Episode 39: Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly

Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it—well, Lisa and Jack tried. Taylor Swift’s landmark pivot to pop album has a lot of iconic songs, but none of them connect. Swifties would do well to avoid, though the preamble highlight her many admirable qualities. Come for the de rigeur Billy Corgan invocation and French word jokes, stay for Jack saying “articulation” and Lisa saying “Jake Gyllenhaal” roughly fifty times a piece.

What is this? We are back for more! We are coming at you with a new episode where we cover one of Lisa’s favorite artists of all time, Tame Impala, and his third studio release “Currents.” This album has some of his most touching songs as well as some fo the most catchy that Tame Impala has ever released. Join us for a good time. It’s good to be back.

We are tackling Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" for our 40th (and final?) episode! The album is an absolute treat from start to finish. Give it a listen! We are also taking a hiatus for now as life has gotten a bit too busy for us to continue at the moment. But if time permits, we will be back with more episodes! Enjoy our coverage of Amy Winehouse. 

Fun fact: our playlist isn't soft, may not even be easy, but it sure is fun. Listen as we share our favorite happier / boppin tracks that we've been listening to lately. There's something in here for everyone. Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/SkipsEasyPlaylist

Lisa begs not to do a full hour, but they nearly do anyway. This week brings appreciations for a six year old album already rightly considered a masterpiece: To Pimp A Butterfly, by Kendrick Lamar. George Clinton, The Isley Brothers, Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and Tupac: we’re gonna be alright.

Lisa and Jack don’t like this album, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth talking about Madonna’s legacy. Consider: mermaids, button-down dresses at the beach, and dating David Fincher.

It’s 1980, and Lisa and Jack have ten songs full of stunning guitar riffs and stultifying innuendo to talk about, or possibly lose their minds over. That’s right, we’re Back in Black with AC/DC. Tent theory and satanic panic.

Lisa and Jack take a trip to the five boroughs with the 1989 sampling masterwork, Paul’s Boutique. Everything and the kitchen sink. Jack remembers their instrumental album’s title is “The In Sound From Way Out!” but is too sheepish to say it with conviction while recording.

This week we take a look at the album that catapulted U2 to superstardom: 1987's The Joshua Tree. Both Lisa and Jack are surprised to find out what certain songs on the album are really about; Jack still manages to mention The Pogues. What's your Rockstar Name?

This week we are covering “Close to the Edge” by Yes. Released in 1972 by a British prog rock band - so yes, of course Lisa loved it. But it’s worth a listen as it’s a near and dear album.