The Album of Record

Spanish Love Songs makes another big move in their career since blowing up with Brave Faces Everyone. Easily one of our favorite records of the year, we slice and dice it and overanalyze it far too soon before we've had a chance to digest it all. Also, we discuss the benefit of tribute bands after Craig saw a phenomenal Radiohead tribute late last week, Android Paranoid from Chicago. Chapters 00:00 A slower music year and Craig's 150-audiobook streak 02:07 Bookcast: Taylor Jenkins Reid, Klosterman, and Sellout 08:06 Are tribute bands worth seeing? Radiohead, Pearl Jam, and more 12:01 Sombr's unexpected audience and the appeal of live tributes 15:10 How Brave Faces Everyone became a pandemic-era emo landmark 17:23 No Joy, the difficult follow-up, and the road to Future Nausea 22:30 Future Nausea turns from inner turmoil to the world outside 25:21 Political frustration without naming names 28:23 Americana grounding, punk energy, and the production shift 33:17 The catchy, self-aware chorus of "Welcome to Hell" 35:22 An album-of-the-year contender that could win over new listeners 38:00 Tour tickets, setlists, and which songs need to be played 40:32 New music picks: Mallory, Headsend, Bad Brains, and New Junk City

Here's the game. You go through every proper studio Pearl Jam record, including Lost Dogs, and you have to pick just one track. Which track are you picking? Andrew and Craig have been gone a while, but we're back and of course, we're kicking off the latest run of podcasts with Pearl Jam.  Also, we discuss the new Queens of the Stone Age record. 

 summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew reflect on the recent passing of Glen Hansard, explore the impact of his music and community, and discuss the upcoming release of a posthumous Soundgarden album. They also touch on the state of music journalism and the challenges faced by the music industry today.    

The fine people at Brooklyn Vegan made a list. Normally, emo lists wouldn't be in Andrew's wheelhouse, but thanks to the number one slot being Full Collapse, we decided to discuss. We also admit that we haven't listened to everything on the list, because 2001 was a time when it was hard to listen to everything. Also, we discuss Eros, the leaked record by Deftones before Chi's accident that left him in a coma. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 2001 Emo Scene 02:01 The Significance of Thursday's 'Full Collapse' 05:02 Rare Recordings and Unreleased Tracks 10:02 Impact of Jimmy Eat World and 'Bleed American' 14:54 Dashboard Confessional's Influence and Legacy 20:09 Other Notable Albums and Band Histories 24:59 The Evolution of Emo Post-2001 30:00 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

 summary In this episode, we explore recent music releases, live concert experiences, and the evolving landscape of music in 2026. We discuss bands like Pearl Jam, Death Cab, Muse, and more, sharing insights and personal reactions to new albums and live shows. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:51 Pearl Jam's Dark Matter Album: Still Holding Up 04:03 Live Setlist Insights from Pearl Jam and Deathcab 07:10 Upcoming Pearl Jam Festival and Setlist Expectations 09:58 Deathcab's Recent Show and New Material Reception 14:59 Analysis of Muse's Latest Record and Band Trajectory 20:03 Music in 2024: A Year of Quiet and Surprising Releases 30:00 Underrated and Emerging Bands to Discover 44:49 Deep Dive into Fiddlehead's Emotional EP 01:00:08 Music Videos, Collaborations, and Future Releases 01:07:04 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Teasers

 summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew explore the evolution of Deathcab for Cutie, their return to form with the latest album 'Built You a Tower,' and the band's rich history from their 1998 debut to their current sound. They also share personal stories, favorite tracks, and insights into the band's impact on indie rock. Chapters 00:00 Podcasting News and Excitement 06:25 Live Music Experiences and Reflections 09:35 Death Cab for Cutie: A Return to Form 15:41 The History of Death Cab for Cutie 27:13 Commercial Success vs. Critical Reception 30:00 The Evolution of Death Cab for Cutie 33:09 Chris Walla's Departure and Its Impact 35:46 The Return to Form with Asphalt Meadows 38:25 Defining Songs and Albums of Death Cab 43:08 Recommendations and New Discoveries

 summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew dive into recent concerts, album reviews, and the influence of bands like Ice Age. They share insights on live music experiences, album scoring, and the evolving sound of Ice Age, offering a rich discussion for music enthusiasts. Chapters 00:00 The Impact of the Miles Garrett Trade 05:37 Concert Experiences: Bruce Springsteen and Beyond 11:05 Live Music: Pool Kids and Tiger's Jaw 16:44 Andy Hall's Acoustic Performance and Its Significance 27:11 Live Music Experience and Audience Interaction 30:24 Ice Age's Musical Evolution and New Album Discussion

 summary This episode explores the realities of touring, ticket sales, and the financial aspects of being a band today. We discuss the impact of streaming, ticket pricing strategies, and the behind-the-scenes logistics of touring bands, with insights into how bands like Los Campesinos manage their tours and finances. Chapters 00:00 Cleveland Cavaliers Playoff Journey 02:55 Reunion Tours and Nostalgia in Music 05:30 Olivia Rodrigo's SNL Performance and Modern Comedy 08:00 The State of Concert Ticket Sales 10:47 The Impact of Pricing on Concert Attendance 13:35 Concert Regrets and Missed Opportunities 24:53 Regrets and Missed Opportunities in Concerts 28:06 Memorable Concert Experiences 28:46 The Privilege of Seeing Iconic Bands 32:51 The Financial Realities of Touring for Indie Bands 43:23 New Music Recommendations and Discoveries

 summary Join Craig and Andrew as they discuss the return of Indycast, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction of Oasis, recent album releases from Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, and more. Dive into their takes on music trends, band histories, and cultural moments that shape the music scene today. Chapters 00:00 Life's Unpredictable Turns 02:49 The Return of Indycast 05:39 Ticketmaster Lawsuit and Its Implications 08:04 Haley Williams' Cultural Moment 10:59 Oasis and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 16:24 Toadies' New Album Preview 19:50 Foo Fighters' Latest Release 26:37 The Impact of Influential Albums 28:40 Exploring Popular Artists: Noah Kahan and Mumford & Sons 31:41 The Rise of Roman Candle: A New Sound in Hardcore 37:21 Terror: The Legacy of Hardcore Music 40:41 The Sadest Landscape: A Deep Dive into Screamo 47:30 Cultural Connections: Music and Personal Stories

We talked about the tragic death of Bo Lueders from HardLore and the band Harm's Way. We also talked about Brady Ebert's legal trouble. Finally, we discussed the Hey, Ily record "Hey, I Loathe You!" from 2024, which we recently just discovered.