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Summer Music Preview: Kanye, Neko Case, No Age, More
On this week's All Songs Considered, we hear a preview of some of the albums we're most excited about this summer. A rotating cast of NPR Music team folks join hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton to talk about new music from Kanye West, Neko Case, No Age and more.
What Veteran Band Should Have A Comeback?
by Robin Hilton
So far, 2013 has been a banner year for comeback records, with veteran artists such as David Bowie, My Bloody Valentine and Daft Punk releasing new albums after long breaks. So what veteran artist or band should be next? Any votes for Mott The Hoople?
Guest DJ: Daft Punk On The Music That Inspired 'Random Access Memories'
by Sami Yenigun
The French electronic duo sits with NPR's Sami Yenigun to talk about their latest album, and share some of their favorite music by other artists, including James Blake, The Strokes and the '70s disco band Chic.
©2013 NPR
Listener Picks For The Year's Best Songs (So Far)
by Robin Hilton
We've reached the halfway point of 2013, so it's time to hit the pause button and look back on all the great music we've heard so far this year. We asked for your favorite songs and made a mixtape with some of the standout cuts. Hear the songs in our Rdio or Spotify playlists.
First Watch: Sonny And The Sunsets, 'Green Blood'
by Bob Boilen
In this new video, a hand-drawn Sonny Smith falls in love with a woman who bleeds green blood, gets chased by a jealous cyborg husband and learns the cruel lessons of life.
For Music-Festival Rookies, A Survival Guide
Festival preparation can be broken into three categories: music, logistics and simple survival.
First Watch: Low, 'Plastic Cup'
by Robin Hilton
In an eerie new video from Low, the band plays inside a glitter-filled snow globe, wearing period costumes, while giant, alien creatures look on. It's a strange interpretation of "Plastic Cup," a song ostensibly about a friend's history of drug abuse and dependence on others.
Two Inch Astronaut: Go Directly To 'Spank Jail'
by Lars Gotrich
Two Inch Astronaut explodes with a twisted riff and a nasty bass line out of The Dismemberment Plan or Frodus. Reckless and irresponsibly catchy, this is nerd music for who those who plug in.
Discussion: The Year In Music (So Far), 2013
All Songs Considered co-hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton are joined by NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Ann Powers for a look back on the first half of the year in music. The four battle it out over their biggest surprises and favorite new artists, songs and albums from the first half of 2013.
Video: On Ode To Summer Fun And The Apocalypse
by Robin Hilton
In this video premiere, Young Galaxy shows an entire city destroyed piece by piece, mixing the apocalyptic chaos with the smooth sounds of "New Summer," a chill electro-pop cut from the band's latest album, Ultramarine.
The Good Listener: How Do You Describe The Music You Love?
As descriptors go, words like "alternative" and "indie" have become meaningless. But if your musical tastes fit into those categories, what do you say? Tips for shorthand you can use when trying to get your friends into new music.
Video: A Life Lesson Conveyed In Cutout Animation
by Robin Hilton
In a touching new video, singer-songwriter Grant Olney tells the story of a tiny owl ostracized by the other animals. The animated short follows the owl as it tries to find its own way in the world, with the help of a kind woman.
New Music: Superchunk, John Vanderslice, Lily & Madeleine, More
Before we get into NPR Music's Best-Of-The-Year (So Far) coverage - and the All Songs Considered annual preview of Summer releases - hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton share a bunch of great new music they've been holding on to, including songs from Superchunk, Future Bible Heroes, and more.
Kwaidan: The Menacing Ghosts Of Drone
by Lars Gotrich
Kwaidan's "The Sound of This Bell" drifts around your brain like a mist of evaporated blood.
What's Your Favorite Concert Of The Year (So Far)?
by Bob Boilen
All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen hits the pause button on 2013 to take a moment to reflect on all the amazing live shows he's seen so far this year. After checking out more than 260 performances he's ready to name his favorite show for the first half of 2013.
