8 Tracks: Samba shoegaze, cherry blossom jazz and an 8-bit K-pop crush

8 Tracks is your antidote to the algorithm. Each week, NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich, with the help of his colleagues, makes connections between sounds across time.

Ever since 2013's , I have made a point to buy each new album from a store before I stream. With physical media, I tend to focus on the narrative arc of an album with more intention, especially someone as intentional as Beyoncé. , for instance, did not truly click with me until I put needle to vinyl and let the music overwhelm my living room — that moment reinforced that a music's medium can unlock a new listening