John Schaefer

This week, returns for Natalie Merchant and Ivan Neville; and a return to the psychedelic 70s by Night Beats. Plus, Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara's latest, and a Jonny Greenwood duo.

Cosmic jazz from harpist Brandee Younger, Afro-Venezuelan dance music from Gotopo, and soundscapes from cellist Issei Herr. Plus, duo music by Kayhan Kalhor and Toumani Diabate.

This week, an invitation from The New Pornographers, a reinvention from Ana Macho, and returns for Bettye LaVette and The Beths. Plus, fractured pop by electronic artist Katie Gately.

This week, old American sounds in new songs by Nat Myers and Dom Flemons, a twist on classic soul from The Soul Motivators, and musical heartache from The National. Plus, Caroline Rose.

This week, dark pop from Hozier, synth pop from M83, and desert blues from Tinariwen. Plus returns for cellist Dom La Nena and the hyperpop duo called 100 gecs. 

This week, cinematic rock from Manchester Orchestra, posthumous Afropop from Ali Farka Touré, and climate-themed works by Jocelyn Pook and Kishi Bashi. 

Madison McFerrin’s atmospheric single' Atmosphere’s feel-good single' and Shana Cleveland's spectral guitar-based love album populated with the insect world, ghosts, and evil spirits. 

Troubled times bring out the best in The Heavy and Joy Oladokun; technology brings out the many sides of Lisel; and Natalie Merchant returns. Plus, new music from Dry Cleaning.

Kelela’s return, Black Belt Eagle Scout’s Indigenous creation myth, and Grandbrothers’ collaboration with a cathedral. Plus, Cinder Well's doom-folk and Son Rompe Pera's cumbia punk.

Fantastic Negrito goes acoustic; Lankum dives deep into drones; and a few Grammy thoughts. Plus, new music from Alfa Mist, WILSN, and global chamber music from Sissoko and Segal. 

This week, Kimbra’s art-pop, slowthai’s rap-punk, and more multi-hyphenate music from Kenya composer/sound artist Nyokabi Kariuki and guitarist/songwriter Robyn Hitchcock. 

This week, returns for The National, Oddisee, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Plus, new pop gems from boygenius (Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker) and Fenne Lily.

This week, time-traveling songs by Vicky Tafoya and Rachael & Vilray; and big questions in music by Marcus Strickland and Katie Melua. 

This week, new songs mark Peter Gabriel’s 20 years away and The Hold Steady’s 20 years here; also, a new Afro-Caribbean sound and a cover from Aoife O’Donovan.

This week, a call to action from Anoushka Shankar; a snowy ballad from Moby and Jose James; and a poignant holiday cover from Silversun Pickups. Plus, South Africa's Jackie Queens.

Plague-based dance music from Orbital; Msaki & Tubatsi’s celebration of South Africa; and Bio Ritmo salsa-fies “The Bionic Man”.  Plus, Hania Rani, and Florence + the Machine.

This week, Joy Oladokun’s anthem for Rev. Al Sharpton; First Nations hip hop by Snotty Nose Rez Kids; and David Byrne’s oddball song about Santa. Plus, punk band White Lung's swan song.

Time travel with Bruce Springsteen, Fergus Quill Trio, and Congo’s Balka Sound. Plus, new music from Heather Woods Broderick, Dizzy, and Argentine producer Chancha Via Circuito.

This week, the voice of AI, courtesy of Holly Herndon; jazz and hip hop collaborations from both sides of the Atlantic; and the first song from Yo La Tengo’s next record. 

Natalia Lafourcade’s musical alchemy; Andrew Bird & Phoebe Bridgers’ duet; and Altin Gün’s Turkish psychedelia. Plus, dance bangers from Nakhane with Perfume Genius; and The Go! Team.