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Stephen Thompson Stephen Thompson is a host, writer and reviewer for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour. He appears frequently on All Songs Considered and NPR newsmagazines.
Washington, DC - May 03, 2016: Stephen Thompson CREDIT: Matt Roth
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Stephen Thompson

Friday

Sunday

First Listen: 'Sweetheart 2014'

Sweetheart 2014 comes out Feb. 4. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: 'Sweetheart 2014'

The Sweetheart compilations adhere to a simple concept in which well-liked contemporary artists cover well-liked classic love songs just in time for Valentine's Day. This year's participants include Fiona Apple, Vampire Weekend, Sharon Jones, Ben Harper, Jim James, Beck, Valerie June and more.

Sweetheart 2014

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.
First Listen: Jeremy Messersmith, 'Heart Murmurs'

Jeremy Messersmith's new album, Heart Murmurs, comes out Feb. 4. Kyle Dean Reinford/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Kyle Dean Reinford/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Jeremy Messersmith, 'Heart Murmurs'

With its subtle strings and sly infectiousness, Heart Murmurs is no less than an attempt to craft a new batch of pop standards. Whether Messersmith succeeds depends mostly on how many people are lucky enough to hear him.

Jeremy Messersmith, 'Heart Murmurs'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.

Friday

Sunday

First Listen: The Autumn Defense, 'Fifth'

The Autumn Defense's new album, Fifth, comes out Jan. 28. Chloe Aftel/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Chloe Aftel/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: The Autumn Defense, 'Fifth'

The band features bassist John Stirratt and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone, both of Wilco. Warm and bittersweet, the timeless pop songs on Fifth have an agreeable brightness to them; they can seem unassuming, but they also burrow under the skin over time.

The Autumn Defense, 'Fifth'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.
First Listen: Dum Dum Girls, 'Too True'

Dum Dum Girls' new album, Too True, comes out Jan. 28. James Orlando/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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James Orlando/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Dum Dum Girls, 'Too True'

The band's third album splits the difference between the guitar-fueled rumble of a '60s basement and the synth-friendly shimmer of an '80s studio. But the additional polish never overwhelms the songwriting.

Dum Dum Girls, 'Too True'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.

Thursday

Sunday

First Listen: Warpaint, 'Warpaint'

Warpaint's self-titled album comes out Jan. 21. Mia Kirby/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Mia Kirby/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Warpaint, 'Warpaint'

The L.A. band's swirling sound is full of mysterious buzzes and coos, and there's a sense of everything-in-its-right-place grace and impeccability to it, yet the songs themselves never feel icy or distant. Warpaint's self-titled second album feels fashionable, sure, but not at the expense of approachability.

Warpaint, 'Warpaint'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.
Review: Against Me!, 'Transgender Dysphoria Blues'

Against Me!'s Transgender Dysphoria Blues comes out Jan. 21. Ryan Russell/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Ryan Russell/Courtesy of the artist

Review

First Listen

Review: Against Me!, 'Transgender Dysphoria Blues'

The bracingly political Florida punk band's new album can't help but feel like a debut: It's the group's first album since singer Laura Jane Grace came out as a woman.

Review: Against Me!, 'Transgender Dysphoria Blues'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.

Thursday

Sunday

First Listen: Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings, 'Give The People What They Want'

Give the People What They Want, Sharon Jones' new album with The Dap-Kings, comes out Jan. 14. Paul McGeiver/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Paul McGeiver/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings, 'Give The People What They Want'

Less than a year after a terrifying cancer diagnosis, the soul star stages a triumphant return. Set, as always, against The Dap-Kings' characteristically springy horns, Jones growls and struts through 10 timeless songs that couldn't sound better suited to the big stage.

Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings, 'Give The People What They Want'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.

Sunday

First Listen: Peter Gabriel, 'Scratch My Back ... And I'll Scratch Yours'

Peter Gabriel's new album, And I'll Scratch Yours, comes out Jan. 7. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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First Listen

First Listen: Peter Gabriel, 'Scratch My Back ... And I'll Scratch Yours'

Four years ago, Gabriel released an album on which he covers some of his favorite songs. Now, the objects of his affection reciprocate, as his material is covered by Lou Reed, Arcade Fire, Randy Newman, Regina Spektor, Bon Iver, David Byrne and more.

Peter Gabriel, 'And I'll Scratch Yours'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.

Friday

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Time Machines, Time Capsules And A Live Studio Audience
NPR

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Time Machines, Time Capsules And A Live Studio Audience

It's Part 1 of our second-ever live show, a year-in-review episode recorded at NPR's Studio One. What we'll remember from 2013, what's changed in the last 20 years, and, as always, what's making us happy.

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Time Machines, Time Capsules And A Live Studio Audience

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