Lizzy McAlpine, Víkingur Ólafsson plays Bach, and more of the week's best songs
Summary
Hosts Robin Young and Tom Heisinger preview new releases, starting with Sen Morimoto's restrained "Chewing Gum" and Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson's Bach arrangement. They also highlight Lizzie McAlpine's emotional tribute to her late father, Scottish mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor's debut, and the LA band Untitled Halo. The episode concludes with Inti Figis Visu's string quartet piece "Find Roots," exploring themes of community and transition.
Topics discussed
Intro: This American Life and All Songs Considered
Introduction of host Tom Heisingen
Sen Morimoto: 'Chewing Gum' and slowing down
Audio: Sen Morimoto - 'Chewing Gum'
Discussion: Sen Morimoto's off-kilter style
Vikinger Ólafsson: Bach's 'Air on the G String'
Audio: Vikinger Ólafsson - 'Air on the G String'
Discussion: Ólafsson's elegance and Bach as a continuum
Sponsor breaks: Up First, Fresh Air, Planet Money
Lizzie McAlpine: 'The Crowd' and memory of her father
Audio: Lizzie McAlpine - 'The Crowd'
Discussion: Personal stories of loss and McAlpine's style
Beth Taylor: Introduction and 'My Laggin Love'
Audio: Beth Taylor - 'My Laggin Love'
Discussion: Beth Taylor's voice and repertoire
Sponsor break: Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me
Untitled Halo: 'Easy Rider' and shoegaze influences
Discussion: Untitled Halo's sound and catharsis
Inti Figis Visu: 'Find Roots' from 'Samara'
Audio: Inti Figis Visu - 'Find Roots'
Outro and final sponsor reads
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