Life of the Record
@lifeoftherecord.bsky.social
classic albums, told by the people who made them.
In our latest episode, Alexis Taylor describes the genesis of the classic Hot Chip song “Boy from School.” Full deep dive on The Warning at lifeoftherecord.com
August 6, 2026 at 3:15 PM
In our latest episode, Alexis Taylor describes the genesis of the classic Hot Chip song “Boy from School.” Full deep dive on The Warning at lifeoftherecord.com
For the 20th anniversary of @hotchipofficial.bsky.social’s second album, THE WARNING, we spoke to Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard about how it was made. Teenage music obsessives, merging disparate tastes and influences, signing to a major label & upping the ante.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/hot-chip/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/hot-chip/
July 28, 2026 at 1:22 PM
For the 20th anniversary of @hotchipofficial.bsky.social’s second album, THE WARNING, we spoke to Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard about how it was made. Teenage music obsessives, merging disparate tastes and influences, signing to a major label & upping the ante.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/hot-chip/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/hot-chip/
In our latest episode, Slint’s David Pajo, Britt Walford, Brian McMahan and Todd Brashear describe the summer they spent working on the songs that would become SPIDERLAND.
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
June 11, 2026 at 1:10 PM
In our latest episode, Slint’s David Pajo, Britt Walford, Brian McMahan and Todd Brashear describe the summer they spent working on the songs that would become SPIDERLAND.
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
For the 35th anniversary of Slint’s landmark album, SPIDERLAND, we spoke to Brian McMahan, Britt Walford, David Pajo and Todd Brashear about how it was made. Coming of age, the Louisville scene, vulnerability in punk and the power of the practice space.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
June 3, 2026 at 2:18 PM
For the 35th anniversary of Slint’s landmark album, SPIDERLAND, we spoke to Brian McMahan, Britt Walford, David Pajo and Todd Brashear about how it was made. Coming of age, the Louisville scene, vulnerability in punk and the power of the practice space.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/slint/
In our latest episode, @robynhitchcock.bsky.social discusses how The Soft Boys' iconic "I Wanna Destroy You" was recorded so cheaply that he wrote a check for 30 pounds at the end of the session.
Full UNDERWATER MOONLIGHT deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
Full UNDERWATER MOONLIGHT deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
March 25, 2026 at 3:24 PM
In our latest episode, @robynhitchcock.bsky.social discusses how The Soft Boys' iconic "I Wanna Destroy You" was recorded so cheaply that he wrote a check for 30 pounds at the end of the session.
Full UNDERWATER MOONLIGHT deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
Full UNDERWATER MOONLIGHT deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
For the 45th anniversary of The Soft Boys’ UNDERWATER MOONLIGHT, we spoke to Robyn Hitchcock about how it was made. Becoming a songwriter, a young band at its peak, 60s retro in the time of punk, and an album chock full of power pop gems.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
March 18, 2026 at 1:50 PM
For the 45th anniversary of The Soft Boys’ UNDERWATER MOONLIGHT, we spoke to Robyn Hitchcock about how it was made. Becoming a songwriter, a young band at its peak, 60s retro in the time of punk, and an album chock full of power pop gems.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-soft-bo...
In our latest episode, Natasha Khan Bat for Lashes describes the looping mistake that led to her writing “What’s a Girl to Do?”
Full FUR AND GOLD deep dive at lifeoftherecord.com
Full FUR AND GOLD deep dive at lifeoftherecord.com
February 15, 2026 at 2:13 PM
In our latest episode, Natasha Khan Bat for Lashes describes the looping mistake that led to her writing “What’s a Girl to Do?”
Full FUR AND GOLD deep dive at lifeoftherecord.com
Full FUR AND GOLD deep dive at lifeoftherecord.com
For the 20th anniversary of the debut Bat for Lashes album, FUR AND GOLD, we spoke to Natasha Khan and producer David Kosten about how it was made. Recording outside, baroque instruments meet lo-fi MIDI sounds and a clear and uncompromising vision.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/bat-for-las...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/bat-for-las...
February 13, 2026 at 2:32 PM
For the 20th anniversary of the debut Bat for Lashes album, FUR AND GOLD, we spoke to Natasha Khan and producer David Kosten about how it was made. Recording outside, baroque instruments meet lo-fi MIDI sounds and a clear and uncompromising vision.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/bat-for-las...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/bat-for-las...
In our latest episode, Jim James of @mymorningjacket.bsky.social describes the thrill of finishing their album Z, but dreading that "it's not as good as Nirvana."
Full track-by-track conversation: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
Full track-by-track conversation: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
January 29, 2026 at 2:38 PM
In our latest episode, Jim James of @mymorningjacket.bsky.social describes the thrill of finishing their album Z, but dreading that "it's not as good as Nirvana."
Full track-by-track conversation: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
Full track-by-track conversation: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
For the 20th anniversary of @mymorningjacket.bsky.social’s Z, we spoke to Jim James about how it was made. Recording outside of Louisville, bringing in new sounds & band members, struggling with depression and the pressure of trying to make a great record.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
January 22, 2026 at 5:08 PM
For the 20th anniversary of @mymorningjacket.bsky.social’s Z, we spoke to Jim James about how it was made. Recording outside of Louisville, bringing in new sounds & band members, struggling with depression and the pressure of trying to make a great record.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/my-morning-...
Lastly, we took a break from covering albums and focused on The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York," one of the all-time great Christmas songs. It was amazing to hear Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer and James Fearnley describe the song's journey. (12/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Lastly, we took a break from covering albums and focused on The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York," one of the all-time great Christmas songs. It was amazing to hear Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer and James Fearnley describe the song's journey. (12/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Peter Bjorn and John's WRITER'S BLOCK was an unlikely success story. We loved getting to hear Peter Morén, Björn Yttling and John Eriksson recount how they nearly ended the band, recorded on the cheap and still managed to reach a global audience. (11/12) lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Peter Bjorn and John's WRITER'S BLOCK was an unlikely success story. We loved getting to hear Peter Morén, Björn Yttling and John Eriksson recount how they nearly ended the band, recorded on the cheap and still managed to reach a global audience. (11/12) lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
The final Smog album, A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, represents a fascinating shift in Bill Callahan's music. For the 20th anniversary, Bill generously described his process and how a change of scenery and guitar style led to a new path forward. (10/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The final Smog album, A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, represents a fascinating shift in Bill Callahan's music. For the 20th anniversary, Bill generously described his process and how a change of scenery and guitar style led to a new path forward. (10/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (S/T) is an interesting snapshot of early 2000s indie rock. Speaking with Alec Ounsworth about unlikely success, being labeled "blog rock" and remaining independent was such a thrill. (9/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/clap-your-h...
lifeoftherecord.com#/clap-your-h...
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (S/T) is an interesting snapshot of early 2000s indie rock. Speaking with Alec Ounsworth about unlikely success, being labeled "blog rock" and remaining independent was such a thrill. (9/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/clap-your-h...
lifeoftherecord.com#/clap-your-h...
Mutt Lange's production work is one of the defining sounds of the 1980s. We loved getting to chat with @GrammLou about Foreigner's classic album, 4, and how Lange was the right producer in helping them pare down and update their sound for the 80s. (8/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/foreigner/
lifeoftherecord.com#/foreigner/
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Mutt Lange's production work is one of the defining sounds of the 1980s. We loved getting to chat with @GrammLou about Foreigner's classic album, 4, and how Lange was the right producer in helping them pare down and update their sound for the 80s. (8/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/foreigner/
lifeoftherecord.com#/foreigner/
We had so much fun chatting with Stars about their breakthrough album, SET YOURSELF ON FIRE. This was such a heartfelt conversation where Torquil Campbell, Amy Millan, Evan Cranley and Chris Seligman discussed this dramatic moment for the band. (7/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/stars/
lifeoftherecord.com#/stars/
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
We had so much fun chatting with Stars about their breakthrough album, SET YOURSELF ON FIRE. This was such a heartfelt conversation where Torquil Campbell, Amy Millan, Evan Cranley and Chris Seligman discussed this dramatic moment for the band. (7/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/stars/
lifeoftherecord.com#/stars/
The Feelies' CRAZY RHYTHMS is one of the most unique albums of the 1980s. What a treat it was to speak with Glenn Mercer and Bill Million about their early connection and staying true to their vision as suburban outsiders to the NYC punk scene. (6/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-feelies/
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-feelies/
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The Feelies' CRAZY RHYTHMS is one of the most unique albums of the 1980s. What a treat it was to speak with Glenn Mercer and Bill Million about their early connection and staying true to their vision as suburban outsiders to the NYC punk scene. (6/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-feelies/
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-feelies/
Sharon Van Etten's TRAMP album was such a turning point for her, as well as for producer, Aaron Dessner. It was inspiring to hear about this period in Brooklyn where they could rely on their community of musician friends to help make a great record. (5/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Sharon Van Etten's TRAMP album was such a turning point for her, as well as for producer, Aaron Dessner. It was inspiring to hear about this period in Brooklyn where they could rely on their community of musician friends to help make a great record. (5/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Another big idea that worked was the @brighteyesband.bsky.social album, I'm WIDE AWAKE, IT'S MORNING. Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis describe this pivotal moment when they pushed themselves to make something classic, in the tradition of 1970s folk albums. (4/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/bright-eyes/
lifeoftherecord.com#/bright-eyes/
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Another big idea that worked was the @brighteyesband.bsky.social album, I'm WIDE AWAKE, IT'S MORNING. Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis describe this pivotal moment when they pushed themselves to make something classic, in the tradition of 1970s folk albums. (4/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/bright-eyes/
lifeoftherecord.com#/bright-eyes/
Speaking of big swings, the @titus-andronicus.bsky.social album, THE MONITOR, was intended to be the rock album of the century. It was amazing to hear Patrick Stickles talk through his process of making a concept album framed around the American Civil War. (3/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/titus-andro...
lifeoftherecord.com#/titus-andro...
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Speaking of big swings, the @titus-andronicus.bsky.social album, THE MONITOR, was intended to be the rock album of the century. It was amazing to hear Patrick Stickles talk through his process of making a concept album framed around the American Civil War. (3/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/titus-andro...
lifeoftherecord.com#/titus-andro...
To kick off the year, we had so much fun talking with Andy Hull of @manchesterorch.bsky.social about MEAN EVERYTHING TO NOTHING. Their 2nd album was such a make or break moment for the band and it was inspiring to hear all of the personal details behind it.(2/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/manchester-...
lifeoftherecord.com#/manchester-...
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
To kick off the year, we had so much fun talking with Andy Hull of @manchesterorch.bsky.social about MEAN EVERYTHING TO NOTHING. Their 2nd album was such a make or break moment for the band and it was inspiring to hear all of the personal details behind it.(2/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/manchester-...
lifeoftherecord.com#/manchester-...
A recap of our 2025 episodes. One big highlight was chatting with Jim Reid and William Reid of @themarychain.bsky.social about their iconic debut album. PSYCHOCANDY was so ahead of its time and it was a thrill to hear all that went into making it. (1/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
December 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A recap of our 2025 episodes. One big highlight was chatting with Jim Reid and William Reid of @themarychain.bsky.social about their iconic debut album. PSYCHOCANDY was so ahead of its time and it was a thrill to hear all that went into making it. (1/12)
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
ICYMI - For our end of the year episode, we dove deep into the Pogues' Christmas classic, "Fairytale of New York." Hear Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer and James Fearnley reflect on how the song came together.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
December 23, 2025 at 7:21 PM
ICYMI - For our end of the year episode, we dove deep into the Pogues' Christmas classic, "Fairytale of New York." Hear Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer and James Fearnley reflect on how the song came together.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Remembering the great Kirsty MacColl on the 25th anniversary of her death. In our latest episode, Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer and James Fearnley share the story of how Kirsty ended up singing on The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York."
Full episode: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Full episode: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
December 18, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Remembering the great Kirsty MacColl on the 25th anniversary of her death. In our latest episode, Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer and James Fearnley share the story of how Kirsty ended up singing on The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York."
Full episode: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Full episode: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York" is one of the all-time great Christmas songs. We spoke to Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer & James Fearnley about how it was made. The song's long gestation, a key tape edit, an imagined NYC and an unforgettable duet.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
December 15, 2025 at 2:50 PM
The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York" is one of the all-time great Christmas songs. We spoke to Steve Lillywhite, Jem Finer & James Fearnley about how it was made. The song's long gestation, a key tape edit, an imagined NYC and an unforgettable duet.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-pogues/