Episode #174
We Got Thrashed: Our First Listen to Thrasher
Episode Description Thrasher is finally here. Five years after Pressure Machine changed the direction of the Lonely Town Podcast, Brandon Flowers has released his new solo album, and Derek and Jimmy are finally sitting down to give their first reactions. Recorded on Thrasher Day, the guys talk about their first listen to the album, what surprised them, which songs immediately connected, and how the record's mix of traditional country, outlaw country, rock, and even mariachi influences compares with what they expected. Derek also talks about how his recent experience giving friends a tour of Nephi changed the way he was hearing the album. From the West Hills to Mount Nebo, childhood memories and small-town life, there are elements of Thrasher that feel incredibly personal—but also universal. The guys aren't diving into individual songs too deeply yet. Instead, this is the first reaction episode before Lonely Town begins its much deeper journey through the album. They also talk about the upcoming Brandon Flowers warm-up shows at The State Room in Salt Lake City, the mad scramble for 300 tickets, the possibility of fans livestreaming the shows, and why Derek still believes a Brandon Flowers show in Nephi would be the ultimate homecoming. And, of course, there's the ongoing question: Will Brandon ever actually play Nephi? After five years of Lonely Town, Derek and Jimmy aren't giving up. Show Notes Thrasher Has Arrived Brandon Flowers' new album Thrasher is finally released First impressions after listening to the album How Thrasher compares with expectations after Pressure Machine The mix of traditional country, outlaw country, rock and mariachi influences Why some songs immediately connected while others may require more time Derek's initial 6.5/10 rating for how traditionally country the album sounds Jimmy's first reaction as someone who isn't a major country fan Why the album deserves repeated listens The songs the guys already know will require much deeper episodes Thrasher & Nephi How Nephi changes the way Derek listens to Brandon's music Recent tours of Nephi with Emma and Vicky Driving through the West Hills Mount Nebo and the landscapes surrounding Nephi Childhood and adolescence The connection between Brandon's personal stories and experiences that listeners can relate to Why Thrasher feels more personal and intimate The importance of understanding the place behind the music The State Room Shows Brandon Flowers' upcoming warm-up shows in Salt Lake City The incredible difficulty of getting tickets The State Room's approximately 300-person capacity Derek and Jimmy's failed attempts during presale and general sale How podcast connections ultimately helped them get tickets Why The State Room could be an incredibly intimate Brandon Flowers experience Jimmy's previous experiences seeing shows at the venue Billy Joe Shaver and Robert Earl Keen What it might be like having Brandon on a stage with virtually no barricade Why Not Nephi? The guys discuss why they still believe Nephi would have been the perfect location for a Thrasher warm-up show. Juab County Fairgrounds The multipurpose building The possibility of a small hometown performance Brandon's connection to Nephi The difference between performing in Salt Lake City and coming home to Nephi Why Derek believes a Nephi concert would be the ultimate homecoming The possibility that conversations about making a Nephi show happen may already be taking place The long-shot dream of seeing The Killers or Brandon Flowers perform in Nephi Lonely Town & the Fans Five years of Lonely Town The overwhelming response from listeners surrounding Thrasher Fans reaching out to Derek and Jimmy for their thoughts How the podcast has built connections within The Killers fan community Why Lonely Town exists despite being a passion project The importance of Nephi to the show's identity Why Derek and Jimmy believe they bring a perspective nobody else can What's Coming Next The release of Thrasher is just the beginning. Upcoming Lonely Town episodes will dive much deeper into individual songs, including: Tiger's Blood Miss America Angel American Dream And more The guys discuss lyric sheets, songwriting details, hidden meanings, Nephi references, and the musical influences that will make Thrasher a project Lonely Town could be talking about for years. Mentioned Thrasher Pressure Machine Brandon Flowers The Killers Bruce Springsteen Johnny Cash Robert Earl Keen Muse Jimmy Eat World ️ Store Official Lonely Town Podcast merchandise: Lonely Town Podcast Store ⭐ Rate & Review the Show Enjoying Lonely Town? Please rate and review the show wherever you listen. It helps other Killers and Brandon Flowers fans find us. Follow Us Facebook Group Lonely Town Podcast Facebook Group Instagram Lonely Town Podcast Instagram Contact Us Have a question, story, correction, or want to contribute to the show? Reach out—we'd love to hear from you. Show Credits Produced & Edited by Derek Everitt @droyeveritt
