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All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his list of the 10 best albums of 2014 (and a few honorable mentions).

It was an unusually strong year for great unknown artists. While bigger, more established bands continued to attract the most attention, smaller, lesser-known acts made the most memorable music of 2008. All of the great unknown artists featured here made music that was inspired, original and heartfelt.

In Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, the median age is 18. Many youth say their aging leaders are out of touch, yet the leading candidates in Saturday's presidential election are in their 70s.

Surprises nevertheless abound in the top 10, as a vinyl reissue lands cult singer-songwriter Ethel Cain on the Billboard 200 for the first time ever and two artists — Alex Warren and BigXthaPlug — experience their first-ever top 10 singles.

Discover a broad range of the year's best classical albums, from groundbreaking teenage percussionists and innovative opera singers to fierce orchestral composers and brainy pianists.

Former Vermont governor Howard Dean insists he will not drop out of the Democratic presidential race if he loses Tuesday's primary in Wisconsin. But a top Dean campaign aide is planning to offer his help to frontrunner John Kerry, if Dean doesn't win in Wisconsin. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards.

Osama bin Laden's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, is reportedly cornered by Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border. The United States has offered a $25 million reward for the Egyptian-born Zawahiri's capture. Pakistani officials say a fierce battle with al Qaeda fighters is being waged. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

Also: FBI officials say missing texts affiliated with the Russia investigation are recovered; Trump is sorry for retweeting anti-Muslim tweets; and French shoppers brawl over discounted Nutella.

The day's top news: Former Penn State coach charged with sexually abusing young boys; Iran said to be on "threshold of nuclear capability;" Greece prepares to form a new government.

Though more Republican-held seats are up for grabs in November, Democratic struggles mean the GOP has improved its likelihood to take control of the Senate. Here are the key contests to watch.