For the first time in show history, Cort reports back on two assignments: Hot Fuss by The Killers and Is This It by The Strokes. Spoiler: in the battle of early-2000s skinny-tie rock, Julian Casablancas and company take the win. While Brandon Flowers receives everything he is due, Is This It ultimately proves to be the better debut. Come see if the guys' argument is compelling.

From there, we dig into possible early similarities between the bands and then track the sharply different directions they took after those first albums. We also compare Casablancas and Flowers themselves: two charismatic frontmen who could not be more different once you look past the eyeliner.

Naturally, the conversation veers into the Super Bowl halftime show, Brian’s Texas travel adventures (including ride-share logistics that apparently require a flowchart), and there's an irresistible return to The Traitors specifically because of one “twist” that might qualify as self-sabotage.

We (almost) close with Brian’s experience seeing Jagged Little Pill, because nothing says seamless podcast structure like pivoting from indie rock revivalism to Alanis Morissette’s Broadway adaptation.

It’s music criticism, travel complaints, reality TV grievances, and musical theater — all in one tidy hour. You’re welcome.

🎧 Is This It - The Strokes https://open.spotify.com/album/2k8KgmDp9oHrmu0MIj4XDE?si=A84nrhe2TE-GdJTVvjQKTA

🎧 Hot Fuss - The Killers https://open.spotify.com/album/4piJq7R3gjUOxnYs6lDCTg?si=qL5lt7zURbuILwd6M6kGXA

🎶 Theme Song: Cyrus Oh Cyrus - The Flying Scrub Jays https://open.spotify.com/track/3S9T5HUS4cwky1922WhF1J?si=6fcad8771f724492