John Schaefer

Mitski returns, British band Wet Leg debuts, and RIP to India’s Lata Mangeshkar. Also, cumbia appreciation from Los Bitchos and Calexico, and the latest by Tibetan singer Yungchen Lhamo.

This week, new songs from Method Man and Combo Chimbita, and a blues collaboration 60 years in the making from Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder. Plus, Polish pianist Hania Rani's surprise EP.

There's global pop from California via Iran, and England via Nigeria; and the return of Superchunk. Plus, reedman Charlie Gabriel's debut album, 89, and Brad Barr's solo guitar album. 

This week: Elvis Costello, The Reverend Shawn Amos, and dance music from Mali by Rokia Koné, Colombia via Combo Chimbita, and the 80s in music by Mitski. Plus, composer Emily Wells. 

Thanks to legislation passed in 2018, around 400,000 sound recordings made before 1923 are now available in the public domain. We take a look at what's been uncovered.

This week, a premiere from Brittany Davis, The Weeknd’s End-Times Radio Station, and a Celebration of New Orleans Hip Hop and Jazz. Plus, new music from Black Country, New Road. 

Cellist Kate Ellis and violinist Laura Cannell offer a seasonal gift from Glasgow; a rare, old salsa tune gets a modern remix; and Virginia guitarist Daniel Bachman's comforting blues.

Video Christmas gifts from Joni Mitchell and Mary J Blige; and festive dance music, Balkan-style. Plus, Ed Sheeran a cappella, and radical Jewish music meets Afrobeat in Zion80.

WNYC's John Schaefer brings us the sounds of Christmas from around the world. 

Week of Dec. 20: This week, Pom Pom Squad covers a popular 90s tune; Mireya Ramos sends mariachi-reggae from New Zealand; and a hip hop tribute to Quentin Tarantino.

Alicia Keys releases a new album, twice; Leon Bridges and Khruangbin are together again; and a posthumous film/score by Jóhann Jóhannsson. Plus, avant-dance music by Tyondai Braxton. 

This week, Arca “queering the void,” Tom Morello still raging, and a Nina Simone cover. Plus, French singer Quinquis, singer Aoife O’Donovan, and Mexican folk singer Silvana Estrada.

Week of Nov. 29: This week, The Flaming Lips present a new, young singer; Abdullah Ibrahim looks back; and RIP Stephen Sondheim.

This week, Adele’s record-breaking record, a James Bond-style song from FKA twigs, and arty chamber-rock from elbow. Plus, new music by Ibeyi, and Mexico City-based shoegazers Howless.

This week, a duet from Rosalia and The Weeknd, musical reassurance from Courtney Barnett, and Emily Wells recalls an earlier epidemic. Plus, Tuareg guitar magic from Etran De L’Aïr.

Hear songs that blur old and new from Robert Plant & Alison Kraus, ÌFÉ, and Doran. Also, poet and composer JJJJJerome Ellis, UK soul singer Emeli Sandé, and cavern music by Sloppy Jane.

This week, Ed Sheeran’s calculating single, Spoon’s edgy new song, and Mavis Staples joins Valerie June. Plus, Chile’s Mon Laferte and Sons of Kemet tuba player Theon Cross. 

This week, David Keenan, Imarhan, and Cate Le Bon all release new music in Adele’s enormous shadow. Plus, electro-acoustic songs by Lotic and serpentwithfeet.

This week, a shiny new song from Robert Glasper and eagerly-awaited returns for Cat Power and Mitski. Plus, Spanish rapper Tangana on belief and miracles.

This week, a cross-cultural premiere, a new elbow song with an old elbow title, and a stunning soul revue from the Apollo featuring Charles Bradley. Plus, new Susana Baca, and more.