Sound Survey

All Songs Considered: a Misnomer, but still a great podcast

When Bob Boilen begins his Podcast, 'Welcome to All Songs Considered. Tonight...' You just never know what will come next. But there is a guarantee that you will be introduced to some interesting, new music... and perhaps even your new favorite Band.

Review by Phil Lewis

All Songs Considered is a production of National Public Radio out of the U.S. which is a high quality organization with stations in nearly every U.S. market. All Songs Considered is a podcast dedicated to all kinds of new musical material being played around the world. And because of his popularity as the music producer for shows on National Public Radio, Boilen gets discs delivered to him from every type of band, from every walk of life, in every style of music.

So, while you are sitting there with your i-Pod cranking on the bus, you may hear a cut from the latest Radiohead discs or you may be introduced to Mark Ronson, the British DJ who enjoys adding a soulful brassy groove to old favorites. Or perhaps a banjo-fiddle group which has a new take on bluegrass. Or, in contrast, a former punk rock band on the scene with a new album, Wilco. In between the songs, insightful conversation with the artists give the music a context and a history. Lovely in its brevity... and then back to another song!

Boilen's history as a radio announcer/DJ comes into play as he describes the music you are being introduced to. His clear understanding of bands that have been popular in the last 30 years brings the new music home to the listeners who may be familiar with other, similar bands. An example: "Summerbirds in the Cellar shares members with the moody pop-rock band 'Now It's Overhead', and the two bands do share similar sounds. The group spends half its time in Athens, Ga., so R.E.M. comparisons are inevitable." It is this type of frank comparison which immediately breeds a familiarity with the music even before you give it a first listen.

And unlike any other podcast (or radio station), Bob does NOT interrupt the songs. They are played in their entirety without the jabbering over the last 16 bars.

Another great part of this podcast is that once a month, or so, Bob Boilen sits you, the listener, in the front row of a live concert... provides a brief introduction and then lets the band play on - without interruption and sometimes for two hours. Yes, a live concert on a podcast for free. R.E.M., My Morning Jacket, Jens Lekman, and Vampire Weekend are the more recent offerings, but more, many more are available in their archive.

The name, All Songs Considered is a serious misnomer: NOBODY can consider all the songs in the universe, but this podcast attempts it and is a great way to be introduced to new music. And, with Bob Boilen at the microphone, you basically have a friend who introduces the new grooves to you. A highly recommended Podcast.

Go to All Songs Considered.