Aired: July 15, 2012
James Mercer, the driving force behind the indie rock group The Shins, invited a cast of musicians and collaborators both old and new to perform a set list the includes: “No Way Down,” “Bait and Switch,” It’s Only Life,” “Rifle Spiral,” and the album’s title track, “Port of Morrow.” Aimee Mann contributes three songs: “Slip and Roll,” the ballad “Save Me,” and “Living a Lie,” from her forthcoming album and featuring James Mercer. American folk singer Joshua Tillman performs three songs from Fear Fun, his eighth solo album and first as Father John Misty, including: “I’m Writing a Novel,” “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings,” and “Now I’m Learning to Love the War.”
Aired: August 19, 2012
Aired: September 23, 2012
Los Angeles indie group Foster the People play tracks from their 2011 album Torches, including breakthrough hit Pumped Up Kicks, as well as Houdini, Life on the Nickel and Miss You.
Aired: October 14, 2012
Aired: December 16, 2012
Aired: February 10, 2013
The episode features fan favorites from chart-topping musical group Scissor Sisters, who U2 front man Bono has lauded as "the best pop group in the world." It also features a special set from jazz-fusion of bass virtuoso Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat.