The recording studio at KDFO looks much as we’d remember it from the before-time.  There is no evidence of the PRODUCER’s long descent into quarantine madness, or of DJ 3000’s intense focus on performing document review for the January 6th Investigation Committee.  The PRODUCER is seated in front of the sound console, cheerfully conversing with a familiar face already seated behind the microphone. 

PRODUCER: …and I’m sure it’s been a treat to get the new rookies in for the minicamp.

ANDY REID: It has, it has, but it hasn’t been all rib tips and hot links, if you know what I mean.

PRODUCER: I…think I understand. There’s been a few snags, I take it?

ANDY REID: A few.  You see, a lot of these kids, they only know me from what they’ve seen on TV, so they think I’m just this big jolly Santa Claus coach.  And I get frustrated because they show up for these minicamps unprepared.

PRODUCER: You mean, they turn up out of shape?

ANDY REID: No, no, they’re all incredible athletes coming out of college programs.  Physically most of them are in better shape than our veterans.  I mean that they don’t arrive with the proper equipment.

PRODUCER: Equipment like…cleats? Shoulder pads?

ANDY REID: Huh?  No.  I’m talking about seasonings.

PRODUCER: Seasonings?

ANDY REID: Sure.  Let’s start with salt.  You’ve got your old familiar high school coach refrain of “take a salt tablet” when the heat starts getting to you.  And let me tell you, running around in June in Missouri is no joke, even without pads.  But if you’ve been salting your pre-practice brisket properly, that really shouldn’t be an issue.

PRODUCER: Isn’t that something the team nutritionist handles?

ANDY REID: Eh, yes and no.  In college, these kids are part of a program that’s going to take care of that stuff for you. They’re with you for every meal.  But that’s not how it works in the pro’s.  You need to be responsible for your own regimen.  Of course the team is going to have resources to help you reach peak performance, but you’re not going to be coddled anymore.  And that’s one of the things we try to address right away in these minicamps.

PRODUCER: [incredulous] Seasoning food.  You spend the first part of your minicamp focused on making sure your grilled meat is properly salted.

ANDY REID: Well it’s not just salt.  You’ve got your four basic tastes – salty, sweet, sour, and bitter.  Patrick’s got his ketchup, that’s a good example of sour – acid, really – that adds brightness to your dishes.  And then you’ve got your flavors, things that actually bring the food to life.  Kelce’s a good example, he’s got all these film caninsters full of oregano that he brings around with him everywhere.  Says it helps him stay hungry.  Speaking of hungry, my publicist said that there was going to be some kind of cheese plate available…

PRODUCER: Of course, of course.  Let’s get the music rolling and then we can dig right in. Let’s go live in three…two…one…

ANDY REID: [into microphone]  Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Request Line.  You might remember me from my original appearance as one of the last guests prior to COVID quarantine, where we tackled the topic of “meat”.  This week we’re going to talk about what goes on the meat.  That’s right, we’re looking for songs about flavor.  Call in with songs that mention one of those four basic tastes – salty, sweet, sour, or bitter – or any other spices and flavors.  I’ll get us started with a self-contained DOUBLE SHOT of two of your basics.

Today’s theme is: Flavors.  We’re looking for songs about the basic taste groups, or other flavors.  Songs about actually *tasting* things are good too, as well as band or album names that include a flavor.  Post links as “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th3Rm4L0t” and they should embed in the comments after you refresh. The clue for last week’s puzzle song was “Brandon Spikes” which referred to the puzzle song of “Johnny Hit and Run Paulene” by X.  Have at it!