The Album of Record

 summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew explore the evolution of alternative and hardcore music, discuss upcoming album releases, and analyze the dynamics of music festivals. They share insights on bands like Third Eye Blind, The Toadies, Angel Dust, and the Foo Fighters, offering a deep dive into genre blending, industry trends, and live performances. Chapters 00:00 Nostalgic Musical Journeys 02:43 The Evolution of Third Eye Blind 05:52 The Toadies: A Band's Journey 08:29 Festival Economics and Band Lineups 11:23 Foo Fighters: Consistency in Music 14:01 The Legacy of the Foo Fighters 27:50 February Blues and Music Reflections 29:54 Tori Amos and the Evolution of Music 31:11 Converge's New Album: A Fan's Perspective 35:42 The Origins of Angel Dust and Hardcore Scene 40:25 Angel Dust's Musical Journey and New Album 52:54 Final Thoughts on Angel Dust's New Album

On this episode, we do get a little bit political, because it invaded music for a week. The Epstein Files and their music industry fallout with the Wasserman talent agency are a topic of conversation as well as the Superbowl halftime show. We also discussed Craig seeing Agriculture live and how a black metal band can be so joyous. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Two Years of Podcasting 02:57 The Joy of Daylight and Seasonal Changes 05:40 Exploring the Ecstatic Black Metal Scene 08:37 Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Clash of Perspectives 11:20 Cultural Commentary on Music and Politics 19:53 The Impact of Jeffrey Epstein's Influence on Music Management 23:50 The Influence of the Elite Class 26:44 Artists and the Burden of Association 27:39 Local Connections to Global Issues 30:41 The Weight of Wealth and Power 33:47 Musical Tidbits and New Releases 38:50 Exploring New Sounds and Recommendations

In this episode of the Album of Record podcast, hosts Craig Lyndall and Andrew Schnitkey dive into the latest in indie, punk, and metal, headlined by a review of Joyce Manor's seventh studio album. They also provide extensive coverage of the 2026 Grammy Awards, celebrating a historic night for the Baltimore hardcore band Turnstile. The conversation transitions from modern punk to a surprising exploration of classical music, as Andrew shares his newfound appreciation for Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, drawing parallels between orchestral "breakdowns" and hardcore music. The episode concludes with a Recommendation Corner featuring a mix of doom shoegaze and southern indie rock. Chapters 00:01 – Introduction and Hoodie Season The hosts catch up on the cold February weather and Andrew's recurring Deftones sweatshirt.   01:09 – Review: Joyce Manor's New Album A deep dive into the band's latest release, discussing its signature short runtime, infectious hooks, and themes of wistful depression.   09:33 – Pitchfork Ratings & Final Scores Craig and Andrew compare their personal scores of 7.0 and 7.6 to the Pitchfork critic and reader ratings.   12:14 – 2026 Grammys: Turnstile's Historic Night Reaction to Turnstile winning Best Metal Performance and Best Rock Album, including a debate on their status in the hardcore scene.   24:58 – The Cure and Grammy Eligibility Debates A discussion on The Cure's first Grammy win for Songs of a Lost World and Craig's defense of the Grammy cutoff for album eligibility.   32:24 – Classical Music for Hardcore Fans Andrew explains how The West Wing and ChatGPT led him to discover the frenzied similarities between Beethoven and punk.   38:24 – Recommendation Corner Craig recommends the all-female doom shoegaze band Blackwater Holy Light, and Andrew previews the new Rat Boys record.   49:06 – Looking Ahead: Agriculture & Angel Dust Anticipation for seeing the band Agriculture live in Cleveland and next week's highly anticipated Angel Dust release.

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences with eye care and LASIK to their thoughts on the Super Bowl and team loyalties. They delve into the intersection of music and sports, sharing insights on the soundtrack of games and their favorite bands. The conversation shifts to the Tea Party and their musical impact, as well as the recent performance of Geese on Saturday Night Live. They explore the significance of biopics in understanding music legends, particularly focusing on Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. The episode concludes with a discussion on Kanye West's recent apology and the complexities of redemption in the public eye, alongside reflections on the evolving nature of music and culture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:50 Sports Talk: Super Bowl and Team Rivalries 05:28 Music and Cultural Commentary 08:08 The Tea Party and Musical Discoveries 11:00 Geese on Saturday Night Live 13:40 Music Biopics and Their Impact 22:53 The Evolution of Music Genres 25:39 Bob Dylan's Impact and Controversies 27:16 Springsteen's Creative Struggles 31:00 The Changing Landscape of Indie Music 39:18 Kanye West's Controversial Apology and Redemption 50:23 Closing Thoughts and Future Music Releases

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss their experiences with winter weather, the loss of their favorite podcast IndieCast, and their current podcast listening habits. They dive deep into Zach Bryan's new album, exploring its songwriting, sound, and artistic choices. The conversation shifts to the state of music criticism, particularly focusing on Pitchfork's new subscription model and its implications for music consumption. They also discuss the challenges of navigating the current landscape of music reviews and recommendations, concluding with thoughts on upcoming releases and their personal music recommendations. Chapters 00:00 Winter Weather and Weekend Plans 02:44 Nostalgia for IndieCast 05:32 Podcast Listening Habits 08:26 Zach Bryan's New Album Review 16:41 Zach Bryan's Unique Style and Appeal 22:22 The Death of the Web and Subscription Models 33:16 The Value of Subscription Services 35:33 Community Engagement in Music Reviews 38:18 Understanding Pitchfork's Rating System 51:53 Defining Musical Masterpieces 56:34 Recommendations and Anticipations for New Music

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew reflect on the transition into 2026, discussing personal growth, resolutions, and the significance of live music. They delve into the musical landscape of 1996, exploring the shift from grunge to alternative rock, the impact of hip hop, and the Billboard Top 100 of that year. The conversation also touches on the MTV Video Music Awards and anticipates exciting album releases for 2026. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to 2026: New Beginnings 02:47 Reflections on 2025: Personal Growth and Resolutions 05:31 Musical Resolutions: Exploring Live Music 08:31 1996: A Year in Music 11:18 The Shift from Grunge to Alternative 14:03 Heavy Music of 1996: A Diverse Landscape 16:51 Hip Hop and R&B in 1996: Cultural Impact 19:43 Billboard Top 100 of 1996: A Nostalgic Journey 22:18 MTV Video Music Awards 1996: Winners and Highlights 25:09 Looking Ahead: Anticipated Albums of 2026

In this special bonus episode closing out 2025, Craig and Andrew discuss one of their favorite bands, Foxing, and the band's recent decision to go on indefinite hiatus to mend their personal relationships and relationship with the music.  Andrew interviews Craig about the two farewell shows he attended in Chicago and just how different they were.

Summary In this episode of the Album of Record podcast, hosts Craig Lyndall and Andrew Schnitkey dive into their top 10 music albums of 2025. They discuss the challenges of ranking their favorite albums, share insights on various artists, and reflect on the emotional impact of the music. The conversation also touches on the current state of the emo genre and the significance of certain albums in defining the year in music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Top 10 Music of 2025 01:18 Unveiling the Top 10 Lists 03:26 Exploring Numbers 10 to 6 10:41 Diving into the Top 5 11:13 The Battle of the Top 3 20:47 Reflections on the Year in Music 23:27 Exploring Emo Punk Records 24:24 The Armed: A Deep Dive into Their Latest Album 29:05 Perfect Saviors vs. The Armed: A Personal Preference 31:21 Craig's Number One: Greet Death 34:02 Late Discoveries and the Emo Revival 37:48 Reflections on the Year in Music 40:57 Women in Music: Representation in 2025 42:38 Defining the Year: Personal Favorites and Impact

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew reflect on their favorite music from the past year, discussing various albums and ranking them using a tier list. They explore the criteria for what makes an album stand out, share personal favorites, and engage in lively debates about different artists and their latest releases. The conversation highlights the diversity of music and the subjective nature of musical appreciation, making for an engaging and insightful discussion. In this episode, Andrew Schnitkey and Craig Lyndall dive deep into their thoughts on various album releases from the year, exploring genres like pop punk, hardcore, and singer-songwriter vibes. They discuss the evolution of artists like Danny Brown and the maturity of bands like Deftones, while also celebrating the sense of community found in hardcore music. The conversation touches on the challenges of ranking albums, the impact of anticipation, and the resurgence of emo music. With a mix of personal favorites and new discoveries, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the music landscape for the year. Chapters 00:00 Year in Music Overview 05:41 Exploring Emo and Indie Albums 11:53 Emerging Artists and Surprises 17:23 Rap and Hip-Hop Insights 25:19 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 29:54 Disappointments and Surprises in Music 33:53 Exploring New Sounds: Fust and Beyond 39:03 Greet Death: A Career-Defining Album 43:03 Cloakroom: A Mixed Bag 43:49 Blood Brothers and Combust: Hardcore Highlights 45:55 Danny Brown: A Party Album 48:42 Deftones: Maturity in Music 49:39 Drain: The Most Reliable Hardcore Band 51:01 Fleshwater: A Divisive Album 51:59 Froglord: A Solid Listen 52:43 Geese: Glad We Heard It 53:47 Runner: An Album of Record 54:59 Glitterer: A Recent Discovery 55:32 Higher Power: Solid Hooks 56:37 Home is Where: Good but Not Great 56:54 Hotline TNT: A Forgotten Gem 59:03 Exploring MS Paint and Noctambulist 01:00:18 Deafheaven and Restraining Order: A Deep Dive 01:01:38 Taylor Swift and The Armed: Ranking the Albums 01:03:08 Shoegaze and Emo: The Sounds of 2023 01:05:33 New Discoveries: Ben Quad and Turnstile 01:07:32 Anticipated Releases: Sam Fender and Dyspitz 01:09:29 Emo Files: Kerosene Heights and The Low Blow

Summary In this episode of the Album of Record podcast, hosts Craig and Andrew discuss their personal experiences over the Thanksgiving holiday, including health updates and family highlights. They delve into the end-of-year music lists, focusing on Pitchfork and Stereogum's top albums of the year, sharing their thoughts on the selections and their own Spotify Wrapped results. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of music appreciation and the subjective nature of year-end lists, culminating in a reflection on their favorite albums and artists of the year. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:11 Thanksgiving Highlights and Health Issues 02:38 End of Year Music Lists: Spotify Wrapped and Pitchfork 10:39 Discussion on Pitchfork's Top Albums 11:23 Stereogum's Year-End List 23:43 Spotify Wrapped Insights 29:15 Top Albums and Artists of the Year

Craig revisits an April conversation with Andrew about Deafheaven's 2025 album Lonely People With Power. They talk about why it hit them so hard, how it balances heaviness with melody, and why it feels like a culmination of everything the band has done. They break down the intentional role of the three "Incidentals," highlight the musicianship of Kerry McCoy, George Clarke, Daniel Tracy, Shiv Murali, and Chris Johnson, and compare the production to the band's earlier work. Track standouts include Doberman, Magnolia, Amethyst, Body Behavior, Revelator, Winona, and The Marvelous Orange Tree. Both hosts agree the record may be Deafheaven's best and expect it to show up on year-end lists. Timestamp Notes 00:00 – Intro and setup for the replay 00:40 – Why this album will appear on year-end lists 01:20 – Opening banter 02:00 – First impressions: both hosts love it 03:00 – Craig's note on why Deafheaven isn't for everyone 04:00 – Andrew's early struggles with Sunbather 06:00 – Wondering if this record would continue Infinite Granite 07:00 – Roadrunner Records and the return to heaviness 08:00 – The band's mystery and unpredictability 09:00 – Where Deafheaven sits in the broader music world 10:45 – The "Incidentals" and how they shape the album 12:00 – Incidental I leading into Doberman 13:00 – Incidental II analysis and Jay Matthews's part 16:00 – Incidental III and Paul Banks 17:00 – Why the sequencing matters 19:00 – Doberman and Magnolia as re-introductions 22:00 – Where Deafheaven fits on festival lineups 25:00 – Their evolution from Sunbather to now 28:00 – George Clarke on feeling exposed during Infinite Granite 30:00 – Why Infinite Granite was necessary for this album 34:00 – The album's length and relentlessness 37:00 – Body Behavior and Chris Johnson's bass moment 40:00 – Overall musicianship discussion 48:00 – Amethyst as the emotional core 52:00 – Production shift with Justin Meldal-Johnsen 56:00 – Amethyst as the purest form of the band 58:00 – Winona vs. The Marvelous Orange Tree 1:00:00 – How critics are receiving the album 1:03:00 – Why the album feels personal to the hosts 1:05:00 – Is this their best album? 1:06:00 – Closing remarks and sign-off

Summary In this episode of the Album of Record podcast, hosts Craig Lyndall and Andrew Schnitkey discuss their personal experiences with back pain, share insights from recent live music shows, and dive into their year-end album rankings. They explore the challenges of ranking albums, the impact of live performances on their perceptions, and the significance of various records in their musical journeys. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 11:03 Live Music Experiences 21:30 Album of the Year Discussion 23:29 Negotiating Musical Tiers 25:35 Contrasting Album Achievements 26:44 Revisiting Early Favorites 28:29 Subjectivity in Music Appreciation 29:22 Initial Impressions vs. Lasting Impact 30:51 Reconsidering Overrated Albums 33:08 Rediscovering Hidden Gems 35:50 Talking Yourself Into Albums 37:04 The Allure of Live Performances

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss seasonal affective disorder, the latest music industry news, and the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. They delve into the Grammy nominations, highlighting Turnstile's historic nominations and the eclectic nature of the categories. The conversation shifts to Stereogum's relaunch and the impact of AI on ad revenue, emphasizing the challenges faced by independent music publications. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of supporting music journalism. Chapters 00:00 Seasonal Affective Reflections 02:52 The Psychology of Extroversion and Introversion 05:53 Music Industry News: Red Hot Chili Peppers and More 08:58 Henry Rollins and Ian McKay: A Misunderstanding 11:58 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Highlights 17:52 Performance Reviews: Outkast, 21 Pilots, and More 24:04 Emerging Bands: Geese and the Subculture Scene 26:30 Viral Commentary on Music Covers 35:01 Grammy Nominations and Turnstile's Impact 44:06 Stereogum's Relaunch and the Future of Music Journalism

Summary In this episode of the Album of Record podcast, hosts Craig and Andrew discuss their excitement for upcoming concerts, new music releases, and the return of iconic bands like Radiohead. They delve into the impact of singles and album previews, as well as controversies surrounding artists' decisions to alter their music. The conversation also touches on cultural phenomena in music, the evolution of music consumption, and the differences between British and American rock. They reflect on influential bands and look ahead to future releases, wrapping up with thoughts on the music landscape. Chapters 00:00 Concert Excitement and Upcoming Shows 02:58 New Music Releases and Anticipation 05:51 Artist Evolution and Album Expectations 08:56 The Impact of Streaming on Music 11:54 The 1975 Controversy and Artist Integrity 14:58 Radiohead's Setlist and Live Performances 28:23 Night Two Setlist Highlights 32:01 The Anticipation of a World Tour 34:05 The Legacy of British Rock Bands 40:55 The Androgynous Nature of British Rock 45:00 Looking Ahead: Rancid's 30th Anniversary 52:59 Zach Bryan: A Cultural Phenomenon

Summary In this episode of the Album of Record podcast, hosts Craig and Andrew engage in a lively discussion covering a range of topics from personal anecdotes about blood donation to the upcoming Rock Hall ceremony. They delve into the speculation surrounding Soundgarden's induction, share thoughts on Chris Kirkpatrick's recent antics, and announce the Foo Fighters' upcoming tour. The conversation shifts to album reviews, including Spiritual Cramp and White Reaper, before wrapping up with a discussion on the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets' latest release and other new music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Light Banter 03:08 Blood Donation Experience and Personal Anecdotes 06:06 Rock Hall Ceremony and Soundgarden Induction 08:47 Discussion on Chris Kirkpatrick and Artistic Integrity 11:44 Foo Fighters Tour Announcement and Opener Speculation 17:37 Mark Lanegan's Music and Personal Connection 29:35 Nirvana's Live Albums and Legacy 31:18 The Evolution of Nirvana's Live Sound 35:36 Exploring New Music: Spiritual Cramp 45:35 The Impact of Drummers on Band Sound 51:10 White Reaper: A New Wave of Rock 52:17 Psychedelic Porn Crumpets: A Fun Musical Journey

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss their personal lives, including parenting challenges and the impact of busy schedules. They pay tribute to rock legends who have passed away, reflecting on their influence in the music community. The conversation shifts to new music releases, festival lineups, and the excitement surrounding upcoming albums. They also delve into the ethics of publishing personal journals of artists and share their thoughts on various bands and their legacies. The episode concludes with recommendations for new music and reflections on the current state of the music industry. Chapters 00:00 Life Updates and Parenting Challenges 02:46 Tributes to Rock Legends: Ace Frehley and Sam Rivers 05:33 Reflections on Personal Loss and Health Concerns 08:10 The Impact of Unpublished Writings in Music 11:04 Soundgarden's Future and Legacy 13:36 Reunions and the State of Iconic Bands 16:26 Festival Experiences and Personal Preferences 29:43 Festival Changes and Preferences 31:00 Lineup Highlights and Nostalgia 32:38 Live Performances and Band Dynamics 35:26 Deer Tick and Personal Connections 37:59 Public Enemy and Cultural Impact 42:40 Switchfoot and Live Performance Insights 44:03 Militarie Gun's New Album and Evolution 50:18 Lyrical Depth and Personal Struggles 55:12 Upcoming Releases and Anticipations

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss various new albums, focusing on their experiences with lossless Spotify, the latest Taylor Swift album, and insights from Haley Williams' interview. They explore the evolution of Taylor Swift's music, the production quality of recent albums, and the impact of artists like AFI and Foxing on the music scene. The conversation highlights the importance of music in connecting different generations and the significance of artistic expression in today's music industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Lossless Spotify Experience 02:37 Exploring New Albums and Their Impact 05:33 Taylor Swift's New Album Discussion 08:03 Comparing Taylor Swift's Musical Evolution 10:52 Cultural Impact and Listening Obligations 22:22 The Cultural Impact of Music Icons 25:48 Hayley Williams: A Dynamic Performer 35:31 The Evolution of Paramore and Feminism in Music 40:31 AFI's New Direction and Davey Havoc's Unique Persona 44:39 Podcasting Challenges and Future Plans

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss their experiences at recent concerts, including Turnstile and Greet Death, while reflecting on the indefinite hiatus of the band Foxing. They explore the emotional impact of Foxing's music, the diversity of concert audiences, and the significance of live performances. The conversation also delves into the ranking of Foxing's discography, highlighting the unique qualities of each album and the personal connections listeners have with their music. Ultimately, the episode captures the bittersweet nature of music fandom and the importance of supporting artists in their journeys. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Reflections 02:39 Turnstile Concert Experience 05:13 Diversity and Community at Concerts 07:47 Setlist Highlights and Performance Details 10:41 Greet Death Show Experience 17:21 Foxing's Indefinite Hiatus Announcement 36:01 The Emotional Journey of Music Creation 38:09 Promotional Strategies and Artistic Intentions 40:14 The Legacy of Foxing: A Band's Journey 43:23 Personal Connections and Farewell to Foxing 46:29 Ranking the Discography: A Deep Dive 56:43 Reflections on Music and Personal Growth

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew reflect on their recent concert experiences, particularly focusing on the Deftones and Idles performances. They discuss the impact of live music, the dynamics of concert crowds, and the evolution of bands over time. The conversation also touches on gaming, particularly the new Borderlands 4, and concludes with a review of the new album by Saturdays at Your Place, highlighting its emotional depth and musicality. Chapters 00:00 Concert Reflections and Post-Concert Malaise 02:45 Gaming and Music: The Perfect Combo 05:36 Idols: A Surprising Opener 10:44 Deftones Concert Experience 16:26 Setlist Surprises and Fan Reactions 26:43 The Evolution of Deftones' Sound 29:08 Live Performance Highlights 32:57 Setlist Insights and Fan Reactions 34:29 The Encore Experience 36:47 Reflections on the Concert 42:42 New Music Review: Saturdays at Your Place

Summary In this episode of the Album of Record podcast, Craig and Andrew discuss their in-person podcasting experience while anticipating a Deftones concert. They reflect on the evolution of Deftones' sound, their new album, and the expectations for the concert setlist. The conversation also touches on the legacy of new metal bands, personal connections to music, nostalgia for the 90s music scene, and the impact of streaming services like Spotify on music quality. They conclude with a discussion about Turnstile's recent Tiny Desk performance. Chapters 00:00 In-Person Podcasting Experience 02:43 Anticipation for Deftones Concert 05:39 Evolution of Deftones' Sound 08:37 Discussion on New Album and Music Trends 11:23 Setlist Expectations and Concert Dynamics 14:04 Reflections on Music's Impact and Nostalgia 17:13 Comparative Analysis of Bands and Genres 19:47 Streaming Services and Music Quality 23:00 Final Thoughts and Concert Experience