Stephen Thompson

What new music is coming out this year that is worth checking out? A preview of two albums that just might make it on to 2022's best of list.

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: the trailer for The Northman, the novel The School for Good Mothers and more.

Pairing the classical cellist with the Michigan iconoclast makes a fair bit of sense: Neither cares much for genre boundaries.

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Jackie Kashian's new comedy album, music of Yasmin Williams and more!

The Pop Culture Happy Hour host shares his favorite albums and songs of 2021.

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: the new album by Snail Mail, the 2020 book Piranesi and more.

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: the new season of Locke & Key, The Untamed and more.

Alternate takes are often mere curiosities, but Karen Dalton's country-inflected version of "Something on Your Mind" feels genuinely revealing.

Spiritualized's new song slowly blooms into full-blown Technicolor space-rock.

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Spirit Halloween videos, the podcast Suspect, and more.

The London-based band follows up a sprawling, pan-genre beast of an album from earlier this year by distilling its eclectic sound down to the essentials.

John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen have discographies that go back to the '70s, but have never actually recorded in the studio together until now.

Each week, the guests and hosts on Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. Today it's The Other Two, LuLaRich and a collection of movies starring Josephine Baker.

Each week, the guests and hosts on Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. Today it's Marie Kondo's new show Sparking Joy, the latest episode of Ted Lasso, and a graphic novel.

In the bittersweet "Devastating," husband-and-wife duo Johnnyswim reflects on the joys and hardships that go into a lifetime romantic partnership.

Each week, the guests and hosts on Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. Today it's Reservation Dogs, Nine Perfect Strangers, and viral music videos from the band Little Big.

Each week, the guests and hosts on Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. Today it's new music from Big Thief, Netflix's Bake Squad and a new article from Priya Krishna.

Backed by members of Sylvan Esso, Mountain Man, Bon Iver and more, Flock of Dimes' Jenn Wasner performs three songs from her new album, Head of Roses.

From an empty Shea Theater in Turners Falls, Mass., the trio plays songs from their new album, Sweep It Into Space, along with two towering classics.

Billie Eilish released five singles in the long run-up to Happier Than Ever, but saved its best song for the album's drop date.