Best Hartford Courant Podcasts (2024)

1
UConn Insider Podcast: Previewing the 2022-23 UConn Women's Basketball Season 24:04

1+ y ago24:04

24:04

In this edition of the UConn Insider podcast, host Shreyas Laddha is joined by Hartford Courant women's basketball beat writer Lila Bromberg to discuss everything UConn women's basketball ahead of the 2022-23 season. Can the Huskies compete for a national title despite all of their injury issues?By Hartford Courant

1
UConn Insider Podcast: UConn superfan Marc D'Amelio 41:03

2+ y ago41:03

41:03

Alexa Philippou and Shreyas Laddha have TikTok's very own Marc D'Amelio on the podcast to discuss UConn hoops. Marc is a 1991 UConn graduate and a huge fan of UConn athletics. He discusses how he became a fan(2:58), hosting a UConn watch party in L.A. for the St. John's game (29:20), and so much more.…

1
UConn Insider Podcast: What's going on with the UConn women; re-visiting the '08-09 UConn men 49:58

2+ y ago49:58

49:58

On this week's episode of the podcast, Courant beat writers Alexa Philippou and Shreyas Laddha discuss the rocky last two weeks the UConn women have had, which included Paige Bueckers' injury and resulted in their first loss to an unranked team since 2012 (0:18). Alex Putterman joins in on the fun later to offer a history lesson on the '08-'09 UCon…

1
Two weeks before Connecticut’s 2020 legislative session begins, lawmakers are still debating tolls 18:12

4+ y ago18:12

18:12

By Hartford Courant

1
A new poll shows Connecticut residents favor Biden among Democratic presidential candidates 12:12

4+ y ago12:12

12:12

By Hartford Courant

1
The business entity tax vanished on Jan. 1, but you’ll have to pay more for dry cleaning and parking 22:44

4+ y ago22:44

22:44

By Hartford Courant

1
From Gov. Lamont's inauguration to pop-up newsroom events, here are our best podcast clips of 2019 25:28

4+ y ago25:28

25:28

By Hartford Courant

1
Billions of dollars from Washington are budgeted for Connecticut's defense industry. Here's why. 17:56

4+ y ago17:56

17:56

Connecticut’s defense industry will likely receive a sizable chunk of the $738 billion defense spending bill winding its way through Congress, and that means high-paying jobs.Reporter Stephen Singer talks helicopters, jet engines and submarines on the latest Capitol Watch podcast.By Hartford Courant

1
Gov. Ned Lamont wants a special session on tolls, restaurant wages and more. Here's what that means. 25:26

4+ y ago25:26

25:26

Highway tolls, restaurant workers’ wages and more could be voted on in a special session between now and the end of December, if Gov. Ned Lamont gets his way.Lamont wants to convene a special legislative session on four contentious issues, and he believes he can go four for four. Capitol bureau chief Christopher Keating weighs in on the latest podc…

1
After researching cool places to live, this young Connecticut resident is staying put 22:09

4+ y ago22:09

22:09

Should I leave Connecticut? Should I stay in Connecticut? It's the conversation that never quits.Arianna Basche wrote her own take on it for the Courant's opinion pages a few weeks ago. On this week's Capitol Watch podcast, Basche and opinion editor Leslie Cory dive deeper into Basche's decision to stay put (for now) and what that means for her lif…

1
This Stamford teacher was bullied in middle school. Here's how she survived. 21:32

4+ y ago21:32

21:32

October was anti-bullying month, but there's really no bad time to talk about the dangers of bullying.Stamford teacher Danielle Waring's life was forever changed by it. And when one of her tormentors later tried to apologize, Waring found it hard to forgive and forget.How would you respond?On the latest Capitol Watch podcast, opinion editor Leslie …

1
Craig Finn: Clear Heart Full Eyes 20:45

12y ago20:45

20:45

Clear Heart Full Eyes is the first solo effort from the Hold Steady's singer and lyricist Craig Finn. Is it an exercise in egoism? Is it a true departure from the successful Hold Steady form? We discuss!

1
Kathleen Edwards: Voyageur 18:01

12y ago18:01

18:01

Voyageur, the latest from Kathleen Edwards, shows the influence of a new producer (think Bon Iver). But how does this record stack up against her earlier, more alt-country efforts? We discuss.

1
Dex Romweber Duo: Is That You In The Blue? 20:01

12+ y ago20:01

20:01

Drop everything. This is the most kickass album you've heard all year. "Is That You In The Blue?" is the second record for the brother-sister duo, and it's clear here why Dex was a -- or the -- major influence on Jack White. Just drop everything, listen to the podcast and get yourselves at least 10 percent cooler.…

1
Bon Iver: Bon Iver 18:31

12+ y ago18:31

18:31

The eponymous second full-length release from Wisconsin-based Justin Vernon, performing as Bon Iver, is a departure for the critically acclaimed rocker. Do we dig it? Yes, Meh, and Meh-Plus.

1
Iceage: New Brigade 18:08

13y ago18:08

18:08

New Brigade is the first album from Iceage, a bunch of Danish kids from, surprisingly, Denmark. Is it punk? Some of us think so. Some of us, not so much. But regardless of label, is it worth a listen? Tune in and find out.

1
The Antlers: Burst Apart 21:31

13y ago21:31

21:31

Burst Apart is the second full-length record from Brooklyn-based The Antlers, and it's on our short list of albums of the year.

1
Amanda Shires: Carrying Lightning 22:01

13y ago22:01

22:01

Amanda Shires, a Texas singer-songwriter with a flair for fiddle and ukulele, has us generally all a-swoon over Carrying Lightning, her most recent release.

1
Fleet Foxes -- Helplessness Blues 17:31

13y ago17:31

17:31

Helplessness Blues, the second full-length record from Fleet Foxes, is a smart and challenging blend of folk and pop, old and new. Whether you love it or not, you won't regret giving it a go.

1
TV On The Radio: Nine Types Of Light 20:30

13y ago20:30

20:30

Nine Types Of Light, the latest from Brooklyn's TV On The Radio, is a mix of beats, hooks and surprising emotional depth and complexity -- or so we would have you believe.

1
Wye Oak: Civilian 18:53

13y ago18:53

18:53

Civilian, the third effort from Baltimore duo Wye Oak, has us divided, and animated. It's a unique sound, to be sure -- not quite folk or rock but ... well, listen in as we try to describe it and devolve into name-calling.

1
Destroyer: Kaputt 21:12

13y ago21:12

21:12

Canadian indie rocker Dan Bejar has us all a-dazzle with Kaputt, the latest from his Destroyer project. While he's a member of the New Pornographers, we find similarities in this effort with those of bands such as Roxy Music and Prefab Sprout. Take a listen; you won't be disappointed.

1
Roky Erickson with Okkervil River: True Love Cast Out All Evil

13y ago

—

It's a collaboration borne of Austin, Texas-based musicians -- Roky Erickson, a pioneer of psychedelic rock, and Okkervil River, critical darlings of the indie-rock set who have performed with The Decemberists, the New Pornographers, The National and others. The result? Listen up.

1
The Decemberists: The King Is Dead 20:00

13y ago20:00

20:00

The King Is Dead, the latest from The Decemberists, features familiar themes and voices (and guitars, in the case of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, who joins). Or is it a departure? And is it charming or repulsive? For such a great record, we really can't agree on much.

1
The Top 10 Records of 2010 59:22

13+ y ago59:22

59:22

Your friends at Soundcheck have consulted and agree: 2010 has been one of the best years for music in at least a decade. From Frightened Rabbit and Beach House to The National and Rush, there's been something for just about everyone. Here, we give you our top 10 records of the year, and one added honorable mention that really put a ribbon on it. Th…

1
Superchunk: Majesty Shredding 18:59

13+ y ago18:59

18:59

Majesty Shredding, the long-awaited ninth album from old-schoolers Superchunk, rocks pretty hard. But is that a good thing? We shred through the cheese.

1
Robyn: Body Talk -- The best in dance pop? 18:34

13+ y ago18:34

18:34

Swedish dance-pop phenom Robyn recently released Body Talk, actually a trilogy of EPs released during 2010. As far as electronic dance records go, we agree that Robyn is doing it better than anyone else these days -- including Lady Gaga. That's right. Oh, and she uses a lot of four-letter words, so, you know, fair warning.…

1
Cee Lo Green: F**k You -- The best song of 2010? 16:20

13+ y ago16:20

16:20

Sure, F**k You is a terrific single -- but how does the rest of Cee Lo's latest record, The Lady Killer, measure up? How about among the best of 2010? You heard that right.

1
OFF! Punk rock returns! 10:25

13+ y ago10:25

10:25

Old-school punkers OFF! are releasing a collection of 16 songs in under 18 minutes that prove punk is alive and well. Or, is this just more evidence that punk died decades ago, despite this effort from former members of Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Burning Brides and others to reclaim their glory days? Fair warning about some colorful language here.…

1
Warpaint: The Fool 14:20

13+ y ago14:20

14:20

The Fool, the first full-length effort from the L.A. all-female quartet Warpaint, is a dreamy blend of texture and tone. We approve -- and not only because we, too, are a dreamy blend of texture and tone.

1
Grinderman: Grinderman 2 -- A whole lot of rock. 14:14

13+ y ago14:14

14:14

Grinderman is the band that succeeds Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, in that it comprises Nick Cave and former members of the Bad Seeds. So is this just another Bad Seeds record, or something new? Check it out, dear listeners.

1
Philip Selway: Familial 14:00

13+ y ago14:00

14:00

Radiohead drummer Philip Selway has offered a record of his own: Familial, a quiet and nearly percussion-free effort that is nuanced and introspective. Some of us may find it a wee bit boring, but there's a backstory to it that makes all the difference.

1
Damien Jurado and Richard Swift: Two Dudes, Two Records 22:58

13+ y ago22:58

22:58

Damien Jurado's solo album St. Bartlett was produced by Richard Swift, himself a successful independent singer-songwriter. The duo spent a few days together at the end of August and banged out another record of cover songs, written by acts as diverse as John Denver and Kraftwerk, and they make them completely their own. Confused? We unravel it all.…

1
Best Coast: Crazy For You, But Are We Crazy About This Record? 15:26

13+ y ago15:26

15:26

Crazy For You, the latest from Best Coast, is awash in good vibes and reverb. Is it too much, or too little, of a good thing? You podcast pals engage in a triumphant discussion.

1
Mavis Staples: You Are Not Alone 20:24

13+ y ago20:24

20:24

You Are Not Alone, the latest from gospel legend Mavis Staples, adds just the right amount of Now to a whole good lotta Then.

1
Villagers: Becoming A Jackal 24:00

14y ago24:00

24:00

Becoming A Jackal, the full-length debut from Villagers, is lyrically rich, thematically brilliant and musically delightful. Don't miss it -- or this equally rich, brilliant and delightful podcast about the record.

1
Band of Horses: Infinite Arms 15:45

14y ago15:45

15:45

Infinite Arms, the follow-up to 2007's Cease To Begin, features Ben Bridwell's latest lineup as Band Of Horses. We like it, on the whole, but that doesn't stop us from picking some nits. We also welcome our colleague Jenna Carlesso to the podcast fold.

1
The National: High Violet 20:43

14y ago20:43

20:43

High Violet, the latest from The National, is getting crazy buzz, but how does it stack up to 2007's Boxer? And, regardless of that, is it worth listening to? We tell you!

1
Das Racist: Shut Up, Dude. Whut? 27:48

14y ago27:48

27:48

Brooklyn duo Das Racist has released a mixtape called Shut Up, Dude. Dudes, it's awesome. It takes rap to a very smart place with wicked rhymes and devastating -- but wry and entertaining -- social commentary. What's not to love? Well, it's Regine's last podcast. That's not to love.

1
MGMT: Congratulations, You've Made A Lousy Record 14:00

14y ago14:00

14:00

Congratulations, the latest from hipster-darlings MGMT, is a record that deserves nothing of the sort, according to at least two of us.

1
Ted Leo And The Pharmacists: Brutalist Bricks 18:00

14y ago18:00

18:00

The latest from Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, The Brutalist Bricks, definitely qualifies as ass-kicking rock-and-roll. But how does it stack up to the band's previous efforts?

1
Frightened Rabbit: Yet Another Superb Record. Thanks, 2010! 21:30

14y ago21:30

21:30

The Winter Of Mixed Drinks, the latest record from Scottish band Frightened Rabbit, is one of the best records we've heard this year. Heck, it's one of the best records we've heard in a very long time.

1
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Punk blues at its best, whatever that is 16:12

14y ago16:12

16:12

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, led by the former Pussy Galore frontman, hit New York City in 1990. To celebrate its first 10 years, the Explosion has released a greatest hits record titled Dirty Shirt Rock and Roll. It's awesome sexy, or it's just terrible noise masquerading as art rock. We discuss -- and we might even use some totally appropriat…

1
Norah Jones: S'Norah No More 13:08

14y ago13:08

13:08

Norah Jones' latest record, The Fall, released in -- uh, the fall, shows her development since 2002's knockout Come Away With Me. But how do they compare? Can they compare?

1
Joanna Newsom: A Whole Lot Of Newsom 19:30

14y ago19:30

19:30

Joanna Newsom has blessed us with three records' worth of ... well, listen to the podcast and hear our take on exactly what these 18 songs are.

1
Shearwater: Most Epic Album Ever? 17:50

14y ago17:50

17:50

The Golden Archipelago, the latest record from Austin band Shearwater, is an epic trip through islands of the earth and of the mind. The drums pound, the voices soar, the music crescendos and we swoon.

1
Charlotte Gainsbourg: Not bad for a Beck record 17:30

14y ago17:30

17:30

IRM is a record from French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. Or is it a Beck record sung by a French actress? In any event, is it worth a listen? At least one of us thinks so.

1
Beach House: Teen Dream 18:06

14y ago18:06

18:06

Teen Dream, the third album from Baltimore dream-pop duo Beach House, is going to be one of the best albums of the year. Can we say that in February? Oh yes.

1
Vampire Weekend: Contra 16:19

14y ago16:19

16:19

Vampire Weekend's first record was all that. Is their second record all that too, or is it all this?

1
Rihanna: Good Girl Or Bad? 19:45

14y ago19:45

19:45

Her November album "Rated R" was one of the most anticipated releases in the waning months of 2009, but did Rihanna's latest live up to the hype? One of us thinks yes, one is more lukewarm and one didn't really care. But which is which?

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