153. Alex Lahey on The Killers 'Hot Fuss' (2004)

Instead of watching a three hour movie about Elvis Presley, hit play on today’s episode for a shorter but no less exhaustive deep dive on the real Elvis, Elvis Costello, as actor/comedian and host of the great Dead Eyes podcast Connor Ratliff joins me to make the case for what he considers the ultimate Elvis album, 1991's 'Mighty Like a Rose'. We talk about the album’s underrated place in the Costello canon, I check in with the album’s producer Mitchell Froom for his memories of making the record, Elvis’s dramatic change of look and how it impacted the way the record was received, how the album showcases every string on Costello’s bow, the Costello/McCartney that never was and more.

14 Juli 20221h 21min

Today, Californian singer-songwriter Charlie Hickey joins me to celebrate the National’s 2013 album ‘Trouble Will Find Me’. We delve into Charlie’s childhood relationship with the band, the simple and sparse lyrics and how their affect lets them get away with potentially cheesy earnestness, coming back to the record as an adult, songs about feeling like shit and more. Plus, we talk about Charlie’s fantastic new record ‘Nervous at Night’, recording at producer Marshall Vore’s home studio, how you know when a record is finished and more.

29 Juni 202233min

Today I’m joined by songwriter, guitarist, producer, singer, designer and more Annie Hamilton, to delve into the eclectic and inspiring world of Björk’s classic 1995 album ‘Post’. We talk about how Björk fused and collided different genres to create her own unique world and style, how she had to prove herself as a producer against skepticism and sexism, how the intervening years have evolved the perception of Björk beyond the mystical pixie archetype, how the album was influenced by her move to London, her use of costuming and visuals to compliment the music and more.

18 Juni 202232min

Today writer/director/producer Thomas Schnauz (Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, The X Files) returns to the show for another dive into an iconic Pink Floyd album, this time ‘Wish You Were Here’. We talk about the different eras of the band, how their post - Dark Side of the Moon fame and success influenced the lyrics of this album, the story of original frontman Syd Barrett and how it inspired ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, the abandoned Household Objects album and how elements were salvaged for this record, the balance between organic instruments and synthesizers, the Live 8 reunion set and more. Plus, Tom indulges my love for Better Call Saul with a mini-chat about the recent devastating mid-season finale that he wrote and directed. Anyone looking to avoid BCS spoilers should jump straight to 09:10.

2 Juni 202252min

As day turns to night and the sun rises and sets, we return to talking about the Beatles. Surprisingly there is something new to say on this subject, as proven by today’s guest, Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett. She joins me to delve into her brilliant book ‘A Women’s History of the Beatles’, why it was important to write, compensating for male narratives and perspectives on the Fab Four, the all female rock band from Liverpool the Beatles inspired, how the band went from feminine to masculine coded, how the aspirational nature of the band spoke to women breaking out of traditional gender roles in society, the importance of Astrid Kirchherr, and the Beatles influence of female musicians in the decades since.

19 Maj 202244min

Today I’m joined by actor/comedian/filmmaker/singer/dancer and more, Elouise Eftos, to talk about the classic Funkadelic album ‘Maggot Brain’. We talk about Elouise’s days fronting a funk band, the lineage of this record to 60s psychedelia, the difference between good and bad drug influenced music, reading your own emotions into instrumental music, what makes Funkadelic unique as a band, the album only having seven songs, plus some rants about how movies these days are way too long and an unexpected impression from Elouise to close out the conversation.

8 Maj 202241min

Today Australian singer/songwriter and returning friend of the show Charlie Collins joins us to discuss a future classic album, the recently released masterpiece from Gang of Youths ‘Angel in Realtime’. As a longtime friend of the band, Charlie delves into the background of the record and how the passing of frontman David Le’aupepe’s father inspired the album, how the addition of new member Tom Hobden shifted the dynamics within the band, the global recording process that stretched from Auckland to London to Copenhagen, creating beauty out of grief, why this is the record and band we all need right now, what it was like to see these songs connect with audiences when Charlie recently opened for Gangs’ UK tour, being baffled by sports references, the incredible and diverse contributions from each band member and why this record would make a great Broadway musical.

28 Apr 202253min

We're back baby

27 Apr 202234s