Shows
It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 42: Gorillaz – Demon DaysWe've reached the end of season 2!!!! And we're going out with a bang discussing the sophomore LP from Gorillaz, Demon Days! Other topics include doing THAT, Becca's heartburn, and actually the Oregon trail?
Thank you for listening! Please encourage someone you know to dig through our backlog! This has been incredibly fun and we truly cannot wait to start recording season 3 2021-09-281h 13It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 41: Coldplay – Parachutes (w/ Chris Farren)This week we're discussing the debut album from Coldplay, Parachutes! And we're doing so with Chris Farren who you may know from his iconic work as a solo musician, or with Antarctigo Vespucci, or even the band Fake Problems. Other topics include Taylor Swift, the infamous "monkey video," and just Coldplay in general.
2021-09-141h 18It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 40: Mates of State – Bring It BackThis week we're discussing the 2006 LP from Mates of State, Bring It Back! Other topics include seltzer, Becca's DIY projects, and her new obsession with grout. Becca also battles a tiny fruit fly, and we do a BUNCH of screaming. Great album. Unbelievable ep!
2021-09-071h 02It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 39: Metric – Live It Out (w/ James Rettig)This week we're making podcast history with our first ever IN PERSON guest! And it's none other than James Rettig (Stereogum) and we're discussing Metric's 2005 LP, Live It Out. Other topics include Grey's Anatomy, turning a song on its head at the last minute, and the way critics couldn't stop talking about Broken Social Scene when reviewing this album!?
James has a twitter that he only sort of maybe wants you to know about: https://twitter.com/jamsrettig
2021-08-311h 15It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 37: Of Montreal – Sunlandic Twins (w/ Joey Joesph of Pomegranates)WE'RE BACK! This week we're diving into The Sunlandic Twins by Of Montreal, and we're doing so with Joey Joesph formerly of the band Pomegranates (who we reviewed in our last ep!!!!)! Other topics include skateboarding, The Beach Boys, and Sonic the Hedgehog vibes. Joey is a prolific solo musician now and his new record Nite Vibes comes out August 27th btw!!!
2021-08-311h 23It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 38: The Kills – Midnight BoomThis week we're diving into The Kills' 2008 LP, Midnight Boom! Other topics include gossip girl, when the song is sparse but full, but also when the song is good but gets more annoying every time you listen lol. If you haven't revisited this album recently, or never listened at all.... please do!
2021-08-241h 04It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 36: Pomegranates – Everything Is AliveThis week we're diving into the debut album from the band Pomegranates, Everything Is Alive! Other topics include when the drums sound GOOD, when the lyrics are NOT online, and how to record video on zoom. We basically just vibed out to this record while recording this ep and for that? We're sorry lol.
2021-07-2749 minIt Rocks or It SucksEpisode 35: The Shins – Oh, Inverted World (w/ Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties)This week we're joined by Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties and the three of us are diving into the debut album from The Shins, 'Oh, Inverted World'! This is our first attempt at recording an ep "from the road" (aka not in our normal homes) and there are definitely some flaws! But the convo is enlightening, and Sarah is so endlessly full of wisdom when it comes to all things music and audio. We'll have to have her back for a redemption round lol.
2021-07-201h 11It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 34: Islands – Return To The SeaThis week we're diving into the debut album from the band Islands, Return to the Sea! Other topics include what this podcast is even about (???), my lost cat Squeak, and Zoboomafoo! A polarizing ep overall lol
2021-07-1353 minIt Rocks or It SucksEpisode 33: Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion (w/ Terrence Richard of Junior Astronomers)This week we're diving into the most critically acclaimed album of 2009, Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective! And we're doing so with iconic guest Terrence Richard (aka Alan Charmer) of the band Junior Astronomers! Other topics include The Beach Boys, the difference between vocalizing and singing, and Terrence's quest to become "white famous."
2021-07-061h 05It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 32: Camera Obscura – My Maudlin CareerThis week we're diving into the album that birthed THE hit single "French Navy"!!! My Maudlin Career by the band Camera Obscura! Other topics include Becca dropping her la croix the second we started recording, whether this album is considered "vaudeville" or not, and also the hyphenated title of Scottish-indie.
2021-06-291h 04It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 31: Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains (w/ Ian Cohen)This week we're joined by THEE friend of the pod... Ian Cohen! And we're discussing the debut album from Cymbals Eat Guitars, Why There Are Mountains. Other topics include Ian's humble beginnings working behind the scenes in the comedy world (???), when a band enters the scene fully formed, and of course IMAGERY!!!!
2021-06-2258 minIt Rocks or It SucksEpisode 30: Shout Out Louds – Howl Howl Gaff GaffThis week we're diving into the debut album from Swedish indie rockstars THE Shout Out Louds, Howl Howl Gaff Gaff! Other topics include... giving a new apartment a "trial run", sparkles and flies, and honestly? Becca really proves that nobody is paying as close attention to "the mix" as she is!!!!!
2021-06-151h 00It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 29: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It's Blitz! (w/ James Cassar)This week we're we're joined by none other than James Cassar, and we're discussing the third LP from New York City's very own THE Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz! Other topics include hacking iPods, paralyzer by finger eleven, and an era when cover art was MOST important!
2021-06-081h 17It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 28: M.I.A.– KalaThis week things go a little off the rails, BUT we mostly talk about M.I.A.'s sophomore album Kala. Other topics include the hottest new piece of playground equipment, swine flu, instant messenger, and Legendary on HBO Max. The vibe is off, but nevertheless she podcasted.
2021-06-011h 18It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 27: Desaparecidos – Read Music/Speak Spanish (w/ Tim Crisp of Better Yet)This week we're diving into the debut LP from indie rock super group Desaparecidos, Read Music/Speak Spanish with iconic guest Tim Crisp! Tim hosts a number of podcasts including one of my absolute faves, Better Yet! Other topics include capitalism obviously, soda, and Mariah Carey? A wild time.
2021-05-181h 27It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 26: Rilo Kiley – The Execution of All ThingsThis week we're revisiting a modern classic! The Execution of All Things by Rilo Kiley! Other topics include kermit the frog, depression, and actually the national anthem? Unbelievable, I know. Does it hold up? Listen and find out!
2021-05-111h 40It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 25: Best Coast – Crazy For You (w/ Jeanette Wall)This week we're joined by none other than Jeanette Wall to discuss the debut album from Best Coast... Crazy for You! Other topics include Urban Outfitters, Arrah and The Ferns, and of course a little bit of Drag Race talk. The opinions are strong here so of course.... it's a must listen!
2021-05-041h 36It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 24: Peter Bjorn and John – Writer's BlockThis week we're diving into Peter Bjorn and John's 2006 album Writer's Block! This record is....... well, you simply MUST listen to the ep! Other topics include loud birds, pools, and uncrustables.
2021-04-271h 22It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 23: MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (w/ Sommer Rodriguez)WE'RE BACK! This week we're joined by Sommer Rodriguez and we're tackling the 2007 debut album from MGMT, Oracular Spectacular. Other topics include La Croix, PLUR, and what time the sun sets in Idaho?... truly an ep not to be missed!
2021-04-201h 11It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 22 – The End of Season 1The pod is taking a break! The pod is going on SPRING BREAK!!!! Thanks for listening! See y'all in April 2021-03-2308 minIt Rocks or It SucksEpisode 21 – BelongFirst of all, how tall do we sound? Secondly.... this week we're discussing the album Belong by the band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart! Other topics include ripping this band tf off (!!!!!!!), gila monsters, and we CONTINUE to threaten to start a Patreon. Is there any interest in that?
2021-03-161h 06It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 20 – Blink-182 (w/ Eric Smeal of Clearbody)This week we're joined by Eric Smeal of Clearbody (and Acrobat Unstable records) to dissect Blink-182's self-titled album! Is it self-titled? Is it untitled? Will we remain on topic? Who is actually to say! Also bring back MTV's 'Album Launch!'
2021-03-091h 30It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 19 – AlbumThis week we're discussing the seminal album.... Album by Girls! Other topics include riding a bike with no hands, the power of nostalgia, and a little bit of Rupaul's Drag Race talk. ALSO Christopher Owens, Paul Giamatti, and Cardi B all have open invitations to come on the pod!
2021-03-021h 14It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 18 –The Garden State Soundtrack (w/ Mallory Hawk)This week we're joined by Mallory Hawk (of Double Double Whammy, How Says, and Slight Of) to discuss the iconic Garden State soundtrack! Other topics include hollywood's obsession with James Mercer, Zach Braff's obsession with TV actors, and the power of a well timed Simon & Garfunkel song.
2021-02-231h 16It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 17 – Good HealthThis week we're tackling the 2002 debut LP from Pretty Girls Make Graves, Good Health! Other topics include SPORTS, and being young and buying individual songs on itunes to save money. If you've never listened to this album PLEASE DO! Also if anyone from PGMG is listening we love you and would love to have you on the pod! LOL
2021-02-161h 07It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 16 – Intimacy (w/ Dave Tomaine of Cave People)This week we're joined by Dave Tomaine of Cave People and the three of us are fearlessly revisiting the 2008 third LP Intimacy by Bloc Party! A polarizing release that is ultimately very... GAY! Other topics include death, religious imagery, and why the critics were WRONG* about this one!!!
(I think Becca probably agrees with the critics actually)
2021-02-091h 25It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 15 – Portamento1 week late, but this week we're tackling the 2011 sophomore LP from The Drums, Portamento! Other topics include recording all your demos acapella, toxic relationships, and the power of a good pointed and..... kinda b*tchy song! Amazing band and an album that truly ****s!
2021-02-021h 16It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 14 – Vampire Weekend (w/ Katie Chow)This week we're joined by music writer and photographer Katie Chow to discuss the 2008 self-titled debut album by Vampire Weekend! Other topics include fish, Jake Gyllenhaal doing a handstand, and Anna Konkle!
2021-01-191h 33It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 13 – Guns Babes LemonadeThis week we're tackling the 2007 debut LP from Australian electronica musician Muscles, Guns Babes Lemonade! A true party rocker's album. Other topics include american apparel hoodies, bands making pins as merch, and there's a lot of talk about ice cream... in which Becca's food handling practices come into question lol
2021-01-121h 08It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 12 – Elevator (w/ Lamont Brown of Rnie)This week we're joined by our juiciest guest so far... Lamont Brown of Rnie! And we're talking about Elevator by Hot Hot Heat! Other topics include escaping emo, getting electrocuted, and even the WB frog himself actually if you can believe it.
2021-01-051h 24It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 11– 10 Things That Rocked in 2020Last ep of the pod for the year! No specific album to talk about this week, just recounting 10 things we liked or enjoyed in 2020 despite the overall vibe of "suck." Waxing nostalgic about friends, and also family, and OF COURSE some literal ...music! *cheers*
2020-12-291h 15It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 10 – The Suburbs (w/ Lillie West of Lala Lala)An absolutely unbelievable amount of giggling this week as we're joined by Lillie West of Lala Lala to discuss the Grammy award winning Album Of The Year 2010... The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. Other topics include the missing "THE" from the band's name, what it feels like to hear a literal perfect song, and Lala Lala's 2018 release The Lamb. Also Lillie delivers what's now the first iconic rant in the history of the pod. Not an ep to be missed!
2020-12-221h 31It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 9 – Pink FridayCelebrating 10 years of the iconic Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj by reviewing the.... iconic Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj! Other topics include cranberry Sprite, Winter Spiced cranberry Sprite, and how one time Becca's mom forgot her at the airport lol!
2020-12-151h 36It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 8 – The Con (w/ Stevie Knipe of Adult Mom)This week we're joined by the incomparable Stevie Knipe of Adult Mom! And we're diving into an album that is.... just so..... we're diving into The Con by Tegan & Sara! This one runs a little long but there's a lot to talk about listeners! Wow.
2020-12-081h 43It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 7 – Give UpThis week we tackle the indie rock monolith that is Give Up by The Postal Service. Other topics include nuts, new york city, and our absolute favorite topic... Shelley from Hemlock Grove! Also final verdict this week is one not to be missed—dare I say it's maybe even history making!?
2020-12-011h 28It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 6 – King of the Beach (w/ Felix Walworth of Told Slant)This week we're joined by our history making second guest ever... Felix Walworth of Told Slant! Felix is also cementing themselves in IROIS history as having never listened to this week's album in question before agreeing to come on the pod. That album we're talking about? The 2010 album King of the Beach by Wavves! The opinions? Pointed. The dichotomy? Precipice.
2020-11-241h 29It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 5 – Be Your Own PetThis week we're establishing what will now be referred to as "journalism eps" of the pod. Just your hosts gabbing about the deep dish in between having iconic guests on. Be your own PET was a band that made a huge impact on us as teens..... but does their self-titled debut full length still hold up? Listen and find out! Also, take a shot every time Karl says "fun" but actually please don't do that.
2020-11-171h 21It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 4 – A Lesson in Crime (w/ Ana Davis)History making ep this week as Becca and Karl are joined by their first ever GUEST of the pod Ana Davis! The album in question? A Lesson in Crime by Tokyo Police Club. Does it rock or does it suck? Listen and find out!
2020-11-101h 00It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 3 – Commit This to Memory
This week we're welcoming cooler temps with a quintessential fall/winter album... Commit This to Memory by Motion City Soundtrack! Other topics include Myrtle Beach, our biggest fears, and the degrees of separation between us and this band lol. Also THE DRUMS ON THIS RECORD!?
2020-11-031h 15It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 2 – Bottoms of BarrelsOn this episode Becca and Karl discuss birds, daddy long legs, and the 2006 album Bottoms of Barrels by Tilly and the Wall!
2020-10-271h 09It Rocks or It SucksEpisode 1 – GrandOn the inaugural ep of the podcast Becca and Karl revisit Grand (2009) by Matt and Kim, and determine that the album does indeed ****! Listen to find out.
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