On each episode, a guest introduces the host, Al Melchior, to an album they love but that he doesn't know. In the process of their album deep dives, Al and his guests discuss their process of music discovery, lyrics analysis, songwriting, musical arrangements, music production and much more.
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Jorina Stamm of the Swiss indie pop band Soft Loft joins Al for this week’s album deep dive, and she chose Phoebe Bridgers’ Lost Weekend (released on August 14) to discuss. Jorina explains why she wanted to talk about Lost Weekend and shares her early reactions to this highly-anticipated release. She also discusses how listening to Lost Weekend got her thinking more about concept albums. Jorina explains how Soft Loft unintentionally made a concept album with their recent release Throw the Dice, and she talks about the band’s upcoming tour dates and other plans.
Want to know more about Jorina and Soft Loft? You can find them in these places online…
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:21 Jorina’s introduction
2:04 Jorina explains why she picked Lost Weekend for this episode
4:04 Jorina talks about her initial experience with listening to the album
5:35 Jorina explains how doing research enhanced her listening experience
6:54 Jorina and Al react to the album opening with “The Outside”
10:09 Jorina notes the songs that have stood out to her so far
11:51 Jorina explains what she likes about Bridgers’ songwriting
13:11 Jorina and Al talk about the speculation over how much Bridgers’ lyrics are about her personal relationships
17:30 Jorina highlights the musical aspects of the album she likes
18:47 Jorina explains why her experience with listening to Lost Weekend was not a typical one for her
21:20 Jorina and Al identify their go-to tracks for one-offs
26:49 Jorina talks about why she has recently revisited some of Bridgers’ earlier work
29:36 Jorina and Al discuss Cameron Winter’s involvement with the album
33:57 Al had a failed attempt at listening to Lost Weekend right when it came out
34:57 Jorina explains how the theme of Throw the Dice came together
41:26 Jorina talks about the reaction to “Wednesdays”
44:15 Jorina reveals Soft Loft’s upcoming plans
Outro music is from “What Are The Odds” by Soft Loft.
Albuquerque-based Americana singer-songwriter Michael Rudd joins Al for a deep-dive analysis of Townes Van Zandt’s 1969 self-titled album. Michael explains why he admires Van Zandt’s songwriting, notes what makes this album a special one in Van Zandt’s discography and breaks down the album’s highlights. He also discusses how he became inspired to create a five-album cycle over the last few years and goes into detail on some of the tracks off his latest release, Midnight at Dawn.
You can find Michael’s music and keep up with him through the following places.
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:16 Michael’s introduction
2:32 Michael talks about his relatively recent introduction to Townes Van Zandt’s music
4:18 Michael explains why Townes Van Zandt is a perfect album
5:15 Michael and Al discuss the emotional nature of “Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel”
For his album deep dive, singer, songwriter, author and educator Wesley Stace chose Robert Wyatt’s 1974 album Rock Bottom. Wesley recounts the adolescent friendship that led to his discovery of Rock Bottom, and he explains why it has been one of his favorite albums in the ensuing decades. He delves into the non-sensical nature of Wyatt’s lyrics and why they carry deep meaning for him. Wesley also talks about his latest album One Last Heist, his recent movement towards jazzier music and his upcoming shows.
There’s a lot to keep up with when it comes to Wesley’s music and shows, and you can do so at the following places online.
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:02 Wesley’s introduction
2:00 Wesley recalls how he first got introduced to Robert Wyatt’s music
12:03 Wesley explains why he was drawn to Rock Bottom and how the album made him a lifelong Wyatt fan
18:05 Wesley makes a connection between and the film
Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, YouTuber, poet and satirist Bossi joins Al for a rare double album deep dive, as she talks about Bruce Springsteen’s 1980 release The River. Bossi discusses her Springsteen fandom, which dates back to her childhood, and she explains why The River has been one of her favorite albums for decades. She explores the prominent themes of The River and illustrates how many of those themes are present in her own work, particularly on her latest album Tell All the Other Girls. Bossi also talks about her Finishing School for Difficult Women video series and how it developed from its beginnings as a part of the rollout for Tell All the Other Girls.
You can explore the many facets of Bossi’s work in the following places:
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:19 Bossi’s introduction
2:09 Bossi is a big believer in the album format
4:21 Bossi’s father was instrumental to her Springsteen fandom
Rafael Melo (Late Again) Discusses Arthur Verocai, self-titled
For this week’s album deep dive, Brazilian-born, Brooklyn-based musician, songwriter and video game designer Rafael Melo (who records and performs as Late Again) chose Arthur Verocai’s 1972 self-titled album. Rafael talks about how he first came across Verocai’s music and why he connected with this album instantly. He also delves into why he takes inspiration from Verocai’s music and career and how he came to collaborate with the Brazilian maestro on the song “People Pleasers.” Rafael discusses his soon-to-be-released EP I Dreamt I Was Awake (out September 4) and the upcoming debut Late Again album.
There are lots of places online where you can check out Late Again and follow Rafael…
This week’s guest is Portland-based singer, songwriter, author, podcaster, educator and visual artist Laura Veirs, and she chose the 2021 release Promises by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra for her album deep dive. Laura talks about her recent explorations of EDM and how that led her to listening to Floating Points and, ultimately, to Promises. She discusses the elements of Promises that make it an enthralling listening experience for her, as well as how the album has helped to her to reconnect to her own music. That reconnection resulted in the making of Temple Songs (released Aug. 14), and Laura delves into her process of writing and recording songs for the album.
There are many ways to keep up with Laura online!
lauraveirs.com
@lauraveirs on Instagram, Facebook and X
@_lauraveirs_ on Tiktok
@RavenMarchingBandLauraVeirs on YouTube
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:22 Laura’s introduction
2:38 Laura discovered Promises by way of Floating Points’ EDM work
5:06 Laura was also drawn to the album due to her interest in Pharoah Sanders
Kelley Dugan and Mina Walker of Daisy the Great Discuss Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine
On this episode, Kelley Dugan and Mina Walker of Daisy the Great drop by YMAAA. For their chosen album deep dive, they selected Fiona Apple’s 2005 release Extraordinary Machine. Kelley and Mina talk about their respective musical journeys with the album, from how they individually discovered and got hooked on it to how they collectively take inspiration from Apple’s songwriting and performances. They also chat with Al about their own latest album, The Rubber Teeth Talk with Friends, and why they decided to remake the songs from their 2025 album The Rubber Teeth Talk.
You can keep up with Daisy the Great via their website daisythegreat.com, as well as on the following social media accounts.
Instagram and Facebook: @daisythegreatband
YouTube and TikTok: @daisythegreat
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:18 Kelley and Mina’s introduction
2:08 Mina and Kelley talk about listening to the Jon Brion version of Extraordinary Machine
7:08 Mina and Kelley explain how they chose Extraordinary Machine for this episode
9:55 Mina recounts how she first encountered Extraordinary Machine
13:31 Kelley talks about first discovering Apple early in high school
Candace Hastings Discusses Adam Carroll, Lookin' Out the Screen Door
Texas-based singer-songwriter Candace Hastings takes us on this week’s album deep dive, as she introduces Al to Adam Carroll’s 2000 album Lookin’ Out the Screen Door. Candace talks about first getting to know Carroll when he was a student in her creative writing class at Tyler Junior College in east Texas, and what it was like to first hear Lookin’ Out the Screen Door. She also talks about what she appreciates most about Carroll’s songwriting and how he helped her to restart her own musical career. Candace also chats with Al about her recently-released album Soft Place to Land, and how Carroll was instrumental to her writing one of the tracks.
You can keep up with Candace online in the following places:
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:28 Candace’s introduction
2:12 Candace talks about her history with Carroll, beginning with him being a student of hers
6:00 Candace explains why she chose Lookin’ Out the Screen Door for this episode
7:57 Al and Candace discuss how “Sno Cone Man” exemplifies Carroll’s songwriting acumen
Johanna Samuels Discusses Sparklehorse, It's a Wonderful Life
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Johanna Samuels joins Al to introduce him to Sparklehorse’s 2001 album It’s a Wonderful Life. Johanna shares the unique circumstance under which she first learned about Sparklehorse, and she explains what makes It’s a Wonderful Life a magical album for her. She and Al also explore two of the music videos that accompanied the release of the album. Johanna talks about her soon-to-be-released fourth album Sorry, Kid (out August 14 on Odd Man Out Records) and the music videos she made for the album’s singles.
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:29 Johanna’s introduction
2:49 Johanna revisits the unusual circumstance that led to her discovery of
On this episode, Brooklyn-based classical guitarist and music educator Tomas Rodriguez introduces Al to Toumani Diabaté’s 1988 album Kaira. Tomas talks about discovering Kaira during a visit to a New York record store and how his eclectic musical upbringing primed him to develop a deep appreciation for this album of Malian kora music. Tomas explains why Kaira is a spiritual album and how it has helped him to stay centered during tumultuous moments. He also discusses how this album influences his own music, and in particular, his latest album Whispered Awakening.
To get Tomas’ music, schedule of live dates and more, please visit his website tomasrodriguez.com/. You can also buy or stream his music on Bandcamp at tomasrodriguez.bandcamp.com/.
You can follow Tomas on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube at @tomasrodriguezguitar.
Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io.
To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:34 Tomas’ introduction
2:18 Tomas recalls when he was first introduced to Kaira and kora music
6:11 Tomas and Al talk about the uniqueness of the kora as an instrument
10:58 Tomas notes how the spirituality of Diabaté’s music drew him in
14:53 It took Al a while to notice the variety across the tracks of the album
7:08 Michael explains why Van Zandt stands out to him among other great songwriters
12:21 Michael hears something about the Southwestern landscape in Van Zandt’s voice
13:25 Al and Michael discuss the spiritual nature of the lyrics in “Just For the Sake of the Song”
19:39 Michael picks out some of the other highlights from the album
25:37 How much does Michael listen to Townes Van Zandt?
26:39 Michael thinks the self-titled album distinguishes itself in Van Zandt’s discography
27:54 Michael explains how he wound up creating a five-album cycle
34:48 Michael talks about the perils of trying to interpret lyrics
37:11 Michael cites the biggest influence that Van Zandt has had on his own work
39:16 Michael discusses the meaning of “Made It Out of Jersey”
47:50 Michael provides an update on Palace of Flames
Outro music is from “Made It Out of Jersey” by Michael Rudd.
Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!
Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.
1:15 Rafael’s introduction
2:56 Al explains why his reaction to the album left him feeling a little stupid
4:20 Rafael talks about how he first got exposed to Arthur Verocai
8:51 Rafael hears Verocai’s voice through his arrangements
10:41 Rafael considers why Verocai’s music wasn’t discovered by many until decades after being released
14:13 Al and Rafael note the album’s eclecticism
17:56 Discovering Verocai was part of a larger exploration of Brazilian music for Rafael
21:33 Rafael explains how his collaboration with Verocai happened
27:04 Al found a surprise in the album’s credits
29:49 Rafael and Al appreciate Verocai’s vocals
31:26 Rafael picks his favorite tracks from the album
35:42 Al and Rafael discuss how “Na Boca do Sol” was sampled by several artists
37:42 Rafael and Al sort out their mixed feelings about sampling
39:49 Rafael finds inspiration in Verocai’s story
42:41 Rafael talks about the various musical elements in I Dreamt I Was Awake
46:28 Rafael discusses some songwriting challenges he gave himself
47:55 Rafael explains why he has not released a full album yet
51:25 Rafael provides an update on the upcoming Late Again album
52:49 Rafael talks about the many facets of his professional life
55:40 Rafael discusses his upcoming tour
Outro music is from “Crazy or Stupid” by Late Again.
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