NPR Music Beck, Asher White, Friko and more of the week’s best new songs
Feb 3, 2026
Lars Gotrich, NPR Music curator who digs up fresh music and artist context. He highlights a newly streaming Beck rarity and its 2000s mellotron vibe. He shares discoveries like Friko’s psych-folk build, Sibyl’s witchy ancient textures, Asher White’s heavier take on a Jessica Pratt tune, and Szymon Wójcik’s atmospheric guitar piece.
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Grammys Watch Turned Personal Reflection
- Robin Hilton recounts watching the Grammys for the first time in about 25 years and feeling conflicted about their choices.
- He recalls past moments (Steely Dan over Kid A, Neil Portnow's comment) that made him question the awards' credibility.
Beck's Rarity Lands On Streaming
- Beck released a rarities mini-album including his Eternal Sunshine cover now available on streaming for the first time.
- The track's mellotron-rich, late-90s/early-2000s sound makes it an iconic rendition of the song.
Rat Penat's Charming Homemade Pop
- Lars Gotrich highlights Rat Penat (Valencia/Montreal) as a homemade indie-pop find with shoegaze and Stereolab hints.
- He praises the buried vocals, jangly acoustic guitar, and monosynth lines that keep the song engaging.