Fans look back on Arrested Development’s landmark debut

 
 Arrested Development’s “People Everyday” is one of the most memorable songs of the 1990s. The hip-hop group’s sunny-sounding tune has a pro-tolerance message about a day in the park gone awry, and it samples Sly and the Family Stone’s conscious funk anthem, “Everyday People.”
 
 On the 31st anniversary of the song’s release in July 1992, the Grammy-winning Atlanta group visits Schenectady on Friday to headline Summer-Night, the county’s free, family-friendly summer block party on State Street between Broadway and Barrett Street and on Jay Street in the heart of downtown.
 
 “People Everyday” was the second single from Arrested Development’s landmark debut album, “3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of,” which received critical acclaim in part for its spiritual sound and peaceful message. The album received two Grammy Awards for the group, including Best New Artist, the first time a hip-hop act garnered the accolade.
 
 “I was 17 or 18 at the time the album came out and had been into hip-hop groups like De La Soul, Queen Latifah, the Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest,” said local guitarist Mike Hotter. “I liked how Arrested Development was obviously inspired by those artists. ‘People Everyday’ had a compelling narrative alongside the easygoing groove — and the classic hook from Sly and the Family Stone made it irresistible.”
 
 “I had the pleasure to see Arrested Development perform the song when they opened for Robert Randolph at the Empire State Plaza in 2008 — still a great summer jam,” added Hotter, who celebrates a musical anniversary of his own on July 29 when his highly regarded group knotworking reunites for the 20th anniversary of its final album, “The Garden Below,” at McGeary’s Irish Pub in Albany.
 
 Many fans seem to agree that first single “Tennessee” is the highlight of Arrested Development’s debut album. The tune was included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 songs that shaped rock ‘n’ roll” list.
 
 “‘Tennessee’ is a towering icon from that era, instantly recognizable, with a kinetic beat that irresistibly rocks you,” said Jennifer Maher Coleman, a local DJ (aka DJ Jennifer Haley) who also fronts the synth-pop group Architrave. “Even though the subject of the song isn’t particularly sexy, the groove truly is, and I always have it in my crate for events that call for feel-good party songs that everyone knows and loves.”
 
 A few more local music fans weigh in on their favorite tracks from the “3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of” album:
 
 “‘Tennessee’ came out when I was 9. I clearly remember seeing the music video and hearing it on the radio. It’s one of the songs that’s responsible for my introduction into hip-hop and music in general. Hearing it takes me back to my early childhood.” — Edward Martuscello, owner of Sweet Side Records in Glens Falls
 
 “‘Mama’s Always on Stage’ always puts a smile on my face. It has a great soul-funk sound and is a cool, supportive shout-out to single moms.” —Michael Johnson, Troy
 
 “I first heard ‘Mr. Wendal’ while with friends on my way to a music festival in Denver almost 20 years ago. The vibe and message have stuck with me. This, like so many Arrested Development songs, stands equally as part of a soundtrack for a sunny day and a reminder to treat others with respect.” — Erica Goodman, Gansevoort
 
THE WEEK AHEAD
 
 ! Thursday, Andalusian group La Banda Morisca will transport concert-goers at Music Haven in Schenectady’s Central Park to Spain with enchanting Spanish folk music infused with North African and Middle Eastern influences. 7 p.m.
 
 ! Alive at Five Thursday at Jennings Landing in Albany features free shows by legendary classic rock group Sweet and local blues-rockers Sly Fox and the Hustlers. 4:30 p.m.
 
 ! The great local troubadour Sean Rowe performs a benefit for Round Lake Auditorium on Friday in the village’s Orient Park. In the event of rain he will play inside the historic building. 7:30 p.m.
 
 ! Batten down the hatches: Dave Matthews Band and his legions of fans descend on Saratoga Performing Arts Center for two nights of shows. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
 
 ! Farming Man Festival returns to Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont on Saturday with local DJ sets, beautiful farm views, loads of craft beer and cider options, and performances by the College Farm, Precious Metals, Super 400, Televisionaries and Blasé Debris. 2 p.m.
 
 ! Jason Aldean heads to Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sunday as part of his Highway Desperado Tour. The country star will be joined by Mitchell Ten-penny, Corey Kent and Dee Jay Silver. 7:30 p.m.
 
Contact Kirsten Ferguson at theupstatebeat@gmail.com.
Kirsten Ferguson THE UPSTATE BEAT