I decided to make a playlist based off my record shelf at the onset of shelter-in-place. That turned into picking one song off each album on the shelf (that is available on Spotify). It's either the song I most associate with the album, or in the case of some absolute classics that can't be parsed, the first track. The next challenge was to write a bit (~200 words) on each selection. This is an entry in that chronicle. This is a link to the playlist.

“Come Down” | Anderson .Paak | Malibu [2016]

There’s no doubt that a casual record collection is a peculiarity in the time of streaming. There is a richness and depth of sound with vinyl that I appreciate and enjoy, but it is the collector in me that fuels this...collection. These records are not kept pristine. I take care of ‘em, but the records on my shelves should tell a story and not watch their resale value. 

And I’ll tell ya what, this record jacket has been beat to shit already. It’s followed me to bar shifts and—what were those things called? friends and strangers gathering together?—parties since I picked it up at Reckless Records. This is a record that begs to be played with the volume up. 

It’s interesting to consider this as an album on wax and on your streaming platform of choice. I make a lot of playlists for different settings and moods and he has a multitude of songs and features that can find a happy home on just about all of ‘em. “Come Down” has become a staple of Bocce Nights and that bass line and splashy cymbals always brought the mood up. 

That quality made “Come Down” my second most listened to song in 2016 and has ensured .Paak has at least one song on my Spotify created Top Songs playlist every year since Malibu dropped. He’s prolific, fun and easy for anyone to enjoy. Perfect playlist fodder.

On vinyl, however, it’s easy to appreciate the lush instrumentation, layered production and .Paak’s perfect cadence and versatile vocal stylings. The jacket notes enlightens and surprises with its credits.

Taking it all in front-to-back it’s clear just how personal and important this record is to .Paak. And when I run my fingers across the shelf and land on Malibu, there’s a rush of places and times that come with it that are personal to me. I don’t know what else to ask of a record. Thank you, .Paak.