World Cafe Playlist for 05/18/2026

Genesis Owusu joins host Raina Douris

The world can be overwhelming, and confusing, and people are feeling more isolated than ever. That’s what Genesis Owusu wants to tackle with his new album, Red Star Wu & the Worldwide Scourge. On the World Cafe, Genesis talks about abandoning metaphors for directness to get to the truth, and about how a simple card game might be the key to building community.

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist

Rickie Lee Jones “It Must Be Love” The Magazine

Genesis Owusu “Stampede” Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge

Genesis Owusu “Pirate Radio” Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge

Genesis Owusu “The Worldwide Scourge” Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge

Genesis Owusu “Death Cult Zombie” Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge

Genesis Owusu “Hellstar” Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge

Future Islands “Seasons” Recorded Live For World Cafe

Prince “Musicology” Musicology

Fiona Apple “Sleep To Dream” Tidal

Broken Social Scene “Not Around Anymore” Remember The Humans

Lucius “How Loud Your Heart Gets” Recorded Live For World Cafe

Mike D “Switch Up” Single

Horsegirl “Switch Over” Phonetics On and On

The Cure “Boys Don’t Cry” Boys Don’t Cry

Hour Two

Oasis “Rock N Roll Star” Definitely Maybe

Bebe Stockwell “When You Know” When You Know (Single)

Shelby Lynne “Thought It Would Be Easier” I Am Shelby Lynne

Tame Impala “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” Lonerism

The Strokes “Going Shopping” Reality Awaits

Valerie June “Can’t Be Told” Pushin’ Against A Stone

Gorillaz “Stylo” Recorded Live For World Cafe

Chicano Batman “Freedom is Free” Recorded Live For World Cafe

Arlo Parks “2Sided” Ambiguous Desire

Low Cut Connie “Private Lives” Private Lives

Jack White “Derecho Demonico” Single

The White Stripes “Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground” White Blood Cells

Graham Coxon “Billy Says” Castle Park

Blur “Coffee and T.V.” 13

R.E.M. “(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” Reckoning