This week we begin a new series on the albums of Janelle Monáe, starting with her demo album, The Audition. We explore every genre twist and turn on this accomplished but long out of print debut before jumping into Monáe's sci-fi world-building on Metropolis: The Chase Suite.

The Audition on Archive.org

Find us on the internet: @NoiseFloorPod on Instagram noisefloorpodcast.com Send us mail: noisefloorpodcast@gmail.com

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The Format is back after 20 years with Boycott Heaven, one of the most exciting new releases in years. Join us as we dive into our favorite songs, the band's turn to guitar-centric rock and roll, and rank the Nate Ruess discography.

Find us on the internet: @NoiseFloorPod on Instagram noisefloorpodcast.com Send us mail: noisefloorpodcast@gmail.com

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After the incredible success of Some Nights and the subsequent dissolution of Fun., Nate Ruess returned with his first and only solo album, Grand Romantic. This week, we're breaking down this least celebrated chapter of Ruess's career and the album's place as both a continuation and rejection of his past work.

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Nate Ruess's career hit its commercial apex in 2012 with Fun.'s second album, Some Nights. We're joined by City Mouth vocalist Matt Pow for wide-ranging discussion of the mega hits, the influence of its fusion of pop and hip-hop production, and what Fun. meant (and still means) to us.

City Mouth on Bandcamp

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The Fun. section of our Nate Ruess series starts today with Aim and Ignite, and we're joined by Violet Crime vocalist Jeff Mills for an enthusiastic discussion of the evolution from The Format to Fun., songs that make us cry ("The Gambler," of course), and everything else about this five star masterpiece of an album.

Jeff Mills on TikTok and Instagram Violet Crime on Apple Music

Find us on the internet: @NoiseFloorPod on Instagram noisefloorpodcast.com Send us mail: noisefloorpodcast@gmail.com

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The Format's sophomore album, Dog Problems, is a triumph in every way, from its expansive pop songwriting to an independent release that defied expectations. This week, we discuss the album's concept and songs, our favorite B-sides, and the legacy of Dog Problems 20 years later.

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New year, new series! We're kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into the career of Nate Ruess, starting with The Format's debut album, Interventions and Lullabies. Also discussed: EP, B-sides, and how every song on this album might have the best chorus ever written.

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The year is just about over, so it's time for some lists! We're counting down our top ten albums of 2025, talking about the year, and looking forward to what's next.

Find us on the internet: @NoiseFloorPod on Instagram noisefloorpodcast.com Send us mail: noisefloorpodcast@gmail.com

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