Episodes
Answering your questions about the sound and substance of the pop superstar’s double album, and the way fans and critics have responded to it. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.
Published 04/26/24
A discussion about the singer’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift’s “imperial era,” the use of her rumored relationships and production choices.
Published 04/24/24
Digging into “Only God Was Above Us,” an LP that’s both catchy and complex. Guest host: Jon Pareles. Guests: The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich and Pitchfork's Matthew Strauss.
Published 04/17/24
Breaking down the convoluted recent beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (and Future, Metro Boomin, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross and more).
Published 04/17/24
A conversation about how the pop superstar’s genre experiments explore race and power, and the implicit politics that come with them. Guests: Marcus K. Dowling and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd.
Published 04/09/24
How conversation about very specific aspects of the new albums “Cowboy Carter” and “We Don’t Trust You” can obscure talk of their musical quality.
Published 04/03/24
An in-depth interview with the Atlanta hip-hop and EDM legend, tracing his path through punk, skateboarding and crunk music on the way to this year’s Super Bowl.
Published 03/27/24
His sixth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” has been met with critical dismissal and weaker sales. Where can the onetime pop superstar turn next? Guests: Steven J. Horowitz and Joshunda Sanders.
Published 03/26/24
Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.
Published 03/21/24
Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.
Published 03/14/24
A conversation about a title that emerged from stan communities, and how it’s played a role in pop singers’ careers. Guests: Vulture's Jason P. Frank and Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul.
Published 03/13/24
An interview with the Norwegian singer girl in red (Marie Ulven) about her second album, “I’m Doing It Again Baby!,” opening for Taylor Swift and more.
Published 03/06/24
Once addictive and effective, TikTok is struggling with commercialization, a shifting relationship with the music industry and more.
Published 02/28/24
A conversation about his loudest (and quieter) moments, and how patriotism has played into country music. Guest: David Cantwell.
Published 02/27/24
Jennifer Lopez’s new film and album, “This Is Me … Now,” plus other confusing recent rollouts for pop stars including Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake and Camila Cabello.
Published 02/22/24
In 1988, “Fast Car” turned the singer-songwriter into a star. She was skeptical of the spotlight, and learning to wield her power. Guest: Steve Pond.
Published 02/21/24
Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.
Published 02/15/24
A conversation about his long career path through several generations of R&B, and what he might do on such a big stage. Guests: Thomas Hobbs and Danielle Amir Jackson.
Published 02/08/24
Was this the year the awards got it correct? Guests: Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
Published 02/07/24
A breakdown of the major categories and most interesting competitions at the 66th annual awards on Sunday.
Published 01/31/24
A breakdown of new albums and songs for 2024 (and a handful of possible but dubious releases).
Published 01/24/24
With the music website’s future uncertain, Ryan Schreiber and Chris Kaskie look back at its start.
Published 01/24/24
A rundown of impressive recent releases and a look at who benefits (and suffers) when artists working outside formal jazz idioms are lumped into conversations about the genre. Guests: Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello.
Published 01/19/24
Pop’s premier troll returns while one of its biggest voices turns her attention to gossip, and the first blockbuster rap album of the year arrives.
Published 01/17/24
Plus: Barry Keoghan’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” Jeremy Allen White’s stripped-down moment and Nathan Fielder’s “The Curse” wraps up.
Published 01/11/24