Stephen Thompson : NPR

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.

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Stephen Thompson

Friday April 27, 2018

Phoebe Bridgers And Noah Gundersen Blend Voices And Songs

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Eric Tra/Courtesy of the artist

All Songs TV

Phoebe Bridgers And Noah Gundersen Blend Voices And Songs

April 27, 2018 • Watch the singers perform an eight-minute medley of Bridgers' "Killer" and Gundersen's "The Sound," with help from Gundersen's sister Abby.

Thursday April 26, 2018

Belly's 'Dove' Refines A Lifetime Of Change

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First Listen

Belly's 'Dove' Refines A Lifetime Of Change

April 26, 2018 • Tanya Donelly's beloved alt-rock band is back after 23 years.

Thursday April 19, 2018

From The Vaults, A Showstopper: Hear Prince Perform 'Nothing Compares 2 U'

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Review

All Songs Considered

From The Vaults, A Showstopper: Hear Prince Perform 'Nothing Compares 2 U'

April 19, 2018 • As news swirls about culpability for Prince's death, his estate has released a major find: a long-lost 1984 recording of his classic composition, along with rare video footage from his rehearsals.

The Tallest Man On Earth Returns, One Song At A Time

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Kristian Matsson/Courtesy of the artist

All Songs Considered

The Tallest Man On Earth Returns, One Song At A Time

April 19, 2018 • "Somewhere in the Mountains, Somewhere in New York" is the second song from When the Bird Sees the Solid Ground, an EP that's getting released in five parts.

What To Make Of The World Now? Okkervil River Asks In Reinvigorated Record

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First Listen

What To Make Of The World Now? Okkervil River Asks In Reinvigorated Record

April 19, 2018 • On his band's new album, Will Sheff views crises and crucibles as opportunities to appreciate life's gifts.

Friday April 13, 2018

You Know What, Fine: Taylor Swift Covers Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'

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All Songs Considered

You Know What, Fine: Taylor Swift Covers Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'

April 13, 2018 • Right now, the Earth often can bring to mind an exploding toilet. So go ahead, knock yourself out.

Tuesday April 10, 2018

Neko Case Returns With A New Anthem, Fueled By 'Bad Luck'

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All Songs Considered

Neko Case Returns With A New Anthem, Fueled By 'Bad Luck'

April 10, 2018 • In the second single from this summer's Hell-On, the powerhouse singer belts out an ode to misfortune and, ultimately, survival.

Thursday April 5, 2018

Tunde Olaniran Gets 'Vulnerable,' Announces A New Album Due This Summer

Tunde Olaniran's new album, Stranger, comes out this summer. Landon Speers/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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All Songs Considered

Tunde Olaniran Gets 'Vulnerable,' Announces A New Album Due This Summer

April 5, 2018 • For Olaniran, art is about big ambitions, bigger ideas and the relentless pursuit of joy and comfort within his own skin.

L.A. Salami Takes To 'The City Of Bootmakers,' Eyes Wide Open

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First Listen

L.A. Salami Takes To 'The City Of Bootmakers,' Eyes Wide Open

April 5, 2018 • London singer-songwriter Lookman Adekunle Salami doesn't sing so much as ramble adventurously through treatises on the thorniest corners of human nature.

Laura Veirs' 'The Lookout' Offers A Buffer To A Chaotic World

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First Listen

Laura Veirs' 'The Lookout' Offers A Buffer To A Chaotic World

April 5, 2018 • With uncommon delicacy and grace, the singer-songwriter spends her 10th album assessing her place in an increasingly unsteady world.

Wednesday March 28, 2018

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SXSW 2018

Mélat's 'Push,' Live From Austin

March 28, 2018 • Watch the R&B singer perform her smart and stylish standout single onstage in her hometown of Austin, Texas, during SXSW.

Friday March 23, 2018

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Musical Discoveries From SXSW 2018

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Sean Mathis/Getty Images for SXSW

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Musical Discoveries From SXSW 2018

March 23, 2018 • Rodney Carmichael, Katie Presley and Stephen Thompson join host Linda Holmes to effuse over some of the festival's highlights.

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Musical Discoveries From SXSW 2018

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Thursday March 22, 2018

After 'Colors,' Genevieve And Company Of Thieves 'Treasure' A Renewal

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All Songs TV

After 'Colors,' Genevieve And Company Of Thieves 'Treasure' A Renewal

March 22, 2018 • The singer's 2015 solo single was a heart-swelling pop jam. Now, Genevieve has reunited her old band and released "Treasure," which picks up where "Colors" left off.

Tuesday March 20, 2018

SXSW 2018 Wrap-Up: Our Favorite Discoveries And Memorable Moments

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All Songs Considered

SXSW 2018 Wrap-Up: Our Favorite Discoveries And Memorable Moments

March 20, 2018 • Our bleary-eyed, ear-ringing week of non-stop live music at the 2018 South by Southwest music festival has ended and we're back one last time to play some of our favorite discoveries.

SXSW 2018 Wrap-Up: Our Favorite Discoveries And Memorable Moments

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Monday March 12, 2018

Review: The Decemberists, 'I'll Be Your Girl'

The Decemberists' I'll Be Your Girl comes out March 16 on Capitol. Holly Andres/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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First Listen

Review: The Decemberists, 'I'll Be Your Girl'

March 12, 2018 • The band's eighth album captures a collaborative spirit that keeps The Decemberists sounding vibrant and alive, even as it delves into themes of futility and darkness.