World Cafe Playlist for 08/13/2026

Medium Build joins host Stephen Kallao

Nicholas Carpenter, who performs as Medium Build, has spent the last decade crafting deeply personal songs that balance humor, vulnerability, and heart. After starting his musical journey in Anchorage, Alaska, he returns to his southern roots in Nashville. His sixth album, King of Having Fun, arrives September 4th. Right now, he is playing a run of 3 nights at Madison Square Garden supporting Mumford & Sons.

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist

The Strokes “Is This It?” Is This It

Nick Lowe “So It Goes” Pure Pop For Now People

Medium Build “Crying Over U” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Medium Build “Last Time” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Medium Build “Home Depot” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Medium Build “Cone Off” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Leagues “Spotlight” WC Recording

Neko Case “People Got A Lotta Nerve” Middle Cyclone

Billy Bragg “You Woke Up My Neighborhood” Don’t Try This At Home

The Waterboys “We Will Not Be Lovers” Fisherman’s Blues

Courtney Barnett “One Thing at a Time” Creature of Habit

Moon Taxi “Mercury” WC Recording

Nicole Atkins “When The Night Falls” Drama

Noah Kahan “The Great Divide” The Great Divide

Tame Impala “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” Lonerism

Tom Petty “Room At The Top” Echo

Hour Two

JD McPherson “North Side Gal” Signs & Signifiers

The Blasters “I’m Shakin'” The Blasters

Leon Bridges “Light The Way” Happiness Anytime

Paul Simon “Late In The Evening” One Trick Pony

Tyler Ballgame “I Believe In Love” For The First Time, Again

Julia Jacklin “Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)” The Gem

LCD Soundsystem “Someone Great” Sound Of Silver

Mt. Joy “Silver Lining” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Bright Eyes “Bells and Whistles” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Devon Gilfillian “Black Dog Rabbit Hole” Time Will Tell

Eurythmics “Would I Lie To You?” Be Yourself Tonight

CMAT “When a Good Man Cries” Euro-Country

Jim Lauderdale “Violet” WC Recording

mary in the junkyard “Blood” Role Model Hermit

Sinéad O’Connor “The Emperor’s New Clothes” I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got

Adrian Younge “Afro-Disco Makossa” Afro-Disco Makossa