Stephen Thompson
@idislikestephen.bsky.social
NPR Music writer, yakker; Pop Culture Happy Hour and New Music Friday host; long-ago A.V. Club editor and Onion copy editor; snack-eater; dad.
https://www.npr.org/people/5244882/stephen-thompson
https://www.npr.org/people/5244882/stephen-thompson
Sure, this flapping buffoon has mountains of money and power and fame and attention, plus elected officials and judges and policymakers who do exactly what she wants them to do, every minute of every day. BUT THOSE 12 MINUTES OF TV DIDN'T CATER TO HER AND SHE'S NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE
Megyn Kelly just shouting “FOOTBALL IS OURS” at Piers Morgan about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show is the perfect example of this moment in time. Put it in a time capsule and send it out into space.
February 10, 2026 at 5:36 AM
Sure, this flapping buffoon has mountains of money and power and fame and attention, plus elected officials and judges and policymakers who do exactly what she wants them to do, every minute of every day. BUT THOSE 12 MINUTES OF TV DIDN'T CATER TO HER AND SHE'S NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
It was a thrill to team up with our friends and colleagues at It's Been a Minute to unpack the Super Bowl halftime show, and Bad Bunny's joy as an act of resistance: www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
We unpack Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show : Pop Culture Happy Hour
At the Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny put on an endlessly rewatchable performance. It featured Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and a real wedding. But it didn’t shy away from this political moment, and ...
www.npr.org
February 9, 2026 at 7:37 PM
It was a thrill to team up with our friends and colleagues at It's Been a Minute to unpack the Super Bowl halftime show, and Bad Bunny's joy as an act of resistance: www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
Seeing this bogus stat credulously shared by people who should know better and it's driving me *berserk*. Whatever you think of TPUSA, Kid Rock, the supposed need for a MAGA-friendly Super Bowl halftime show, etc., the TPUSA show has been viewed millions of times. Why lie about that?
Yikes: the alternative TPUSA “All-American” Halftime Show had fewer than 14,000 views.
February 9, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Seeing this bogus stat credulously shared by people who should know better and it's driving me *berserk*. Whatever you think of TPUSA, Kid Rock, the supposed need for a MAGA-friendly Super Bowl halftime show, etc., the TPUSA show has been viewed millions of times. Why lie about that?
Wrote this reply to someone describing independent journalism -- newsletters, Substack, podcasts, etc. -- as a replacement for institutions like WaPo. ("The change we need," was how it was described.) Cannot overstate how much forcing journalists into self-employment is NOT the change we need.
It's not, though. To do their best work, amazing reporters need not only stuff like health insurance, but also editors, fact-checkers, IT support, equipment, security and training in hostile environments, lawyers, brilliant colleagues of every stripe... losing that infrastructure is devastating.
February 4, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Wrote this reply to someone describing independent journalism -- newsletters, Substack, podcasts, etc. -- as a replacement for institutions like WaPo. ("The change we need," was how it was described.) Cannot overstate how much forcing journalists into self-employment is NOT the change we need.
Gonna go with Tiny Ruins, "Me At The Museum, You In The Winter Gardens" and go to bed happy, thinking about how much I love that song
Deleted a post about “what’s your least favorite song” because the vibes are bad enough already.
Instead: what’s your favorite song that has a long title, say at least 6 words long?
Mine: “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” (Pearl Jam)
Instead: what’s your favorite song that has a long title, say at least 6 words long?
Mine: “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” (Pearl Jam)
February 4, 2026 at 4:50 AM
Gonna go with Tiny Ruins, "Me At The Museum, You In The Winter Gardens" and go to bed happy, thinking about how much I love that song
I think I wrote this overnight, I don't remember
The Grammy Awards were full of milestone wins, chaotic performances and viral moments, as well as speeches that frequently addressed this moment in American history. n.pr/4t7D2IZ
Grammys 2026: 10 takeaways from a historic, chaotic night
The Grammy Awards were full of milestone wins, chaotic performances and viral moments, as well as speeches that frequently addressed this moment in American history.
n.pr
February 2, 2026 at 3:53 PM
I think I wrote this overnight, I don't remember
Not sure that Pharrell speech at the Grammys is moving the needle with regard to... pretty much anything, but I just had to log in here and say that "don't do anything but work" is TERRIBLE advice.
February 2, 2026 at 3:36 AM
Not sure that Pharrell speech at the Grammys is moving the needle with regard to... pretty much anything, but I just had to log in here and say that "don't do anything but work" is TERRIBLE advice.
My initial reaction to the Catherine O'Hara news, besides a basically word-for-word recitation of what Aisha just said, is that I'm fucking FURIOUS. Which is the product of an accumulation of stuff, of course; anger usually is. But I'm just so goddamn mad.
oh well fuck goddamn
i hate it here
i hate it here
January 30, 2026 at 6:45 PM
My initial reaction to the Catherine O'Hara news, besides a basically word-for-word recitation of what Aisha just said, is that I'm fucking FURIOUS. Which is the product of an accumulation of stuff, of course; anger usually is. But I'm just so goddamn mad.
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
Such a fun walk down memory lane with @idislikestephen.bsky.social & @annkpowers.bsky.social ❤️
www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
What are the greatest videos of MTV’s golden era? : All Songs Considered
Reports from late last year about the demise of MTV were overstated; but it got us thinking about the network’s legacy and most memorable moments. So, on this episode, we remember the best of MTV with...
www.npr.org
January 21, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Such a fun walk down memory lane with @idislikestephen.bsky.social & @annkpowers.bsky.social ❤️
www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
I appeared on MTV with Kennedy one time in 1993. Told the story to coworkers, one of whom quickly searched ChatGPT in hopes of finding video. He got this result.
The thing about AI is that, while it’s killing the planet, spiking our energy bills, and making us dumber, it’s also piping-hot dog shit!
The thing about AI is that, while it’s killing the planet, spiking our energy bills, and making us dumber, it’s also piping-hot dog shit!
January 16, 2026 at 10:13 PM
I appeared on MTV with Kennedy one time in 1993. Told the story to coworkers, one of whom quickly searched ChatGPT in hopes of finding video. He got this result.
The thing about AI is that, while it’s killing the planet, spiking our energy bills, and making us dumber, it’s also piping-hot dog shit!
The thing about AI is that, while it’s killing the planet, spiking our energy bills, and making us dumber, it’s also piping-hot dog shit!
Timeline cleanse! Sometime last year, my son rescued this handsome dunce as he (the dog, not my son) wandered in a busy street near our house. Today... we've got him again.
January 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Timeline cleanse! Sometime last year, my son rescued this handsome dunce as he (the dog, not my son) wandered in a busy street near our house. Today... we've got him again.
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
It's time to enter the Tiny Desk Contest, y'all! Send your original video and music in by Feb. 9 and maybe we'll see you here! @npr.org @nprextra.bsky.social ❤️
www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
January 13, 2026 at 6:04 PM
It's time to enter the Tiny Desk Contest, y'all! Send your original video and music in by Feb. 9 and maybe we'll see you here! @npr.org @nprextra.bsky.social ❤️
www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
Subscribe to the PCHH newsletter if you haven't already! And if you're at home and looking for a bit of joy-flecked escapism this weekend, The Celebrity Traitors U.K. is one of the most entertaining seasons of reality TV I've ever seen.
The PCHH newsletter drops in a few minutes, and everything I review and recommend this week has been engineered to offer an infusion of joy, of humor, of, essentially, Not This.
Sometimes this job feels like a calling. This week, especially.
Sometimes this job feels like a calling. This week, especially.
January 9, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Subscribe to the PCHH newsletter if you haven't already! And if you're at home and looking for a bit of joy-flecked escapism this weekend, The Celebrity Traitors U.K. is one of the most entertaining seasons of reality TV I've ever seen.
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
The first @npr.org New Music Friday podcast episode of 2026 is in your feed now.
Every Friday, Stephen Thompson @idislikestephen.bsky.social and a DJ from the NPR Music Network chat about the five coolest records to hit streaming at midnight.
@wnxpnashville.bsky.social’s Celia Gregory guests. 👇
Every Friday, Stephen Thompson @idislikestephen.bsky.social and a DJ from the NPR Music Network chat about the five coolest records to hit streaming at midnight.
@wnxpnashville.bsky.social’s Celia Gregory guests. 👇
New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 9 : All Songs Considered
Dry Cleaning. Jenny on Holiday. An introspective debut from Mon Rovîa. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville to talk about their favorite new albums out Fri...
www.npr.org
January 9, 2026 at 2:48 PM
The first @npr.org New Music Friday podcast episode of 2026 is in your feed now.
Every Friday, Stephen Thompson @idislikestephen.bsky.social and a DJ from the NPR Music Network chat about the five coolest records to hit streaming at midnight.
@wnxpnashville.bsky.social’s Celia Gregory guests. 👇
Every Friday, Stephen Thompson @idislikestephen.bsky.social and a DJ from the NPR Music Network chat about the five coolest records to hit streaming at midnight.
@wnxpnashville.bsky.social’s Celia Gregory guests. 👇
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
We at PCHH have been doing annual predictions for umpteen years, and unlike a lot of prognosticators, we also revisit last year’s predictions to make ourselves feel like dopes. And yet we carry on! That episode is out now.
Resolutions coming Friday!
Resolutions coming Friday!
2026 Pop Culture Predictions
Podcast Episode · Pop Culture Happy Hour · 12/31/2025 · 29m
podcasts.apple.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:56 PM
We at PCHH have been doing annual predictions for umpteen years, and unlike a lot of prognosticators, we also revisit last year’s predictions to make ourselves feel like dopes. And yet we carry on! That episode is out now.
Resolutions coming Friday!
Resolutions coming Friday!
Just a few hours left to listen to this Very Special Holiday Episode of All Songs Considered before it gets mothballed alongside wherever they store Michael Bublé!
A very tolerable Christmas, 2025 : All Songs Considered
We take a motorcycle road trip to Wisconsin in our annual search for the true spirit of the season. And, of course, we meet some special guests along the way.Thanks for another amazing year, and happy...
www.npr.org
December 25, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Just a few hours left to listen to this Very Special Holiday Episode of All Songs Considered before it gets mothballed alongside wherever they store Michael Bublé!
Crowd-sourcing something fun this year: Give me your favorite DEEPLY ANNOYING holiday song, if you've got one. Not "Wonderful Christmastime" annoying, but "someone performed 'All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth' on rusty chainsaws" annoying. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
December 12, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Crowd-sourcing something fun this year: Give me your favorite DEEPLY ANNOYING holiday song, if you've got one. Not "Wonderful Christmastime" annoying, but "someone performed 'All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth' on rusty chainsaws" annoying. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
NPR Music’s Best Albums of 2025 list is live!
Each capsule features a link to hear the music on any streaming service.
TYSM to @npr.org critics @annkpowers.bsky.social, @idislikestephen.bsky.social, @natechinen.bsky.social, @totalvibration.bsky.social, @robinpr.bsky.social.
Follow them!
Each capsule features a link to hear the music on any streaming service.
TYSM to @npr.org critics @annkpowers.bsky.social, @idislikestephen.bsky.social, @natechinen.bsky.social, @totalvibration.bsky.social, @robinpr.bsky.social.
Follow them!
The Best Albums of 2025
NPR Music critics, editors and Tiny Desk producers each singled out one album they would recommend to anyone who came calling. The elite, no-skips albums of the year.
www.npr.org
December 11, 2025 at 10:58 PM
NPR Music’s Best Albums of 2025 list is live!
Each capsule features a link to hear the music on any streaming service.
TYSM to @npr.org critics @annkpowers.bsky.social, @idislikestephen.bsky.social, @natechinen.bsky.social, @totalvibration.bsky.social, @robinpr.bsky.social.
Follow them!
Each capsule features a link to hear the music on any streaming service.
TYSM to @npr.org critics @annkpowers.bsky.social, @idislikestephen.bsky.social, @natechinen.bsky.social, @totalvibration.bsky.social, @robinpr.bsky.social.
Follow them!
What's on offer is a chance to speak to a slop simulacrum of *a* dead grandmother. "Have some tea, dearie!" MY dead grandmother was a science-fiction writer who once sent me a carbon copy of a sexually explicit query she'd written to Dan Savage. AI's gonna figure HER out with the right prompts? GTFO
IN DEPTH | If you could speak to your dead grandmother forever, would you?
If you could speak to your dead grandmother forever, would you?
www.independent.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 1:00 AM
What's on offer is a chance to speak to a slop simulacrum of *a* dead grandmother. "Have some tea, dearie!" MY dead grandmother was a science-fiction writer who once sent me a carbon copy of a sexually explicit query she'd written to Dan Savage. AI's gonna figure HER out with the right prompts? GTFO
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
NPR Music's list of the 125 Best Songs of 2025 is live! Thank you to all of the @npr.org public radio stations out there who helped curate this cross-genre list of loud and soft songs. There's nothing else out there quite like it. www.npr.org/2025/12/09/n...
The 125 Best Songs of 2025
From the breakout Brooklyn band Geese to the Puerto Rican star and soon-to-be Super Bowl halftime performer Bad Bunny and dozens in between, NPR Music shares its picks for the best songs of 2025.
www.npr.org
December 9, 2025 at 1:55 PM
NPR Music's list of the 125 Best Songs of 2025 is live! Thank you to all of the @npr.org public radio stations out there who helped curate this cross-genre list of loud and soft songs. There's nothing else out there quite like it. www.npr.org/2025/12/09/n...
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
This holiday season, give a gift that keeps on giving: NPR+! 🎧
You'll support great journalism and get fan access to special perks from your favorite NPR podcasts.
Cross the perfect present – for yourself or someone special – off your list! ➡️ Click here to give NPR+ now: n.pr/4otLiiZ
You'll support great journalism and get fan access to special perks from your favorite NPR podcasts.
Cross the perfect present – for yourself or someone special – off your list! ➡️ Click here to give NPR+ now: n.pr/4otLiiZ
December 4, 2025 at 3:14 PM
This holiday season, give a gift that keeps on giving: NPR+! 🎧
You'll support great journalism and get fan access to special perks from your favorite NPR podcasts.
Cross the perfect present – for yourself or someone special – off your list! ➡️ Click here to give NPR+ now: n.pr/4otLiiZ
You'll support great journalism and get fan access to special perks from your favorite NPR podcasts.
Cross the perfect present – for yourself or someone special – off your list! ➡️ Click here to give NPR+ now: n.pr/4otLiiZ
New Town Every Hour picked my hometown -- we've finally hit the big time, for exactly one hour!
December 4, 2025 at 5:15 AM
New Town Every Hour picked my hometown -- we've finally hit the big time, for exactly one hour!
Many in this thread rightly cite "Jurisprudence Fetishist Gets Off On Technicality" -- a perfectly constructed joke -- but my favorite, after all these years, is still "Man In Headlock Just Wanted To Party." A tragicomedy in seven words; "For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn"-level economy of phrasing.
What is the quintessential Onion headline? The strong contender that just randomly popped in my mind is "Hank Williams Jr. Honored by Institute For Football Preparedness"
December 4, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Many in this thread rightly cite "Jurisprudence Fetishist Gets Off On Technicality" -- a perfectly constructed joke -- but my favorite, after all these years, is still "Man In Headlock Just Wanted To Party." A tragicomedy in seven words; "For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn"-level economy of phrasing.
Reposted by Stephen Thompson
Books We Love is back with a brand new batch of hand-picked titles. Mix and match tags like “Book Club Ideas” and “Eye-Opening Reads.” Find 380+ new 2025 reads, and stick around to browse more than 4,000 books from the last 13 years.
Books We Love
Here are 380+ great reads from 2025 handpicked just for you by NPR staffers and trusted critics.
n.pr
November 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Books We Love is back with a brand new batch of hand-picked titles. Mix and match tags like “Book Club Ideas” and “Eye-Opening Reads.” Find 380+ new 2025 reads, and stick around to browse more than 4,000 books from the last 13 years.
I'm not sure I've ever seen my daughter's face light up quite the way it did when I played her "Killing In The Name" for the first time. Can't wait to dig in to this!
You know you want to scream THAT line at the top of your lungs every day. @artsorority.bsky.social and I go deep on "Killing in the Name" in our latest episode for All Songs Plus. Rage Against the Machine forever! Sign up to hear the pod here: www.npr.org/2025/11/20/n...
All Songs+: “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine : All Songs Considered
This is a new series on All Songs Considered, hosted by NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen. Most of what you hear on All Songs is focused on new music, but now, every other Thurs...
www.npr.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 PM
I'm not sure I've ever seen my daughter's face light up quite the way it did when I played her "Killing In The Name" for the first time. Can't wait to dig in to this!