Each week, Dave Sandell and Caleb Gardner take a sometimes relatable, sometimes weird experience and choose the completely subjective best album to soundtrack that experience.
It’s also a backdoor entry into a conversation about the human condition, meaning making, and the power of music to wrap around us like sinews, and also Radiohead. But mostly it’s two old friends having fun and talking lovingly about things they love.
They debate criteria, make their picks and honorable mentions, and talk about what they're listening to this week.
Have an idea for an episode, a possible guest, or just want to tell us what we got right or wrong? Send us an email!
Reviews on Apple Podcasts:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “Enjoyable conversation between two friends with obvious chemistry, but I love the kind of anthropological insight that bubbles up every episode. There’s something in here that teaches us about what it means to be human.” — phattacus
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “ could listen to this podcast all day. It’s super fun and addicting. These two are really knowledgeable. Love listening to their insightful commentary on music.” — LillianPJ
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “As someone who loves music but doesn’t necessarily always follow it album to album, this was still an incredibly fun listen. Highly recommend giving it a listen.” — Edmfam10
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “It may only be because 90s hip-hop and alternative and Radiohead are (like Caleb and Dave) also the way to my heart, but I’m having a ton of fun listening. When I see a new episode title, I find myself excited to hear if Caleb and Dave will pick something I know, or if it will be something new to me that I can check out.” — vinceation
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “Dives deep with thought and intentionality. A great place to get put on to quality music, new and old. Dave and Caleb have done all the work for you. Tap in!” — Q_c.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “I want to grab a drink (or take peyote) and talk music with these guys. Relatable and down to earth.” — Choibean24
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “I’ve always wanted to be more informed about music (of all kinds) but I don’t have the time—or the ear, really. Best Album For fills a fantastic void, especially for the not-really-music-savvy crowd. I love how conversational the hosts are in taking out the ‘why’s’ of their picks (not technical jargon), and the framing around a theme is a fun lens (earbud?) to listen through. Accessible and enjoyable!” — HB224601
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “Dave and Caleb’s passion is infectious and make this a really fun pod!” — HSK2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “Love that this podcast doesn’t just focus on current music releases, but really reflects on albums old and new, of a variety of genres, and how they can serve as soundtracks for a variety of life’s scenarios. The hosts also have good energy which makes for a fun podcast! Can’t wait for more episodes!” — Dree me
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “Want a best album for Elon Musking? Yeah well I don’t either, but if you are interested in what album could crater a social network like he did or maybe a great album for the ninetieth time you have to apologize to your kids for throwing a toy away they haven’t played with for over 2 years but you still didn’t ask permission? I’ve never thought of an album for these events, but you know who has - Caleb and Dave. They love their music. They know their music. And they have a spooky level of knowledge of music. Some want a walk up song. Some want an epic entrance song. Caleb and Dave take it further - they give you the album. They give you a veritable soundtrack to a life experience full of many feels. If you love music podcasts or you like two guys who go down the rabbit hole of music, this is your go to podcast.” — VillageIdiot72