NPR
13 March 2026
James Blake. Kim Gordon. Sturgill Simpson's country-funk alter ego. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston about their favorite albums out Friday, March 13. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Introduction & Oscars predictions(02:15) Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds, 'Mutiny After Midnight'(08:50) James Blake, 'Trying Times'(17:04) Anjimile, 'You're Free To Go'(22:53) Kim Gordon, 'Play Me'(27:52) Blessing Jolie, '20nothing' (35:15) The Lightning Round - Morgan Nagler, 'I've Got Nothing To Lose, and I'm Losing It'- Tinariwen, 'Hoggar'- Jorge Drexler, 'Taracá'- The Tallis Scholars, 'Nico Muhly: No Resting Place'- Fugazi, 'Albini Sessions' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org. Credits: Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Amelia Mason, WBURAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Otis Hart, Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Felix Contreras, Tom Huizenga and Lars Gotrich See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
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