meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
NPR Music

The Best Music Of April: NPR Staff Picks

NPR Music

NPR

Music

4.33.3K Ratings

🗓️ 3 May 2021

⏱️ 36 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In April, we adored biting and beautiful indie rock from Pom Pom Squad and Flock of Dimes, witnessed Zao's metallic brutality, were transported by Catalan multi-instrumentalist Rita Payés and kora player Toumani Diabaté, and were reminded why we love ILOVEMAKONNEN.

Songs featured on this episode:
• Pom Pom Squad: "Head Cheerleader" from Death of a Cheerleader
• Flock of Dimes: "Awake for the Sunrise" from Head of Roses
• Zao: "Creator/Destroyer" from The Crimson Corridor
• Rita Payés: "Nunca vas a comprender" from Como La Piel
• Toumani Diabaté & London Symphony Orchestra: "Elyne Road" from Kôrôlén
• ILOVEMAKONNEN: "So Saucy" from My Parade

Follow the Press Pause playlist for the NPR Music staff's favorite new songs.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

A few years ago, a website popped up in Stockton, California, and conspiracy theories started ramping way up.

0:07.0

It's been funded by conservative movement underneath the table.

0:10.5

And I was like, oh my gosh, you guys, people really believe this.

0:13.5

What happens when the local news outlet is in fact checking conspiracy theories, maybe encouraging them.

0:20.5

Listen now from MPR's Invisibility Podcast.

0:24.0

You're connected to All Songs, considered on Bob Boylin. On this week's show, the MPR Music staff picks their favorite music of the month gone by.

0:32.0

And so, it's the best of April. And we begin with MPR Music writer and editor, Marisa Luruso.

0:38.0

And her pick for best album was Head of Roses by Flak of Dimes.

0:42.0

You probably know Jen Wasner from the band Wyoke, but this is actually her second solo record as Flak of Dimes.

0:48.0

And if you're a fan of bands like Sylvan S.O. or Handhabits or Land Lady, you're in luck because members of all of those groups contributed to this record too.

0:57.0

A lot of songs on this album are about the dissolution of a romantic relationship, and she takes a lot of different angles on that theme.

1:04.0

I think you can hear that in the sounds of the songs too. Like there are these big, beautiful indie rock songs with amazing guitar solos, and then there are these sparse, tender ballads.

1:15.0

My favorite song on the record is actually one of those ballads. It's called A Wake for the Sunrise.

1:20.0

And I just really love the way that she paints heartbreak and nostalgia and healing all at once in this song.

1:26.0

I didn't want to be awake for the sunrise, but now I wouldn't let me rain.

1:57.0

I didn't want to see the light of the moment with the naked in my chest.

2:10.0

So just find, be good by, as it won't unite a taste.

2:27.0

I only wanted to know you better. I only thought that I knew you better.

2:41.0

I didn't think I was a terrible liar, but I am when I needed more.

2:55.0

I just really thought that I knew you better.

3:02.0

I didn't want to be a terrible liar, but now I wouldn't let you rain.

3:09.0

I didn't want to be a terrible liar, but now I would need more.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from NPR, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of NPR and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.