Brian’s taste runs on strong moods and clear identities: 70s and 80s rock, darker 80s alternative, grunge with some grit, and hip-hop that has personality and replay value. There’s room for adventurous art-rock and funk, too, alongside jazz that works for an easy evening or a kitchen soundtrack. Northern California is part of the picture, not just a category on the shelf. His records move easily from Nirvana and Alice in Chains to Depeche Mode, Miles Davis, and Funkadelic. The recent spins say he likes a record with momentum, but the personal history matters just as much: “Some Great Reward” and “Rio” carry teenage memories, and the “Rio” cover is a favorite for its design. On Funkadelic’s “Free Your Mind... And Your Ass Will Follow,” listen for the guitar and groove stretching into something stranger without losing its pull. If someone wants to buy him a record, “Violator” is a smart pick: it sits right in his 80s alternative lane, alongside the Depeche Mode already on his shelf.
dropping the needle…
