Fantastic read, and I hope to see more like it with this new era of the AVClub. Welcome back, Mr. Rabin. It has been far too long.

This was 100% my experience, too. I started watching at 17 because “the funny guy from MTV is hosting now,” and it ended up really informing my political views as I grew older.

I mean this in the best possible way: watching this video got me to put on the original DSotM for the first time in awhile. I love getting little reminders of how much I love certain bands/albums, even when it’s been awhile since I’ve listened to them. Thanks, College Kids.

To everyone on this thread, I just want to tell you how happy it is to know that I’ve finally found my people.

Yeah, I don’t get the retroactive dismissal of the 20/20 records. They were well-received at the time and still sound great. Even Part 2, which was actually rated higher than the first on this very site (which I know was just the reviewer’s opinion, not some cohesive “voice” of the AV Club as a whole).

I’ve never really liked The Needle Drop. That dude reminds me of every annoying record store turd who thinks his vinyl collection can make up for not having any real personality traits.

I second that. Their live show is always a highlight, too.

My only regret is that I only have one “Recommend” to give to this post.

I thought the “sincere” comment was a little odd, too. As if we should assume that any show of respect and public support is wrapped in three layers of irony by default.

Yeah, was it ever reconciled how this anti-authority/anti-corporate rock band spent their entire career on Sony Records and played corporate-owned arenas, or did their fanbase just look the other way?

I’ve posted this here before, but it’s worth repeating. Here’s a great explanation why this march needs to happen:

4AD are the only label I can think of that’s been consistently great for its entire run. Seriously, take a look at their entire catalog chronologically. There’s at least one bonafide classic every three years or so!

I’ll go to bat for both Painting With and Centipede Hz, the latter being a desert island disc for me.

Totally agree.