In short, Essentials is a segment that allows artists to put down their instruments and divulge about a specific topic, giving fans and the like the opportunity to connect with their interests and inspirations. It’s just unlike any other listicle feature, we’re totally okay with things getting weird and/or uncensored. With their Over Easy EP being a cutting blast of bliss, we asked DIET CIG’s Alex Luciano and Noah Bowman to name their favourite records that address love and heartbreak. FYI: Space Jam still rules.
Diet Cig’s Over Easy is available now via their Bandcamp and through Father/Daughter Records
Cameo – Alligator Woman (1982)
A real essential to getting over any breakup, Cameo’s “Just Be Yourself” is just the tune we all need to dance away our post-split sorrows. Try and listen to this without feeling the urge to get up, grab a new honey, and twirl forever. Just be yourself and grow a mullet.
Various Artists – Space Jam OST (1996)
This album coincidentally got us both through our first elementary school breakup. Instead of crying into our juice boxes and kicking around playground sand, we were (as suggested by Seal) flying like eagles on the blacktop. We balled away our tears, and just left it all on the court.
Cher – Believe (1998)
I have a very clear memory of joining hands and spinning violently with my third grade best friend to Believe. It was everything. We have no fear of life after love, and I attribute our carefree attitude to this strong lady right here. The only fear this song manifested was us letting go of our hands and falling into the fireplace mantle… again.
Beck – Midnite Vultures (1999)
There is not one more loving song than “Debra” off this record. Groove on and dream of saleswomen and their sisters. It’s the dreamiest song we’ve ever heard and the live video really takes it to another level. Serenade us with this funky slow jam and we’ll be taking your socks off for you.
Lil’ Bow Wow – Doggy Bag (2001)
Not totally sure how this album led to the progression that Bow Wow is today (with Underrated released in 2015… how fitting) but we’re okay with it. Back to the b-ball, the backup singers got it right; we’re all swooning over how he moves so fast across the floor. Ball is love, ball 4ever.