Sparks – the quirky art-pop pioneers who deserve more recognition. Join Sean and Rene as they explore the eccentric world of Ron and Russell Mael, from their theatrical stage presence to their genre-defying sound. Discover why Sparks' influence spans decades, inspiring artists from the Sex Pistols to New Order to Beck. With tales of unexpected collaborations with Gorillaz and Franz Ferdinand, this episode unravels the story of a band that has always been ahead of its time. Plus, find out why Sparks is the exception to Rene’s usual disdain for comedy music. It just might convert you into a fan too if you're not already.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4QQG7CDLO5k80Z0BK3nIiH?si=1145d9ea4e8b4531

https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/sparks-besties/pl.u-qxylKv5F22LbN0

Neutral Milk Hotel – the enigmatic indie legends who deserve more recognition. Join Sean and Rene as they explore Jeff Mangum’s surreal world – from unique soundscapes to abstract lyrics. See why Rene might prefer "On Avery Island" over the iconic "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," and learn about the mysterious origins of their name and Jeff’s sudden disappearance. This episode unravels the brief yet impactful story of a band that walked away at their peak, with a peek into the Elephant 6 collective behind the scenes. Tune in for lo-fi sounds, Bulgarian folk, and a mythic band that left a lasting mark.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5zw3xugXP45LJlBINsjFCX?si=32b99fe154ad4e22

https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/neutral-milk-hotel-besties/pl.u-zPyLmD5CZZARGk

The Mountain Goats – the prolific lo-fi storytellers who deserve more recognition. This is the band that was made for Sean NOT Rene – find out why. And tune in to tales of Andrew Eldritch being rude behind a bouncer, and another round of Sean hating Radiohead as they explore why this goth-adjacent, boombox-to-studio evolution should get more attention. From 23 studio albums (and counting) to wrestling concepts and biblical references – this narrative-driven band is a reminder that music can be deeply personal. Listen to see if this band’s made for you.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2V3PNSpAilanvQcfGl8wES?si=e81f3da78c8345c3

https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/the-mountain-goats-besties/pl.u-pMyl1KlI44RPdx

UPDATE: New album just released and getting praise: https://open.spotify.com/album/23wXSnurzNp56xCyGBPQ65?si=93wDhwncQ52f3vet4Z3_tg

Band of Horses – the genre-bending American band who deserve more recognition. Sean and Rene discuss their history and evolution, how Rene forced the first album on Sean, Sean's surprise at Rene's reaction to BOH live, and their album-ranking fight. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZWhBJY5fR4dCEW0rDoF7N?si=5abe516a325b4624

The Weakerthans – the post-punk, introspective Winnipeg band who deserve more recognition. Sean and Rene discuss their history and evolution, and “fun” facts about Winnipeg. Plus, hear Sean's Riot Fest coincidence that blows Rene's mind. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QcYyKd8tX6wuLavitI9KP?si=d50427e4638744a7

Grandaddy – the Modesto post-skatepunk atmospheric pioneers who deserve more recognition. From Jason Lytle's skateboarding origins to their unique sound blend, Sean and Rene discuss their history, evolution and more concert amnesia. Plus, CLICK, Sean surprises Rene with strong feelings about the band. Earshifter playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6bDzK72WMGg4k0VJMBapiY?si=8b2a6593af344444 UPDATE: Grandaddy’s Blu Wav album has since been released.

New York poet Jim Carroll gets the spotlight as the hosts dig into his world of basketball, heroin, and punk poetry. Between debates about song picks, how Jim Carroll got Sean free drinks, and the question of playing sports high, they explore why this Lou Reed-connected artist needs more recognition. From Andy Warhol's Factory to Patti Smith collaborations – discover this junkie-turned-clean inspiration. Earshifter playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0seAeNIlpaMRiDPCuVtWAj?si=def34fe9163e415b

Welsh band The Joy Formidable get the spotlight as the hosts dig into their overlooked catalog and massive sound. Between an AI guessing game gone wrong, some serious concert amnesia, and thoughts on music therapy, they explore why this sonic-rollercoaster band deserves way more recognition. From "The Big Roar" to Utah wilderness vibes - check out this dynamic trio. Earshifter playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11coHhMoyAQSjcuPOHMMwZ?si=74dd00011d714eb5 UPDATE: Dave Grohl's had some stuff come out since we recorded this – proving that nobody's perfect.