The above quote is from the great Wendy Eisenberg, who wrote the liner notes for Glass, Nora Stanley’s debut solo album, which comes out on July 31 on Worm Records.

Stanley has worked with Cassandra Jenkins, Beth Orton, and The New Pornographers. Stanley plays woodwinds (flute and clarinet), piano, synthesizer, guitar, saxophone, and she sings a brilliant calm. Her new songs are focused, intimate, unknowable, evocative, and cosmic.

If you enjoy Aldous Harding, Deerhoof, Feist, Broadcast, Joanna Newsom, or cordial music with a slight edge, Stanley has made an album you should hear. During our conversation, we talk about the following:

* Canadian writer Anne Carson

* Reflection and separation

* Process

* Break ups

* A racist outbreak on a train

* Plane crashes and environmental devastation

* A psychotic, emotional break

* Transcendental losses

Glass is glass: it reflects, and it is forged through tremendous heat. Thanks for listening and watching.

We decided to do a video. We both read and write a lot. We’re both trying to adapt in this oversaturated social media landscape that is just going f*****g haywire. She said this was her favorite interview that she had ever done.

Please help independent journalism and me, and consider paying $5 per month. We love you.

In a way, Emma saved me. She and her music just came swooping down and took over for a little bit. I’m going to be listening to her album (on the excellent Fire Records) plenty of times this year. It’s almost a lock for one of Story Behind The Sound's favorite albums of 2026, regardless of this year not even being half over.

Thank you, Emma! And thanks to everyone who tunes in!

The Murder City Devils, of Seattle Sub Pop lore, initially raged for a solid four years (1997 to 2001). They’re one of the most fun and recognizable punk bands of all time. Before their first hiatus in late 2001, they released three Long Players (1997, 1998, and 2000) and one EP (2001). Dann Gallucci went on to play with Cold War Kids and Modest Mouse. Cody Willis joined Big Business and Melvins. Derek Fudesco joined Pretty Girls Make Graves and then formed The Cave Singers. Vocalist Spencer Moody kept it real.

The Devils’ recording of their last show on Halloween 2001 became R.I.P. (2003), maybe the most chaotic live album on record. It’s soaked in debauchery and brings back great memories of being in the pit. They reunited for a show in 2006 and eventually released another album, 2014’s The White Ghost Has Blood on Its Hands, which isn’t on TIDAL, but still lives on my iPod Classic! Also, I reviewed it for Treble.

Having released a single in May of 2024 and playing nine live shows in 2025 (the last being on November 23 in Austin, TX at The Mohawk), The Murder City Devils are not dead. They’re an essential punk band along the lines of Misfits, AFI, The Cramps, The Horrors, The Damned, Dead Moon, Rocket From The Crypt, Agent Orange, Dead Boys, Jay Reatard, Oblivions, The Marked Men, Ex-Cult, The Bronx, The Blood Brothers, Ceremony…the list is much longer…

MCD is responsible for "Dance Hall Music," a perfect marriage of hardcore punk and dance hall reggae, which makes for a fun, fast karaoke turn. Also, “Every Shitty Thing,” which is an excellent, emotional album closer (Empty Bottles, Broken Hearts).

Thank you, Spencer Moody, for giving me your time. And thanks to all my subscribers out there!

The most random things are usually the most fun!

Tarra and I had never gone live on Substack before…it’s easy!

Make sure to listen to Tea Eater, Sharkmuffin, and Gustaf!

Peace!