Stephen Thompson appears in the following:
Brandi Carlile, 'Right On Time'
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Brandi Carlile describes her forthcoming album, In These Silent Days out Oct. 1, as "drama mixed with joy." The first single sets the tone.
We Were Promised Jetpacks, 'Fat Chance'
Thursday, July 15, 2021
"Fat Chance" reveals a surprise partway through, emerging as an anthem about overcoming long odds, doing "a complete 180" and climbing out of the ruins, stronger than ever.
John Linnell, 'TECVM CIRCVMAMBVLARE NOLO'
Friday, July 09, 2021
They Might Be Giants' John Linnell — a lifelong favorite of nerds the world over — has a new song in Latin that will get lodged in your brain for days.
Courtney Barnett, 'Rae Street'
Wednesday, July 07, 2021
The song nods to pandemic life ("Let's get back to normal") while speaking to the larger idea that our homes and communities offer us shelter from the punishing din of modern life.
Big Red Machine (Feat. Taylor Swift), 'Renegade'
Friday, July 02, 2021
Taylor Swift's feature on the latest single from Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon's side project could easily have been a standout track on either of her 2020 blockbusters.
What's Making Us Happy: A Guide For Your Weekend Watching, Listening And Reading
Friday, July 02, 2021
In our weekly roundup of shows, movies, books and music that brought us joy, Pop Culture Happy Hour recommends: Sex/Life, the Jean Smart renaissance and Arooj Aftab's album Vulture Prince.
Vistas, 'Young Forever'
Thursday, June 24, 2021
In the Scottish band Vistas' newest single, "Young Forever," singer Prentice Robertson overcomes fear and doubt via the hopeful promise of new love.
Laura Stevenson, 'State'
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Leaning on quiet-loud-quiet dynamics, "State" makes space for both dreamy tenderness and wall-of-sound catharsis.
'SNL' Musical Guests, Ranked From No. 1 To Morgan Wallen
Monday, May 24, 2021
Every year, Saturday Night Live showcases some of the biggest stars in pop, rock, hip-hop and more. At the end of each season, we rank them with cold-hearted precision.
2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
Friday, May 14, 2021
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2021 class features Tina Turner, The Go-Gos, Jay-Z, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Foo Fighters.
The 2021 Oscars' Best Original Song Nominees, Cruelly Ranked
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
This year's choices include Diane Warren's 12th Oscar nomination, a show-stopper from Eurovision Song Contest and three entries in a subgenre we call "Glorycore."
Tiny Desk Meets SXSW: Clipping
Thursday, April 08, 2021
Daveed Diggs, William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes brought the tiniest desks possible to their SXSW video.
A Ruthless Ranking Of The 25 Best Muppets, According To Listeners
Friday, April 02, 2021
We asked PCHH listeners to vote for the best Muppet. Nearly 20,000 votes later, here's your top 25, with accompanying commentary by Linda, Stephen, Aisha and Glen.
Justin Bieber: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Watch the pop superstar and his band perform four songs from the forthcoming Justice, including a world premiere of "Peaches."
Grammys 2021: 10 Takeaways From A Big, Weird Night
Monday, March 15, 2021
The Grammys demonstrated a brilliant new way to assemble an awards show, and a not-so-brilliant way to choose the winners.
Taylor Swift Announces Remake Of 'Fearless,' Due In April
Thursday, February 11, 2021
The pop star's struggle to regain control of her master recordings has been long fought and documented. Swift continues with an announcement of the first rerecorded album, Fearless (Taylor's Version).
For Her 'SNL' Debut, Phoebe Bridgers Goes Bigger Than Ever
Sunday, February 07, 2021
The singer located the loudest moments from Punisher and cranked them farther than they've gone before — complete with a moment of guitar-smashing mayhem.
With 2021 Off To A Rocky Start, There's At Least New Music To Listen To
Friday, January 08, 2021
Members of the NPR Music team this week have been previewing the new music out this year. Another member of the team spotlights two of the albums he's looking forward to hearing.
How Our Entertainment Changed In 2020
Saturday, January 02, 2021
NPR's Michel Martin talks with Aisha Harris, host of the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, and NPR Music's Stephen Thompson, about how the events of 2020 have forever changed the entertainment industry.
The Best Tiny Desk Concerts Of 2020
Monday, December 28, 2020
Watch 20 of the year's greatest Tiny Desk performances, featuring a small sample of the talented artists who delivered intimate sets from NPR Music's D.C. offices.
