Craig Jenkins, a music critic at New York Magazine and Vulture, joins the discussion about 311's impressive legacy. They delve into the band's unique blend of rap, reggae, and rock, highlighting their hit 'Amber.' Jenkins argues that 311 bridges musical eras, their bass work is standout, and their sound evolved from aggressive to romantic. The conversation reflects on 311's cultural impact, their innovative genres, and how they've remained relevant despite changes in the music scene.
The podcast examines 311's genre-blending sound, highlighting their role as a nostalgic bridge between '90s and 2000s music cultures.
Rob discusses the significance of 311's musicality, particularly their impactful bass lines that contribute to their unique sound and presence.
Guest Craig Jenkins articulates 311's lasting legacy, challenging preconceived notions of their artistry and positioning them within music history discussions.
Deep dives
Support for Yossi Salik
The episode begins by highlighting the recent devastation caused by fires in and around Los Angeles, which affected the host's friend and colleague, Yossi Salik. This segment emphasizes the urgent need for support as many people are struggling in the aftermath. It also mentions a GoFundMe set up specifically to aid Yossi, indicating her dedication to simultaneously helping others while facing her own challenges. The call to action encourages listeners to contribute and underscores the importance of community solidarity during difficult times.
The Versatility of Amazon Prime
The host shares their personal appreciation for the features of Amazon Prime, particularly while enjoying movies related to their podcast discussions. The convenience of the x-ray feature, which provides instant information about actors in scenes, is especially highlighted as a valuable benefit. With a segue into the broader functionalities of Prime, including the option to rent or purchase recently released films, the episode showcases how the platform enhances the overall viewing experience. This insight ultimately portrays Amazon Prime as a multifaceted service that caters to various entertainment needs.
The Ice-Cream Cones of Hockey Memories
Reflecting on a memorable hockey game experience, the host recounts attending a Columbus Blue Jackets game during its inaugural NHL season. The nostalgic imagery of a cold arena filled with excitement captures the audience's attention as the team takes the ice to the song 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)' by Eiffel 65, a decision critiqued for its lack of intimidation factor. The humor in the scene is palpable, illustrating how the poor song choice was more comedic than fierce, resulting in the opposing team chuckling at their entrance. Over the years, the team eventually updated their entrance music, moving from the cringe-worthy track to the powerful 'Machine Head' by Bush, reflecting a change not just in atmosphere but also in the team's fortunes.
Reflections on Personal Anecdotes and Growth
The host shares a personal anecdote about getting a speeding ticket while listening to the band And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead at full volume. This humorous incident, marked by frustration with both the ticket and the stuck car horn, reveals a moment of youthful recklessness and musical passion. As the narrative unfolds into a discussion about attending concerts of both the Deftones and Queens of the Stone Age, the importance of live music becomes evident. These experiences mark the host's transition into adulthood, showcasing the profound influence music has had on their life journey.
Musical Sentiments and Nostalgia
Delving into the sentiments surrounding the host's college days, they recount a stark reflection on how the word 'burrito' was inexplicably flagged as incorrect by a spell check program, leading to philosophical musings about purity and quality. This bizarre suggestion resonated with the host, becoming a symbol of their journey into adulthood while wrestling with the nature of creative expression. The narrative highlights how moments like these can provoke a deeper understanding of life and self-identity, ultimately serving as an enduring personal mantra. The anecdote intertwines humor, introspection, and the eternal debate between youthful indulgence and maturation, encapsulating the essence of the late '90s.
Rob explores the genre-fluid positive energy of rap/reggae/rock ‘90s holdovers 311 and their hit ‘Amber.’ Among other things, he also talks about them as a bridge from a previous era, the musicality of their bass in particular, and the way they’re in conversation with bands that petered out in the ‘90s, as well as bands that grew in popularity in the 2000s. Then, Rob is joined by New York magazine music critic Craig Jenkins to discuss why 311 is actually good and situates their legacy as it stands today.
