WZRD, rapper-singer Kid Cudi's rock-inspired collaboration with producer Dot da Genius, sounds a lot like the bedroom recordings of the "lonely stoner" from Cudi's 2009 hit, "Day 'N' Nite." Whether he's witlessly observing that "most people are pussies" or literally mumbling his lyrics, he hardly seems to care that someone might overhear him. A potentially punky moment, the "blah blah blah" blurt that kicks off "Love Hard," seems a statement of purpose. Meanwhile, the rudimentary guitar, starchy beats and formless synths just sound rough, never fun or spontaneous. And the cover of Lead Belly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" – all it proves is that at least one half of this duo has heard Nirvana's Unplugged in New York.

Listen to WZRD's "Brake":

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• Photos: Random Notes

“Oh Sherrie”

Steve Perry's girlfriend Sherrie Swafford was actually in the studio when Perry began writing this song--his lone Top Ten hit as a solo act--with two co-writers. The trio began at midnight one night with just "Oh, Sherrie!" and "hold on, hold on." Three hours later, they had a complete song. Swafford, however, had to wait until the next day to hear it. "Sherrie actually got tired and went to bed," Perry said. She also appeared in the video, but their relationship did not hold on for long.