I’m Kayla. I’ve got a soft spot for odd little songs. Food songs too. Turns out Paste Magazine has an entire list celebrating Cibo Matto’s most mouth-watering tracks—and yes, “Beef Jerky” makes the cut. So “Beef Jerky” by Cibo Matto? Yeah, I pressed play a lot this week. I tried it while cooking, in the car, on a run, even on my old Discman. I know, very 90s. But hey, it fit.
If you're curious about what a full seven-day immersion felt like, check out my detailed journal in Beef Jerky by Cibo Matto: I Lived With It For a Week.
Where it first hit me
I heard it at a small coffee spot near my gym. The barista had a tiny JBL speaker going. My latte was late, but my head was nodding. The beat felt chewy—like, bouncy but a bit weird in a good way. I asked, “What track is this?” He said, “Cibo Matto. Beef Jerky.” I laughed out loud. Of course it was. That déjà-vu buzz checks out—the LA Times once marveled at how the duo could spin pantry items into pop gold way back in ’96, and the flavor still holds up today.
If you’re hungry for even more Cibo Matto lore, yeahbasicallycibomatto.com is a quick portal to deep cuts, interviews, and fan ephemera that will keep the groove going.
What it sounds like (to my ears)
It’s a playful, lo-fi groove with a hip-hop loop feel. The drums feel dusty. The bass walks and wobbles. Little keys pop in like bright specks. It sounds like a kitchen jam session, but tight. Around the first minute, I hear a small synth line slide in. Later, a tiny break lets the drums breathe, then the beat kicks back. No big chorus. No big vocal hook. More like a mood with flavor.
You know what? It feels like street food. Quick, tasty, messy, and you want another bite.
There's a carefree, no-strings energy to this track—it drops in, delivers a burst of flavor, and doesn’t ask for a huge commitment. That vibe mirrors the light-hearted chemistry of certain casual relationships; if you’re curious how to keep that kind of arrangement smooth and drama-free, check out this practical rundown on how to make a friends-with-benefits situation last for clear communication tips and boundary-setting advice that help maintain the fun without the fallout.
Real-life tests I actually did
- Tuesday breakfast, 7:10 a.m.: Eggs on the pan, volume up on a JBL Flip 6. My kid did a shoulder wiggle by the fridge. The pan sizzled with the snare. It just worked.
- Wednesday commute: 2012 Subaru, windows cracked, city traffic. I played it twice back-to-back. It cut through road noise pretty well, but the bass got a bit soft.
- Thursday run: Koss Porta Pro headphones, light jog. The tempo felt mid-speed—easy to keep a steady pace. I hit repeat at the park bench.
- Friday night: I pulled my old Sony Discman from a drawer (still has stickers on it). Used a used CD copy I found at a thrift store for $4. The sound felt warmer. Less sharp. I liked that.
- Sunday meal prep: I added it to a playlist with “Sugar Water” and some Gorillaz B-sides. The vibe held. My neighbor knocked and asked, “Who is that?” I smiled and pointed at the speaker. It’s basically turned into my weird happy kitchen anthem.
What I loved
- The groove. It’s goofy and cool at the same time.
- The drum tone. That snare snaps without being harsh.
- It never yells at you. It’s chill but not sleepy.
- It makes chores feel lighter. Dishes went fast, which is rare for me.
What bugged me a bit
- It’s short. I wanted one more section or a small switch-up near the end.
- On cheap earbuds, the low end gets thin. On my Sony WH-1000XM4, the bass behaved and felt round.
- If you need lyrics or a big sing-along part, this won’t scratch that itch.
Still, there’s a lot to savor in the phrasing—if you want to nibble on every word, I broke the verses down in I Listened to “Beef Jerky” by Cibo Matto—And Yep, I Chewed on the Lyrics.
Tiny tips if you’re curious
- Pair it with “Sugar Water” for a mellow run of songs. Then toss in Beck’s “Where It’s At” and a Thievery Corporation track. The mood clicks.
- Nudge the bass up a notch if your app has EQ. Just a tick. Don’t go wild.
- Throw it on while cooking. It loves the clank of pans. Odd, but true.
Treating your ears is great, but sometimes your muscles need a little TLC too. If you’re cruising through Southern California with “Beef Jerky” still looping in your head and want to keep the laid-back vibes rolling, swing by the Inland Empire town of San Jacinto—Rubmaps San Jacinto has a handy overview of local massage parlors and spas that can help you choose a clean, well-reviewed spot to loosen up those shoulders after a long day of grooving.
A small, honest aside
At first, I thought, “This is too strange for my playlist.” Then I let it ride during a grocery trip. You know what? It stuck. I found myself humming the bass line while picking out green onions. That doesn’t happen with every track.
Who will like it
- Folks who enjoy quirky 90s alt stuff
- People who want a chill beat to work or cook to
- Anyone who likes Gorillaz deep cuts, early Beck, or trip-hop grooves
My verdict
I give “Beef Jerky” by Cibo Matto a strong 4 out of 5. It’s tasty, quick, and a little odd. Sure, it could be longer. But the flavor stays with you. I saved it to my “Weekday Kitchen” playlist and to my “Walk to the Bus Stop” list. Two different moods, same grin.