This week's conversation begins with some recent discourse about whether rock is dead and whether it was killed by the CIA or liberal poptimists (2:34). The guys also briefly discuss the backlash against a "New York Times" video where the pop critics defended their recent greatest living American songwriters list (17:27). Then they look at a relatively light week for new releases, including albums by Kevin Morby, Rostam and Spencer Krug (22:41). After they pivot to news hinting at an apparent new Phoebe Bridgers album and her prospects for a comeback (29:03). They also discuss the recent Top 10 hit by Tame Impala from their critically panned 2025 album (39:27), and Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei signing to Matador (44:22). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the electronic act Jump Scare and Steve talks about the L.A. band Gun Outfit (50:59).

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The guys open with Greta Van Fleet, who is not an indie band, possibly teasing their own breakup or possible new music this week (1:20). Then they offer an update on the Fantasy Albums Draft, discussing recent albums by Aldous Harding and Kneecap (8:15). This leads to a wider conversation about the week's new releases, including Broken Social Scene, Basement, Cola, Social Distortion, The Lemon Twigs, and more (19:24). After that they consider a recent list of the greatest guitar solos of all time, and offer up their picks (33:44). In the first mailbag of the Amazon era, they revisit Ian's negative album reviews for Pitchfork (43:23) and rule on whether Tenacious D ripped off Ween (48:32). In Recommendation Corner, Ian with indie EDM artist Ninajirachi and Steven goes with a recent book on heartland rock by Erin Osmon (56:44).

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Steven and Ian start with a Moviecast about the new Michael Jackson biopic, a huge blockbuster that Steven saw and Ian probably won't (3:16). From there they talk about the pros and cons of concert tourism (17:55) and Ian's recent experience seeing the cult emo band Everyone Asked About You (23:26). Then they talk about some of the week's new releases, including albums by Hiss Golden Messenger, Lip Critic, The Black Keys, and Tori Amos (32:15) before landing on an extended conversation about the band American Football and their new self-titled LP (41:58). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian discusses the band You're An Angel and Steven stumps for Mildred (56:26).

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