EPISODE 72
Seeking ACTUAL Intelligence
New year, new music, new blog
January 26th, 2026
There is a specific type of silence that only exists in the three seconds after an indie rock song ends. It’s not a true silence; it’s a vacuum filled with the ghost of a distorted Fender Jazzmaster and the crushing realization that you are in your 40's and still trying to find a metaphor for why a snare drum hit sounds like "divorce."
I had this realization while listening to the latest batch of "DIY gems" sent over by the guys at Let’s Play Ten. If you just discovered their podcast, welcome, but also please stay, The show consists of Ben and MP picking five new songs a piece and then attempting to convince you they’ve found the next Yankee Hotel Foxtrot from their basement in Indiana (somewhere). Funny enough, the show works and shows tremendous love for each artist they feature.
In their first episode of the new year, Ben and MP re-affirm their commitment to human-created music, ponder the possible processes to police AI, and push their pop filters to the limit.
Ben revels in the discovery of three new listeners (bringing the total listenership probably to 4) and MP shakes the dust off his Brooklyn accent. The boys also clear the decks of the new music they picked up during the long holiday break. It’s a playlist that will shovel your snow and take down your ornaments.
Anyway, my first check better clear by Tuesday. I have a rare Japanese import of a Guided by Voices B-side calling my name, and MP still hasn't Venmo'd me for that Thai food from the last recording session.
EPISODE PLAYLIST:
Polly., “Red”
Early Days, “Weighted”
Fiona Hayes, “Models”
Ah Honey, “Runaway”
Kouskous Heaven, “Are You Ready To Go Back To An Empty Home”
hallpass, “Quarter”
Vero, “100 Calls”
Edgehill, “Love To Go"
P71, “Visions”
The Drawn Out, “Nothing Neutral”
Hello Cosmos, “Turn off the News”
Cinema Stare, “Plus Ultra!”
BONUS TRACK: Hello Cosmos, “Old Friends Know"
- Cornelius Bakersfield XXXIV