As Rory Sutherland would say, it doesn't have to make logical sense, it just has to be psychologically effective. I use this expression all of the time and it's come to my attention that not everyone knows what I'm talking about. So, if I'm sending you this, it's because I created this note for future … Continue reading Turn It Up To ELEVEN
Category: music
Sunday Music: Bullion And ‘96 Feels
I’ve been going through boxes (and milk crates, and plastic bins, and…) of old CDs. Since I apparently don’t own a CD player outside of my car, I’ve been digging up whatever I can up online, and whatever I can’t, well, don’t get me started (but if you get in my car you will be … Continue reading Sunday Music: Bullion And ‘96 Feels
Podcast Of The Week: Raphael Saadiq, Renaissance Music Man
Hey! On Saturday’s I highlight a podcast about being a creative professional. Sometimes it’s direct, sometimes it’s indirect, but it’s always entertaining and educational. This week’s Podcast of the Week is… Musician/producer extraordinaire - Raphael Saadiq on the Questlove Supreme Podcast. Raphael Saadiq started off as a kid trying to break into the local Oakland … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Raphael Saadiq, Renaissance Music Man
Sunday Music: POW – Battlefunk!
Raphael Saadiq said that as a bass-playing kid growing up in Oakland, any band you’d want to play with was going to put you to the test with a specific song. You had to be ready for it because it was going to be sink or swim. What do you play, bass? Yeah? Ok. Let’s … Continue reading Sunday Music: POW – Battlefunk!
Sunday Music: Bad Girls Do It Well
Live fast die young / bad girls do it well One of my daughters just discovered this song and sent it to me a few months ago. I don't know if we're still saying "banger," but when it came out in 2013, this was a "banger."* British rapper M.I.A. gives the driving metaphor a spin … Continue reading Sunday Music: Bad Girls Do It Well
Podcast Of The Week: RZA On Men In Blazers
It's a conversation about loving life, seeking change, and tenaciously persevering in the face of everyone telling you "well, that's never going to work." I've long loved both of these people and never quite imagined them sitting down to chat. But, after hearing it, it makes perfect sense why there's so much joy here. Check … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: RZA On Men In Blazers
When It Rains, Get Wet
RZA said one of the best pieces of advice he ever heard came from Quincy Jones: “When it rains, get wet.” If something good is happening, partake. And not “good” meaning perfect, or positive, or not confusing, but… natural. Don’t grab an umbrella, don’t run inside, don’t hide from the tide - if it starts … Continue reading When It Rains, Get Wet
Sunday Music: Grapefruit Moon
It’s good to have a reason to stop and stare at the sky. The moon has been putting in some serious work this week (at least over me in New England). “Harvest Moon” would be the obvious song to sing, but I’ve been subjecting my dogs on our evening walks to renditions of “Grapefruit Moon” … Continue reading Sunday Music: Grapefruit Moon
Sunday Music: My Bad Reputation
“I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation.” I used to only hear this song as nihilistic. You know, as in nothing has meaning. Now it kind of feels existential, or maybe even, dare I say, stoic. Where it only has the meaning you ascribe to it, and if "the others" don't like it … Continue reading Sunday Music: My Bad Reputation
Sunday Music: My Baby Just Cares For Me
It’s such a simple looping phrase. But that’s what love is too, right? Simple. It might not be one of Nina Simone’s most complex or intricate performances, but it’s one of my favorites. Here’s “My Baby Just Cares For Me” (with a lovely 80’s claymation video too): https://youtu.be/eYSbUOoq4Vg