That article makes Building Skyscrapers In The Basement really chilling

No, you’re right, he’s a Jersey kid, which makes him defacto NY (sorry not sorry Jersey kids)

In the early going, part of what made that scene so exciting was that it was sonically nebulous, backed more by a propulsive, derelict swagger than a cohesive sound. But you’re absolutely right—even at the time, Ted Leo seemed like an anomaly of genuine craftsmanship.

He first showed up in DC, but he’s from New York and was back there in time to be name-checked in Strokes-era hype. I caught him a few times at Luna Lounge and CBGB during the heyday. He was also prominently featured on the (admittedly shitty) comp “Yes New York.”

The Ballad of the Sin Eater is my favorite tune off that album

I just finished Meet Me in the Bathroom

How did you write this “Dance-punk, nu-wave, art-punk, or whatever you wanted to call it was exploding out of Brooklyn at a rate faster than hipsters in other cities could copy it, and this—” 

One thing I’ve never understood was the hype around “House of Jealous Lovers” - I just can’t stand it. It reminds me of the No Wave scene, with tremendous conceptual buzz but tracks that sound like shit.

The insanity of the dueling 80s dance instructors and the super dark twist, mostly done without dialogue, is a piece of art. Love Substitute Teacher, but they could take things in such interesting directions.

Prepared For Terries

Gremlins 2 pitch meeting

Slightly off subject here, but what would you say is your favorite Key and Peele skit? Personally, I have to go with Continental Breakfast, it’s just too good.

I always found ...and You Will Know Us by the Trail of the Dead’s name to be so much more interesting than their music, same with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (though I like them better)

Since you mentioned Mclusky, Lightsaber Cock Suckin’ Blues is the best song of all time.

They know Turn on the Bright Lights came out in 2002, right? Literally any song on that album could be slotted on here

You seem to have a really low opinion of servers: “I gave my waitress cash so now she’s going to cheat on her taxes.” I’m guessing that those working in the service industry are just as honest, on average, as the rest of the population. And how does that square with your assertion that it’s none of your business? And,…

I wholly support servers’ right to under-report their tips. They get treated like shit and paid like shit. Meanwhile, the 1% and every corporation in the country is evading left and right, but it’s the person who makes $3 an hour that everybody is getting all up in arms about.

I love all the “How dare you evade taxes!” comments.

I generally tip cash, I know too many restaurant/bar owners who are dickbags and I don’t trust them to give it all to the servers.