Planet LP Ted Asregadoo

Taylor Swift knows how to launch an album. Her marketing is a machine, and her fans eagerly devour every detail. Her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," arrived in a surprising double dose! First came 15 songs at midnight on April 19th, followed by another 15 just two hours later. This 31-song release marks a return to familiar territory for Swift: exploring the complexities of relationships, especially when they fall apart.



On this episode of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton dive into The Tortured Poets Department just a day after its release. As you might expect when discussing Taylor Swift, the conversation goes beyond the music. They delve into her personal life (a constant theme in her songs), Keith's Taylor Swift music collection obsession, and they offer some hot takes on this massive album release that was unleashed with firehose-like force.

For decades, the sale of single songs was dominant in the music industry. Singles are still popular, and in the age of streaming, single plays make up the bulk of how most people listen to music. Not a lot has changed since radio was dominant in terms of single songs that become hits. However, with the firehose of music at our fingertips, finding standout single songs that aren't from the pantheon of superstars who dominate streaming and album sales can be a challenge.



What are some of your favorite singles? Sometimes, a single song remains happily lodged in your head and its lyrics, its melodies, and its whole vibe take up a large part of your mental real estate. So much so, that you may find yourself whistling the tune, or bursting out into song from time to time.



In this episode, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo talks to and features music from two artists whose singles have really made an impression.



First up is Allie Sandt, the former member of Seeing Double whose track "Bygones" made waves on Ted's Top 10 list back in 2022. Now embarking on a solo career, Allie shares her latest creation, "The Flood," which debuted on April 5th, 2024. Written when Allie was just 17, "The Flood" has undergone multiple iterations with various musicians, ultimately culminating in a version that Allie finds deeply fulfilling creatively.



Then, we turn our attention to indie sensation Ward White, whose upcoming album "Here Come the Dowsers" is set for release on May 17th, 2024. However, it's the lead single "Continuity" that's been generating buzz in the music scene. Ward joins Ted to discuss the evolving landscape of the music industry and delves into the intricate characters and themes woven into "Continuity." Through this song, Ward offers a poignant exploration of the gritty realities lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Ted Asregadoo and Keith Creighton dive deep into new releases from Ariana Grande, Green Day, Honeymoon Suite, The Pineapple Thief, and more! They also discuss the struggle of separating the artist from the art, using Ariana Grande as an example. Is it possible to love her music but not care about her personal life?




Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine: We debate the merits of this new album, including the speculation that it's a "divorce album" and whether you can enjoy the music without following the drama.



Green Day - Saviors: Did this album take some time to grow on you, or were you hooked from the start? We discuss the band's return to form and their exploration of bisexuality on the track "Bobby Sox."



Honeymoon Suite - Alive: We celebrate the return of this Canadian band and their latest album. Should you stream it or buy the CD for the full experience?



The dreamy prog rock brilliance of The Pineapple Thief's It Leads to This is also in the spotlight. This grower of an album might take some time, but the hypnotic and aggressive riffs of "The Frost" and other songs are worth repeated listens. This record might end up on Ted's Best of 2024.



Ministry - hopiumforthemasses: This album is a wild ride! We discuss the challenges of listening to Ministry's music at high volume and Al Jourgensen's message about the dangers of a "Trump planet."



RAYE - My 21st Century Blues: This independent success story is one to cheer for. We discuss how RAYE bought back her masters and released a chart-topping album.



The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy: This hyped band has a lot to live up to. We explore their sound, their influences, and their critical reception.



NewDad - Madra: Get ready for the next big thing out of Ireland! We discuss the struggle of finding a physical copy of this album and the band's musical influences.




New Discoveries




Them • "Can’t Call it Mine:" This up-and-coming band is changing their sound with each release. We explore their latest track and their potential.



Tish Melton: We introduce you to this new singer-songwriter and her beautiful song “Michelle."




We end the show with a sample from Your Future Ghost's new song "Pritty" to leave you on a high note!

The Music That Made Us



Ever wondered what albums shaped your musical DNA? In this supersized episode, we dive deep into the most influential records that have soundtracked the lives of Ted Asregadoo, his former colleagues, listeners, and even his daughter Maya!



First up, a blast from the past! Ted's former iHeartMedia co-worker Michael McGauley returns to the pod, sharing his top 10 picks, heavily influenced by the classic rock giants of the 60s and 70s. Names like The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Steely Dan paint a picture of Michael's musical foundation.



Then, Ted takes the mic, tracing his musical journey chronologically. From the early sparks ignited by KISS, Rush, and the Pretenders, we travel through Dire Straits, X, and Kate Bush, culminating in the present with artists like Steven Wilson and Tanya Donelly.



But wait, there's more! In the second segment, we open the floor to Planet LP listeners and guests. iHeartMedia reporter Jeff Knox brings the punk rock energy with NOFX and Pennywise, while another iHeart album from Ted and Michael's past, Andrea Winkler, showcases her diverse tastes, ranging from Hanson's pop to E-40's hip-hop. Independent musician Nat Jay shares her love for Janet Jackson and John Mayer, while Big Stir Records recording artist Dolf Chaney champions the timeless sounds of The Beatles and XTC. Former Seeing Double member Allie Sandt reveals her Paul Simon and Steely Dan obsession, and Ted's daughter Maya chimes in with her Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Paramore favorites.



Finally, Ted sits down with his wife Julie for an intimate conversation. She unveils her own top 10, featuring a captivating mix of artists like The Beatles, XTC, 'Til Tuesday, The Cure, The Waifs, and New Order.



This episode is a treasure trove of musical discovery, guaranteed to inspire you to explore your musical DNA.



P.S. Don't forget to share your own most influential albums by leaving a voicemail at PlanetLP.com

Bonus Blast from the Dial-Up Era



Remember dial-up modems and AOL CDs that came in the mail? 1995 was a transition year in culture. Yes, there were iconic albums (covered in Episode 94) but there were cultural shifts that shaped the years going forward.



Ted and Keith talk about:




Dial-up days: The internet was in its infancy, and well, people weren't quite sure what to do with it. Just listen to the compilation from the "Today" show that featured to hear how confusing, hopeful, fearful, and annoying the early Internet was to the hosts of the show.




Culture in flux: The Telecommunications Act and the Decency Act on media and the rise of social media were two laws that really brought us the reality we're living in today -- for better or worse.




What was Keith doing in 1995? Short answer: a new career, attended a lot of live shows in Chicago, and found new music recommendations from a local VJ who had a localized version of MTV.




What was Ted doing in 1995? Short answer: losing his hair, on the cusp of becoming a father, and knee-deep in grad studies at UPenn in Philadelphia.




1995. A year of transition.

This episode kicks off a new series on Planet LP called "A Great Year in Music?" by focusing on mostly alternative music in 1995. Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton delve into 1995 by spotlighting 10 albums that, for them, marked some truly great work by artists that they admire. Tricky, Prince, Bjork, Pulp, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Bogmen, Whipping Boy, Belly, Aimee Mann, Rancid and more are in the spotlight for an exciting discussion that will make you want to listen to many of this iconic albums again.