Josh Tillman is a legend. His reputation precedes himself. Under the stage name, Father John Misty, Tillman's music is essentialy to any discussion about indie music in the 2010s. That started with his 2012 record, "Fear Fun." Tillman's debut u

In Rainbows: Artistic Alternative Ambience

Sep 14th, 2019 1h

Stop us if you've heard this one before: three dudes walk into a recording studio and talk about how much they love In Rainbows by Radiohead. This is no joke, it's the basis for the new episode of 5280 Listening Club. James is joined by fellow

Titanic Rising by Weyes Blood is ethereal, surreal and really good

Sep 10th, 2019 41m 52s

Weyes Blood had to release seven albums before breaking out. And we couldn’t be happier with the one that gave her career that extra oomph. “Titanic Rising,” released on April 5 through Sub Pop records, is an ethereal chamber pop album. No cont

Ed Sheeran released a playlist and called it an album

Aug 29th, 2019 34m 23s

Welcome to Season 2 of the 5280 Listening Club! We start this season off with a low bar, talking about the generally derided, yet commercially successful album, No. 6 Collaborations Project by Ed Sheeran. The album — which is more of a collecti

The Apex of Stevie Wonder

Aug 17th, 2019 39m 25s

On the last episode of Season 1, James, Nataleah, and Isaac embrace the behemoth, 2-hour long album by Stevie Wonder, “Songs in the Key of Life.” The record is often considered to be the best output from the legendary soul singer and can be fou

Fleetwood's Mac breakup classic still resonates today

Aug 10th, 2019 33m 47s

Rumours is the 11th album from the folk-rock band, Fleetwood Mac. Released in 1977, the angelic melodies, soothing harmonies and striking lyrics resonated with listeners in a way none of the previous 10 had. The album was an immediate success,

The Idler Wheel: Fiona Apple's tortured ode to love

Aug 3rd, 2019 32m 31s

In 2012, singer/songwriter extraordinaire Fiona Apple released her acclaimed, fourth studio album “The Idler Wheel…” On this episode of 5280 Listening Club, James is joined by Ronan O’Shea, Jeff Ritchie, and Brandt Wintzen to discuss the legend

To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick's (second) classic

Jul 7th, 2019 54m 43s

On the latest episode of 5280 Listening Club, we dissect Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 record “To Pimp a Butterfly.” From the second the album dropped, it was regarded as a classic and it hasn't aged a day since its release. TPAB is a grand and concept

Tyler, the Creator evolves into an icon on 'IGOR'

Jun 9th, 2019 40m 4s

On his latest album, released on May 17, Tyler, the Creator matures admirably and portrays the grief process of heartbreak in an admirably honest manner. Gone are the days are shock value for shock value’s sake and instead are smart love songs

Omoiyari: Kishi Bashi tackles Japanese-American internment on new album

Jun 1st, 2019 42m 47s

On his new album, Kishi Bashi tackles the seldom-discussed subject of Japanese-American internment during World War II. Using sunshiney indie pop and chamber pop melodies, he delivers one of the surprising successes of 2019.

Atrocity Exhibition: Danny Brown's spastic, abstract classic?

Jun 1st, 2019 49m 27s

In what is easily our most divisive episode yet, the gang dives into Danny Brown's 2016 album, "Atrocity Exhibition." James loved it. Brown's nasally and unique delivery compliments the abstract beats and creative wordplay. But the self-describ

Billie Eilish's dark debut and needless controversy

May 25th, 2019 36m 53s

Billie Eilish guides the listener into the depths of hell of dark pop on her debut album, "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" Almost three months after its release, the album continues to be one of the best of 2019 with pristine producti

By the way, RHCP is prettyyy dope

May 18th, 2019 36m 19s

In this episode of 5280 Listening Club, the gang gives a listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2002 record, "By the Way." It has the band's trademark groove and funk, but tosses in a fair amount of poignancy when tackling drug addiction. If

The mixtape that made Chance a star

May 11th, 2019 57m 22s

Chance the Rapper burst onto the scene in 2013 with his mixtape, “Acid Rap.” The evocative output is equal parts sweet, confident and groovy. Highlighting the record is the upbeat banger “Good Ass Intro” that relies on neo-gospel vocals, tastef

TV On the Radio's forgotten epic

Apr 27th, 2019 33m 23s

In this episode, we give the 2008 classic, "Dear Science" by TV On the Radio a listen. The year is 2003 and the Brooklyn-based indie outfit TV On the Radio bursts onto the scene with their underground hit EP, “Young Liars” and a stellar title t

Vulfpeck's goofy ode to funk

Apr 22nd, 2019 46m 21s

In this episode of 5280 Listening Club, we take a listen to Vulfpeck's second studio album, "The Beautiful Game." Released in 2016, the record funks you up with sexy bass lines and a goofy aesthetic with laid-back bangers like "Conscious Club"

Sitting in the fire with Troy Baker

Apr 16th, 2019 41m 53s

In this episode, the gang talks about Troy Baker’s 2014 debut indie-rock album, “Sitting in the Fire.” A renowned voice actor in video games (the Batman Arkham series and Tales from the Borderlands) and television, Baker explores his own person

5280 Listening Club: Arcade Fire's rebellious debut

Mar 16th, 2019 52m 52s

Released in 2004, “Funeral” was the result of years of the French-Canadian alternative group’s struggle to break out. The album’s title refers to the hardships the band faced during the recording process. Win and William Butler, Regine Chassagn

5280 Listening Club: Lauryn Hill's trailblazing Miseducation

Mar 15th, 2019 56m 15s

On this episode, the group takes a look and a listen to Lauryn Hill's legendary debut album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Released in 1998, the album is a coming-of-age blend of neo-soul, R&B and hip hop that explores a young woman’s pers

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