Watch Tiny Desk Concerts From Taylor Swift And Brittany Howard

Plus new music from Beck's upcoming album and Prince's vault

by Marissa Lorusso and Lyndsey McKenna Bob Boilen/NPR The staff of NPR Music is home to critics, historians, editors, genre experts and musical omnivores, but there’s one thing our entire team shares: Genuine enthusiasm as listeners. Our specific areas of interests run the gamut, but at our core, we’re fans in it for the love of music.  Earlier this week, we shared a Tiny Desk concert recorded with Taylor Swift in our humble office. Easily one of our most crowded concerts, it was a chance for the pop megastar to strip down her songs to their essential elements; for me, it was especially moving to see Swift interact with guests who have grown up with her and her music.  But that’s not all: This week, we also shared two equally exciting sessions with completely different sounds. Brittany Howard, who just released her genre-defying solo debut, Jamie, brought an eight-piece band for her moving performance. And Summer Walker, who recently racked up the biggest streaming week of any female R&B artist ever, brought a glowing set – nerves and all – to our office. I remember it all too well,  Lyndsey McKenna   Newsletter continues after sponsor message New Music Phoebe Bridgers and The National's Matt Berninger have teamed up on a barroom duet, "Walking on a String." Recorded for Netflix’s Between Two Ferns: The Movie, it’s a gorgeous vehicle for two weary, wonderful voices.  "I Feel For You" was a smash for Chaka Khan in 1984. But before Khan’s version became the seminal recording, it existed only as a solo demo recorded by a 20-year-old Prince. It was released from the vault for the first time on Friday. New supergroup alert! The Midwestern trio of Noname, Saba and Smino have formalized their affiliation as Ghetto Sage. Hear the trio’s debut single, "Häagen Dazs." Now more than 30 years into his eclectic career, Beck will release a new album, Hyperspace, next month. Preview the record with a pair of wildly different tracks, "Hyperlife" and "Uneventful Days," out now. Featuring Laetitia Tamko has found a way to incorporate all of the sounds that personally move her – pop, punk, trap, African music – into her work as Vagabon. Her new album is written from the perspective of someone who found not just the space to call home, but also a firm grip on her artistic identity. As the voice of Chairlift, Caroline Polachek crisscrossed indie and mainstream tastes. On her first album under her own name, Polachek again works in contradictions by seeking intensity above all, adding fangs to her voice and blurring the line between real and artificial.  Across her discography, Angel Olsen's songs have treated solitude like a promised land. And if her latest album, the awe-inspiringly orchestral All Mirrors, tells a tale, it might be how to maintain one’s sense of self while navigating the unknowable currents of being a person.  Tiny Desk Jennifer Kerrigan/NPR Chances are, if you’re reading this, you understand the emotional resonance a piece of music can have. One unexpected consequence of working near the Tiny Desk means we’re exposed to some pretty powerful performances on a regular basis.  Your newsletter editors are not ashamed to admit that we keep a box of tissues at the ready, and yes, we’ve definitely shed tears at the office on more than a few occasions – which is why Marissa Lorusso rounded up five of the Tiny Desk concerts (almost) guaranteed to make you cry. From a return performance from Julien Baker featuring songs from her second album, Turn Out the Lights , with strings, to a session from Tiny Desk Contest entrant Bernie and the Believers, led by Bernie Dalton and his voice instructor Essence Goldman, we suspect you might need a Kleenex or two, too.    Incoming Next week, we’re sharing what might be one of the most joyous Tiny Desk concerts you’ll see all year: the Japanese experimental kawaii pop act CHAI (choreography and costumes included).  What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprmusic@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Books, Pop Culture, Health and more! Need a new playlist? Follow NPR Music on Spotify and Apple Music! You received this message because you're subscribed to NPR Music emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy