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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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First Listen: 'Just Tell Me That You Want Me: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac'

Fleetwood Mac's 1976, Rumours-era lineup featured John McVie, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images hide caption

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CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

First Listen

First Listen: 'Just Tell Me That You Want Me: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac'

Hear 17 Fleetwood Mac covers by an impressive cross-section of talent, including The New Pornographers, Antony Hegarty, Best Coast, Lykke Li, Washed Out, MGMT, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, St. Vincent, The Kills, Tame Impala and more.

Hear 'Just Tell Me That You Want Me' In Its Entirety

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First Listen: Redd Kross, 'Researching The Blues'

Redd Kross' first album in 15 years, Researching the Blues, comes out August 7. Jonathan Krop hide caption

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Jonathan Krop

First Listen

First Listen: Redd Kross, 'Researching The Blues'

Stuffing 10 songs into 32 minutes, the L.A. rock band's first album in 15 years is a big, brash, vital blast of rock 'n' roll. Core members Steven and Jeff McDonald got their start playing this sort of stuff 34 years ago, but Redd Kross couldn't be farther from a dinosaur act in 2012.

Hear 'Researching The Blues' In Its Entirety

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First Listen: Lianne La Havas, 'Is Your Love Big Enough?'

Lianne La Havas' debut album, out August 7, is titled Is Your Love Big Enough? Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: Lianne La Havas, 'Is Your Love Big Enough?'

In a crowded marketplace for young, big-voiced pop singers, it takes nuance and charisma to stand out; blaring pipes aren't enough. A 22-year-old from London, La Havas possesses a rich, expressive voice — but also, more importantly, a keen understanding of when to dial it back.

Hear 'Is Your Love Big Enough?' In Its Entirety

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The Walkmen: Tiny Desk Concert
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Tiny Desk

The Walkmen: Tiny Desk Concert

Singer Hamilton Leithauser may wield an acoustic guitar in these three songs, but this is no awkward attempt to shoehorn booming rock anthems into arrangements that don't suit them. It's clear that these guys were making the Tiny Desk accommodate their sound rather than the other way around.

The Walkmen: Tiny Desk Concert

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Charles Bradley, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2012

Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires perform at the Fort Stage at the Newport Folk Festival. Erik Jacobs/Erik Jacobs for NPR hide caption

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Erik Jacobs/Erik Jacobs for NPR

Newport Folk Festival

Charles Bradley, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2012

As much as Bradley exudes funky, live-wire energy — his years impersonating James Brown weren't wasted — what really fuels his music is perspective: An understanding of hardship infuses every note.

Charles Bradley, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2012

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Saturday

Blitzen Trapper, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2012

Blitzen Trapper performs at the Newport Folk Festival. Erik Jacobs for NPR hide caption

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Erik Jacobs for NPR

Newport Folk Festival

Blitzen Trapper, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2012

Blitzen Trapper's sixth album finds the group settling further into a breezy classic-rock vibe. But sharp edges poke out, as the Portland, Ore., band finds ways to indulge its gift for psychedelia.

Blitzen Trapper, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2012

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