This week the boys discuss one of the most controversial ideas alluded to by the Strong Towns organization: “legalize slums.” Strong Towns is a non-profit organization that advocates for walkable neighborhoods, higher-density housing, ending parking minimums and many other urbanist policies but they have largely avoided addressing the topic of informal housing. While “legalize slums” can be interpreted quite literally, Joseph and Nathan envision on this week’s episode that the slogan can be used as a dysphemism for vernacular architecture, higher density housing, loosening zoning restrictions, and reducing permitting hurdles for new construction. Amongst other things they discuss Jane Jacobs, Englewood, the migrant crisis, and San Francisco NIMBYs.

Links:

Upzone’s “legalize slums”-esque episode

Art by Daniel Rautenbach 

Recorded on 12/17/2023

The interwar period is defined as being from 1918 to 1939 while the modernist period is loosely defined as being from the early 1900s to 1940s. What were architecture, design, and art like during the time period where the two overlapped? Within this week’s episode Joseph and Nathan pay particular attention to the Streamline Moderne, Bauhaus, Deutscher Werkbund, and International styles of architecture and design. Other ideas explored include the aesthetics of the future, the color chrome, Jean-Michel Frank’s interior design, the Age of Anxiety, glass blocks, antiquing, and the potential demolition of the Century & Consumers buildings. 

Links:

Interwar Modernism Pinterest board

Art:

Narcissa Niblack Thorne. California Hallway c.1940. The Art Institute of Chicago.

Recorded on 12/10/2023

Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Aeropostale, American Eagle, and Pink were dominant clothing brands during the mid-2000s. Despite their immense popularity during this time period they are scarcely referenced in alternative fashion today. In this week’s episode Joseph and Nathan suggest that said logo-centric aesthetic be labeled “logoprep.” Amidst a larger discussion about prep in the mid-2000s the boys discuss the great recession, malls, Uggs, American Apparel (again), the Netflix film White Hot, and Why I Hate Abercrombie & Fitch by Dwight A. McBride.

Links:

Logoprep Pinterest board

Recorded on 12/03/2023

Crystal Castles was a Canadian electronic music group known for their experimental sound characterized by video game sound effects and synthesizers. It was initially formed in 2006 by vocalist Alice Glass and producer Ethan Kath and lasted until it ended in controversy in 2017. Their music has become popular on Tiktok recently and has influenced a new wave of electronic producers such as Pastel Ghost, JUHVAHN, Akiaura, and Alice Gas. Joseph and Nathan discuss Crystal Castle's troubled past, present popularity, and future legacy on this week’s episode of Silent Generation. 

Links:

Pinterest board with Tiktok links

Recorded on 11/26/2023

All song clips used in this episode are claimed as fair use