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The Pitchfork Review

The Pitchfork Review

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The Origins and Influence of Brian Eno’s Pioneering Album Ambient 1: Music for Airports

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Following his recent Sunday Review, longtime contributor Grayson Haver Currin talks to Reviews Director Jeremy D. Larson about the story behind legendary producer Brian Eno’s 1978 touchstone Ambient 1: Music for Airports, the most influential ambient album ever made.Read Grayson’s Sunday Review of Music for Airports. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 11, 202429 min

Jeff Tweedy Interview

The Wilco frontman and author talks to Associate Editor Sam Sodomsky about the pitfalls of music snobbery, what he doesn’t like about rock criticism, Wilco’s recent album Cousins, and his latest book World Within a Song, in which he writes about 50 tracks that rearranged his brain. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 4, 202426 min

Dolly Parton on The New Yorker Radio Hour

The Pitchfork Review is off this week so we're sharing an episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour featuring Dolly Parton talking about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and her one-of-a-kind career. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dec 28, 202323 min

Replay: Boygenius Interview

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An encore presentation of Editor-in-Chief Puja Patel’s interview with boygenius’ Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, which was recorded around the release of their debut album last spring. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dec 21, 202332 min

The 2023 Music Grab Bag: Trends, Scandals, and Theories; Plus an Appearance From Alvvays

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Jeremy D. Larson, Puja Patel, and Cat Zhang talk about the trends, scandals, gossip, technological moves, and industry changes that shaped the musical landscape of 2023. Plus: Alvvays’ Molly Rankin reveals the song she wishes she wrote. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dec 14, 202330 min

S1 Ep 51The Best, Worst, and Most Surprising Albums of 2023

Puja Patel, Jeremy D. Larson, and Anna Gaca talk about some of their personal faves from Pitchfork’s 50 Best Albums of 2023 list, including records by Amaarae, ANOHNI, Sofia Kourtesis, Kara Jackson, and SZA. They also lament some of the year’s biggest disappointments, like Lil Yachty’s psych-rock experiment and Doja Cat’s rap misfire. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dec 7, 202329 min

S1 Ep 50The Replacements’ Tim Is the Best Reissue of 2023; Plus Tommy Stinson’s Perfect-10 Album

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Jeremy D. Larson, Puja Patel, and Ryan Dombal delve into the sordid history of beloved Minneapolis rock band The Replacements and explain why the new reissue of their classic 1985 LP Tim is such a revelation. Plus, Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson stops by to talk about an album he considers to be a perfect 10. Read Jeremy’s review of Tim (Let It Bleed Edition) here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 30, 202332 min

Erykah Badu on The Run-Through with Vogue

The Pitchfork Review is off this week, so we're sharing an episode from our friends at The Run-Through with Vogue, where editors Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle talk to the legend Erykah Badu. You can also watch Badu give her Over/Under on aliens, Porky Pig and more here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 23, 202319 min

S1 Ep 49Bad Bunny’s New Album and the Future of Puerto Rican Rap and Reggaeton

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Ryan Dombal, Isabelia Herrera, and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd talk about Bad Bunny’s remarkable rise to superstardom and how his latest record, nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana, doesn’t quite live up to his own high bar. Also, we highlight a few new queer femme artists from Puerto Rico who are taking the island’s music to exciting new places. Read Isabelia's review here, and her feature story here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 16, 202330 min

S2 Ep 48Debating the Best Songs of 2023, Part Two

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Puja Patel, Jeremy D. Larson, and Ryan Dombal battle it out over some of their favorite songs of the year in various genres. Matchups include Troye Sivan’s “Rush” vs. NewJeans’ “Super Shy,” Wednesday’s “Chosen to Deserve” vs. Big Thief’s “Vampire Empire,” and Tinashe’s “Needs” vs. Victoria Monét’s “On My Mama.” Plus singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart stops by to talk about his dream collaboration. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 9, 202336 min

S2 Ep 47Debating the Best Songs of 2023, Part One

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Puja Patel, Jeremy D. Larson, and Ryan Dombal take sides and debate which songs by Ice Spice, 100 gecs, billy woods, Zach Bryan, and TisaKorean deserve a spot on our upcoming year-end list. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 2, 202334 min

S2 Ep 46The Good, the Bad, and the Swiftie of Taylor’s Eras Tour Concert Film

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Puja Patel, Amy Phillips, and Cat Zhang wade through the ups and downs of the pop superstar’s new record-breaking live movie. Read Amy's review of the Eras Tour film here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Oct 26, 202329 min

S2 Ep 45What Drake Is Doing Wrong—and How He Can Fix It

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Jeremy D. Larson, Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, and Ryan Dombal talk about what made them care about Drake in the first place, why his new album For All the Dogs is so frustratingly mid, and what he should do next. Read Julianne’s review here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Oct 19, 202326 min

S2 Ep 44Best New Music Albums From yeule and L'Rain, Plus Olivia Rodrigo Reveals Her Perfect 10 Record

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Puja Patel, Jeremy Larson, and Ryan Dombal dissect recent Best New Music picks by pop futurist-turned-alt rocker yeule and the evocative, genre-flouting artist L’Rain. Plus: Olivia Rodrigo stops by to talk about one of her all-time favorite records in our new segment, My Perfect 10. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Oct 12, 202334 min

S2 Ep 43Sufjan Stevens Is at His Intimate and Uplifting Best on Javelin

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Jeremy Larson, Sam Sodomsky, and Nina Corcoran talk about all the ghosts, anxieties, and desires that wind through the singer-songwriter's 10th album, and why he's so good at making our tear ducts start to flow. Read Sam's review of Javelin here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Oct 5, 202327 min

S2 Ep 42An Interview With Talking Heads

Ahead of the release of their newly restored and iconic concert documentary Stop Making Sense, all four members of the original Talking Heads lineup get together to chat with Pitchfork’s Contributing Editor Andy Cush. Listen to David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison share stories about the film, the early days of the band, and recording one of their classic albums. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sep 28, 202333 min

S2 Ep 41The Nostalgic, Messy Fun of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS

Puja Patel, Jeremy Larson, and Cat Zhang talk about the pop darling’s highly anticipated sophomore album, which is packed with hilarious one-liners, cross-generational music references, and the spectacular drama of being a girl in the world. Read Cat’s review here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sep 21, 202335 min

Replay: Beyoncé's Renaissance

Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to culture critic and Pitchfork contributor Julianne Escobedo Shepherd about the pop star’s immaculate dance record.Read our review of Renaissance. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sep 7, 202334 min

S2 Ep 40The Hollow Spectacle of Travis Scott’s Utopia

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Jeremy D. Larson, Alphonse Pierre, and Ryan Dombal break down the many reasons why the superstar rapper’s long-awaited new album is such a disappointment. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Aug 10, 202332 min

S3 Ep 39The Price of Pop Fandom

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Puja Patel investigates the skyrocketing cost of concert tickets with Features Editor Jill Mapes and Senior Writer Marc Hogan: How did we get here, and will prices ever come back down to Earth? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Aug 3, 202335 min

S2 Ep 38The Best and Worst Songs of the Summer

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Features Editors Ryan Dombal and Jill Mapes break down the most replayable, effervescent, and annoying songs that are vying for our attention this season alongside Senior Writer Alphonse Pierre. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jul 27, 202332 min

S2 Ep 37The Best of Pitchfork Music Festival, Then and Now

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Ahead of this weekend’s Pitchfork Fest in Chicago, Puja Patel, Jeremy D. Larson, and Executive Editor Amy Phillips reminisce about memorable sets from the past (Kendrick! Robyn! Animal Collective!) and what they’re looking forward to most this year (The Smile! Alvvays! Koffee!). Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jul 20, 202327 min

S2 Ep 36Why HBO’s The Idol Is So Fascinatingly Bad

Puja Patel and Jeremy D. Larson discuss the near hits and wild misses of the controversial pop-star drama with Features Editor Ryan Dombal. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jul 13, 202331 min

S2 Ep 35Elliott Smith Like You’ve Never Heard Him Before

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Jeremy Larson talks to Features Editor Ryan Dombal and Contributing Editor Jayson Greene about six unearthed albums Elliott Smith made with his high school friends that just might make you think a little differently about the singer-songwriter’s most well-known work. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jul 6, 202333 min

S2 Ep 34Fear Will Not Stop Queer Nightlife

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Host Puja Patel is joined by Contributing Editor Isabelia Herrera and Features Editor Jill Mapes to discuss the queer nightlife scene’s resilience amid anti-trans legislation and attacks on LGBTQ+ communities.Read Isabelia’s story “The Fight for Queer Nightlife in an Era of Political Violence.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 29, 202325 min

S2 Ep 33Janelle Monáe Creates a Queer Paradise on The Age of Pleasure

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Host Anna Gaca and Contributing Writers Julianne Escobedo Shepherd and Heven Haile discuss the pop world-builder’s fourth studio album, which abandons their sci-fi past for a more joyous future. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 22, 202331 min

S2 Ep 32Foo Fighters Rock Through the Pain Once Again

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Jeremy Larson swaps Foo Fighters memories with Senior Writer Marc Hogan and Associate News Director Evan Misker as they discuss the healing power of the arena rock legends’ 11th album, But Here We Are. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 15, 202329 min

S2 Ep 31The Best and Worst Songs of 2023 So Far

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Puja Patel talks with Features Editor Ryan Dombal and Associate Editor Cat Zhang about the songs from this year that they love, hate, and love to hate. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 8, 202332 min

S2 Ep 30The Year in Albums So Far

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Pitchfork Senior Editor Anna Gaca about the records, trends, and comebacks that have defined 2023. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 1, 202334 min

What Does AI Mean for the Future of Music?

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In our first-ever crossover episode, Puja Patel joins Gideon Lichfield and Lauren Goode from the Wired podcast “Have A Nice Future” to discuss how AI is changing the world of music as we know it. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

May 25, 202334 min

S2 Ep 29Does Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories Hold Up 10 Years Later?

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Pitchfork Features Editor Ryan Dombal about the iconic French duo’s final album, which was recently reissued. The episode also features Random Access Memories collaborator Todd Edwards reminiscing about the making of the song “Fragments of Time.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

May 18, 202326 min

S2 Ep 28A Conversation with Laurie Anderson, Kim Gordon, and Sinéad Gleeson

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Puja Patel talks with music legends Kim Gordon and Laurie Anderson, as well as writer Sinéad Gleeson, as part of a live event recorded last year during the Chicago Humanities Festival. The discussion revolves around an anthology of essays titled This Woman’s Work, which was edited by Gordon and Gleeson, and features a piece about Anderson. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

May 11, 202327 min

S2 Ep 27Jessie Ware Reaches Disco Nirvana on That! Feels Good!

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Jeremy Larson talks to Contributing Writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd about Jessie Ware’s latest album, a loving ode to the euphoric dance sounds of the 1970s. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

May 4, 202325 min

S2 Ep 26Frank Ocean’s Puzzling Coachella Set

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Puja Patel talks to Senior Writer Marc Hogan and Features Editor Jill Mapes about Frank Ocean’s performance at this year’s Coachella and its controversial aftermath. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 27, 202329 min

S2 Ep 25Weed and Music

Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Contributing Editor Andy Cush about the effect and influence of marijuana on music makers and fans. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 20, 202331 min

S2 Ep 24The Ambient Anger of Yaeji’s With A Hammer

Puja Patel talks to Associate Editor Cat Zhang and Contributing Writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd about the Korean-American electronic artist’s long-awaited debut album, which is a generous and understated exploration of rage as a source of creative renewal.Read Julianne’s review here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 13, 202325 min

S2 Ep 23Lana Del Rey: Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd

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Jeremy Larson talks to Senior Editor Anna Gaca and Contributing Writer Olivia Horn about Lana Del Rey’s most freewheeling album yet.Read Olivia’s review. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 6, 202325 min

S2 Ep 22Boygenius Interview

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Puja Patel chats with Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus about astrology, friendship, and their debut album as Boygenius. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mar 30, 202331 min

S2 Ep 21An Interview With Improvisational Geniuses Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily

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Puja Patel chats with the three musical masters about the winding road of jazz history, the magic of collaboration, and their new album as a trio, Love in Exile. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mar 23, 202328 min

S2 Ep 20The Subversive Power of Fever Ray and Yves Tumor

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Ryan Dombal talks to Pitchfork Senior Editor Anna Gaca and Contributing Editor Phil Sherburne about new records from a couple of our favorite enigmatic eccentrics.Read Anna’s review of Fever Ray’s Radical Romantics here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mar 16, 202330 min

S2 Ep 19Tár, Elvis, and Music at the Oscars

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Pitchfork Features Editor Jill Mapes about the Oscar-nominated music movies Elvis and Tár. Then, David Byrne and Ryan Lott of Son Lux talk about some favorite scores and their work on Everything Everywhere All at Once.Read Jill’s article here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mar 9, 202334 min

S2 Ep 18Måneskin: RUSH!

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk about the global rock sensation that is terrible at every conceivable level.Read our review of Måneskin’s new album here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mar 2, 202327 min

S2 Ep 17Lil Yachty: Let's Start Here

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Jeremy Larson talks to Staff Writer Alphonse Pierre and Contributing Editor Dylan Green about Lil Yachty’s voyage into soul and psych-rock.Read Alphonse’s review of Let’s Start Here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 23, 202324 min

S2 Ep 16Caroline Polachek: Desire, I Want To Turn Into You

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Pitchfork Associate Editor Cat Zhang about the singer’s new album, a pop odyssey of the highest order.Read our review here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 16, 202328 min

S2 Ep 15Kelela: Raven

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Jeremy Larson talks to Pitchfork Senior Editorial Producer Eric Torres and Editorial Fellow Heven Haile about the electronic R&B singer’s long-awaited new album. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 9, 202327 min

S2 Ep 14Grammy Predictions: Who Will Win and Who Should Win

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Pitchfork Senior Writer Marc Hogan about what we think is going to happen, what we think about the nominees, and who we think got snubbed.Read our Grammys coverage here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 2, 202334 min

S2 Ep 13The State of Ambient Music

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to contributing editor Andy Cush about the recent explosion of streaming ambient music, and then we open the mailbag to answer your burning questions.Read Andy’s story, “Inside the Ambient Music Streaming Boom.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 26, 202332 min

S2 Ep 12Overlooked Albums Roundup

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Jeremy Larson talks to Pitchfork Senior Editor Anna Gaca and Contributing Editor Phil Sherburne about the best records that came in under the radar in 2022. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 19, 202327 min

S2 Ep 11Hopes, Dreams, and Predictions for 2023

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Pitchfork Features Editor Ryan Dombal about what they want to see and hear this year. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 12, 202325 min

S2 Ep 10SZA: SOS

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Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to culture critic and Pitchfork contributor Julianne Escobedo Shepherd about SZA’s long, ambitious and luxurious new album.Read our review of SOS. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 5, 202330 min