This week we begin a new series on the albums of Janelle Monáe, starting with her demo album, The Audition. We explore every genre twist and turn on this accomplished but long out of print debut before jumping into Monáe's sci-fi world-building on Metropolis: The Chase Suite.

The Audition on Archive.org

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The Format is back after 20 years with Boycott Heaven, one of the most exciting new releases in years. Join us as we dive into our favorite songs, the band's turn to guitar-centric rock and roll, and rank the Nate Ruess discography.

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After the incredible success of Some Nights and the subsequent dissolution of Fun., Nate Ruess returned with his first and only solo album, Grand Romantic. This week, we're breaking down this least celebrated chapter of Ruess's career and the album's place as both a continuation and rejection of his past work.

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Nate Ruess's career hit its commercial apex in 2012 with Fun.'s second album, Some Nights. We're joined by City Mouth vocalist Matt Pow for wide-ranging discussion of the mega hits, the influence of its fusion of pop and hip-hop production, and what Fun. meant (and still means) to us.

City Mouth on Bandcamp

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The Fun. section of our Nate Ruess series starts today with Aim and Ignite, and we're joined by Violet Crime vocalist Jeff Mills for an enthusiastic discussion of the evolution from The Format to Fun., songs that make us cry ("The Gambler," of course), and everything else about this five star masterpiece of an album.

Jeff Mills on TikTok and Instagram

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The Format's sophomore album, Dog Problems, is a triumph in every way, from its expansive pop songwriting to an independent release that defied expectations. This week, we discuss the album's concept and songs, our favorite B-sides, and the legacy of Dog Problems 20 years later.

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New year, new series! We're kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into the career of Nate Ruess, starting with The Format's debut album, Interventions and Lullabies. Also discussed: EP, B-sides, and how every song on this album might have the best chorus ever written.

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The year is just about over, so it's time for some lists! We're counting down our top ten albums of 2025, talking about the year, and looking forward to what's next.

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It's a snowy midwest winter, and we're closing the loop (the wreath?) on our Bright Eyes series with A Christmas Album, released in 2002 as a benefit for the Nebraska AIDS Project. Also, Troy tried to rank the entire Conor Oberst catalogue, and we manifested something awesome.

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Our sub-series on Conor Oberst's collaborative side projects concludes this week with Better Oblivion Community Center, which finds Oberst teaming up with Phoebe Bridgers. We talk about the songs, the marketing campaign, and the album's place in their respective careers.

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