Pros and Cons

Looking back at some of the albums and EPs that dropped in 2024, discussing highlights and disappointments. The episode starts with Top 5 cons and Top 5 pros before then touching on dozens of other projects. Top songs of the year playlists are also linked below, which feature songs from the highlighted albums and more: Apple Kev - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2024-joints/pl.u-8aAVXkyFamBZWa Jack - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2024-top-tier/pl.u-DdANl05IlVDNxd Spotify Jack - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19CDFB3CMqN2DnFHGVNhOi?si=b7bc3556816043ac Kev - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6bcI5Sw9UYbdgVj3VIpgDO?si=7ca106fc866d4f4c *Recorded before the SZA and Sault late December releases.

Pros & Cons is changing up the release schedule for now. There will be somewhat of a hiatus, as there won't be bi-weekly episodes with new topics releasing as normal. However, there were still be new music episodes of The Rotation series every few months or so. Kev and Jack give some more details around this new shift that will be ongoing for the indefinite future.

A.I. is a field of technology that has had rapid growth in recent years. Platforms can generate data like information, visuals, and sounds based on prompts of varying complexity. The accuracy and ability is growing fast, based on its computer learning, and the ways it can be applied is endless. Jack and Kev talk about some of the potential cases in creative fields, jobs overall, and if the positives outweigh the negatives.

Long Beach's own Vince Staples, known primarily as a rapper, just released a new Netflix series that stars himself. ‘The Vince Staples Show' is loosely based on his own life growing up in the Southern California area and everything that can go down on any given day. Kev and Jack talk about some brief background on Vince's personality and sense of humor before talking about the new show. (No spoilers until the 18 min mark)

Especially as kids, we often look up to other people as examples for who or what we want to be. But who should be considered role models – like artists or athletes – and what standards should they be held to? What responsibilities do they have? Jack and Kev talk about what goes into considering if someone is a good role model, how that changes as you get older, and where do we all draw the lines on certain actions.

A staple in music culture over the past few decades, Pitchfork started in 1996 and became known for its opinionated album reviews. The most defining feature grew to be the rating scale, going from 0-10 with a decimal point for extra precision. From the end of the music magazine run to the blog era and social media current environment, Pitchfork has continued to stay alive. Last month, it was announced that Condé Nast (who acquired it in 2015) was laying off a large group of employees and shifting the brand under GQ – leaving an unclear future ahead. Kev and Jack talk about their experience with the site, the rating system, and how it compares to YouTube reviewers like Anthony Fantano.

After initially launching in October of 2010 and being bought by Facebook for $1 billion in 2012, the app of Instagram has gone through significant changes over the past decade. Jack and Kev talk about how it went from a mobile photography community to a broader platform for everyone, including with features like IG Stories being added. Plus: In this moment, the way it's being used to share info about Gaza and hear from Palestinian voices on the ground.

For some, the start of the calendar year is a marker to try out new routines – like with eating or exercise. But no matter when you start, it can be a tricky balance when integrating that into your lifestyle. And while physical health is a big part of it, the mental side is crucial too. Kev and Jack talk about some of their experiences and changes over time in viewing the importance of certain elements.

After a jam-packed year of music, it's time to pick the Top 5 biggest highlights and disappointments of albums. Jack and Kev look back on 2023 by choosing their personal Top 5's for both sides. Top songs of the year playlists are also linked below: Jack - music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2023-top-tier/pl.u-V9D73zpT1pejkL Kev - music.apple.com/us/playlist/2023-joints/pl.u-oZyl3XWT0q8Xo0

As a profession that has significantly changed in past decades, journalism is at a crossroads for the future. With the rise of social media, as well as A.I. technology, there's a lot of questioning about sources of truth and information. Kev and Jack discuss where it stands right now, including examples ranging from sports to the Palestinian journalists on the ground in Gaza.

There were a lot of new albums released since the last music episode in early August, so it was only right to cover a bunch before the annual music awards that will close the year. Jack and Kev cover 21 albums in 36 mins, with some bonus shoutouts at the end. This edition features smaller and bigger artists including Jorja Smith, Andre 3000, Olivia Rodrigo, Sampha, Drake, Bakar, MIKE, Teezo Touchdown, Bad Bunny, Earl Sweatshirt, Cleo Sol, PinkPantheress, Brent Fayaiz, and more. Connected post with links to the music projects mentioned: https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-3

For the annual Pros & Cons gift guide, this time the focus is on items in an affordable range – with the limit set to no more than $50 to spend. Kev and Jack each select some recommendations that fit the bill as pros, including several ideas for the home.

The World Series is playing out to determine the last team standing between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks to conclude another eventful MLB season. Jack and Kev go around the league and pick out some individual players or specific teams to talk about their year, with both new positive surprises and some brutal disappointments. Including the Dodgers and Braves getting bounced early after amazing seasons, the Yankees doing nothing outside of Judge and Cole, and exciting young star players giving a show.

In the second edition of this series around things to watch, a variety of series and movies are discussed from Barbenheimer to The Last Of Us. Kev and Jack run through some they've each seen so far this year and the verdicts on if they delivered. Including other examples like Bottoms, The Idol, Past Lives, The Bear, Spiderverse, Swarm, AIR, Theater Camp, How To with John Wilson, Asteroid City, Showing Up, and more. 

From music to restaurants to movies, there are a variety of types of merch to rep something you like. Or, for some, just to rock because they enjoy the design on its own. Jack and Kev talk about seeing the shift of quality in different fields, how bad it can go in the wrong hands, and how it could evolve in the future. Check out the Pros and Cons merch collection and lookbook: ⁠https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-lookbook⁠ 

Fresh off the latest US Open tournament in New York – where 19-year-old Coco Gauff won the Women's Championship and 36-year-old Novak Djokovic won on the Men's side – tennis is having a notable moment around a new generation. Kev and Jack discuss their experience with both playing the sport and watching it, how accessibility factors into it, the scoring, the fashion, and more around the culture of it.

Originally started in 2005, and bought by Google the year after, YouTube has established itself as the home for videos. There are other more social-focused platforms like TikTok that are challenging it now, which they've implemented YouTube Shorts to counteract, but those are just a dent in the billions of active users and hours watched each day on the site/app. It can be a place for people to create their own channels, make and share their own videos, and for people to find things connected to their interests. Jack and Kev talk about their experience using it over the years, what could be improved, and why it's unique to any streaming network or social app.

While it's a sport or activity, skateboarding also has ties to a lot of other areas like clothing and music. It's also a lifestyle that's very DIY, very creative, and takes a lot of getting back up after falling down. Kev and Jack break down some of their experience with it, how it's changed over the years, and the impact of skating on things like sneakers and hip hop.

Since the first installment of this music series in the Spring, there have been a lot of artists dropping new songs. Jack and Kev discuss projects from the past few months – covering 24 albums in 33 mins. This edition features smaller and bigger artists including including Arlo Parks, Daniel Ceaser, Kaytraminé, Tori Kelly, Uzi, King Krule, Peso Pluma, Summer Walker, Dominic Fike, Jessie Ware, Travis Scott, Disclosure, and more. Connected post with links to the music projects mentioned: https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-2

With the launch of Threads this past month, Meta is trying to give competition to Twitter as Elon Musk is sinking the ship. Was it successful so far? Or is it just another copycat feature effort like has been the case with Reels to TikTok or Stories to Snapchat with their IG integrations. Kev and Jack talk about initial thoughts on Threads and how Meta is doing overall with their other properties (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

It might seem like a simple question, but what makes something a summer movie? Is it just that it has to take place in the summer? Is it just that it has to be set in a location that looks like it's warm and nice out? Is it the wardrobe of the characters? Does summer have to be tied to the idea of the story? With different elements to factor in, Jack and Kev talk about their perspective and go through a mix of movie possibilities to make sense of which are and aren't.

As the borough at the top of the city, geographically and in many other ways, The Bronx has been home to a lot of greatness. From the music (birthplace of hip hop) to the sports (Yankees) and much more, there's no shortage of impact from BX legends. Of course, there are some downsides too – from one of the lesser beaches in NYC to it being not the best for cross-borough transportation. Kev and Jack talk about their experience in The Bronx while growing up, some favorite spots, and part of what makes the borough truly one-of-a-kind.

From a deck of cards to birthday cards to sports cards, there are many different purposes that those rectangular little objects can have. Jack and Kev talk about experiences and thoughts on examples such as playing cards with poker, business cards in a digital age, activity-based and more social modern card games, traditional greeting cards you find at the local pharmacy, character-based fictional ones like Pokémon, sports editions with athletes, and a mix of others.

One of the top streaming services made a name and content pivot this past week. HBO Max is now just "Max" on its own, as part of their merger with Discovery under WarnerMedia, HBO's parent company. The switch has already led to a lot of push back, confusion, and light controversy. Kev and Jack talk about what the different changes are, how this impacts the HBO brand going forward, and if Max will be as good or not anymore.

As a sometimes annoying but ultimately beneficial part of life, people have different relationships to how much they exercise, which they do, and where they do it all. Jack and Kev talk about some of the variations – from the classic parts of a routine like push ups or crunches, to more cardio-based activities like running or swimming. Which are fun, which look dumb? Which are beneficial, which feel pointless?

An artist of many talents, Tyler is one of the most prolific and extensive people making things today. While he's most known for his music, he's also created lanes in areas like clothing, TV, a festival, and more. In celebration of the 200th episode of this show, Kev and Jack talk about T and seeing his evolution over the past 15 years, the stages of his discography, and how he's been an inspiration.

In a new series of breaking down the latest music releases, Jack and Kev discuss projects that have dropped this year so far. Covering 20 albums in 34 mins, this edition features smaller and bigger artists including Dreamville, Navy Blue, Kali Uchis, 6LACK, Jordan Ward, Lil Yachty, Tennis, Karol G, boygenius, Lana Del Rey, and more. Connected post with links to the different albums mentioned: https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-1

Depending on the traditions you have or what your interests are, festivals can take a mix of forms. Kev and Jack talk about what they associate with the term, what are the limits of when the format fits or not, and explore more modern examples. Including discussing music festivals (Coachella, Lollapalooza, etc), film festivals (Sundance, Cannes, etc), those that combine a mix (SXSW), and even a bigger outlier of sports events (Super Bowl, World Cup, etc). However you interpret it, one thing that can be agreed on is festivals are meant to be a celebration. That being said, that doesn't mean they don't have their downsides.

The New York Yankees haven't won a championship since 2009, almost a decade and a half at this point. Following up on Aaron Judge's 62-homer spectacular run, the team re-signed him back to a major contract. They also made a couple of additions (like Carlos Rodon, one of the top pitching free agents of the offseason). However, the team is mostly similar to before. Can this be the year they turn it around and get by the Astros in the playoffs? Jack and Kev talk about where the team stands going into the season, from the lineup to the pitching arms.

As a very practical item, there are many different styles and forms that bags can be. Kev and Jack break down some of the different types – from the school days (backpacks, string bags, rolling bags) to the travel bags (duffle bags, luggage situations) to the everyday bags (plastic back in the day to now, reusable, tote bags, IKEA's classic blue bag) to Kev's take on one that's been teased since the teaser of this show (fanny packs).

In this new series around things to watch at home, anything might be explored from shows to movies to YouTube to sports and anything else. In the first edition, Jack and Kev discuss some of the things they saw over the past year – and some that they're deciding whether or not to watch still. Including series like Euphoria, Atlanta, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and more. Or movies like Top Gun, Avatar, Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Menu, Bones & All, The Fabelmans, All Quiet on the Western Front, and more. Or sports events like the recent Super Bowl LVII and '23 Australian Open.

While it can be glorified or dramatized excessively in movies, rain is usually more of an inconvenience than anything else. You have to be more careful about what clothes/shoes you wear, carry an umbrella around if you want to stay dry, and it can limit your choice of options for the day ahead. That all being said, rain can sometimes have its advantages as well. Kev and Jack talk about the different sides and the recent nonstop rain that just hit California for almost a month.

A decade ago, one of the best selling and most beloved video games – The Last of Us – was released to the world. Now, its new adaptation airing on HBO is following up on that success. Just like the game, it's breaking records like being HBO's second-most watched series premiere in more than a decade and the viewers are only continuing to grow each week. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic U.S. and has a mass infection, though it pre-dates our own pandemic. Jack and Kev talk about both the game itself and if the adaptation is successful so far.

Choosing a symbol, typeface, figure, or shape to represent what you or your company stands for is not an easy decision. Besides the name in itself, a logo can be a major part of how a brand/company or individual presents themselves to the world. Kev and Jack talk about what can make a logo successful or not before looking at examples in areas including sports, food, cars, video games, movies/TV, and clothes.

Now an annual tradition, it's that time of the year to pick out the biggest highlight and disappointment albums of the year. Jack and Kev break down their personal Top 5 cons and Top 5 pros that came out in 2022. For personal Top Songs playlists, see below: Jack - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2022-top-tier/pl.u-76oNGdyuNXoq7b Kev - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2022-joints/pl.u-kv9lbZDtW4BpeW

As the biggest international sport, the World Cup is always a highly-watched event. Plus, since it only happens every four years, it makes the stakes even more intense and makes winning it that much more difficult and special. With legends like Messi and Ronaldo taking on their last ever tournament this year, but with newcomers trying to disrupt history, it's an even further elevated competition. Kev and Jack talk about the futbol/soccer debate, experience with the sport to play or watch, how the World Cup has evolved, and this year's 2022 tournament in Qatar.

With the takeover of digital and online culture, magazines have taken a bit of a back seat. But, they're not fully dead yet. From some of the bigger names still out there to small indie niche publications, there's issues being circulated. Some are just the low quality tabloid ones, but others hold it down with real art book level quality. Jack and Kev talk about their experience with magazines growing up, creating their own photo mag (Ludique), where they see the state of the industry now, and kick around some ideas.

After the first Pros and Cons edition of the Gift Guide last year, this time there are some new limitations: only items that are too expensive for what they should be worth. But even though that's an auto-con, Kev and Jack each pick out some clothes and accessories that fit the bill as pros – outside of the price – from kicks to sweaters to things for the home. To view the images of what's mentioned: www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/overpriced-gift-guide-2023

Since the last episode at the end of August, there were two main things that happened. One was the homestretch of the home run chase of Aaron Judge, who eventually broke Roger Maris' record of 61 for both the AL and franchise records. The other was the playoffs, which after an initial bye-round came a win in the division series and then a brutal loss (as a sweep) in the championship series. Jack and Kev talk about the highs and lows of it all, how the season was in general, and a glimpse into the offseason with Judge becoming a free agent.

Especially in big cities with millions of people, most rely completely on public transport to get around. From buses to trains, it'll (sometimes) bring you where you need to go, and at what can be a more affordable price. But, at what cost to your time/journey? Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it in places such as NYC, LA, DR, SF, and across the world.

From the GameCube and Wii on the console side to the Game Boy and Switch on the handheld end, Nintendo has made their mark in the video game world over the years. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with different systems, which have been some of the best and worst, and how Nintendo compares to other gaming companies like PlayStation or XBOX.

While a lot of people fly or drive somewhere to go on vacation, there are some who decide to hit the sea instead. Cruises are a popular way to have a different type of experience while sailing around, even stopping at different places while on the go. But the question is: are they fun or lame? Kev and Jack talk about a recent experience Kev had on one, all the options there are to keep you entertained, some of the hidden downsides, and how that made an impact on the final verdict.

In a new installment of breaking down new music, Jack and Kev look at a selection of albums and EPs released from May through mid August 2022. Selects from bigger artists, like Drake & Beyonce's dance albums, to up-and-coming musicians who should be on your radar.

The second check-in episode of the season unfortunately happens as the Yankees are going through an extended rough stretch, following an incredible start to the year initially. Kev and Jack talk about everything that's been going wrong, how the trade deadline went, what could be changed, and vent about the state of the team overall. Plus, a brief look around the league (including Tatis, Pujols, Julio) and some early predictions for the playoffs and World Series ahead.

It's constantly around us, but we don't always think about the designs of the buildings and other structures that impact our environments. Jack and Kev talk about their entry-level interest in architecture, observations on different cities usage, specific pro/con buildings, the few “names” in the field, and how it impacted other people like Virgil Abloh in his work.