Under The Scope: Recent Episodes
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Two music fans discuss the latest and greatest in indie, rock, hip-hop, pop, and many other musical genres.
It's the 2023 Scopy Awards!
Tonight, we celebrate the year in music, as we award:
Most Pleasantly Surprising Album (5:05)
Most Disappointing Album (19:10)
Best Album Concept (35:23)
Best Breakthrough Artist (50:02)
Best Picture (Album Cover) (due to technical difficulties, this section was unfortunately not recorded...Will's winner was Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy, and Patrick's winner was Burna Boy - I Told Them...)
Enjoy!
This time, we recommend our favorite albums from 2023's third quarter, but first, we discuss the latest from indie legend Sufjan Stevens.
Sufjan Stevens - Javelin (02:23)
Burna Boy - I Told Them... (41:51)
Genesis Owusu - STRUGGLER (51:31)
Tomb Mold - The Enduring Spirit (64:50)
grouptherapy. - i was mature for my age, but i was still a child (75:04)
Here, we dedicate an entire episode to live music!
What are some good concerts we've attended, and what did we enjoy about them? How do we experience music differently in a live setting? Are the qualities that make for a good studio recording similar to the qualities that make for a good concert? How do we feel about live albums? What are our thoughts on recent headline-grabbing fan behavior at shows? How do we feel about the impact that social media and technology in general currently have on concerts in the present-day (and the impact they could have in the future)? Why didn't Will just restart the episode after he messed up in, quite literally, the first five seconds? Like seriously, man. It would've been so quick and easy to simply begin a new recording; nothing of note would've been lost. What were you thinking, Will?
(Note: Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, this episode ends abruptly right before we share our thoughts on the financial struggles that many artists are currently experiencing while touring. To summarize, many musicians are losing money on their tours, cancelling tours due to financial concerns and/or mental health reasons (which may partially stem from the former), and just generally having difficulties with affording to go on tour. Please support artists if you can!)
Here, we discuss a few albums we've been loving lately! Enjoy!
Colin Stetson - When we were that wept for the sea (04:14)
billy woods & Kenny Segal - Maps (16:11)
Lonnie Holley - Oh Me Oh My (32:23)
Nourished by Time - Erotic Probiotic 2 (45:53)
Sigur Ros - ATTA (57:10)
McKinley Dixon - Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (66:01)
Here, we discuss our favorite albums of 2023 so far!
Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy (4:10)
Model/Actriz - Dogsbody (16:30)
Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want to Turn Into You(25:42)
Kelela - Raven (39:10)
SKECH185 & Jeff Markey - He Left Nothing for the Swim Back (47:11)
The Necks - Travel (66:17)
Thank you for listening!
Everybody always asks "what is music taste?", but nobody asks "how is music taste?".
Here, we attempt to figure out what "music taste" is, whether or not there is "good" music taste, how music taste comes about, why we (generally and personally speaking) enjoy the music we enjoy, if/how music taste is a predictor of other personality traits, and whether or not listening to Coldplay is actually kinda based.
We conclude by discussing some of the albums we have been listening to recently (71:14).
Enjoy! Thank you for listening!
Here, we celebrate the end of 2022 by discussing our 50 favorite albums from the past year. Enjoy!
Playlists can be found (soon) at our Twitter accounts:
@WillBrost
@PatrickAndersun
The description is in the title!
Please find our playlist within a couple of days (sorry, I'm just kinda busy right now tbh) at our Twitter feeds:
@WillBrost
@PatrickAndersun
It's the 2022 Scopy Awards!
Tonight, we celebrate the year in music, as we award:
Most Pleasantly Surprising Album (3:39)
Most Disappointing Album (15:45)
Best Picture (24:46)
Best Album Concept (35:53)
Best Breakthrough Artist (46:55)
Enjoy!
Here, we recommend some of our favorite albums from 2022's 3rd quarter!
Cheekface - Too Much to Ask (2:58)
death's dynamic shroud - Darklife (13:05)
Viagra Boys - Cave World (21:20)
Imperial Triumphant - Spirit of Ecstasy (33:08)
Roc Marciano & The Alchemist - The Elephant Man's Bones (41:50)
Chat Pile - God's Country (55:50)
Here, we recommend some of our favorite albums from 2022's second quarter. Enjoy!
billy woods - Aethiopes (02:40)
Blut Aus Nord - Disharmonium - Undreamable Abysses (13:40)
Charlotte Adigery & Bolis Pupul - Topical Dancer (21:26)
Just Mustard - Heart Under (33:02)
JER - Bothered / Unbothered (42:11)
Gospel - The Loser (56:38)
And then, to fill some time, after the "albums we would recommend" portion of the podcast, we talk about this new Drake album (73:23)
Thank you for listening!
Twitters:
@WillBrost
@patrickandersun
Happy Father's Day!
Here, we discuss the latest albums from PAPA Roach (02:35), DADDY Yankee (23:57), and FATHER John Misty (42:04).
Enjoy! (We didn't.)
Here, we try our best to share all of our Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers thoughts within the usually-generous-but-unfortunately-too-brief-in-this-case 90-minute recording time limit we are allotted. Enjoy.
This time, we talk about the latest records from Future (01:40), Arcade Fire (22:41), and Pusha T (50:32).
Enjoy! Thank you for listening!
Here, we recommend some of our favorite albums from 2022's first quarter! We definitely weren't hungover! Nope! Couldn't be us! :)
Vortize - Tienes Que Luchar (02:30)
Beach House - Once Twice Melody (15:35)
Conway the Machine - God Don't Make Mistakes (21:57)
Soul Glo - Diaspora Problems (32:29)
Yard Act - The Overload (36:39)
Don't forget to like and subscribe! :)
This time, we talk about the latest albums from Mitski (01:40), Rolo Tomassi (23:09), and Black Country, New Road (40:50).
On our first episode of 2022, we discuss The Weeknd's new album (Dawn FM), his career, his influence, his status as possibly the most interesting pop artist working today, and the afterlife.
Here, we share our lists for the top 10 songs of 2021.
You can find a playlist on our Twitter accounts:
@WillBrost @PatrickAndersun
Welcome to the 5th Annual Scopy Awards, where we honor the best in music the year had to offer!
Categories:
Best Album Title (2:45)
Most Pleasantly Surprising Album (11:05)
Most Disappointing Album (19:48)
Best Breakthrough Artist (30:08)
Best Picture (Album Cover) (37:25)
Follow us on Twitter! @WillBrost @PatrickAndersun
Here, we recommend some of our favorite records of 2021's third quarter, including the latest from Spellling (4:12), Lingua Ignota (14:10), Injury Reserve (26:01), Deafheaven (36:45), Indigo De Souza (46:42), and Low (54:02).
Twitter: @WillBrost @PatrickAndersun
Top of the mornin'! Today, we discussed Kanye West's Donda as well as Drake's Certified Lover Boy. One of us preferred one album, the other one of us preferred the other album. Amazing stuff. Thank you for listening.
Here, we discuss CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, the latest album from Tyler, the Creator. We touch on the album’s concept, Tyler as a multi-talent, flex culture in the COVID-era, “cancel culture”, hip-hop mixtapes, Tyler’s career, and much more.
Here, we recommend some of our favorite records of 2021’s second quarter. • 4:53 - Panopticon - …And Again Into the Light • 13:16 - Jeff Rosenstock - SKA DREAM • 26:06 - Loscil - Clara • 35:09 - Squid - Bright Green Field • 47:01 - Backxwash - I LIE HERE BURIED WITH MY RINGS AND MY DRESSES • 60:21 - Wolf Alice - Blue Weekend Twitter: @WillBrost @patrickandersun
We discuss the latest albums from J. Cole (01:20), St. Vincent (30:10), and The Black Keys (60:33).
Here, we recommend some of our favorite records of 2021’s first quarter, including but not limited to the latest albums from Julien Baker, Genesis Owusu, Parannoul, and Ghetts. Enjoy!
On this episode, we do not review albums. Instead, we discuss Taylor Swift’s reclamation of her own music (1:27), we talk about fans’ expectations of trauma-suffering artists, through the lens of the Kanye-Kim divorce (29:23), and WE TAKE ON “CANCEL CULTURE” IN MUSIC USING FACTS AND LOGIC!!!1 (55:35).
On our first episode of 2021, we discuss Weezer’s orchestral fourteenth record (2:20), The Weather Station’s new critically-acclaimed release (22:54), slowthai’s dual-sided self-portrait (39:58), and Black Country, New Road’s polarizing debut (62:52).
Here, we discuss the latest records from Ariana Grande (2:56), Gorillaz (43:23), clipping. (20:32), and Oneohtrix Point Never (61:54).
Here, we discuss the latest albums from IDLES (3:36), Fleet Foxes (25:34), Deftones (45:19), and Sufjan Stevens (64:40).
This time, we discuss the latest albums from Taylor Swift (2:50), Glass Animals (24:26), Lianne La Havas (41:21), and The Microphones (58:20).
Here, we discussed the latest records from Bob Dylan (4:01), HAIM (25:57), Arca (44:01), and Phoebe Bridgers (65:13).
We discuss the latest records from Carly Rae Jepsen (3:04), Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist (20:40), Lady Gaga (39:30), and Run The Jewels (60:45).
Here, we discuss the latest records from Charli XCX (40:05), Moses Sumney (62:15), Hayley Williams (1:10), and Perfume Genius (17:14).
Here, we discuss the latest records from Drake (25:11), Rina Sawayama (67:01), Car Seat Headrest (2:12), and Laura Marling (46:16).
On this episode, we discuss the consensus “album of the year” to this point, Fiona Apple’s “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”.
On this episode, we share our thoughts on the latest records from Yves Tumor (3:02), The Weeknd (18:55), Thundercat (40:17), and The Strokes (56:51).
Here, we discuss some of our favorite records from 2020’s first quarter, including but not limited to the latest albums from Childish Gambino, Spanish Love Songs, Soccer Mommy, and Soakie.
At long last, rapper Jay Electronica released his debut album (A Written Testimony), after 13 years of anticipation. We waited an additional week to share our thoughts.
On this episode, we discuss the collaborative EP from rapper Denzel Curry and producer Kenny Beats (2:30), the industrial new direction from experimental electronic musician Against All Logic (24:12), the much-anticipated release from psychedelic artist Tame Impala (43:19), and the latest concept album from pop-electronic musician Grimes (64:02).
Your favorite podcast duo recaps their top 15 songs of the decade. Playlists can be found on the Under The Scope Facebook page as well as on our Twitter feeds (@WillBrost and @PatrickAndersun).
Here, we recap and award the decade’s best album artwork, best album titles, most overrated albums, most underrated albums, and finally, the decade’s best artist.
As 2019 draws to a close, we share our favorite songs of the year.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page, as playlists will be posted there.
Welcome to the 2nd annual Scopy Awards, where we award the year’s biggest surprises, best breakthrough artists, best album artwork, and more!
This time, we discuss the latest records from Swans, Sunn O))), and FKA Twigs before listing some additional 2019 recommendations as we look to wrap up the year.
This time, we recorded our opinions on four recently-released, celebrated records: including the latest albums from Big Thief, Danny Brown, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Angel Olsen
This time, we discuss the latest records from experimental hip-hop artist JPEGMAFIA (3:05), pop rapper Post Malone (23:10), singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey (39:50), and progressive metal legends Tool (1:02:30).
This time, we discuss the latest records from Taylor Swift, Young Thug, BROCKHAMPTON, Jay Som
This time, we discuss the hyped return from MadGibbs, and we briefly recap albums released during 2019’s second quarter
We recap music from the first quarter of 2019, including but not limited to American Football, Jessica Pratt, Little Simz, Sharon Van Etten, Quelle Chris, and Helado Negro
This time, we discuss the latest record from R&B and “neo-soul?” artist Solange. Plus, a review of a Daughters concert! Enjoy.
We kick off 2019 with a review of the latest album from UK-based singer-songwriter-producer James Blake.
Welcome to the first annual Scopy Awards, where we recap the year’s biggest surprises, biggest disappointments, and best breakthrough artists, among other awards. Enjoy!
The Under The Scope duo reviews another classic album. This time, we analyze a post-rock masterpiece.
We recap this year's third quarter of music by discussing albums from Lil Wayne, Mitski, BROCKHAMPTON, Spiritualized, Deafheaven, IDLES, and more.
On this episode, we discuss ASTROWORLD, the album’s featured guests, Travis Scott’s creative vision, and more.
In our first classic album review, we examine the legacy, the impact, the emotion, and the musicality of Nick Drake’s final record, Pink Moon.
We discuss Drake’s new double album, the controversy surrounding his relationship with his child, his place in pop culture, Spotify’s aggressive promotion of his album, and more.
We recap this year’s second quarter of music by discussing albums from J. Cole, Arctic Monkeys, Beach House, Father John Misty, Pusha T, Kamasi Washington, and more.
On this episode, we discuss Drake vs Pusha T, Ameer Vann’s departure from BROCKHAMPTON, and the controversy with Kanye West’s charity (Donda’s House)
The duo shares their thoughts on Kanye West’s recent tweets & comments, Childish Gambino’s “This is America” video, and R. Kelly & XXXTENTACION vs Spotify. We end by sharing what we’ve been listening to lately.
On this episode, two white men from religious households in Middle America discuss the debut record from rap sensation Cardi B.
Your favorite indie/hip-hop/rock/pop/electronic music reviewers attempt to review a country album.
We recap music from 2018’s first quarter, including Migos, MGMT, Car Seat Headrest, Mount Eerie, U.S. Girls, Rolo Tomassi, JPEGMAFIA, Portal, A.A.L., and more.
The Under the Scope duo offers a spoiler-free review of Black Panther: The Album and a spoiler-laced review of Black Panther, the film
The Under the Scope team analyzes the new Justin Timberlake album, his new artistic direction, his Super Bowl half-time performance, his new branding/marketing, and much more.
A long-time St. Vincent fan and a St. Vincent newcomer discuss the latest record from one of indie music's most eccentric acts.
The Under The Scope duo tackles the come-back record from indie legends LCD Soundsystem.
We discuss the new Tyler, the Creator album, his colorful production, his personal lyrics, his sexuality, and more.
The duo recaps the second quarter of music in 2017 (April - June) by discussing the latest records from Mac DeMarco, Future Islands, Slowdive, Perfume Genius, BROCKHAMPTON, Cigarettes After Sex, The Mountain Goats, and more.
The Under The Scope duo invites friend of the podcast Josh Sellers to discuss Fleet Foxes' latest artistic shift, folk music in 2017, the album's polarizing nature, and much more.
This time, the Under The Scope duo discusses "mumble-rap" figurehead Lil Yachty's debut album. We also take a deep dive into the state of hip-hop in 2017. Do "fun" rappers get a pass? Where is hip-hop going? How does the internet impact hip-hop? Find out here.
This time, the Under The Scope duo discusses the Gorillaz' return to music after a 7-year hiatus, the abundance of features, their new stylistic direction, and much more.
Here it is. We discussed the new Kendrick Lamar album, the emotional conflict expressed on DAMN., this album's hard-to-analyze nature, the "2nd album conspiracy", and whether or not he is the GOAT.
The UTS duo discusses Father John Misty's latest record (Pure Comedy) as well as the philosophies, world views, and controversies addressed on the project.
On this episode, the duo recaps the first quarter of 2017 as we discuss Sampha, Japandroids, Thundercat, Mount Eerie, Spoon, Sun Kil Moon, and much more.
On this episode, we discuss the boycott of the Grammy's (feat. Drake, Biebs, Kanye, Frank). We also give our predictions for several major awards.
The duo (Patrick & Will) is joined by good friend Josh Sellers to discuss the latest album from the xx, entitled "I See You"
Our friend Ben Matthews (@BenMatthewsOG) joins the Under The Scope duo for a discussion on the latest record by hip-hop duo Run the Jewels.
The duo discusses the comeback album by hip-hop legends A Tribe Called Quest. We get into a discussion on old-school vs new-school hip-hop, politics (briefly), and Tribe's legacy.
The Under The Scope duo discusses the debut album from hip-hop artist/producer duo NxWorries (Anderson.Paak & Knxwledge).
The Under The Scope duo is joined by a special guest (Cody Cox) to discuss the latest record from Bon Iver.
The duo of Patrick Anderson & Will Brost provide a sequel to their "Top Album Intros" list with a "Top Album Outros" list. Enjoy.
The wait is over. Frank Ocean finally released the follow-up to the acclaimed Channel Orange. Check out our thoughts on Blond(e) as we discuss whether or not the album lived up to the hype.
During this discussion, the Under The Scope duo shares their thoughts on music criticism. How do we feel about Pitchfork, The Needle Drop, and other notable music critics? What is our thought process as we review albums? What qualities constitute a good music review?
Who/what is a musical "genius"? The "Under The Scope" duo tackles this question in our latest music discussion podcast.
Patrick and I share our thoughts on the highly-celebrated mixtape "Coloring Book" by Chance the Rapper
On this episode, Patrick and I review Drake's new hyped album "Views" and discuss Drake as an artist overall
Patrick Anderson and Will Brost discuss the new album "Junk" from the indie electronic group M83. Enjoy!
In anticipation for Radiohead's upcoming album, we discuss the great Radiohead debate: OK Computer vs Kid A. Spoilers: we disagree on which is better!