Welcome to your all-in-one destination for every NPR Music podcast. We break down the best new albums to hit streaming each week on New Music Friday; we share the latest songs worthy of your playlists on All Songs Considered; there’s off-the-rails conversations (and chisme!) about Latin music on Alt.Latino. The NPR Music channel is your hub for new records, iconic artists and cult heroes, free of algorithms and full of surprises. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org (http://plus.npr.org/). You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for NPR Music.
What this show covers
ChuwiLatin musicNew releasesMamboNsqksong coversCrimson and Clovercultural afterlifeTommy James and the Shondellspop historyNew Music Fridaymusic discoverynew albumsalbum recommendationsAI in music
What listeners will find here
Chuwi leads a packed tour through Latin music’s latest arrivals
New Latin music takes center stage with Chuwi’s long-awaited debut album, Nsqk’s rap-electronica, and a song shaped by resilience after earthquake destruction. The episode also visits Sofía Campos, The Mars Volta, and the golden age of mambo in New York City.
Why “Crimson and Clover” keeps echoing across decades
This episode digs into “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James and the Shondells, a 1968 hit with an unusually long cultural afterlife. Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen explore how a rough-edged song became a stealth classic through its chords, covers, and constant reappearance.
Five standout new releases, plus a rapid-fire round of fresh picks
This episode surveys the best albums out Oct. 23, led by Anderson .Paak & Cordae, Michael Kiwanuka, and Fenne Lily. Stephen Thompson is joined by DJs from KCRW, Radio Milwaukee, and KMHD Jazz Radio for a mix of deep discussion and quick-hit recommendations.
Why authenticity in music feels under siege right now
Authenticity in music is the focus here, as Robin Hilton, Ann Powers, and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento unpack why “fake” has become such a charged label in 2026. The conversation stretches beyond AI to ticket bots, social media manipulation, manufactured identities, and nepo baby backlash.
Why Los Tigres del Norte’s Tiny Desk sparked emotion, confusion, and a second look
This episode revisits Los Tigres del Norte’s unusual Tiny Desk Concert and explains the emotional intro and format changes that led to confusion and a viral response. It also shifts the focus back to the band’s lasting impact and the music itself.
Episodes
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