NPR Music

Join Oso Oso, known for his pop perfection, and Colin Stetson, acclaimed for his harrowing sounds, as they explore the emotional power of music. They discuss Oso Oso's poignant track 'Dog Without Its Bark' and dive into the innovative structure of Christopher Rountree's 'Almanac'. The conversation also touches on the artistry of film scores and how sound can evoke deep emotions. Emily D'Angelo shares insights on her song 'Freezing', while Lia Kohl's 'Tennis Court Light, Snow' captivates with its ambient beauty.

This week dives into vibrant new releases like Jamie xx's energetic album 'In Waves' and Nubya Garcia's adventurous 'Odyssey.' Discover the Kansas City trio's eclectic blend of genres that echoes the 90s. There's also a thoughtful conversation about Bob Dylan's evolving artistry sparked by unreleased gems. Plus, the nostalgic exploration of bootlegs and the impact of streaming on music sharing adds depth to the discussion. Tune in for a journey through both fresh sounds and historical musical treasures!

Renowned artist Manu Chao returns after 17 years with a new album, blending traditional and modern sounds. Ethereal pop singer Linda Diaz, celebrated for winning a Tiny Desk Contest, shares her innovative style. The Dominican indie rock band Solo Fernández is highlighted, showcasing their engaging music that reflects the vibrant local scene. They explore themes of cultural fusion in contemporary music, touching on emotional narratives that connect listeners to powerful experiences.

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of a groundbreaking album that reshaped indie rock and left a lasting emotional imprint. The discussion dives into personal stories and the album's profound themes of joy and sorrow. Listeners remember how it resonated during various life stages. Explore comparisons with musical contemporaries like U2 and Coldplay. Reflect on the nostalgic feelings evoked by the album's impact and the challenges of separating art from the artist amid recent controversies. Discover why its legacy still resonates today.

The hosts dive into exciting new music releases, spotlighting Miranda Lambert's heartfelt album that celebrates her Texas roots. They explore the emotional depth in Foxing's self-titled work, capturing personal struggles and evolution. Robyn Hitchcock pays homage to the 1960s with nostalgic covers, while the discussion highlights the concept of 'outlaws' in music, particularly for women who challenge industry norms. The interplay of rebellion and artistic integrity resonates throughout, showcasing how diverse voices are reshaping the musical landscape.

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras, both contributors to 'El Tiny', dive into the vibrant world of love-themed Latin music. They highlight emotional ties in music performances, emphasizing familial bonds. The discussion uncovers a richly diverse lineup for the upcoming 'El Tiny', featuring artists like Juanes and Eladio Carrión, who explore themes of love and legacy. Listeners can expect a captivating blend of traditional and modern sounds, celebrating cultural connections and the heartfelt moments that resonate with audiences.

Caleb Landry Jones, known for his shapeshifting rock sound, shares the inspiration behind his latest album 'Hey Gary, Hey Dawn.' Angélica Garcia discusses her creation of dystopian grooves that reflect current societal themes. Damien Jurado dives into the emotional complexities of infidelity illustrated in his music, providing a raw look at relationships. The conversation also touches on nostalgia in music and new releases from artists like Laura Marling and Carlos Ares, blending various influences that resonate deeply with listeners.

The hosts dive into exciting new releases, highlighting LL Cool J's transformative album and a young guitarist's emotional storytelling. Jazz gets a spotlight with Nala Sinephro's innovative harp sounds, while Toro y Moi's nostalgic 'Whole Earth' takes listeners on a genre-blending journey. Discussions of rising stars in the music scene—including the success of MJ Lenderman—unpack the dynamics influencing modern artists. Engaging insights on lyrics that reflect daily life challenges round out a captivating music exploration.

In this lively conversation, Colombian producer Sinego shares his experiences blending traditional Latin sounds with electronica. La Doña discusses her eclectic artistry and the revival of her music post-pandemic, drawing on her Mexican-American heritage. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra celebrates salsa's rich history and its modern relevance. The trio dives into the cultural impact of Latin genres, touching on societal themes in lyrics and the evolution of music, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and identity.

Get ready for a music-filled fall as the hosts highlight exciting new releases, including SOPHIE's posthumous album and Mount Eerie’s emotional journey with 'Night Palace'. The conversation dives into the ethical complexities of honoring musical legacies while celebrating upcoming talents like Dua Saleh and Soccer Mommy, who explores themes of loss in her latest work. With glimpses of jazz-infused sounds from Nubya Garcia and a legendary rediscovery from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, this season promises a vibrant tapestry of emotional storytelling in music.