New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 16

Oct 16, 2026 · 44m

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On this episode

STStephen ThompsonHost
ABAndrew BrownGuest
CGCelia GregoryGuest
SRSkylar RochelleGuest

About this episode

Fontaines D.C. Sophia Stel. The Avalanches. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 16 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, Skylar Rochelle from 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City and Andrew Brown from KUTX in Austin. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (02:23) Album No. 1 - Fontaines D.C., 'Dopamine Chamber' (09:30) Album No. 2 - @, 'Autosmile' (16:34) Album No. 3 - Sophia Stel, 'the greatest album of all time' (23:05) Album No. 4 - June McDoom, 'Follow the Light' (28:32) Album No. 5 - The Avalanches, 'No Bad Memories' (35:53) The Lightning…