Know Your Writes!

The first star you see may not be a star...it's actually Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton trade up for the fast ride and dive into Arizona's Jimmy Eat World. They'll talk about four of the band's classic LPs (from Static Prevails to Futures) and tack on a bonus EP (Stay On My Side Tonight). Other topics include: - Robb's most irrational fear - Colton and Robb's picks for their best and worst lyrics - The lost art of the bridge Bands mentioned in this episode: - Colton Saylor and the She Sells Sea Shells - Default American

This ain't Texas, but it sure is Know Your Writes! On another one-album special episode, Robb and Colton saddle up, put on their Levii's, and dive into Beyoncé's country-pop opus Cowboy Carter. Our hosts will explore the high and lows of this massive album while also discussing the intricate balance that is pop-songwriting. Other topics include:- new music from Thursday!- what makes an album a "Beyoncé album"?- the promise and peril of Poptimism Bands mentioned in this episode:- Thursday- Taylor Swift- Solange Knowles- Destiny's Child

Robb. And. Colton. Talk about. Tool's Discography. This week on Know Your Writes! we'll see. This band's mastery. Enjoy, please! Other topics include:- the beginning of the podcast's "dirty thirties"- the delusional nature of fandom - the greatness of Kaitlin Clark (and A'ja Wilson) Bands mentioned in this episode:- Vampire Weekend - A Perfect Circle - Tim McGraw

Carry this podcast episode for luck, safe in your preferred media player, because it's time for Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton take on the saddest songs written by Chris Carrabba's Dashboard Confessional; our hosts will sit around and wonder what makes the Florida outfit's first four albums tick. Other topics include:- the glory of drummer Mike Marsh - Sports Talk: The Shohei Chronicles - the evolution of songwriter Robb McGregor Bands mentioned in this episode:- Lauryn Hill - DeFault American - Fall Out Boy- Avett Brothers

There's nothing we can do...except hit you with another episode of Know Your Writes! For their 1-year pod-iversary, Robb and Colton go back to where it all started (sort of) with Ozma. Our hosts will dive into this Pasadena band's entire discography to see what makes them more than a Weezer clone. Other topics include: - the one opinion our hosts would change from the last year - just how can a band sound like Weezer without it being weird - Colton talking about Harold Bloom for some reason Bands mentioned in this episode: - Weezer - The Hives

Admit it: you've been waiting all week for an episode of Know Your Writes! Today's episode finds Robb and Colton taking on a collection of albums by Max Bemis's Say Anything. From 2004's ...is a real boy to Say Anything (2009), they'll unpack the good and the very, very not good in this volatile emo act's catalogue Other topics include: - is all music just bad now? - a short but weirdly detailed debate on where to buy indie music in Lancaster, CA during the early 2000s. - Robb's most controversial "Worst Song" pick Bands mentioned in this episode: - Mother Mother - Vampire Weekend - Norah Jones - MGMT - Tool (it happened again)

Wind up your butterfly clocks, lie down on the hardwood floor, and tune in to Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton take on the prog-rock art of Facing New York. Our hosts reminisce about their experience opening for this Bay Area trio before diving into their three amazing albums. Other topics include:- How to embarrass yourself in front of songwriters you admire - Garfunkel vs Simon; Chevy Chase vs Bill Murray- Who is the funniest bear?Bands mentioned in this episode:- Steel Train- Paul Simon - Cursive- Tool- Circa Survive- Explosions in the Sky

Go on and kick off your boots, because it's time for Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton have something to tell you: the greatness of California's own Haim. Our hosts will talk about the trio's three records to see why these sisters write such compelling songs. Other topics include:- various ways of mispronouncing Julian Casablancas- unpacking the downfall of Pitchfork.com- how much production is too much production? Bands mentioned in this episode:- Kid Static- Waxahatchee - Taylor Swift- The Eagles

Take it easy for a little while, and enjoy a new episode of Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton jump into an unprecedented round two of Arctic Monkeys. They'll discuss songs from the bands last four LPs, from Suck It and See to 2022's The Car. Other topics include:- Colton's punishment for losing the Christmas Song draft- the various uses of the word "contentious"- the podcast's first ever overrated/underrated "switcheroo"Bands mentioned in this episode:- Sprints- Franz Ferdinand - David Bowie

Tonight, there'll be a ruckus, but right now, it's time for Know Your Writes! Join hosts Robb and Colton as they dive into the first three albums by Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys. They'll sort through what makes this band so special and battle over which of the first three records are the strongest. Other topics include:- The results of our 2023 Christmas Song Draft Showdown!- Why Colton doesn't listen to Robb's band recommendations - Colton's most perplexing Best Album choice Bands mentioned in this episode:- Vic Chesnutt - Tool (of course)- Vampire Weekend -

From the top of ocean to the bottom of the sky, everyone's ready for another episode of Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton--two major players in the podcaster scene--tackle four records from the inimitable Modest Mouse! Our hosts discuss the band's full-length release from 1997 to 2007 as they strive to explain what makes this such an amazing ten-year stretch of songwriting. Other topics include: - a brief but exciting "Sports Talk!" segment - our hosts picks for best and worst songs featured on the podcast during 2023 - Issac Brock the singer vs Issac Brock the guitarist Other bands mentioned in this episode: - A Perfect Circle - The Decemberists - Weezer - Jimmy Eat World A Bass Blown Entertainment Podcast

It's been much too long, meaning it's time for Know Your Writes! Before 2023 is over, Robb and Colton take one more time to chat about electronic titans Daft Punk. Once they finish their discussion, they'll be joined by special guest Leo Cardona (aka DJ Brute), who breaks down the reasons behind Daft Punk's lasting influence. Other topics include:- songwriting resolutions - what makes the "perfect" song?- a very special announcement regarding the podcast's future! Bands mentioned in this episode:- Red Hot Chili Peppers- Ben Kweller - Dragon Force - My Friend Sam

Hark! The podcast angels sing, which must mean it's time for Know Your Writes! This time, our two hosts cozy up next the fire and discuss their two favorite Christmas records: A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and Willie Nelson's Pretty Paper. Other topics include: - the first annual Know Your Writes! Christmas song draft - Colton's mini-review of Andre 3000's New Blue Sun - a very special cameo by none other than Santa! Go to our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/know.your.writes.podcast/), and vote for who had the better Christmas song draft (voting closes Dec. 29).

God bless the end of the week because it's time for Know Your Writes! In this mega-packed episode, Robb and Colton chat with Matt Shaw and Joe Ziegler, otherwise known as indie rock stalwarts Leftmore. Matt and Joe tell our hosts all about their upcoming self-titled record before premiering their lead single, "Apple Tree". After that, Leftmore leads our hosts in a deep dive of David Bazan's 2009 opus Curse Your Branches. Other topics include:- Groggy Robb!- The long tradition of the agnosticore genre - Leftmore's musical take on the "trolley problem" Listen to "Apple Tree" here: https://leftmore.bandcamp.com/track/apple-tree-full-band-singleFollow Leftmore's Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/leftmoremusicGo to Leftmore.com for more musicOr click here for their Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RsvCsuJQCbFuGT2XWdDWz

Don't cry, and don't raise your eye--it's only Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton see, feel, and touch their way through the rock opera wizardry of The Who. Our hosts explore four of the band's records, starting with The Who Sell Out (1967) and ending with 1973's Quadrophenia. Other topics include: - a tribute to Hollis Marcus- our hosts' guilty pleasure albums- Colton's persimmon adventureBands mentioned in this episode:- Justin Timberlake- Papa Roach- Puddle of Mud- Kid Rock- The Beatles Check out DJ Brute's Bedroom Radio at https://www.twitch.tv/iamdjbrute

Oh throw down your plow and hoe and prepare yourself for a whole lotta Know Your Writes! This week was a band so nice that Robb and Colton had to talk about them twice: Led Zeppelin! Our hosts will discuss the band's first four albums as they unpack everything that makes Zeppelin so influential in modern rock music. Other topics include:- the songwriting merits of jamming and covers- how much Tolkien is too much Tolkien - Robb's childhood memories of classic rock Bands mentioned in this episode:- Carrtoons - Sufjan Stevens- U2- The White Stripes- Bryan Adams- Joni Mitchell - Tool (for like, one second)

Vampires, Zombie Brides, and...Liza Minnelli? It's a creep-tacular Halloween edition of Know Your Writes! Join Robb the Reaper and Coffin Colton as they throw on their eye-liner and two-step into the goth-emo nightmare that is My Chemical Romance. Other topics include:- why black cats hate Halloween - how best to initiate Rock, Paper, Scissors- what were the best rock albums of 2010? Bands mentioned in this episode: - Vendetta Red- Siouxsie and the Banshees- Jet- Say Anything Happy Halloween!

Another Friday, another episode of Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton discuss the troubling legacy of Long Island's Brand New. Our hosts work through what first drew them to the band before diving into the difficult challenge of how to remember their work following the allegations against Jesse Lacey. What begins as a difficult conversation about how to reconcile musical influences with ethical concerns turns into a meditation on the nature of artistic expression. TW: Brief mentions of sexual assault Please send us your thoughts and reactions to this episode at [email protected]

Push up the fader, bust the meter, and shake the tweeter: it's Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton discuss the queen of neo-soul, Erykah Badu, in a conversation that covers all five of her albums. Other topics include:- the correct way to drink out of a Juicy Juice - why organic almond milk foams better (seriously, we actually talk about this)- Colton vs The Beatles, Part 2- And more! Bands mentioned in this episode:- The Beatles- Gifted Hands- Sparklehorse - Minus the Bear (yes, again, mainly to throw shade at "White Mystery" a little more)- Garth Brooks - Dead Prez - Jessie Williams

Do you have the time to listen to us whine? If so, then bite your lip, close your eyes, and jump into Know Your Writes! This time around, Robb and Colton discuss the pop-punk perfection of Green Day. They'll talk through the band's releases from Dookie to American Idiot in order to better understand Green Day's evolution from Bay Area start-ups to rock opera juggernauts. Other topics include: - Beer! - Colton vs The Beatles, Part 1 (featuring Robby Coleman) - The politics of covering "Fast Car" Bands mentioned in this episode: - Lil Dicky - The Beatles - Tracy Chapman - Aaliyah

Man your battle stations because it's time for Know Your Writes! In this very special episode, Robb and Colton take on the first five albums of prog-rock statesmen Coheed and Cambria. Other topics include:- Sports! (3:15-9:26) - How Robb used to listen to music "back in the day" - The genius of Josh Eppard Bands mentioned in this episode:- Natalie Prass- Ryan Adams - Tool

Don't cry, it's Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton engage in a spirited debate involving Seattle's Minus the Bear. Listen as they spar over the band's second and third albums (Menos el Oso and Planet of Ice). Other topics include: - 00's rock singles - Colton's salty history with MTB - Do lyrics actually matter? Other bands mentioned in this episode: - Muse - Queens of the Stone Age - Circa Survive - Pinback - Jimmy Buffet

Where are you?! Hopefully, you're ready to tune in to a very special edition of Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton switch things up by deep diving into the pop punk opus that is Blink-182's Blink-182. Joining them is Alex Periera aka Birthday Dad, whose new record The Hermit is out now! Other topics include:- How to say Alex's last name correctly- Brunch, Part III: The Brunchening- The beauty and the terror of Hot Topic Order Birthday Dad's The Hermit here: https://www.refreshrecs.com/products/730402-birthday-dad-the-hermit

Thursday's in the rear-view mirror, which must mean it's time for Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton conduct a deep dive of Eagle Rock's own The Milk Carton Kids. Other topics include: - "Coastal Elite" hip hop - problematic depictions of Anne Frank - people vs. landscape Bands mentioned in this episode: - Outkast - Birthday Dad - The National - David Rawlings - Randy Newman

Wait, they don't know it's Friday? Must be time for Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton dive into the art rock fury that is Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Other topics include: - The Write A Record weekend challenge - Colton's Top Gun: Maverick mini-review - Jazz! Bands mentioned in this episode: - The Dirty Nil - The Oscar Peterson Trio - Fall Out Boy (featuring Jay-Z) - The National - The Hives - Blood, Sweat, and Tears - Weezer (yes, we did it again)

Ahoy, it's time for Know Your Writes! This week, Robb and Colton are two songwriting podcasters looking to dive into the belly of The Decemberists in all their folk-prog glory. Other topics include:- Great concept albums- The proper way to say Colin Powell - The pitfalls of music videos- And more! Bands mentioned in this episode:- The Dirty Nil- Jack Johnson - Tool (yup, we did it again)- Dredge

Wait a minute now, and listen to another episode of Know Your Writes! This week, our hosts explore the discography of Swedish garage-rock royalty The Hives. Other topics include: - Robb's Duolingo journey- Facial hair follies- Whether it's Little or Lil' Wayne - And more! Bands mentioned in this episode:- Be Your Own Pet- Default American- Mammal Hands- Tool- The Vines- The All-American Rejects- Creed - The Once-ler (yes, from The Lorax)

It's Friday, and you know what that means...another episode of Know Your Writes! This time around, our hosts break down Thursday and soak up a heap of early '00s angst along the way. Other topics include: - Pitch/hot take timers - Whether or not the (song)writer is dead - More disagreement regarding Fear Inoculum - And more! Bands mentioned in this episode: - Avenged Sevenfold - Manchester Orchestra - Tool - Radiohead - Jimmy Eat World

Circle up for another round of Know Your Writes! Listen to Robb and Colton discuss the highest highs and subterranean lows of A Perfect Circle. Other topics include:- The pros and cons of being imprisoned by art-loving, super-rich immortal siblings- The importance of detailed concert flyers- A disagreement regarding the merits of Fear Inoculum - And more!Bands mentioned in this episode:- Tarquin Alexandra- Tool

It's time for another episode of Know Your Writes! This time, our hosts dive into the wide and witty world of Vampire Weekend in the attempt to discover who actually cares about an oxford comma? Other topics include: - The irrelevance of the Grammys - Sports! - The finer points of dancing while sitting down - And more! Bands mentioned in this episode: - Corner Club - The Beths - Beyonce - Blaque - Weezer (yes, we mention Weezer again) - Haim

Join us for our inaugural episode of Know Your Writes! Join Robb and Colton as they discuss the highs and lows of Weezer's discography, from The Blue Album to The Black Album and every color in between. Other topics include: - The reason Robb and Colton think they deserve a podcast - The complexities surrounding what constitutes "brunch" - The beauty and grime of Sonic Youth - And more! Bands mentioned in this episode: Mos Def Jasmine Myra Sonic Youth Indigo Girls

It's the second episode of everyone's favorite unknown podcast, Know Your Writes! In this edition, Robb and Colton explore the often grungy, sometimes angelic works of Manchester Orchestra. Other topics include:- The cleaning habits of Robb's cat- The difficulties of playing a show at restaurants - The possibility that someone's voice can be too good - And more! Bands mentioned in this episode:Equally Opposite Ben KwellerRenWeezer (yes, again) Jasmine TrailsLeftmore