Pop/Rock

Dive back in, team, because we’ve made it back to the Kevin Barnett zone. This week, the fellas discuss the Alaskan pianist, composer, and former Jefts family neighbor’s album Daylight Moon (2014)—an instrumental jazz collection that kicks off with the sound of a fishing reel and just keeps slamming dunks from there. Also: mud room decorations, Shawn’s construction-related shame, and the hardest part of living with our parents. Slam on your least slippery gloves and come on!

Do you miss live music? Then you’re in luck, because the four-CD extravaganza The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts (2009) is here to give you more live music than you can handle! After some obligatory CoronaChat, the fellas discuss this beefy box set, a total grab bag of hits and misses whose final track you will NOT see coming. Also, Shawn debuts a game called “What Is Dad Looking At?” Quit hot-doggin’ and hit play already!

We could all use some good news right now, and this week the brothers bring you the extremely good news that ZZ Top is really awesome actually?? Shawn and Cameron discuss the band’s 1973 release Tres Hombres, an album resplendent with kickin’ drums, vivid images, and a truly iconic gatefold. Also, memories of the band’s 1997 tour, which the Jefts family saw together in Anchorage. And some stuff about pants. Strap yourself to a pickup truck and hit the gas, folks!

Saxophonist Mindi Abair is many things: a wine entrepreneur, an author, an activist, and—listeners may remember—a person Dad absolutely raves about. This week, the fellas discuss her extremely vibey 2003 album It Just Happens That Way, a collection of exquisitely performed sax solos with a real curveball of a cover thrown in. Also: helicopter noises, radio stations of the greater Anchorage area, and the secret to a perfect pound cake. Grab your favorite I Heart Dad artwork and come on!

Recorded at the Jefts family’s favorite restaurant, Shawn, Cameron, and special guest Dad discuss containing multitudes, the music of 2019, and the state of Anchorage itself. Who prefers Amazon for their music, and who’s a Spotify queen? How cold is too cold? Why does Shawn say the word “ambient” like that? The answers to all of these questions—plus, a lot of chewing into fried foods—on this sizzling new Pop/Rock!

Fresh off the discovery that their elementary school music teacher, Rick Zelinsky, makes adventurous, sax-driven jazz, the fellas discuss two of Mr. Z’s albums: Strange Mountains (2019) and Alone Together (2015). Zelinsky crushes it across the board, and also he seems like the most interesting person in the world?? Other topics of discussion include picture books about inclusivity, copyright law, and musical instruments the boys didn’t know existed. Lock that clock in a closet and dive in!

Dad owns two copies of Jefts Family Neighbor Kevin Barnett’s 2010 album Alpenglow, so this week the fellas cover it again. And you know what? It’s a delightful spread of instrumental tone poems! Also: how Shawn learned how to knit, why Cameron finds whale song comforting, and—perhaps most importantly—the brothers discover that their elementary school music teacher is an ACCOMPLISHED EXPERIMENTAL JAZZ MAN? Dive on in, cuz this water runs DEEP.

The 1989 comeback album by The B-52’s, Cosmic Thing, is the treasure that gave us “Love Shack,” “Deadbeat Club,” and so much more. Written in the aftermath of a personal tragedy, the album reflects a depth of emotion while still managing to pump out fun, danceable tunes about PARTY ALIENS. It rules! Other topics of discussion include: Cameron’s extensive study of juggling in middle school, Shawn’s park-based beef with Andy, and treasures from the B-52’s deep catalog. Sincere thanks to dad!

Hop in our Chrysler, because this week the fellas discuss the B-52’s 1998 best-of Time Capsule: Songs for a Future Generation. Which of these songs was Cameron’s first ringtone? Why is this album’s cover art seared into all the Jefts’ memories? What is Quiche Lorraine, anyway? The answers to all of these—plus some key intel about both Radio AAHS and Marie Callender’s restaurants(!)—on this very fun discussion of this very good album. Bang bang on the door, baby!

Welcome, friends, to the B-52’s space. And boy oh boy is this week’s album—the band’s 2008 comeback Funplex—a real good time! Sexy guitar riffs, sexy synths, sexy robots in space: this album has it ALL. Also, the fellas both independently grew weird beards and are now committing to becoming hot by September 1st (please, hold them to it!). But for now, slide into your teeniest shorts and step on into “the spandex spiral vortex”(!)

Load up that truck, folks, cuz this week the fellas discuss the 1995 compilation album The Best of Bluegrass: 50 All-Time Greatest Hits. And, tell you what, these songs are some HITS. We’ve got the Beverly Hillbillies Theme. We've got "Rocky Top." We’ve got a song about a mystical clock. But most of all, we pay homage to the Jefts family’s favorite impressionist (he does Elvis). Bile ‘Em Cabbage Down and come on!

Wow, everybody. This week’s album—simply titled Best of Blues—is GOOD. This diverse, comprehensive survey of the genre somehow pulls off feeling adventurous yet grounded, vast yet intimate. Also, it is unclear whether Dad thinks Cameron curated it himself or not? Other topics of discussion: a much-needed franchise reboot, Shawn’s opinions on flooring, and the weirdest record Cameron owns. Stream “Beans and Cornbread” immediately, then listen to this hot hot ep!

You know what’s a good album? Morning Phase by Beck, that’s what. This week, the fellas don’t just discuss the many merits of the Grammy-winning 2014 masterpiece; they also call Mom to get her thoughts on Beck’s oeuvre. Other topics of discussion: a tour of Cameron’s new bedroom, Shawn’s greatest impression, and a friend of the pod goes FB-official with a new sig oth. Here’s to enjoying life and all life’s natures, folks!

This week, the fellas discuss Beck’s 2017 album Colors, which is quite good! Except for one terrible song, but we celebrate an artistic risk-taker. Other topics of discussion include the 1979 movie The Warriors (which is great!), famed music group Rockapella (strong work ethic!), and Shawn’s collection of office plants (floundering!). Also, Cameron invents a bar designed for the wackiest barfights possible. Get by that window, folks—it’s time to shine!

Let’s talk about Beck, baby! The album of the week is Sea Change (2002), and boy is it VERY SAD and VERY GOOD. Also, Shawn gives an intro to Beck’s oeuvre, Cameron doctors a People Magazine, and the fellas both discuss their favorite parrots. But most importantly: what secrets did mom and dad discover in Shawn and Cameron’s rooms? Grab your mystery bag and tune in!

Shawn and Cameron’s greatest relational shortcomings are SOLVED through creative entrepreneurship on this week’s illuminating new episode of Pop/Rock. Oh, also, the fellas sort of discuss Keola Beamer’s 1995 album Moe’uhane Kika (Tales from the Dream Guitar), but mostly they discuss the SLAM-DUNK JAKE SHIMABUKURO CONCERT Cameron went to! It was seriously great. Also: highlights from the Jefts family’s Hawaii vacation (Christmas 2000), what an overtone series is, and all-time favorite sports movies. Come on in, the water's warm!

Keola Beamer is an absolute MASTER of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, and he displays that mastery beautifully in his 1994 album Wooden Boat. This week, Shawn and Cameron discuss the album, as well as the unique experience of experiencing a form of art you have no real reference for. But also, there’s plenty of dumb talk about sky cocktails, dark sirens, and our new favorite ukulele player. Stick two straws into your favorite jug of champagne and come on!

Chase Brantley (of Athens, GA’s Moonlight Theater) joins the fellas this week to discuss the music festival compilation album AthFest 10, a treasure trove of deliciously mumbled vocals and fun lyrics about vices. Other topics of discussion include half-comedy, the “Nightswimming” vibe, and the artistic beauty of owning what’s wrong with you. Throw on a black turtleneck and grab your favorite cowbell, baby—we’re living it! Follow Moonlight on insta: @moonlight_theater_company

Extremely Special Guest Uncle Chris joins the fellas this week to discuss a real fun grab-bag of a compilation album, AthFest 2007. AthFest is an annual music and arts festival in Athens, GA (where Chris lives!), and its 2007 iteration was AWASH with dreamy synths, wacky instrumentations, and rap music about being moderately successful. But honestly there’s not too much AthFest talk, because we’ve gotta get to the big questions, like: what was dad’s haircare secret as a twentysomething? The answer will amaze you!

There’s nothing quite like The Barstool Romeos’ 2012 album Twisted Steel and Sex Appeal, and album Dad owns yet does not enjoy. Join Shawn (who liked it) and Cameron (who… loved it?) as they trace the ups and down of this booze-soaked Country/Rock fusion, their relationships to Country music in general, and the broader function of masculinity in contiguous U.S. culture. Also, a phone call to Bobby yields some primo Jazz recommendations. Toss on your most shocking merch and enjoy!

Alaskan composer Kevin Barnett is many things: a jazz pianist, a film scorer, and (most importantly) OUR CHILDHOOD NEIGHBOR. This week, Shawn and Cameron discuss Kevin’s 2010 album Alpenglow—a series of tone poems about Alaska, all of which rule. Also discussed: several dramatic events from Eagle River’s Symphony Lakes hike, Justin Timberlake’s underrated 2018 album, and an experimental journey to Algorithm Corner. This is pure jazz, baby, and it’s good!

Courtney Barnett’s music is all about SPECIFICITY, honey, and this week’s discussion of her Double EP (A Sea of Split Peas, 2013) leads the fellas to some real specific places. How does the chain of commerce work in beer distribution? What’s your favorite sports bar in Midtown Anchorage? And, for the love of God, how late does it have to be to get a drink in the Seattle airport? Also, the Double EP is quite good! Anyway, to paraphrase an Australian frozen dinner ad from the ‘90s, listening to this episode… is Taking Care of Yourself. :)

This week, iPod classic user and noted trivia queen Lucy Roberts joins the fellas to discuss Courtney Barnett’s 2015 bangerpalooza Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. From the vowels to the riffs to the hair, it’s all A+ here, and we’re getting INTO IT. Other topics of discussion include Lucy’s Sara Bareilles choreography, Shawn’s struggles as a joyless non-creative, and that OUR DADS WERE FRIENDS IN COLLEGE. Spritz yourself with some Essence of Lucy and come on!

Slip on your swimsuit and put sunglasses on your dog, because this week the fellas go deep on the Baha Men’s 2000 album Who Let the Dogs Out… and it’s so much more than a single. This triple-platinum(!) collection of bangers swings from beachy party anthems to sultry R&B jams to a club remix of its own title track, all while celebrating the spirit of Bahamian festival culture. And speaking of that title track—just WAIT til you hear the shocking origin of that unforgettable melody. It’s not a great album but it’s a great album, if you know what I mean, and the fellas are here to discuss it TODAY!

The weird thing about this one is it’s almost totally about music? This week, the fellas discuss the self-titled 1992 album by Arc Angels—an album they brought pretty low expectations to but were pleasantly surprised by! Also: the boys suspect that Gina might be a huge Phish fan, and they find inspiration in Little Jimmy King’s 1994 track “Something Inside of Me”. Buckle up for next week, because we've got BAHA MEN on the horizon!

Climb on up! This week, Actual Music Person Grey Grant joins the fellas to discuss Matt Andersen’s album Live From the Phoenix Theatre (2009)—and WOW is it a divisive one. Also on the menu: the baby tooth Shawn weirdly still has; two unusual dates; and Grey’s time as a child star in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. But most importantly: Can Shawn and Cameron convince Grey to yodel on-mic? You gotta listen to find out!

Don’t tread on me; don’t tread on my snowman. On this SIZZLING new Pop/Rock, Shawn and Cameron discuss Matt Andersen’s 2011 album Coal Mining Blues. But only sort of, because there’s a lot of talk about imaginary ads, love languages, and the gym classes they would teach if given the opportunity. Anyway, Free Snowzilla!

Hope you’re ready for a full Romp & Stomp, because this week the fellas dive on into the Putumayo World Music compilation American Blues (2006). Other topics of discussion include escape rooms, questionable headshots, and the World’s Biggest Organ (, baby!). Hop aboard, because this music train’s about to leave the station—choo choo, betch!

Welcome to BLUES FUSION CITY—also known as Gaylord, Michigan—because this week the boys dive right into Laith Al-Saadi’s 2013 album, Real. Shawn didn’t like it! Cameron thought it had strengths and weaknesses! No matter what, though, there’s one thing these fellas can certainly agree on: the calming pleasures of a beautiful spreadsheet. Oh, and that the Gaylord, MI is a very fun name for a place. Anyway, legalize it!

THE MAN HIMSELF joins Shawn and Cameron this week for an informative and action-packed Allman Brothers wrap-up. Which ABB albums are the Jefts’ faves and least faves? Why are there so many places in the South named after European cities? Did Gregg Allman ever find love? Answers to all of these—PLUS, Bobby absolutely ROASTS Cameron for drinking beer out of a can—on this Very Special Episode of Pop/Rock! Remember: You're culpable!

Settle in with a plate of Diablo Breadsticks, because in this week’s Pop/Rock, Shawn and Cameron cover the last three ABB albums in their dad’s collection: Idlewild South (1970), At Filmore East (1971), and Eat a Peach (1972). Other topics include moose safety, favorite Anchorage eateries, and a big decision. And just to get ahead of things, at one point Cameron says At Filmore East was recorded in April, and YES, we KNOW it was recorded in MARCH, so don’t @ us, you VULTURES. Ooh also if you have any questions for Dad, please pass them on to PopRockPod@gmail.com. Thanks, love ya!

The man/myth/legend Andy Valdez joins the fellas this week to discuss Duane Allman’s postumus Anthologies of exquisite guitar work. Which version(s) of “The Weight” does everyone prefer? Is “Happily Married Man” a thinly veiled diss track? What’s that bug in Andy’s garage? Answers to all these and more on this sizzling new Pop/Rock!

Welcome back, friends, to the Allman Brothers Space. This week the fellas slam through four (4) ABB albums, and they’re actually kind of bringing some real analysis to it at this point? But don’t worry—they still find time to discuss Hanson, karaoke, and the precarious legacy of Josta soda (RIP). Spoiler alert for that Hanson bit: we’re all very proud of those boys. Listen to find out why!

January is upon us, and what better way is there to smooch holiday music season goodbye than with the absolute slam-dunk of an album Aaron Neville’s Soulful Christmas? In this sizzling new Pop/Rock, the fellas also discuss harrowing rideshare experiences, preparations for Feeny 2K18, and how to bake the perfect Coca-Cola ham. Grab your favorite DVD copy of Syriana and buckle up, cuz you're in for some quality content.

Like a Churchy Pat Benatar, Amy Grant welcomes us into a world of hard synths and even harder theology in her 1983 hit A Christmas Album. The boys keep the holiday music season rolling along with a deep discussion of this Extremely Mom Album, as well as professorial oversharing, dating someone with the same name as you, and their new status as Icelandic celebrities. And remember: if you’re listening—you’re awesome, dude!

Lynyrd Skynyrd has A CHRISTMAS ALBUM, and certified lyric boy Andrew Nelder joins Shawn and Cameron to discuss its many twists and turns. Also: candle recommendations, grooming tips, and the burden of Shawn’s infinite memories. But mostly, the three gents search for the answer to a burning question: why is this album so horny?

Oh wow, it’s time for the GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME: Blue Yule, the legendary 1991 compilation from Rhino Records. Blue Yule superfans Shawn and Cameron break down the iconic lyrics, the iconic riffs, the iconic DRESSER DRAWERS. Also discussed: Christmas tree aesthetics, NYC’s barbaric garbage situation, adjusting to non-Alaskan winters, and dart-based confusion. Keep an eye out for that pickle, baby!

HOLIDAY MUSIC SEASON CONTINUES with Kenny G’s album The Greatest Holiday Classics, a compilation of G’s finest sax-based seasonal bangers. Kenny G has literally six holiday albums, so there’s a lot of good stuff to choose from! Also, the fellas discuss emotionally evocative calendars, Shawn’s game-filled Thanksgiving, and Cameron’s dream roles. Get ready to ride that sleigh, baby!

It’s HOLIDAY MUSIC SEASON and what better way to kick it off than with a hearty discussion of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas album? Grab your favorite satchel and come along, because the boys are diving on into this dank smash. One little request, though: could we get a little more comfort & joy, a little less Satan’s pow’r?

Whoa, Kurt!!! This week, the boys discuss Nirvana’s 1991 album Nevermind, a masterpiece chock-full of beautiful melodies and horrifying imagery. Also: their legendary guitar teacher, tips for being a grungey boy, and a look ahead at Christmas music season. *bass riff* HOT! *bass riff* CARL!

Megan joins the boys for a rollicking discussion about high school jazz band, Janice from Friends, and the enduring emotional resonance of Tracy Chapman. Oh, also there’s some talk about ABB’s 2003 album Hittin’ The Note, but honestly it’s pretty minimal. Are you... not entertained?

The live album is a fickle creature. How do you balance new material and the hits? In what ways do personnel changes impact your arrangements? Did you hear that glass just shatter? This week, Shawn and Cameron review ABB’s 2004 album One Way Out. Also on the menu: obsolete blues songs, Sailor Moon costumes, and prep for a Portugal The Man show. Yum yum!

Quick question: you like the bleep-bloops? This week the fellas discuss M.I.A.’s 2007 album Kala, a gosh-dang kaleidoscope of bleepin’ sounds and rhymes profound. Also, a tribute to Grandma Jackie (R.I.P.), the two most traumatic visits to colleges the boys made as high schoolers, and the song that gave Aja her drag name. This is musical nihilism, and folks? It’s a real good time.

The curatorial hand of Martin Scorsese is deeply felt in this extremely focused and professional episode of Pop/Rock. The fellas discuss the compilation album Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: The Allman Brothers Band, which is really great, actually! Also there’s some talk about the relationship between grunge and the blues, but really—this ep is a formal experiment in talking about the album the whole time. How’d it turn out? You be the judge!

We’ve got a weird one for you here, folks. Shawn and Cameron discuss the live album An Evening With the Allman Brothers Band: First Set, quickly realizing there’s not much to say. What follows is a rollicking journey through Cher’s Dancing Queen album, the legacy of Rebecca Black, and Uncle Randy’s mythical Mixtape. Know your Auto-Tune history!

Welcome to the brotherhood of Two The Hard Way apologists. In this episode, Shawn and Cameron discuss the 1977 album by Allman and Woman (the woman is Cher!), which it turns out kinda RULES. Slip off your old red flannel nightgown and snuggle into this deep cut of disco history. Shatner’s here, too!

In this FRESH NEW Pop/Rock, Shawn and Cameron discuss STRFKR’s superb 2013 album, Miracle Mile. Also: the Texas Cowboy Club, tailgating a rock show, and the most experimental comedy Shawn ever did. But we’re kind of burying the lead here: most importantly, these boys got KAZOOS!

Hey, do you like hits? Because today, the fellas discuss the Allman Brothers Band’s album A Decade of Hits: 1969-1979. And boy oh boy, what a decade it was! Also, Shawn and Cameron discover their new hero, guitarist Dickey Betts. In the words of “Revival”: People, can you feel it? Love is everywhere.

Go ahead and google “Gregg Allman Laid Back” and slam that “images” button, because you’re going to need some visual reference for this one. Today, the fellas discuss Gregg Allman’s debut solo album, Laid Back (1973), which is quite good! Also, Bobby violates the rules of improv to emphasize a simple truth: it’s just Rock & Roll. And Cameron’s hot toddy recipe! This one’s all over the place, you’ll love it.

The boys take a break from their dad’s CDs to discuss Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 album Illinoise, which they LOVE. This is straight-up an album about the state of Illinois, and it’s a masterclass in lyrics, composition, and the non-boner-jazzy use of horns. Also, Megan stops by to talk about weird basement shows and her work as a “Create of”. Hope you’re ready for a ride—from the pristine frolf courses of Anchorage to the murky depths of Crud Corner, this one’s a JOURNEY.

Okay, so don’t freak out, but celebrity guests Bobby and Vicki join the boys for this, a Very Special Episode of Pop/Rock. With the full family assembled, the Jefts discuss the Gregg Allman Band’s 1988 studio album Just Before the Bullets Fly. The 80s were kind of a weird time, and this is kind of a weird album, but hey—that’s America, baby!