Life of the Record
@lifeoftherecord.bsky.social
classic albums, told by the people who made them.
For the 40th anniversary of @themarychain.bsky.social’s debut album, PSYCHOCANDY, we spoke with Jim Reid and William Reid about how it was made. Brothers changed by punk, discovering recording, a magical fuzz pedal and pop meets noise in the 1980s.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
November 14, 2025 at 2:02 PM
For the 40th anniversary of @themarychain.bsky.social’s debut album, PSYCHOCANDY, we spoke with Jim Reid and William Reid about how it was made. Brothers changed by punk, discovering recording, a magical fuzz pedal and pop meets noise in the 1980s.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/the-jesus-a...
Reposted by Life of the Record
Dan is too kind. Every episode of @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social is a treasure trove of information.
Honored that Life of the Record makes an appearance in @chrisdeville.bsky.social’s fantastic book Such Great Heights. I've been a big fan of Chris's writing for a long time so it means a lot to be included in this essential indie rock history. Check it out: us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
October 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Dan is too kind. Every episode of @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social is a treasure trove of information.
Honored that Life of the Record makes an appearance in @chrisdeville.bsky.social’s fantastic book Such Great Heights. I've been a big fan of Chris's writing for a long time so it means a lot to be included in this essential indie rock history. Check it out: us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
October 30, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Honored that Life of the Record makes an appearance in @chrisdeville.bsky.social’s fantastic book Such Great Heights. I've been a big fan of Chris's writing for a long time so it means a lot to be included in this essential indie rock history. Check it out: us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
In our latest episode, Sharon Van Etten describes reading Patti Smith's 'Just Kids' and feeling inspired to finish writing songs for her album, TRAMP.
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
October 29, 2025 at 2:02 PM
In our latest episode, Sharon Van Etten describes reading Patti Smith's 'Just Kids' and feeling inspired to finish writing songs for her album, TRAMP.
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Full track-by-track deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Reposted by Life of the Record
In-depth review of “A River Ain’t Too Much to Love” by Bill Callahan himself lifeoftherecord.com/smog/
The Making of A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE by Smog - featuring Bill Callahan — Life of the Record
For the 20th anniversary of the Smog album, A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, we spoke to Bill Callahan about how it was made. Leaving Smog in Chicago, moving to Austin, learning fingerpicking, writing ...
lifeoftherecord.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:40 AM
In-depth review of “A River Ain’t Too Much to Love” by Bill Callahan himself lifeoftherecord.com/smog/
Reposted by Life of the Record
New on Life of the Record ⬇️
In celebration of Sharon Van Etten's third album, TRAMP, we spoke to Sharon Van Etten and producer Aaron Dessner about how it was made. Living between sublets, recording in Aaron's garage, the Brooklyn music community and a turning point moment.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
October 21, 2025 at 3:52 PM
New on Life of the Record ⬇️
In celebration of Sharon Van Etten's third album, TRAMP, we spoke to Sharon Van Etten and producer Aaron Dessner about how it was made. Living between sublets, recording in Aaron's garage, the Brooklyn music community and a turning point moment.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
October 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
In celebration of Sharon Van Etten's third album, TRAMP, we spoke to Sharon Van Etten and producer Aaron Dessner about how it was made. Living between sublets, recording in Aaron's garage, the Brooklyn music community and a turning point moment.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/sharon-van-...
Reposted by Life of the Record
you might enjoy this episode of the podcast @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social btw about No Need to Argue - lifeoftherecord.com#/the-cranber... i keep pushing this podcast on people because it's so great to hear about these albums in the words of people who actually made them
Life of the Record
Life of the Record is a documentary podcast about how iconic albums are made. Featuring the voices of the creators, each episode delves into the writing, recording and touring of a record that became ...
lifeoftherecord.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
you might enjoy this episode of the podcast @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social btw about No Need to Argue - lifeoftherecord.com#/the-cranber... i keep pushing this podcast on people because it's so great to hear about these albums in the words of people who actually made them
In our latest episode, Peter Bjorn and John describe early reactions to "Young Folks," after playing it while DJing and putting it up on Myspace.
Full WRITER'S BLOCK deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
Full WRITER'S BLOCK deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
September 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM
In our latest episode, Peter Bjorn and John describe early reactions to "Young Folks," after playing it while DJing and putting it up on Myspace.
Full WRITER'S BLOCK deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
Full WRITER'S BLOCK deep dive: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
Peter Bjorn and John's WRITER'S BLOCK is one of the defining indie albums of the 2000s. We spoke to Peter Morén, Björn Yttling and John Eriksson about how it was made. Almost quitting, recording with no budget and the whistle heard round the world.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
September 2, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Peter Bjorn and John's WRITER'S BLOCK is one of the defining indie albums of the 2000s. We spoke to Peter Morén, Björn Yttling and John Eriksson about how it was made. Almost quitting, recording with no budget and the whistle heard round the world.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/peter-bjorn...
Reposted by Life of the Record
Two hoots, a hello and a fuck all y'all.
Love this album.
Love this album.
In our latest episode, Bill Callahan describes the decision to leave the Smog name behind and start fresh with A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE.
Full deep dive interview: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Full deep dive interview: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
August 23, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Two hoots, a hello and a fuck all y'all.
Love this album.
Love this album.
Reposted by Life of the Record
“I watched that drip, but it would not drop
I knew what I had to do
Had to pull those boards off the well”
I knew what I had to do
Had to pull those boards off the well”
The Making of A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE by Smog - featuring Bill Callahan
Podcast Episode · Life of the Record · 08/05/2025 · 1h 34m
podcasts.apple.com
August 6, 2025 at 4:39 PM
“I watched that drip, but it would not drop
I knew what I had to do
Had to pull those boards off the well”
I knew what I had to do
Had to pull those boards off the well”
Reposted by Life of the Record
If like me you love this album, this is a fascinating listen podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l...
The Making of I'M WIDE AWAKE, IT'S MORNING by Bright Eyes - featuring Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis
Podcast Episode · Life of the Record · 27/01/2025 · 2h 9m
podcasts.apple.com
August 7, 2025 at 9:55 PM
If like me you love this album, this is a fascinating listen podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l...
In our latest episode, Bill Callahan describes the decision to leave the Smog name behind and start fresh with A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE.
Full deep dive interview: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Full deep dive interview: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
August 8, 2025 at 2:38 PM
In our latest episode, Bill Callahan describes the decision to leave the Smog name behind and start fresh with A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE.
Full deep dive interview: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Full deep dive interview: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Reposted by Life of the Record
This new @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social #podcast to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Smog album,
'A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE' is fantastic.
Could listen to Bill Callahan talk all day.
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
'A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE' is fantastic.
Could listen to Bill Callahan talk all day.
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
August 8, 2025 at 8:33 AM
This new @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social #podcast to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Smog album,
'A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE' is fantastic.
Could listen to Bill Callahan talk all day.
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
'A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE' is fantastic.
Could listen to Bill Callahan talk all day.
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Reposted by Life of the Record
The most I’ve ever heard this man speak and I hung on every word. Fantastic work here.
August 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The most I’ve ever heard this man speak and I hung on every word. Fantastic work here.
Reposted by Life of the Record
1) can’t believe it’s been 20 years
2) this is one of my all-time favorite records
2) this is one of my all-time favorite records
For the 20th anniversary of the Smog album, A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, we spoke to Bill Callahan about how it was made. Leaving the Smog name, moving to Austin, learning fingerpicking, writing as a newcomer, and a clear sound like a river.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
August 6, 2025 at 4:06 PM
1) can’t believe it’s been 20 years
2) this is one of my all-time favorite records
2) this is one of my all-time favorite records
Reposted by Life of the Record
Not usually a podcast person but enjoyed this Life Of The Record podcast on the making of A River Ain't Too Much To Love by Smog with Bill Callahan talking about how it was made
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Life of the Record
Life of the Record is a documentary podcast about how iconic albums are made. Featuring the voices of the creators, each episode delves into the writing, recording and touring of a record that became ...
lifeoftherecord.com
August 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Not usually a podcast person but enjoyed this Life Of The Record podcast on the making of A River Ain't Too Much To Love by Smog with Bill Callahan talking about how it was made
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Reposted by Life of the Record
Another essentail Life of the Record episode with a beautiful remembrance by Bill Callahan on the making of A River Ain’t Too Much to Love. It's my favorite of his albums with three songs from it analyzed for my Bill Callahan Series:
reclinernotes.com/bill-callaha...
reclinernotes.com/bill-callaha...
August 6, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Another essentail Life of the Record episode with a beautiful remembrance by Bill Callahan on the making of A River Ain’t Too Much to Love. It's my favorite of his albums with three songs from it analyzed for my Bill Callahan Series:
reclinernotes.com/bill-callaha...
reclinernotes.com/bill-callaha...
Nice to see our Mic City Sons episode mentioned in this Pitchfork review
Heatmiser's Mic City Sons (30th Anniversary) is named Best New Reissue 🏆
Heatmiser: Mic City Sons (30th Anniversary)
Read Jayson Greene’s review of the album.
pitchfork.com
August 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Nice to see our Mic City Sons episode mentioned in this Pitchfork review
Reposted by Life of the Record
Great episode of Life of the Record on one of my favorite albums, Smog’s A RIVER AIN’T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, which came out 20 (!) years ago.
For the 20th anniversary of the Smog album, A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, we spoke to Bill Callahan about how it was made. Leaving the Smog name, moving to Austin, learning fingerpicking, writing as a newcomer, and a clear sound like a river.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
August 5, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Great episode of Life of the Record on one of my favorite albums, Smog’s A RIVER AIN’T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, which came out 20 (!) years ago.
For the 20th anniversary of the Smog album, A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, we spoke to Bill Callahan about how it was made. Leaving the Smog name, moving to Austin, learning fingerpicking, writing as a newcomer, and a clear sound like a river.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
August 5, 2025 at 2:03 PM
For the 20th anniversary of the Smog album, A RIVER AIN'T TOO MUCH TO LOVE, we spoke to Bill Callahan about how it was made. Leaving the Smog name, moving to Austin, learning fingerpicking, writing as a newcomer, and a clear sound like a river.
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/smog/
Reposted by Life of the Record
The new B-side from my book SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS is about Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and the power of negative polarization (with bonus cameos from the Radiohead bear logo and @titus-andronicus.bsky.social on @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social)
These F&#%ing Guys
The latest B-side from Such Great Heights looks at Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and the power of negative polarization
suchgreatheights.substack.com
August 5, 2025 at 1:27 PM
The new B-side from my book SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS is about Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and the power of negative polarization (with bonus cameos from the Radiohead bear logo and @titus-andronicus.bsky.social on @lifeoftherecord.bsky.social)
I'm absolutely thrilled that @heatmiserarchive.bsky.social’s MIC CITY SONS is available on vinyl again. Such an incredible record. Hear our deep dive oral history of the album that we did for the 25th anniversary: lifeoftherecord.com/heatmiser/
July 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I'm absolutely thrilled that @heatmiserarchive.bsky.social’s MIC CITY SONS is available on vinyl again. Such an incredible record. Hear our deep dive oral history of the album that we did for the 25th anniversary: lifeoftherecord.com/heatmiser/
Today is the 30th anniversary of one of the great Elliott Smith albums. 5 years back, we took a detailed look at the mystery and magic of the self-titled record:
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/elliott-smi...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/elliott-smi...
July 21, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Today is the 30th anniversary of one of the great Elliott Smith albums. 5 years back, we took a detailed look at the mystery and magic of the self-titled record:
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/elliott-smi...
Listen: lifeoftherecord.com#/elliott-smi...