19 Comments
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BrighterDaze's avatar

Hey Kevin, I hadn’t realized you were based in Madison when I signed up for this newsletter. I am too!

What are some of your favorite things to do around town? Do you have a favorite record store or any favorite local bands?

I’m also in a local band called Maestranza. We’re mostly a sort of jazz fusion band, and we just released an EP, in case you’re interested: https://maestranza.bandcamp.com/album/phish-gutz-2

Also, I hate to break it to you, but the Brewers will probably break your heart again 😢

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Norman's avatar

I would like your thoughts on women's presence or lack thereof in your record collection. I know that mine is dominated by male artists and I only hear female musicians through their work in bands with a few exceptions, such as Neco Case. I do not know why I do that, but I would like to hear your take on that.

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Gabbie's avatar

Are you interested in expanding your horizons? There are plenty of incredible women artists to listen to in every genre, and I'm sure many curators, myself included, would be happy to point you in the right direction. You asked for Kevin's opinion, not mine, so I won't offer recommendations, but it might help to ask women if you do want more women in your record collection.

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Norman's avatar

My horizon is fine. For one reason or another, or perhaps no reason at all, I have gravitated to male lead singers. I have or know of plenty of female singers, I was listening to The McGarrigal sisters earlier this week. I appreciate the offer of recommendations, but I am happy with women singers that I listen to already.

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Kevin McSpadden's avatar

Go Reds! Although I'm sure it's hard for a Brewers fan to get emotional about my moribund franchise haha.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

We can commiserate together!

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Kevin McSpadden's avatar

Well the timing will be awkward because my season will die in July :p

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Dissembling Bling's avatar

Pilot?! What are the myriad ways that has influenced your life in music or vice/versa?

Gotta Pilot Playlist? Ever flown anywhere for a record store? It seems planes and musicians have lots of stories (RIP John Denver), any personal or legendary we may not have heard?

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Andres's avatar

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (hehe), I still think your For the Record essays are what I enjoy the most. Of course there’s the Monday discussion and the other posts, but something just hits differently on Saturdays. If so inclined you could always do another in a similar style on another day, perhaps shorter, for all subscribers or something.

I don’t know what it is that fascinates me the most about those essays. It’s just how you take something from ordinary life or the news, zoom in on a deeper meaning, and tie it back to the start. It’s like Sam Cooke singing acapella: no frills, nothing fake, just real. (When I start throwing the big singer comparisons like with Mariah and Sam Cooke, you know I mean it lol).

Questions to you, well, I feel like I’ve already taken up so much comment space… alright: BSB or Nsync? 🤣 Happy weekend!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Thank you, Andy! That truly means a lot to me. As for BSB vs. NSYNC? Stay tuned!

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Andres's avatar

Only the truth! And looking forward to whatever you have to say on the subject! New Order fans, look away for a bit 🤣

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Dave Purcell's avatar

If you could wave a magic wand and change one or two things about our commercial aviation system, what would they be and why?

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Rocco Pendola's avatar

This is my favorite newsletter, for the record. Pun intended.

I want to know when you are going to come visit Spain.

Also, what is your favorite non-English speaking music? As you know, I am starting to discover music in Spain. I have only had time to barely scratch the surface, but I plan on going much deeper soon.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Lol. I love a good pun. As for Spain? Good question! It's definitely on my list. I love being there vicariously through Never Retire, but want to see it for myself.

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Ryan Gonzalez's avatar

I don't really have any questions, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate the community you've built here! I always look forward to the Monday discussions in particular and feel like you've created something special. I think the amount is just write and your newsletter is always a bright spot in my day!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Thank you, Ryan! I'm glad you've found us, and I appreciate the kind words!

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Norman's avatar

# Gabbie blocked me so I could not show his/her comment on my suggestion about the number of women singers in music collections. Here is Gabbie's comment: "ah cool so you know you don't listen to many female musicians but aren't interested in listening to any others -- only men. just making sure I had that right." No, you do not have it right. I am not interested in listening to only men. I also listen to women but do not listen to as many women artists as male artists. I am open and interested in listening to music by women artists equally as much as male artists. I stated that in my collection, there are more males than females, and I solicited a response from Kevin regarding his take on the disparity.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

This is a good question and one I've been chewing on quite a bit today. Stay tuned for a response!

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Justin Steiner's avatar

How many games do you think Yelich will play this year?

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