The Midday Distraction #77: The Kokoon

Today's episode features a Magnatune band whose sound hearkens back to the New Wave music of the 1980s.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• The Kokoon: "It's Time Now"
• The Kokoon: "Take Me to the World"

(Total play time: 8:56)

Today is Flag Day in Aruba and Men's and Soldiers' Day in Mongolia.

Mongols sacked Kraków this day in 1241. English authorities sentenced six farm laborers who came to be called the Tolpuddle martyrs to Australia for forming a trade union this day in 1834. American winemaker Ernest Gallo was born this day in 1909. Mohandas Gandhi was sentenced to six years in prison for civil disobedience in India this day in 1922; he only served two. American actor Peter Graves was born this day in 1926. Writer and actor George Plimpton was born this day in 1927. Author John Updike was born this day in 1932. Soul singer Wilson Pickett was born this day in 1941. Jazz musician Bill Frisell and Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen were both born this day in 1951. Political satirist Will Durst was born this day in 1952. French producer, writer and director Luc Besson was born this day in 1959. Singer and actress Queen Latifah was born this day in 1970. Australian novelist Max Barry was born this day in 1973. German psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm died this day in 1980. The British government recognized British Sign Language as an official British language this day in 2003. British director Anthony Minghella died this day in 2008. And English actress Natasha Richardson died this day in 2009.