All Songs Considered

New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 16

January 16, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The episode of *All Songs Considered*, "New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 16," features Stephen Thompson and guest Alex Newman of KMHD reviewing new releases, starting with A$AP Rocky's high-energy and genre-veering album 'Don't Be Dumb'. 
  • The collaboration between Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore on 'Tragic Magic' is highlighted for its patient, ambient soundscapes created using historic instruments from the Musée de la Musique in Paris. 
  • The Shaking Hand's self-titled album is noted for successfully channeling the energy and sound of 90s post-rock and alternative rock while maintaining a distinct, youthful expression. 

Segments

Intro and A$AP Rocky Review
Copied to clipboard!
(00:00:26)
  • Key Takeaway: A$AP Rocky’s new album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ features singles with divergent ethos, showing he is not slowing down his creativity despite his current ubiquity in film and music.
  • Summary: The episode of All Songs Considered, “New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 16,” opens by discussing A$AP Rocky’s new album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ and his concurrent success in film. The two released singles suggest high energy and a willingness to veer into genres like punk or emo, demonstrating a broad creative range.
Barwick and Lattimore Collaboration
Copied to clipboard!
(00:02:49)
  • Key Takeaway: Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore’s album ‘Tragic Magic’ utilized historic harps (1720s-1870s) and seminal analog synths from the Musée de la Musique in Paris to create ambient music.
  • Summary: Julianna Barwick (vocals/synth) and Mary Lattimore (harp) created ‘Tragic Magic’ using instruments accessed at a Paris music museum. The music is characterized by patience, atmospheric density, and an outward propulsion, exemplified by the synth release on the track ‘Stardust.’ The album also features a cover of ‘Rachel’s Song’ from the Blade Runner soundtrack.
The Sha La Das Family Band
Copied to clipboard!
(00:07:58)
  • Key Takeaway: The Sha La Das, a family band led by patriarch Bill Shalda and his three sons, offer a sweet throwback to classic doo-wop and soul music, utilizing players associated with the Dap Kings scene.
  • Summary: The Sha La Das’ album ‘Your Picture’ features Bill Shalda (late 70s) and his sons performing music that evokes the 50s/60s doo-wop era without modern lyrical intrusions. The sound is supported by musicians connected to Dap Tone Records, giving the new recordings the feel of a preserved time capsule.
KMHD Station Philosophy
Copied to clipboard!
(00:15:03)
  • Key Takeaway: KMHD in Portland operates under the philosophy of “jazz without boundaries,” programming funk, Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop to highlight the connective tissue stemming from jazz.
  • Summary: KMHD is a jazz station focused on showing how jazz influences and connects to various genres, emphasizing modern music as a living art form. The station frequently plays vinyl and highlights local Portland record stores monthly via videos and curated playlists.
Ya Tseen Album Deep Dive
Copied to clipboard!
(00:17:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Ya Tseen, guided by Nicholas Gallin, presents an expansive, shape-shifting sound on ‘Stand on My Shoulders’ that blends diverse collaborators and genres, reflecting Gallin’s artistic awakening after a serious accident.
  • Summary: Ya Tseen is a continually evolving collaboration featuring artists like Portugal the Man and Pink Sifu. The music defies easy categorization, moving from gauzy synth-pop to frenetic rap verses within single tracks. The project’s foundation is rooted in Gallin’s heritage as a member of the Sitka tribe of Alaska.
Shaking Hand Post-Punk Sound
Copied to clipboard!
(00:23:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Manchester trio Shaking Hand creates music that sounds like a competent blend of 90s alternative rock, post-rock (like Slint or Fugazi), but infused with a youthful, try-anything energy.
  • Summary: Shaking Hand, composed of George Hunter, Frederick Hunter, and Ellis Hotchkiss, successfully interpolates clear influences from 90s guitar bands while sounding fresh. Tracks like ‘In for a Pound’ feature jagged energy and disco hi-hats, demonstrating a strong foundation built on classic rock sounds.
Ramsey and Broemel Collaboration
Copied to clipboard!
(00:30:25)
  • Key Takeaway: Tyler Ramsey (Band of Horses) and Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket) created the gorgeous, easy-going instrumental collaboration ‘Celestun’ through long-distance track-swapping, resulting in music that feels instantly familiar.
  • Summary: The collaboration between the two guitarists, who met while touring together in 2012, features beautiful acoustic guitar work reminiscent of John Fahey. Vocals, when present, add a ’lived-in quality,’ notably on ‘Flying Things,’ which was written for Ramsey’s daughter. The song ‘Nevermind’ addresses the timely need to unplug from social media.
Lightning Round Recommendations
Copied to clipboard!
(00:35:44)
  • Key Takeaway: The lightning round highlights five additional albums released January 16th, including the intricate ECM jazz trio ‘Dream Archives’ and Courtney Marie Andrews’ sonically inventive ‘Valentine.’
  • Summary: Other recommended albums include ‘Dream Archives’ by Craig Taborn, Tomeka Reid, and Ches Smith, praised for its pristine ECM fidelity and intricate interaction. Courtney Marie Andrews’ ‘Valentine’ is noted for its deep reflections and sonic inventiveness. The round also covers Brazilian disco artist Diogo Strausz (‘Dance Para Se’), electro-pop artist Oxis (‘Oxis 8’), and Nate Smith’s deluxe edition album ‘LIVE-ACTION (Deluxe)’.