"My parents had a great record collection, going all the way up to the year I was born, 1984. My dad had a lot of 2-Tone, and I’d listen to “One Step Beyond” by Madness. Being a kid in New Jersey, that was a transmission from another world: the weird accent, the sax line, and the cover. They’re all leaning on each other, this huge group of dudes. I didn’t have a concept for that – it was this bizarre thing."

"Lately, I’ve gotten really into her. I know a lot of people who like her, but it tends to be girls and…I’m not one to reinforce gender stereotypes, and I think it’s important to listen to female singer-songwriters next to your Slayer and Descendents. Begin To Hope has had some big pop hits, like “Fidelity”. I know people who can’t get down with the lyrics, and she does quirky things with her voice. But it’s a great album."

"What do you do when your life falls apart, when you’ve lost your creative mojo, your once-loving son ignores you, and your husband’s a barely-contributing pothead? For Judy Vogel, the answer is simple: she starts wearing her dog in a baby sling. Sounds crazy, but this funny and deeply moving book makes it plausible, and has a lot to say about modern life, as it satirizes things that already feel over the top, from pricey creativity gurus to progressive private schools."