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Hating 80s music is my one defining trait. But I’d like to defend myself a bit. Right now my son is obsessed with Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants to Rule the World for all the right reasons: Skibidi Toilet (don’t look into it. Just trust your initial groan). It’s really a well-constructed song with lots of interesting and creative musical ideas sprinkled about. I like it a lot, or would…

It’s occurred to me that I don’t hate 80s music so much as I’m allergic to it. Like my niece with misophonia who flips out at eating noises. The gated drums, piercing mids, and tinny synth make my teeth itch. I also hate the harpsichord in the same way.

What I’m saying is I have a condition and I demand accommodations. Tears for Fears needs to rework their catalog without 80s production sensibilities. I’ll even let them keep the stupid hair.

BFoD - you would love my acoustic arrangement of "Don't You Forget About Me" - Simple Minds (Breakfast Club song)

Tears for Fears isn't really my cup of 80s tea, but Sowing the Seeds of Love has immaculate production. The sound is clean, and big, without tinny synths. It sounds like a million dollars (adjusted for 40 years of inflation).

Also, Mad World? That's a jam. It definitely sounds 80s, but in a coke-fueled 80s synth goth kind of way. Like Soft Cell. It's good!

Fat_Bulldog wrote: ↑

August 31 23, 1:22 pm

BFoD - you would love my acoustic arrangement of "Don't You Forget About Me" - Simple Minds (Breakfast Club song)

Oh yeah. The acoustic guitar is the antithesis of itchy teeth music. Warm, dynamic, resonant. 80s production is an icicle but an acoustic guitar, or a cello, is a warm blanket.

Zach Bryan's self-titled album is my new obsession.

MrCrowesGarden wrote: ↑

September 1 23, 1:08 pm

Zach Bryan's self-titled album is my new obsession.

Yeah it's damn good.

I’ve heard the name before, but maybe mistook it for Luke Bryan? Anyway I thought it was ‘Gross, No’ country. That album was a great listen. Perfect for yard work too.

Looks like he’s already a really big deal. He’s playing the Blazers arena for two nights next year. Parts of the tour he’s doing with Jason Isbell which would be killer. Let Jason rip a solo or two for Zach and then trade verses on an Isbell song—Bryan has a nice cover of Dress Blues.

He’s also doing parts of the tour with Sheryl Crow. I love how we’re revisiting and giving more credit to 90s artists like Hootie, Shania, and Counting Crows. But Sheryl Crow is terrible. Listen to the bridge to Soak Up the Sun and tell me I’m wrong—and she had eight other terrible songs in the 90s.

Anyway, thanks for the tip. I enjoyed the album.

I am just here for the critical re-appraisal of the Gin Blossoms, who were Good, Actually.

heyzeus wrote: ↑

September 5 23, 9:31 am

I am just here for the critical re-appraisal of the Gin Blossoms, who were Good, Actually.

Very good. Timeless sound, incredibly catchy.

Hilarious coincidence: A Soccer Mommy cover of Soak Up the Sun came on in a shuffle for me yesterday. Or maybe I actually didn’t hear it. Maybe… “Maybe I am crazy (now go off key) toooooo.”