After a quick Sportscast about a big recent trade affecting Ian's favorite NBA team, Steven and Ian settle in to talk about America's 250th birthday — or the lack of talk about America's 250th birthday. Then they get some festivities going of their own with a conversation about the best American indie bands, focusing on four categories — the best of the 20th century, the best of the 21st century, the best of the last 10 years, and the best to never sign to a major label. In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends The Ritornello Form and Steven goes for SML.

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The conversation begins with speculation about the leak of the historic "lost" Deftones album "Eros" (1:27), as well as a brief Sportscast on Giannis leaving Steve's one-time home of Milwaukee (7:17). After a quick Fantasy Album Draft update (16:37), the guys talk about new album announcements from Phoebe Bridgers and This Is Lorelei and how they feel about their respective prospects this year (19:22). Then they look at the week's new releases, including albums (33:40) before reviewing an online controversy this week involving Anthony Fantano (39:49). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian recommends the latest from Chanel Beads and Steven recommends the English band Swim Deep (56:08).

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After a brief tangent on Steve's experience this week recording an audiobook and a review of the week's scant slate of new releases, the guys get into a deep conversation about the music of 2016, a fascinating year of transition in a tumultuous time. Steven and Ian talk about the year, what it meant for the future, and share their top five albums lists.

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