assembled top players, invited guests like Nick Cave and Thom Yorke, and restrained himself instead of dominating every track.