I feel somewhat cool for recognizing the name Anderson .Paak, one half of NxWorries, and for that I thank my musical savant nephew, who recently introduced me to .Paak’s solo work. This duo (pronounced “No Worries”) is a collaboration between .Paak and producer Knxwledge. I guess the ‘O’ key was broken on their keyboard.
I haven’t had much time to delve into .Paak’s music yet but I’ve really liked what I’ve heard so far. A rich, modern blend of hip-hop and soul.
Before today, I’ve posted only one Green Day song to the blog, and I started that post remarking that I was surprised I’d made it through 1,555 songs without featuring them. Well, I nearly made it another 1,500.
As I said back then, I’m indifferent to most of Green Day’s music but I really like their rock opera (and eventual Broadway musical) America Idiot. So it’s no coincidence that I like today’s SOTD, which Entertainment Weekly compares to that earlier work.
The next ‘Fresh Song for Fall’ on Entertainment Weekly‘s list is ‘Kids’ by OneRepublic.
Here’s their take:
Ryan Tedder & Co.’s edgiest song ever: It’s got a druggy four-on-the-floor groove, squawking vocal loops, and a rocket-propelled chorus that’s catchy AF. Right, just like that MGMT song.
I guess the MGMT song they’re referencing is one also titled ‘Kids,’ or else I’m not familiar enough with MGMT to get the reference.
One area in which I’ve refused to go digital is magazine consumption. I download my music and read books on my tablet, but I can’t give up on a flimsy magazine that I can roll up, toss in my car to read at stoplights and stack by the dozens until I finally relent and dump them in the recycling bin.
I know that magazine tablet apps have come a long way and give you essentially the same reading experience, but I don’t want to make that leap. I’ll hang on to this one analog experience.
Back in 2012 I counted down my favorite 90s albums and Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Dulcinea landed in the tenth spot.
That feels low to me as I sit here and contemplate the album and its impact on me back in 1994, but when I check out the titles that rounded out the top ten it’s hard to justify moving it up against such stiff competition.
Meet Me In Montauk 