PlatPhorm Podcasts

PlatPhorm Podcasts

NPR Music

Welcome to your all-in-one destination for every NPR Music podcast. We break down the best new albums to hit streaming each week on New Music Friday; we share the latest songs worthy of your playlists on All Songs Considered; there’s off-the-rails conversations (and chisme!) about Latin music on Alt.Latino. The NPR Music channel is your hub for new records, iconic artists and cult heroes, free of algorithms and full of surprises. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for NPR Music.

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Episodes

8/28/2026

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 28 artwork

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 28

NPR Music

Alabama Shakes. Mike D. Interpol. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Sean Carolan of WBJB in New Jersey about their favorite albums out Friday, August 28. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (03:37) Album No. 1 - Mastodon, 'Marrow Deep' (08:56) Album No. 2 - Mike D 5D, 'Thank You' (15:41) Album No. 3 - Alabama Shakes, 'I Must Be Dreaming' (21:43) Album No. 4 - Interpol, 'This Mirror Weighs a Ton' (27:47) Album No. 5 - The Linda Lindas, 'Gotta Get Out' (33:37) The Lightning Round - Billy Strings, 'So Much For Goodbyes' - Elephant Stone, 'ASHA' - Tiny Habits, 'Keepers' - Saul Williams, 'Leap Life' - Liim, 'A Sunflower Garden In Harlem Is Hard To Find' 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: Sean Carolan, WBJB Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/27/2026

Alt.Latino: Cypress Hill en español artwork

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Alt.Latino: Cypress Hill en español

NPR Music

Latin identity has been at the core of Cypress Hill's music from the very beginning -- their 1991 track "Latin Lingo" gave voice to the Latin roots of hip hop with its funky Spanglish callouts. But it took the band thirty-five more years to make an album of original songs written in Spanish: 'Dios Bendiga,' which was just released. In this episode, Felix chats with the band -- B-Real, Sen Dog and Eric Bobo -- about the influences behind the album, and why this moment felt right to finally make it. Plus, a cameo from the band's longtime producer and turntablist, DJ Lord. This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/26/2026

Dolly Parton in her own words artwork

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Dolly Parton in her own words

NPR Music

Dolly Parton was more than just a country music superstar. She was a songwriter for others, a philanthropist, a businesswoman, an actress and more. As a pop icon across seven decades, Parton sat down with a number of NPR hosts to tell the stories of her life and art. In this episode, NPR Music’s Ann Powers takes listeners through a number of those interviews to hear Parton tell her story, in her own words. Want more Dolly? Head to the NPR app’s music tab for a Dolly Parton playlist from our archives. Download the app at npr.org/gettheapp . And read Ann Powers’ remembrance of Dolly Parton here . Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . This episode was produced by Otis Hart, Suraya Mohamed and Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Hazel Cills. Sonali Mehta is the executive director of NPR Music. Image courtesy of the Michael Ochs Archives. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/25/2026

The best Sunday morning albums artwork

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The best Sunday morning albums

NPR Music

Is Sunday morning the best time for music? Whether you prefer solitude, get-togethers with family or friends, or steeling yourself for the week to come, we’ve got the perfect album to score your early hours. NPR Music’s Hazel Cills and Lars Gotrich join host Robin Hilton. Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured songs and artists: (00:00) Intro / Miles Davis: “So What” (02:32) Astrud Gilberto: “Once I Loved” (06:29) The Congos: “Fisherman” (08:48) Madredeus: “Três Ilusoses - Amargura” (13:02) Laurie Spiegel: “Patchwork” (17:03) BAD OPERATION: “Bagel Rooks” (20:10) Django Reinhardt: “Exactly Like You” (24:05) Tirzah: “Holding On” (28:13) Margo Guryan: “Sunday Morning” (33:32) Ishman Williams & the William Singers: “The Old Ship Zion” (37:42) Electrelane: “Gone Under Sea” (41:35) Woo: “Make Me Tea” (45:17) St. Germain: “So Flute” Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2025. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/21/2026

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 21 artwork

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 21

NPR Music

Brennan Wedl. Jorja Smith. Brandon Flowers. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, August 21. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (01:23) Album No. 1 - Brennan Wedl, 'Brennan Wedl' (08:34) Album No. 2 - Squirrel Flower, 'Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going' (16:07) Album No. 3 - Westside Cowboy, 'It Goes On' (22:45) Album No. 4 - Brandon Flowers, 'THRASHER' (28:50) Album No. 5 - Jorja Smith, 'What Are The Odds' (34:27) The Lightning Round - Rapsody, 'God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops' - OK Cowgirl, 'Rhinestone Cowgirl' - Elanor Moss, 'The Knife, The Needle' - Julia Holter, 'Materia' - The Cramps, 'Gravest Gravy' 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: Celia Gregory, WNXP Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Ann Powers, Sheldon Pearce and Lars Gotrich Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/19/2026

Alt.Latino: Electrónica rising in Mexico artwork

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Alt.Latino: Electrónica rising in Mexico

NPR Music

Mexico isn't the first place you think of as the cutting edge of experimental electronic music. But two new projects show that might be changing. LATIN MAFIA recently teamed up with British producer Fred again.. to make a bold new album featuring collaborators like Mabe Fratti and Lil Yachty. And the up-and-coming duo RØZ -- comprised of producers Manolo Cabrera and Hugo Lara -- just released their debut album, spinning a dazzling mix of hip hop, gospel and glitchy electronica. This week's episode also features a comically brilliant track from El David Aguilar, cumbia jam rockers Dos Santos, a cover from La Zorra Zapata, and a deep dive from Felix on the many interpretations of Consuela Velazquez's classic "Verdad Amarga." Artists and albums featured in this episode: (00:43) LATIN MAFIA & Fred again.., '9 months & 50 hours' (07:40) Dos Santos, 'Es Amor' (13:12) El David Aguilar, 'VIGENTE' (18:42) Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo, 'El Arte de Bolero, Vol. 3' (25:23) RØZ, 'SE ESTÁ HACIENDO TARDE' (29:11) La Zorra Zapata, 'I Love You Baby' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/18/2026

Weezer, Colin Stetson, Jlin, Meredith Monk more artwork

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Weezer, Colin Stetson, Jlin, Meredith Monk more

NPR Music

On this week’s show, Weezer gives the people what they want, plus a breathless “dirt dance” from saxophonist Colin Stetson and bagpiper Brìghde Chaimbeul, the scruffy cello-pop of yeemz, works by composer and vocalist Meredith Monk, electronic artist Jlin and more. NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as we share our picks for the best new songs of the week. Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (00:51) Weezer: “C.E.O.” (08:24) Colin Stetson, Brìghde Chaimbeul: “Dirt dance” (18:16) slimdan: “Let’s Start A Cult!” (25:09) Phaedra Ensemble: “Phantom Strings” (Meredith Monk) (31:43) yeemz: “Brace for Impact” (single) (37:36) PUBLIQuartet: “Baobab” (Jlin) Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/14/2026

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 14 artwork

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 14

NPR Music

Phoebe Bridgers. Jungle. Hovvdy. It's a surprisingly stacked Summer Friday this week, and you can hear all about it with New Music Friday host Stephen Thompson and guest Samantha Hval from WMNF in Tampa, Fla. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Phoebe Bridgers 'Lost Weekend' (Dead Oceans) (10:25) Jungle 'Sunshine' (AWAL) (19:38) Hovvdy 'Big World' (Arts & Crafts) (27:08) Sweeping Promises 'You Say I Romanticize' (Sub Pop) (32:59) L'Rain 'fata morgana' (Mexican Summer) (37:54) The Lightning Round • The Womack Sisters, s/t • Channel Tres 'Enigma POV' • Ayra Starr, 'Starr Girl' • Nina Winder-Lind, 'Wild Love' • Open Mike Eagle & Kenny Segal, 'DOOMED!' 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: Samantha Hval, WMNF Audio Producer: Suraya Mohamed Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce, Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/12/2026

Alt.Latino: Why Harry Styles and The xx love Latin America artwork

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Alt.Latino: Why Harry Styles and The xx love Latin America

NPR Music

Harry Styles just finished a 5-night run in Mexico City. You know who else had a 5-night run in Mexico City? Michael Jackson in 1993. Mainstream artists have a long history of being enticed by the energy of performing for a Latin American crowd … which means there’s also a long and less-known history of big pop stars making music for that audience. Did you know Michael Jackson has a Latin track? So does Madonna. A few actually. As early as the '50s, Nat King Cole experimented with Spanish and released an entire record, Cole Español , writing songs in partnership with legendary "Bésame Mucho" composer Consuelo Velásquez. This week’s Alt.Latino is a pop takeover. We’re mythbusting the idea that there’s only been one kind of crossover — from Latin to mainstream — and walking through a long history of mainstream wanting to go… Latin. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/11/2026

Cover songs that are better than the originals artwork

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Cover songs that are better than the originals

NPR Music

Sometimes a cover song is so good, so singular that it completely eclipses the original version. Think Sinéad O'Connor doing Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Jimmy Hendrix lighting up Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” or, of course, Whitney Houston’s defining take on Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” On this week’s show, we share some of our picks for cover songs that are better than the originals, talk about why, and what, exactly, a cover song needs to become a classic. NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Lars Gotrich join host Robin Hilton. Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org (00:00) Intro and the top five G.O.A.T.s (06:06) Al Green: “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” (09:58) Björk: “It’s Oh So Quiet” (12:28) Aretha Franklin: “Respect” (16:22) Low: “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” (19:45) Andrew Paul Woodworth: “Fight For Your Right to Party” (25:10) Yaeji: “Passionfruit” (28:13) Shonen Knife: “Top of the World” (32:06) Wednesday: “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Double)” (34:54) Low: “Fearless” (36:37) Harry Nilsson: “Without You” (39:57) Beyonce: “Before I Let Go (Homecoming Live Bonus Track)” (42:35) Gary Jules: “Mad World” (49:19) Chaka Khan: “I Feel For You” Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/9/2026

The Ripple Effect: Deadheads share their stories artwork

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The Ripple Effect: Deadheads share their stories

NPR Music

At the outset of The Ripple Effect, NPR Music’s series on the Grateful Dead, we asked fans to share stories about how they fell in love with the band. The response was overwhelming: wry, emotional and personal. It was overflowing with shared experiences that underline exactly how crucial the community that surrounds the Dead is to the band’s legacy. Now that we’ve reached the end of Days Between, we’re closing The Ripple Effect by listening to voice memos from you: Deadheads and people who love Deadheads, lifelong fans and late converts. We’ll hear about first shows, encounters with the musicians and multiple cross-country road trips. Check out all of our coverage from The Ripple Effect: The Grateful Dead's long, strange trip might keep going forever Hosts: Felix Contreras, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Editors: Jacob Ganz, Hazel Cills Visuals: Jackie Lay Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Executive Director: Sonali Mehta Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/7/2026

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 7 artwork

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 7

NPR Music

Ravyn Lenae. Margaret Glaspy. Overmono. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit about their favorite albums out Friday, August 7. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:54) Album No. 1 - Ravyn Lenae, 'Blue Island' (08:03) Album No. 2 - Overmono, 'Pure Devotion' (15:26) Album No. 3 - Margaret Glaspy, 'I Am Both' (21:42) Album No. 4 - Man/Woman/Chainsaw, 'Cannonball' (27:36) Album No. 5 - Arun Sood & Angeline Morrison, 'Donn/Dubh' (32:43) The Lightning Round - The Mountain Goats, 'Days' - Ceremony, 'Tell Me You're Dream' - Cletus Strap, 'rappers suck.' - Various Artists, 'Sittin' With Blaze: A Tribute To Blaze Foley' - Roy Montgomery & Martha Skye Murphy, 'Nebular' 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: Liz Warner, WDET Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Sheldon Pearce and Ann Powers Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/5/2026

Alt.Latino: Ana's summer playlist artwork

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Alt.Latino: Ana's summer playlist

NPR Music

To celebrate Ana's world premiere as a DJ -- a gig playing for 5,000 people in Central Park, which she definitely, absolutely prepared for -- this week we present her summer playlist. We've got song of the summer contenders (Aitana's "SUPERESTRELLA"), sleeper hits we missed when they dropped (Quevedo's "EL BAIFO"), and bubbly classics-in-the-making we keep coming back to (Rawayana's "Se Vienen Cositas"). Plus, Felix balances the bangers with chill-out room Uruguayan jazz, a psychedelic guitar jam and a trio of sisters from Austin. Artists and songs featured in this episode: (02:23) Quevedo, "EL BAIFO" (05:07) Camilo y los Cruzers, "Descarga Rockeada" (09:23) Aitana, "SUPERESTRELLA" (16:44) Alejandra Gala, "I Dare You" (22:14) Rawayana, "Se Vienen Cositas" (25:51) The Tiarras, "Vida Libre", "Black Sheep (unplugged)" This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/4/2026

Slayyyter's new single, King Princess covers Neil Young artwork

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Slayyyter's new single, King Princess covers Neil Young

NPR Music

We open this week’s show by reflecting on the loss of Glen Hansard, an artist who was critical to shaping the sound and spirit of All Songs Considered in its earliest days. We then share some of our favorite new tracks of the week, including a King Princess cover of Neil Young’s “Helpless,” cheeky pop from Coco & Clair Clair, a stunning ambient track from Adam Wiltzie and the late composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton. Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro and remembering Glen Hansard (03:24) Coco & Clair Clair: “Coldplay” (08:34) Claudia Isaki: “Origami” (15:30) Slayyyter: “brand new chanel$” (23:17) King Princess: “Helpless” (31:01) Dawuna: “I am a Woman too...” (36:50) Adam Wiltzie & Jóhann Jóhannsson: “White Gloves & Turtlenecks” Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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8/1/2026

What's next for the Grateful Dead's legacy? artwork

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What's next for the Grateful Dead's legacy?

NPR Music

Death never stopped the Grateful Dead before. Since Jerry Garcia's death in 1995, a sprawling collection of musicians and fans across generations have kept the band’s legacy alive in different ways. But without members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Deadheads are experiencing their first summer where there’s no clear inheritor of the Grateful Dead’s mantle. Where does the music, and the dedicated community that has grown up around it, go from here? NPR Music's resident Deadheads Felix Contreras and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento took a cue from the Dead itself: They hit the road, interviewing musicians, fans and archivists to learn how the band and its fans built a legacy that has spanned generations, and to find out what's next. For more podcast episodes and stories about the future of the Grateful Dead, check out our series Dead After Death . This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Jacob Ganz and Hazel Cills. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Our executive director is Sonali Mehta. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/31/2026

New Music Friday: The best albums out July 31 artwork

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 31

NPR Music

The Durutti Column. Arca. MOLIY. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Olive Kimoto of member station KCRW in Los Angeles about their favorite albums out Friday, July 31. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (01:34) Album No. 1 - The Durutti Column, 'Renascent' (08:49) Album No. 2 - Arca, 'XXXXX' (17:20) Album No. 3 - DOMi & JD Beck, 'WHO ASKED?' (22:17) Album No. 4 - Shearwater, 'The New World' (29:13) Album No. 5 - MOLIY, 'BADDIES Long List of notable releases on NPR.org . Credits Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Olive Kimoto, KCRW Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Felix Contreras and Ann Powers Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/29/2026

Alt.Latino: Is Bill Evans techno? artwork

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Alt.Latino: Is Bill Evans techno?

NPR Music

Bill Evans might not be techno. But in this week's episode, the slow-building angst and tension of electronic producer Debit's new music reminded Ana of the beloved jazz piano master. And that kind of genre cross-pollination is everywhere in this week's showcase of new music: Brazilian field recordings remixed for the club, multiple reinterpretations of the Cuban guaguancó, and Spanish producers channeling -- as Ana puts it -- "experimental Boricua stuff." Featured artists and albums: (00:45) Various Artists, 'Candomblé: Sacred Rhythms in Brazil' (04:24) Ítallo, 'CATATAU' (11:25) Debit, 'Potpourri' (16:41) Calequi y Las Panteras, 'TRES' (21:07) Carolina Oliveros, 'Oye Camina' (24:35) BLAYA, 'Your lesbian neighbour is playing music next door' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/28/2026

How to love the Grateful Dead artwork

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How to love the Grateful Dead

NPR Music

Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest places, if you look at it right. And if you get confused, just listen to the music play. This week, resident Deadheads Isabella Gomez Sarmiento and Felix Contreras help host Robin Hilton hear what he’s been missing in the music of the Grateful Dead. Are you a Deadhead? Share your memories about the Grateful Dead and we may include them in a big series about the band we're launching Aug. 1. Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured songs: (00:00) Intro and “King Solomon’s Marbles” (08:54) “China Cat Sunflower / I Know You Rider” Alpine Valley, WI 7.17.89 (11:03) “Help On the Way / Slipknot / Franklin’s Tower” (16:39) “Ripple” (23:34) “Morning Dew (Europe ‘72)” (26:17) “I Shall Be Released (Live)” (30:05) “Black Muddy River” (31:34) “One More Saturday Night” (32:09) “Sunrise” (33:21) “Shady Grove” (39:14) “Birdsong” (41:45) “Uncle John’s Band” See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/24/2026

New Music Friday: The best albums out July 24 artwork

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 24

NPR Music

Charli xcx. Tyla. Shania Twain. Guest host Ann Powers chats with Nastia Voynovskaya of member station KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, July 24. Plus, some NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (02:06) Album No. 1 - Charli xcx, 'Music, Fashion, Film' (08:16) Album No. 2 - Willow, 'The Thread' (14:59) Album No. 3 - Tyla, 'A*Pop' (20:39) Album No. 4 - Shania Twain, 'Little Miss Twain' (27:50) Album No. 5 - Portraits Of Tracy: 'Q: From Where Do Our Primal Instincts Originate? A: MTV!' (33:23) The Lightning Round - Creekbed Carter Hogan, 'PEASANTS REVOLT!' - Rico Nasty, 'RX' - Amy Shark, 'soft pop' - Josaleigh Pollett, 'If I Let It Quiet' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org . Credits Host: Ann Powers Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion, Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Stephen Thompson and Lars Gotrich See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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7/22/2026

Alt.Latino: Spain wins (at music, too) artwork

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Alt.Latino: Spain wins (at music, too)

NPR Music

We'll take any excuse to talk about the insane quality of music coming out of Spain these days. This week, we got one: Spain defeated Argentina on Sunday to win the 2026 World Cup Final. So, this episode is a celebration of the multitude of music scenes across Spain that we can't get enough of. Catch boundary-pushing electronic and hip hop producers in Madrid, indie rockers and songwriters in Barcelona, and some old favorites whose voices never stop (looking at you, Buika!). Artists featured in this episode: (01:22) C. Tangana (04:19) Ralphie Choo (06:28) Mora (10:10) Bikôkô (13:52) Buika (16:04) Repion (20:42) Lucia Fumero (23:12) Maestro Espada This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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