- 56 minutes 17 secondsOur Backlash Against The "Reality Awaits" Backlash
After a Sportscast about LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and speculation about his taste in Philly indie rock (:40) and a quick discussion about old clips of The B-52's going viral this week (6:53), Steven and Ian pay tribute to the late Glen Hansard and Kavinsky, two very different musicians who passed away this week but who made their mark on the indie world in similar ways (9:39). After that, they discuss two high-profile albums they finally got to hear this week: Charli XCX's “Music, Fashion, Film” (20:59) and The Strokes' “Reality Awaits” (31:05). Then they talk about new releases by Arca and Shearwater, among other acts (45:43). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Aeiou and Steven recommends Frank Hurricane (50:50).
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31 July 2026, 8:00 am - 53 minutes 50 secondsNew Albums by The Strokes, Charli XCX and ... Pat McAfee?
Steven and Ian open with a conversation about a new Jimothy, one of the most lasting characters in the Indiecast universe (1:01). After that, they talk about a possible "worst album of the year" candidate from ESPN personality Pat McAfee (7:47) and some gross happenings occurring at Noah Kahan shows (17:33). Then they discuss new releases from The Strokes, Charli XCX, Pete Yorn, and others (27:22). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Citrus Jr. and Steven recommends Miles Hewitt (49:12).
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24 July 2026, 8:00 am - 1 hour 2 secondsAssessing the Legacies of Beck and Jack White
Steven and Ian start by talking about great Canadian bands (0:36) and Steve's road trip this week to see Rush and The Strokes (not together) (4:11). Then they discuss the new Beck album announcement and revisit his overall work and where his legacy currently stands (13:24), followed by a similar conversation about Jack White and his new LP (31:12). Then they update the Fantasy Albums Draft (40:58) and discuss the week's new releases (42:27). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Snag and Steven recommends Twisted Teens (54:40).
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17 July 2026, 8:00 am - 1 hour 2 minutesIs Nirosta Steel The "Underdog" Indie Phenom Of 2026? Plus: The Fantasy Albums Draft for Q3
The guys begin with Steven questioning Ian over whether his Belgian wife is to blame for the U.S. losing the World Cup match to Belgium, the most controversial Sportscast yet (1:06). Then they discuss the buzzed-about album "My Skyscraper" by Nirosta Steel, an unlikely critical hit by a 69-year-old former collaborator of the late, great Arthur Russell (11:36). After they talk about the week's new releases, including albums by Jack White and Panda Bear & Sonic Boom (32:55), followed by the latest Fantasy Albums Draft (41:34), featuring upcoming releases from Phoebe Bridgers, Gilla Band, L'Rain, Empress Of, and Julia Jacklin (41:34). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about Proun and Steven talks about Tracey Nelson (58:50).
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10 July 2026, 8:00 am - 57 minutes 56 secondsThe Best American Indie Bands Of All Time
After a quick Sportscast about a big recent trade affecting Ian's favorite NBA team, Steven and Ian settle in to talk about America's 250th birthday — or the lack of talk about America's 250th birthday. Then they get some festivities going of their own with a conversation about the best American indie bands, focusing on four categories — the best of the 20th century, the best of the 21st century, the best of the last 10 years, and the best to never sign to a major label. In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends The Ritornello Form and Steven goes for SML.
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3 July 2026, 8:00 am - 1 hour 1 minuteNew Music From Phoebe Bridgers + This Is Lorelei, Plus: An Old Deftones Album Leaks and The Most "Relevant" Music Critic Ever Is ...
The conversation begins with speculation about the leak of the historic "lost" Deftones album "Eros" (1:27), as well as a brief Sportscast on Giannis leaving Steve's one-time home of Milwaukee (7:17). After a quick Fantasy Album Draft update (16:37), the guys talk about new album announcements from Phoebe Bridgers and This Is Lorelei and how they feel about their respective prospects this year (19:22). Then they look at the week's new releases, including albums (33:40) before reviewing an online controversy this week involving Anthony Fantano (39:49). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian recommends the latest from Chanel Beads and Steven recommends the English band Swim Deep (56:08).
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26 June 2026, 8:00 am - 1 hour 11 minutesOur Favorite Albums of 2016
After a brief tangent on Steve's experience this week recording an audiobook and a review of the week's scant slate of new releases, the guys get into a deep conversation about the music of 2016, a fascinating year of transition in a tumultuous time. Steven and Ian talk about the year, what it meant for the future, and share their top five albums lists.
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19 June 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 3 minutesOur Favorite Albums Of 2026 So Far
The guys begin with a quick Sportscast about the NBA Finals (2:02) before diving into the "no phone" discourse about Phoebe Bridgers' upcoming tour (9:22). Then they talk about Ian's interview with Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie that's now up on Amazon Music (19:43) and the week's big new releases (24:28). Finally, they discuss their favorite albums of the year so far (33:43).
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12 June 2026, 5:00 am - 58 minutes 1 secondHas 2026 Been A Good Year For Music? Plus: New Albums by Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Deer Tick
This week's conversation begins with Steven telling a story about a very mean email he got from a publicist this week (2:00), followed by Ian talking about his trip to an historic studio down south (9:30). After that, they do an update of the fantasy albums draft (17:56) before assessing the state of music in 2026 so far, ahead of revealing their mid-year lists next week (23:09). Then they run down the week's new releases, including new releases by Modest Mouse, Converge, Deer Tick and Lizzo (31:05). They also discuss the new record by Death Cab for Cutie (41:06). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Greg Mendez and Steven recommends Futurebirds (50:48).
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5 June 2026, 5:00 am - 56 minutes 53 secondsNew Albums By Kurt Vile and Guided By Voices, the Return of Wild Pink, and "Indie Rock" Electronic Albums
The guys open with a Sportscast about the NBA playoffs, including talk about SGA flopping and the New York Knicks dominating (1:56). They then talk about a new album announcement by one of the show's "mascot" bands, Wild Pink (13:57). They also discuss the new Guided By Voices album, and Steven's recent ranking of all the band's many members (21:20). Then they delve deeper into the week's new releases, including albums by Iceage, Paul McCartney, and Turnover. (28:49). They also touch on the new Boards of Canada release, and subsequently discuss indie-adjacent electronic music (47:23). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Crash Of Rhinos and Steven recommends a new archival John Prine live album (52:16).
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29 May 2026, 10:00 am - 57 minutes 5 secondsCar Seat Headrest Re-Records "Teens Of Denial," Ed O'Brien Goes Solo (Again), and We Assess a "Greatest Punk Albums" List
The guys start by talking about the newly announced anniversary tour for "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," with Steven quizzing Ian on how many times "We Only Come Out At Night" has been played live (2:43). They then talk about Car Seat Headrest re-recording their 2016 indie classic "Teens Of Denial," for dubious reasons (10:50). Then they review the week's new releases, including new albums by Bleachers, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead and Future Islands (24:24). After that, they discuss a recent "Greatest Punk Albums" list, giving their own takes on the choices (38:01). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about The Field and Steven discusses Thomas Dollbaum (52:14).
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