In Part 3 of our retrospective of The Strokes, we are checking out the fourth and fifth studio albums, Angles and Comedown Machine.

In Part 2 of our retrospective of The Strokes, we are checking out the third studio album, First Impressions of Earth, and the lead singer's solo project, Phrazes for the Young, by Julian Casablancas.

Welcome to "Down On High," where we venture into the sonic landscapes of the 2000s, unraveling the threads of musical history that shaped the era. In our latest retrospective series, "Meet Me In The Bathroom: The Strokes Retrospective," hosts Greg and Tyler guide you through the influential discography of one of the decade's defining bands. Join us as we dissect the cultural impact, creative evolution, and lasting legacy of The Strokes, a band that not only dominated the airwaves but also redefined the sound of a generation.

In the inaugural episode, Part 1 of our series, we turn our attention to The Strokes' early years, focusing on their groundbreaking first two records: "Is This It" and "Room On Fire." Explore the raw and infectious energy that propelled The Strokes to the forefront of the early 2000s rock scene with their debut album, "Is This It." From the iconic cover art to the garage-rock sound that became a hallmark, we analyze the cultural significance of this album. Transitioning seamlessly to their sophomore release, "Room On Fire," we delve into the band's musical evolution, dissecting the nuances of experimentation while preserving the essence that made The Strokes an enduring force in the world of music. Join Greg and Tyler as they unravel the stories behind the tracks, explore the creative process, and reflect on the critical reception of these two pivotal albums in "Meet Me In The Bathroom."

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This week we are looking at musical episodes of tv from the 2000s. All three of these episodes have been listed as some of the best musical episodes in television history.  All of them speak to themes of unspoken feelings. The adage, "When you can't say it, sing it!" applies here.

We are looking at the Scrubs episode Season 6 Episode 6 "My Musical." In this episode, the doctors of Scrubs are treating a patient who perceives everyone to be singing. She has an aneurism that must be corrected. Meanwhile, we are treated to expository songs from the doctors, about the diagnostic value of still, bromance, a new mother who wants to return to work but feels like she'd be judged, and Dr. Elliot's dilemma -- whether to let JD move in with her to her new house, or to be honest about wanting her own place.

Next we reviewed Buffy's musical episode, Season 6 Episode Episode 7, "Once More With Feeling." In this episode, a demon is summoned that makes everyone in town sing their feelings, even when they intend to withhold them. Despite the danger that if they don't stop this, people will implode, the characters are motivated to end this so they don't continue to reveal what they had been hiding -- Buffy is resentful that her friends resurrected her unknowingly pulling her out of heaven, Spike loves Buffy but is struggling with feeling used, Anya and Xander are looking forward to their marriage but also terrified that things will change. This episode is high effort and high production, and it's often the very top of the list for musical episodes.

Lastly we have an episode of Futurama, Season 5 Episode 16, "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings." In this episode, main character Fry wants to woo his coworker Lela, but he doesn't believe he has the talent to make the meaningful music she inspires in his mind real. He's learning an instrument and is struggling. He makes a deal with a devil robot that he will swap his hands for a random set of more talented hands. He lucks out and randomly gets the devils hands. The devil wants them back and will engage in chicanery to do it. But in the mean time, Fry becomes a famous musician and is able to put on the show he means to for Lela.  

Duster is an American band that emerged in the 1990s, known for their distinctive style of slowcore and lo-fi music. Comprising Clay Parton, Canaan Dove Amber, and Jason Albertini, the band gained recognition for their minimalist and atmospheric sound, characterized by hushed vocals, reverb-drenched guitar work, and a deliberate, melancholic tempo. Duster's music often evokes a sense of introspection and dreamy ambience, making them a notable presence in the indie and underground music scene. 

We are reviewing Duster's records from their original period, 1998's Stratosphere and 2000's Contemporary Movement. This band is streamed above many well known acts, which to us begs the question, Why? A big part of it is TikTok resurgence, but there may be more to it.

Bon Iver, the musical project led by American singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, has earned widespread acclaim for their blend of folk, indie, and electronic elements. Justin Vernon's falsetto vocals and inscrutable yet unique  lyrics have become hallmarks of Bon Iver's presentation. The project's debut album, "For Emma, Forever Ago," released in 2007, was recorded in a remote Wisconsin cabin during a bitterly cold winter, lending to its own mythology. We have done an episode on Bon Iver's earlier, more conventional work, and we are returning now to the projects more novel later catelog. Be warned, this is Greg's favorite band, but for good reason.

"22, A Million," released in 2016, marked a departure from the more traditional folk sound of their earlier work. This album embraced a more experimental and abstract approach, with glitchy electronic effects and auto-tuned vocals. The song titles featured symbols and numbers, adding to the album's cryptic and enigmatic nature. "i,i," released in 2019, was a return to a more accessible sound while still incorporating electronic elements. It felt like a culmination of Bon Iver's musical journey, bringing together the introspection of "For Emma, Forever Ago," the experimentation of "22, A Million," and the warmth of their self-titled album. 

Oasis is a British rock band formed in Manchester in 1991, known for their significant influence during the Britpop movement of the 1990s. The band was composed of members Liam and Noel Gallagher, Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll initially. Oasis gained fame with their debut album "Definitely Maybe" in 1994, and their music was characterized by the distinctive voices of the Gallagher brothers and anthemic sound.

"Heathen Chemistry" is one of Oasis' albums released in 2002, showcasing an experimental approach and a more collaborative songwriting process. "Don't Believe The Truth," released in 2005, continued this evolution with a raw and refreshing sound. These albums demonstrated the band's ability to adapt while maintaining their rock 'n' roll spirit.

Mark Knopfler is a British musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist known for his distinctive guitar playing and his role as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the classic rock staple, Dire Straits. The band is best known for the classic song Sultans of Swing and the album Brothers In Arms, featuring Money For Nothing with Sting.

"Sailing to Philadelphia" is one of Mark Knopfler's solo albums released in 2000. The album features a fusion of folk, rock, and country elements and showcases Knopfler's knack for crafting vivid narratives through his lyrics. The title track, "Sailing to Philadelphia," is a collaboration with James Taylor and is a standout piece on the record. The album also delves into historical themes.

"Shangri-La" is another solo album by Mark Knopfler, released in 2004. Most interesting of all, there is a track inspired by the cut throat quotes of the "founder" of McDonald's, Ray Kroc.

Cat Power is the stage name of American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress Chan Marshall. Born on January 21, 1972, in Atlanta, Georgia, she adopted the name Cat Power for her musical endeavors. Marshall is known for her minimalist style, sparse guitar and piano playing, and breathy vocals. She has produced a variety of work in the indie rock, folk, and blues genres.

"You Are Free" is the sixth album by Cat Power, released in 2003. The album features 14 tracks and includes guest appearances by musicians such as Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters. "You Are Free" received critical acclaim for its raw sound and emotional depth, and it includes songs like "I Don't Blame You," "Good Woman," and "Free."

"The Greatest" is another album by Cat Power, released in 2006. It consists of 12 tracks and was recorded in Memphis with a band of veteran session musicians. The album showcases a soulful sound, influenced by the musical heritage of Memphis. "The Greatest" received widespread acclaim from critics and won the Shortlist Music Prize in 2006. The title track "The Greatest" and "Lived in Bars" are among the notable songs on the album.

This episode, we are discussing indie darling Sufjan Stevens. Described as a god fearing Elliot Smith type, Stevens has a delicate nature with an interest in the divinities. We are reviewing Seven Swans first -- a record in between his two state-based projects, featuring a gathering of recordings with a theological bent. The record features recordings across a time period a little over half a decade. It's beloved by many, but we find it weak and meandering.

However, the next record, Illinois, or sometimes called Illinoise, is full of a ton of great songs. This record is replete with interstitial filler, but top heavy over 23 tracks with some great all-timers. This is a well known quantity -- but we just had to dive in.