In 2006, Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John released their third album, Writer’s Block. For months and months after that, it felt like you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing the first single from that album, “Young Folks.” It was on top 10 lists for song of the year in places like Pitchfork and NME. It’s been covered by James Blunt, and remixed by Kanye West, along with countless other versions out there. Now, ten years later, Peter Bjorn and John break down the song and how it all came together, and how it almost didn’t come together at all.

You can buy “Young Folks”on iTunes.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

footnotes
“Young Folks” music video

Live on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, January 2007

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Mitski has been making records since 2012. Her newest record, Puberty 2, came out in June 2016, and was critically acclaimed. Pitchfork gave it Best New Music status. Her music has been featured in the television show Adventure Time. In this episode, Mitski breaks down her song “Your Best American Girl,” along with her long-time collaborator Patrick Hyland.

You can buy “Your Best American Girl”on iTunes or Bandcamp.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

footnotes
“Your Best American Girl” video

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Tom Fec, aka Tobacco, has released four albums since 2008. He’s also the frontman of the band Black Moth Super Rainbow, and he created the theme music for the HBO show Silicon Valley. In this episode, Tom breaks down his song “Gods in Heat” from his newest album, Sweatbox Dynasty, recorded entirely on cassette.

You can buy “Gods In Heat” on iTunes and Bandcamp.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

footnotes
Ildjarn – “Himmelhvelv”
Butthole Surfers – “Birds”
“Silicon Valley” Opening Titles

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