Pearl Jam, Zach Bryan, Quitting Twitter, Incubus and More

We do talk about reacting to the election, but not in a partisan way at all.

Nov 15, 2024

In the latest episode of *The Album of Record* podcast, Craig and Andrew tackle a mix of music and cultural discussions, kicking things off with a look at Pearl Jam's Grammy nominations for their album *Dark Matter*. While Craig feels the Grammy nod is hardly necessary for Pearl Jam at this point in their career, he also admits to rooting for Knocked Loose in the metal category. The hosts dive into the layered significance of these nominations and the Grammy process, pondering whether Pearl Jam’s management might have pushed for this recognition, as nominations are not entirely organic in today’s music industry.

The conversation shifts to the duo’s take on social media, where Andrew opens up about his complex relationship with Twitter. After wrestling with doomscrolling and politics in his feed, he decided to quit the platform, citing mental health as a top priority. Craig, meanwhile, shares his more detached approach, using Twitter strictly for practical updates from his kids’ schools. The contrasting perspectives highlight the different ways people navigate today’s social media landscape, especially with the ever-intrusive algorithms.

Finally, the episode rounds out with a discussion about seeing bands live, with Craig recounting his recent experience at a Wild Pink concert. Andrew draws parallels to his favorite intimate performances, like Chris Cornell’s solo show, underscoring the unique connection that smaller venues offer. Both agree that these types of shows allow for a deeply personal experience, one that sometimes even outshines studio recordings. The episode captures their love for music and live performance while engaging in thoughtful dialogues on social media, celebrity culture, and the significance of awards.