Episodes

  • RIP Brooklyn Vegan (And Online Music Media), Plus: We Answer Listener Emails (Finally!)
    Aug 7 2026

    Steven and Ian open with a conversation about Brooklyn Vegan, the long-running music site that faced heavy layoffs this week, and what that says about the rapidly evolving state of online media (:50). Then they talk about the week's new releases, including albums by Ceremony, Citizen, and the Mountain Goats. (24:45). Then they (finally) open up the mailbag, and discuss listener questions about musical revisionism, yay or nay (33:43) and whether it's a good idea to check the setlist online before a show (46:48). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Now It's Overhead and Steven recommends Kiwi Jr. (53:10).

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    58 mins
  • Our Backlash Against The "Reality Awaits" Backlash
    Jul 31 2026

    After a Sportscast about LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and speculation about his taste in Philly indie rock (:40) and a quick discussion about old clips of The B-52's going viral this week (6:53), Steven and Ian pay tribute to the late Glen Hansard and Kavinsky, two very different musicians who passed away this week but who made their mark on the indie world in similar ways (9:39). After that, they discuss two high-profile albums they finally got to hear this week: Charli XCX's “Music, Fashion, Film” (20:59) and The Strokes' “Reality Awaits” (31:05). Then they talk about new releases by Arca and Shearwater, among other acts (45:43). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Aeiou and Steven recommends Frank Hurricane (50:50).


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    56 mins
  • New Albums by The Strokes, Charli XCX and ... Pat McAfee?
    Jul 24 2026

    Steven and Ian open with a conversation about a new Jimothy, one of the most lasting characters in the Indiecast universe (1:01). After that, they talk about a possible "worst album of the year" candidate from ESPN personality Pat McAfee (7:47) and some gross happenings occurring at Noah Kahan shows (17:33). Then they discuss new releases from The Strokes, Charli XCX, Pete Yorn, and others (27:22). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Citrus Jr. and Steven recommends Miles Hewitt (49:12).

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    54 mins
  • Assessing the Legacies of Beck and Jack White
    Jul 17 2026

    Steven and Ian start by talking about great Canadian bands (0:36) and Steve's road trip this week to see Rush and The Strokes (not together) (4:11). Then they discuss the new Beck album announcement and revisit his overall work and where his legacy currently stands (13:24), followed by a similar conversation about Jack White and his new LP (31:12). Then they update the Fantasy Albums Draft (40:58) and discuss the week's new releases (42:27). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Snag and Steven recommends Twisted Teens (54:40).

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    1 hr
  • Indiecast Hall Of Fame: The Beta Band, The Walkmen, Pinback, and Justin Townes Earle
    Jul 16 2026

    In this Amazon exclusive episode, Steven and Ian induct the follow albums into the Indiecast Hall Of Fame: The Beta Band's “Hot Shots II” (3:10), The Walkmen's “Lisbon” (10:24), Pinback's “Summer in Abaddon” (19:35), Justin Townes Earle's “Harlem River Blues” (25:02).

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    34 mins
  • Is Nirosta Steel The "Underdog" Indie Phenom Of 2026? Plus: The Fantasy Albums Draft for Q3
    Jul 10 2026

    The guys begin with Steven questioning Ian over whether his Belgian wife is to blame for the U.S. losing the World Cup match to Belgium, the most controversial Sportscast yet (1:06). Then they discuss the buzzed-about album "My Skyscraper" by Nirosta Steel, an unlikely critical hit by a 69-year-old former collaborator of the late, great Arthur Russell (11:36). After they talk about the week's new releases, including albums by Jack White and Panda Bear & Sonic Boom (32:55), followed by the latest Fantasy Albums Draft (41:34), featuring upcoming releases from Phoebe Bridgers, Gilla Band, L'Rain, Empress Of, and Julia Jacklin (41:34). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about Proun and Steven talks about Tracey Nelson (58:50).

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Best American Indie Bands Of All Time
    Jul 3 2026

    After a quick Sportscast about a big recent trade affecting Ian's favorite NBA team, Steven and Ian settle in to talk about America's 250th birthday — or the lack of talk about America's 250th birthday. Then they get some festivities going of their own with a conversation about the best American indie bands, focusing on four categories — the best of the 20th century, the best of the 21st century, the best of the last 10 years, and the best to never sign to a major label. In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends The Ritornello Form and Steven goes for SML.

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    58 mins
  • New Music From Phoebe Bridgers + This Is Lorelei, Plus: An Old Deftones Album Leaks and The Most "Relevant" Music Critic Ever Is ...
    Jun 26 2026

    The conversation begins with speculation about the leak of the historic "lost" Deftones album "Eros" (1:27), as well as a brief Sportscast on Giannis leaving Steve's one-time home of Milwaukee (7:17). After a quick Fantasy Album Draft update (16:37), the guys talk about new album announcements from Phoebe Bridgers and This Is Lorelei and how they feel about their respective prospects this year (19:22). Then they look at the week's new releases, including albums (33:40) before reviewing an online controversy this week involving Anthony Fantano (39:49). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian recommends the latest from Chanel Beads and Steven recommends the English band Swim Deep (56:08).

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    1 hr and 1 min