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Why Does It Have To Be So Hard?

 I have a very thoughtful friend that when they go on a trip they often bring me back a bag of chips that can't be found in the 204. Well, a couple weeks ago they went on a trip and brought me back a bag of straight up Lay's weirdness. It would appear that Lay's has entered into a partnership with IHOP to bring Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Strawberry-Topped Pancakes with Syrup & Bacon Naturally (yeah, okay) & Artificially Flavored Potato Chips. Since these are 'merican the nutrition facts on the back are in 28g portions, but these actually aren't all that unhealthy 24% fat (high side of average amongst all chips, but pretty much par for the course for Lay's) per 56g and only 12% sodium. My guess is that these'll actually be decent. In the past I've found that sweet flavours on chips actually goes over pretty well. 

Well, these smell pretty weird..almost like maple syrup and coffee. I've never been in an IHOP, but it sounds about right for a breakfast joint. The chips look like Lay's and have a Lay's crunch (pretty light), if you don't know what Lay's chips are typically like I find it odd that you're reading this blog, they're a gateway chip. Sweet 'buttery' syrup with cooked strawberries that have a bit of a tang. There's something faintly granular with the seasoning, or maybe it's the tang of the strawberry flavour that's tricking my tongue into thinking the seaoning is slightly granular. It's about a 50/50 split in flavour between the 'butter' flavoured syrup and strawberry topping. The bag shows bacon beside the pancakes, but I'm (luckily) not really picking up on it. 

Bad Time Records is absolutely killing it as a record label. They've released ska from absolutely every corner of the world of ska. They've teamed up with established artists, found up and comers that are doing their own weird thing and everything in-between. Tonight I'm going to tip my hat to them for putting out the newest album, Where Did All My Friends Go, from 3rd wave ska punk kings Mustard Plug. Over 30 years in and Mustard Plug is still putting out upbeat ska punk (not punk ska) that is clearly still rooted in the 3rd wave sound but doesn't sound dated. This is an album written by adults that have been through 45 and a pandemic, there's a bit of sorrow but it's generally has an optimistic tilt. Horns galore with the odd organ, melodica, accordion. This albums a skanker. I'd love to see this band live, but I'm thinking if I don't travel that may not be in the cards. I guess I'll just have to settle for another spin of the album and crack a beer. BTR also nailed it with the gatefold and mustard yellow splatter, the artwork and packaging are quite fetching.

Stay hydrated,

Marc

ps. Due to the sweetness of these chips I'd say a 100g bag would have been perfect packaging.

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