First Listen : NPR

Review: Bob Dylan, 'The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12'

Bob Dylan's new compilation, The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12, comes out Nov. 5. Don Hunstein/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Don Hunstein/Courtesy of the artist

Review

Review: Bob Dylan, 'The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12'

October 30, 2015 • The fevered 14 months captured here represent the moment when Dylan became comfortable in his shoes — and, if not yet confident about every decision, at least trusting the authority of his writing.

Floating Points' new album, Elaenia, comes out Nov. 6. Louise Haywood Schiefer/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Louise Haywood Schiefer/Courtesy of the artist

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Review: Floating Points, 'Elaenia'

October 28, 2015 • A slice of ambient, psychedelic-jazz dance music from one of the London club scene's top producers. There are only hints of vocals, and the ones that do appear aren't used in the service of language.

Old Dominion's new album, Meat And Candy, comes out Nov. 6. Michael Elins/Courtesy of the artist. hide caption

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Michael Elins/Courtesy of the artist.

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Review: Old Dominion, 'Meat And Candy'

October 28, 2015 • The fast-rising country band brings first-rate craftsmanship to one of popular music's abiding themes: savoring fleeting pleasures.

Carla Morrison's new album, Amor Supremo, comes out Nov. 6. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Review: Carla Morrison, 'Amor Supremo'

October 28, 2015 • The Mexican singer-songwriter crafts a sublime and captivating representation of her lyrical gifts. Throughout Amor Supremo, she expands her sound by couching subtle springs in electronics.

Review: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'West Kirby County Primary'

Bill Ryder-Jones' new album, West Kirby County Primary, comes out Nov. 6. Rachel King/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Rachel King/Courtesy of the artist

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Review: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'West Kirby County Primary'

October 28, 2015 • The former Coral frontman's songs ache with the resignation of someone still searching for answers. Remarkably, these songs sway with a light touch, with melodies that feel lived-in and singable.

Review: Kirk Knight, 'Late Knight Special'

Kirk Knight's new album, Late Night Special, comes out Oct. 30. Courtesy of the artist. hide caption

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Review: Kirk Knight, 'Late Knight Special'

October 22, 2015 • Debut album from Pro Era collective's resident rapper/producer is a guided musical tour through the mind of 19-year-old from Flatbush.

Trey Anastasio's new album, Paper Wheels, comes out Oct. 30. Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist

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Review: Trey Anastasio, 'Paper Wheels'

October 21, 2015 • On his 10th solo album, the Phish singer-guitarist explores the sunny, vibrant feeling of '70s pop and rock. The result is steeped in the era, but defiantly not a throwback.

Review: Beach Slang, 'The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us'

Beach Slang's new album, The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us, comes out Oct. 30. Jessica Flynn/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Jessica Flynn/Courtesy of the artist