This song honors my late wife, Dee Dee, who was "Salty Sweet"—a rare blend of fierce strength, compassion, and love. I always joked that I picked her from a vending machine because she was exactly what I wanted. The song explores the classic "nice guy vs. bad boy" dating stereotype. Instead of simply complaining, the song tells the story of a nice guy convinced he must be a jerk to attract women. His plot fails as his good-nature rejects his ability to carry out this manipulative persona. He resigns himself to being alone and a fool. Ultimately, he finds a woman who’s "salty-sweet" and loves him for who he is - proving to him that a “Nice Guy’s Not a Fool”. This song also draws from conversations Dee Dee shared with her best friends, Lolo and Shasher, looking back on their youth chasing "bad boys," only to grow up and realize the true value of a nice-guy who treats them right. I love and miss you Dee Dee.more

I wrote this song for my pandemic puppy, Louie Armstrong Vitti (better known as Skoo-Skoo). He’s a pitbull rescued during the pandemic, and for the first 3 years of his life, he was never alone. Because of that, he has really bad separation anxiety, even if you just step out to grab the mail. When you come back, he’s totally inconsolable, crying and making a fuss until he finally calms down after some hugs, kisses, and of course cookies. Poor little guy. I do keep things pretty structured for him. Nothing comes for free; you have to earn it, even if it’s just a cookie. In all his drama, I’m sure he feels like he’s in prison, but I know deep down he realizes he’s got it pretty good with his ½ acre fenced yard, all the cookies he can earn, and the freedom to lounge on the couch and snuggle in bed all night. So this song goes out to my best little buddy Skoo-Skoo and all his loving drama.more

- Mastered by mixea.commore