Ticketmaster Settlement is a Joke

Episode Summary In this episode of The Album of Record, Craig and Andrew dive into the recent Kate Hudson guest DJ set on Pearl Jam Radio, analyzing her deep-cut heavy setlist and debating the necessity of "staple" live songs like "Yellow Ledbetter." The duo also provides a critique of the new record from the shoegaze band Nothing, A Short History of Decay, discussing its shift toward a more "song-crafty" and melodic sound. The main segment focuses on the Department of Justice's controversial settlement with Ticketmaster/Live Nation. Craig and Andrew discuss the bipartisan backlash from state attorneys general and the long-term implications for fans, artists, and independent venues in a monopolized industry. Finally, the hosts share their weekly recommendations, featuring a rare Fugazi release and the latest from Death Crash. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Consistently Inconsistent 00:23 - Acid Bath Reunion and Time Change Woes 01:54 - Kate Hudson's Pearl Jam Setlist Review 07:54 - The Yellow Ledbetter and Even Flow Debate 09:31 - Andrew and Craig's Essential Pearl Jam Representation 11:22 - Album Review: Nothing - A Short History of Decay 18:10 - Comparing Nothing to Deafheaven and Pitchfork Scores 20:58 - The History and Impact of Nothing 23:08 - The Ticketmaster/DOJ Settlement and The No Breakup News 25:56 - Bipartisan Backlash from the States 33:08 - 30 Years of Fighting Ticketmaster 38:34 - The Downstream Effects on Artists and Venues 44:00 - Recommendation: Fugazi - The Steve Albini Sessions  47:41 - Recommendation: Death Crash - Somersaults 49:14 - Audiobooks vs. Music: Craig's Reading Obsession 51:08 - The Idles Takeover: From Skeptic to Superfan 55:31 - The Power of Live Music Reference Points 57:40 - Outro: Where to Find Us