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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

Thursday

Sunday

First Listen: Cloud Nothings, 'Here And Nowhere Else'

Cloud Nothings new album, Here and Nowhere Else, comes out April 1. Pooneh Ghana/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Pooneh Ghana/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Cloud Nothings, 'Here And Nowhere Else'

The Cleveland punk band's third album tightens and brightens its sound in ways that never numb its blistering, careening forcefulness.

Cloud Nothings, 'Here And Nowhere Else'

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

Thursday

Tuesday

Thursday

Should I Come To SXSW If I Don't Have A Badge?

Whether you buy a $795 badge or show up with a little spare cash on hand, SXSW has something for you — and will expect you to stand in line at some point. Katie Hayes Luke for NPR hide caption

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Katie Hayes Luke for NPR

All Songs Considered

Should I Come To SXSW If I Don't Have A Badge?

Is SXSW just for industry pros and rich music fans? Or can someone on a budget make it worthwhile? We run through the pros, cons and opportunities that come with attending the festival on the cheap.

Monday

Thursday

Friday

'House Of Cards' And Pop Culture Punching Bags
NPR

Pop Culture Happy Hour

'House Of Cards' And Pop Culture Punching Bags

A reconstituted panel discusses Netflix's latest season-length offering before taking turns defending the seemingly indefensible. Then, as always, it's on to What's Making Us Happy.

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Monday

First Listen: The Notwist, 'Close To The Glass'

The Notwist's new album, Close to the Glass, comes out Feb. 25. Joerg Koopman/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Joerg Koopman/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: The Notwist, 'Close To The Glass'

The German band's collage-based sound brims over with buzzing, springy, playful urgency. Bathed in electronics, Acher's softly accented vocals land like late-night affirmations from a trusted friend.

The Notwist, 'Close To The Glass'

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

Sunday

First Listen: Death Vessel, 'Island Intervals'

Death Vessel's new album, Island Intervals, comes out Feb. 25. Corey Grayhorse/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Corey Grayhorse/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Death Vessel, 'Island Intervals'

Joel Thibodeau's eerily high voice sounds equally suited to basement-bound laments and celestial explorations. Island Intervals finds him splitting the difference.

Death Vessel, 'Island Intervals'

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

Friday

Tuesday

First Listen: Phantogram, 'Voices'

Phantogram's new album, Voices, comes out Feb. 18. Doron Gild/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Doron Gild/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Phantogram, 'Voices'

The New York duo plays spiky, dense and danceable pop-rock songs with an electronic pulse. Voices is the sound of a band at ease and assured in its moment, as it seizes every scrap of momentum it's created for itself.

Phantogram, 'Voices'

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