For each show, we take an in-depth look at one new album that we think is worth sharing, and play some selections from it. An archive of all our episodes is available at ForTheRecordPodcast.com (http://fortherecordpodcast.tumblr.com). Contact us at [email protected].
Fake Fruit's "Mucho Mistrust"
Oakland trio Fake Fruit’s second album faces an uncertain world with blistering guitars, off-kilter rhythms, and an appealing blend of earnestness and humor. We discuss “Mucho…
10/17/2024 • 30 minutes
Gustaf's "Package Pt. 2" (Rerun)
On their second album, Brooklyn’s Gustaf expertly balance art-punk ambition with danceable beats and a playful sense of humor. We discuss “Package Pt. 2” on episode…
10/3/2024 • 30 minutes
The Bug Club's "On the Intricate Inner Workings of the System"
Welsh duo The Bug Club combine high-energy, melodic garage rock with absurd, witty lyrics on their Sub Pop debut, "On the Intricate Inner Workings of the…
9/19/2024 • 30 minutes
Wishy's "Triple Seven"
Wishy's debut album is filled with hooky, melodic rock that sounds like it's been beamed through time from your favorite 1990s alternative radio station, while somehow…
9/5/2024 • 30 minutes
Sour Widows' "Revival of a Friend"
Themes of loss and grief lend an intensity and urgency to the debut album from the Bay Area's own Sour Widows. We discuss "Revival of a…
8/22/2024 • 30 minutes
Odie Leigh's "Carrier Pigeon"
Detroit singer-songwriter Odie Leigh fuses indie pop, folk, and Americana in her charming debut album, "Carrier Pigeon." We discuss it in-depth in episode #215 of “For…
8/8/2024 • 30 minutes
Dan Boeckner's "Boeckner!"
After decades in bands like Wolf Parade, The Arcade Fire, Handsome Furs, Divine Fits, and Operators, Dan Boeckner has released his first solo album. We discuss…
7/25/2024 • 30 minutes
Cola's "The Gloss"
Montreal trio Cola was born out of the ashes of post-punk band Ought, but they bring a more melodic, jazzy feel to songs that still maintain…
7/11/2024 • 30 minutes
SPRINTS' "Letter to Self" (Re-run)
SPRINTS are the latest exports from Dublin's burgeoning punk and garage rock scene. We discuss their ferocious debut album "Letter to Self" in-depth on episode #205…
6/27/2024 • 30 minutes
Ducks Ltd.'s "Harm's Way"
The sophomore album from Ducks Ltd. brings sunny, jangle-pop melodies with layered production that mask lyrical themes of anxiety and depression. We discuss "Harm's Way" on…
6/13/2024 • 30 minutes
Middle Kids' "Faith Crisis Pt. 1"
Middle Kids are a trio from Sydney, Australia who swing for the fences on their third album, with glossy pop that has stadium-filling energy. We discuss…
5/30/2024 • 30 minutes
Gustaf's "Package Pt. 2"
On their second album, Brooklyn’s Gustaf expertly balance art-punk ambition with danceable beats and a playful sense of humor. We discuss “Package Pt. 2” on episode…
5/16/2024 • 30 minutes
Vampire Weekend's "Only God Was Above Us"
Vampire Weekend's fifth album is their best yet, and may end up being one of the best records of 2024. We discuss "Only God Was Above…
5/2/2024 • 30 minutes
Bad Tiger's "Bliss"
San Francisco’s own Bad Tiger craft charming, introspective indie pop with emotive vocals and thoughtful instrumentation. We discuss their second full-length, “Bliss,” on episode #208 of…
4/18/2024 • 30 minutes
Mary Timony's "Untame the Tiger"
Guitar legend Mary Timony is back with her first solo album in almost two decades, exploring a range of styles in songs that are as intricately-crafted…
4/4/2024 • 30 minutes
Sarah Coolidge's "Call Me When You Get There"
On her debut LP, Oakland-based Sarah Coolidge combines clever, evocative lyrics and powerful, Americana-influenced rock. We discuss “Call Me When You Get There” on episode #206…
3/21/2024 • 30 minutes
SPRINTS' "Letter to Self"
SPRINTS are the latest exports from Dublin's burgeoning punk and garage rock scene. We discuss their ferocious debut album "Letter to Self" in-depth on episode #205…
3/7/2024 • 30 minutes
Sleater-Kinney's "Little Rope"
Sleater-Kinney's 11th record finds the now-duo pushing their sound forward while staying true to what made the band great. We discuss "Little Rope" in-depth on episode…
2/22/2024 • 30 minutes
Slow Pulp's "Yard"
Slow Pulp pushes all of our 90s nostalgia buttons while keeping their sound fresh with emotive vocals and electronic touches. We discuss their second album, "Yard,"…
2/8/2024 • 30 minutes
Grooblen's "A Wormhole is a Freeway to the Stars"
San Francisco-based Grooblen (who we heard about right here on BFF.fm!) brings an eclectic mix of jazzy, psychedelic pop songs on their second album, "A Wormhole…
1/25/2024 • 30 minutes
Sweeping Promises' "Good Living is Coming For You"
On their second album, Kansas-based duo Sweeping Promises craft lo-fi, danceable new wave songs with a critique of late capitalism at once both biting and joyful.
1/11/2024 • 30 minutes
Palehound's "Eye on the Bat"
Palehound's fourth album journeys through the emotional territory of a breakup with a lot of big riffs. We discuss "Eye on the Bat" in-depth in episode…
12/28/2023 • 30 minutes
The Beths' "Expert in a Dying Field"
The Beths write power pop songs with hooks upon hooks, incredible musicianship, and a lot of heart. We discussed their first record back in episode #92…
12/14/2023 • 30 minutes
Marnie Stern's "The Comeback Kid"
Guitar virtuoso Marnie Stern comes roaring back with her first album in 10 years, and the good news is, she still shreds. We discuss "The Comeback…
11/30/2023 • 30 minutes
Husbands' "Cuatro"
Husbands make upbeat indie pop that washes over you and takes you to a sunnier place -- a perfect listen as we start descending into winter.
11/16/2023 • 30 minutes
Milliseconds' "So This Is How It Happens"
Milliseconds, a new trio with two members of The Dismemberment Plan, deliver a debut album of energetic, intricate songs confronting alienation and despair. We discuss "So…
11/2/2023 • 30 minutes
Geese's "3D Country"
With their second album, Brooklyn 5-piece Geese take an ambitious swing into new territory that combines classic rock, funky basslines, and over-the-top vocals. We discuss "3D…
10/19/2023 • 30 minutes
Alex Lahey's "The Answer is Always Yes"
Australian singer-songwriter Alex Lahey has taken a major leap forward with her third album, bringing a more sonically expansive approach to her smart, catchy power pop.
10/5/2023 • 30 minutes
Islands' "And That's Why Dolphins Lost Their Legs"
On their ninth record, Islands confront the absurdity of life with energy, humor, and rich, re-listenable production. We discuss "And That's Why Dolphins Lost Their Legs"…
9/21/2023 • 30 minutes
Margaret Glaspy's "Echo the Diamond"
On her new album, Margaret Glaspy pairs powerhouse vocals with emotive guitar and a stripped-down sound. We discuss "Echo the Diamond" in episode #194 of "For…
9/7/2023 • 30 minutes
Quasi's "Breaking the Balls of History" (Rerun)
After a 10-year hiatus, veteran Portland duo Quasi, half of which is rock's greatest drummer, Janet Weiss, are back with a 10th album of weird, joyful…
8/24/2023 • 30 minutes
Palehound's "Eye on the Bat"
Palehound's fourth album journeys through the emotional territory of a breakup with a lot of big riffs. We discuss "Eye on the Bat" in-depth in episode…
8/10/2023 • 30 minutes
Kiwi Jr.’s “Chopper” (Re-Run)
Toronto band Kiwi Jr. is one of our favorite recent discoveries. Their third album knocks it out of the park with new wave synths, tight and…
7/27/2023 • 30 minutes
Miya Folick's "ROACH"
On her second LP, Miya Folick blends powerful, emotive vocals with polished pop production to take the listener on an emotional journey. We discuss "ROACH" in-depth…
7/13/2023 • 30 minutes
Sir Chloe's "I Am The Dog"
On their impressive debut LP, Sir Chloe blend aggressive rock and sweet pop into fresh, varied, and extremely re-listenable songs. We discuss "I Am The Dog"…
6/29/2023 • 30 minutes
Stuck's "Freak Frequency"
Chicago band Stuck's second album is an indictment of late-stage capitalism that doesn't take itself too seriously. "Freak Frequency" is full of energetic post-punk that's both…
6/15/2023 • 30 minutes
Superviolet's "Infinite Spring"
Superviolet is the new project from Steve Ciolek of Ohio cult favorite band The Sidekicks, who put out their last album in 2018 and announced their…
6/1/2023 • 30 minutes
Eyelids' "A Colossal Waste of Light"
Eyelids are a Portland quintent made up entirely of indie rock veterans, which shows in their breadth of influences and humble approach to songwriting. We discuss…
5/18/2023 • 30 minutes
Hamish Hawk's "Angel Numbers"
Scottish singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk was one of our favorite discoveries from SXSW this year, and his new album "Angel Numbers" combines a warm, soulful voice with…
5/4/2023 • 30 minutes
Boygenius' "The Record"
Five years after the relesae of their much-acclaimed EP, supergroup Boygenius, consisting of singer-songwriters Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker, are finally back with a…
4/20/2023 • 30 minutes
Our Picks From SXSW 2023
In episode #185 of “For the Record,” we depart from our usual format to discuss some of our favorite discoveries from the 2023 South by Southwest…
4/6/2023 • 0
Stella Donnelly's "Flood" (Re-run)
Australian singer-songwriter Stella Donnelly took an unexpected turn by moving from the traditional indie rock instrumentation of her first album to composing her second album entirely…
3/23/2023 • 30 minutes
The Beths' "Expert in a Dying Field" (Re-run)
The Beths write power pop songs with hooks upon hooks, incredible musicianship, and a lot of heart. We discussed their first record back in episode #92…
3/9/2023 • 0
Quasi's "Breaking the Balls of History"
After a 10-year hiatus, veteran Portland duo Quasi, half of which is rock's greatest drummer, Janet Weiss, are back with a 10th album of weird, joyful…
2/23/2023 • 30 minutes
The Band Ends' "The Power & The Glory"
In episode #183 of "For the Record" we discuss the debut album from The Band Ends, R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry's first band since he "retired" in…
2/9/2023 • 30 minutes
Margo Price's "Strays"
Singer-songwriter Margo Price may have established her reputation in Nashville, but her fourth album, "Strays," crosses genres and explores a variety of styles, buoyed by collaborators…
1/26/2023 • 30 minutes
Kiwi Jr.'s "Chopper"
Toronto band Kiwi Jr. is one of our favorite recent discoveries. Their third album knocks it out of the park with new wave synths, tight and…
1/12/2023 • 30 minutes
Special Interest's "Endure"
On their third album, NOLA quartet Special Interest mix energetic dance, menacing industrial, and furious political punk to give listeners the catharsis of both anger and…
12/29/2022 • 30 minutes
The Beths' "Expert in a Dying Field"
The Beths write power pop songs with hooks upon hooks, incredible musicianship, and a lot of heart. We discussed their first record back in episode #92…
12/15/2022 • 0
Big Joanie's "Back Home"
The second album from London's Black feminist punk trio Big Joanie is packed with songs both experimental and catchy, confidently using a wide range of musical…
12/1/2022 • 0
Plains' "I Walked With You A Ways"
Solo artists Katie Crutchfield (of Waxahatchee) and Jess Williamson came together during the pandemic to create Plains, a collaboration centered on gorgeous vocal harmonies and timeless…
11/17/2022 • 0
Death Cab for Cutie's "Asphalt Meadows"
On Death Cab for Cutie's 10th studio album, the band makes a surprising return to form while also taking a leap forward with their sound. We…
11/3/2022 • 0
Superorganism's "World Wide Pop"
After four years, Superorganism are finally back, with a second album of kaleidoscopic, maximalist pop that's a ray of sunshine during the darkness of Fogust .
10/20/2022 • 0
S.G. Goodman's "Teeth Marks"
Kentucky singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman's second album uses her unique and powerful vocal style to fuse Americana with garage rock and create a distinctive southern sound. We…
10/6/2022 • 0
Stella Donnelly's "Flood"
Australian singer-songwriter Stella Donnelly took an unexpected turn by moving from the traditional indie rock instrumentation of her first album to composing her second album entirely…
9/22/2022 • 0
Lou Roy's "Pure Chaos"
In her debut album, "Pure Chaos," Lou Roy embraces the ups and downs of life with clever lyrics, a powerful voice, and impeccable production. We discuss…
9/8/2022 • 0
Superorganism's "World Wide Pop"
After four years, Superorganism are finally back, with a second album of kaleidoscopic, maximalist pop that's a ray of sunshine during the darkness of Fogust .
8/25/2022 • 0
Low Hummer's "Modern Tricks for Living" (Rerun)
On their polished debut LP, Hull, England six-piece Low Hummer explore economic inequality and social alienation with passion, humor, and a range of musical styles. We…
7/14/2022 • 30 minutes
Slang's "Cockroach in a Ghost Town"
Portland supergroup Slang’s debut album is diverse, tightly-performed, and creatively-produced, and both deeply weird and unexpectedly catchy. We discuss “Cockroach in a Ghost Town” on episode…
6/30/2022 • 0
Porridge Radio's "Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky"
British band Porridge Radio's third album is cathartic, emotional, and invigorating, with unusual song structures and instrumentation. We discuss "Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky"…