Sept. 4, 2025

What Is Mitski's Signature Song? (with Justice Cow!)

Show Notes

Mitski has spent the last decade shapeshifting from scrappy guitar poet to disco-tinged architect of yearning, and now, an unlikely chart titan. In this episode, we trace those transformations to figure out which single track defines her to the wider world. Is it a ragged heart-on-sleeve anthem? A dance-floor spiral? A tender lunar prayer that conquered the charts? Let’s find out.

We’re joined by our first live guest (!): Jessica Kion, a.k.a. Justice Cow: singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, visual artist, and YouTuber. She helps us unpack the songcraft, dynamics, and lyrical pivots that make Mitski… well, Mitski.

Contenders we discuss:

• “First Love / Late Spring”

• “Your Best American Girl”

• “Nobody”

• “Washing Machine Heart”

• “This Is A Life” (with Son Lux and David Byrne)

Plus shout-outs to “Geyser,” “I Bet on Losing Dogs,” “Francis Forever,” and more.

Did we get it right? Did we get it wrong? Tell us your pick!

Special guest: Jessica Kion / Justice Cow

• Instagram: @justice_cow_music

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JusticeCow