I’d just like to say thank you to California State University, Long Beach’s KJazz (88.1 FM) for instilling calming and soothing easy listening jazz on my morning commutes into work. It’s because of this prominent station, and its perfectly timed playing of Bewitched by Paul Desmond, that I didn’t slam on my horn and offer screams of rage to the choch in the white SUV that swerved in front of me, forcing me to slam on my brakes and almost caused a much, unneeded accident. Serenity remained, and for that, I have KJazz to thank. (Photo above lifted from the internet.)
Tag Archives: Long Beach
Sublimed
I saw Sublime’s self-titled album at Barnes & Noble recently and I got to thinking, why the hell don’t I own all of their albums yet? I mean, there are only three of them, and I already own their second offering, 1994’s Robbin’ the Hood (featured here). They seem to reissue all three of these with some kind of color variant every few years or so. I think I’m going to jump on the next round, or at least strongly consider it. Sublime was on heavy rotation during my pizza delivery days which was, unfortunately, after frontman Bradley Nowell had passed. A buddy of mine swears we saw them back in 1995 at a Warped Tour, but I think he’s nuts as I would certainly have remembered seeing them. Anyway, as a general rule of thumb, if a band only releases three albums, and you already own one of them, it’s damn time to round out their discography.St. Valentine’s Swami
Live in the greater Los Angeles area? Feel the need to fill your vacant void with the soothing sounds of modern surf-rock from the master of audible orgasms? Then you, my friend, should checkout Alex’s Bar this Valentine’s Day, with the bombastic barometer of Swami John Reis & the Blind Shake. As the flier says: “Wine and dine your special someone with a special chicken wing and craft beer pairing.” Really, this day of single awareness, what more could you possible ask for?
Let’s Do it All Again Tonight
A few beers and a couple of bruises later, the aftermath of an adrenaline-fueled, lightning-charged date with the World’s best rock n’ roll band leaves this humble fan grinning ear to ringing ear. Friday, January 30th, 2015 came, went, and brought with it one of most enjoyable concert going experiences I have, and will ever experience. Last night was the 7th time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Rocket from the Crypt, and unlike this aging and pit-riddled walking corpse, it never gets old. Let’s do it all again tonight!
It’s Been Nearly a Decade…
I haven’t seen them since they said goodbye, the first time, back on Halloween of 2005. Ever since seeing them in 1996, they’ve always held the title of “best live band, ever.” Tonight, then again tomorrow night, at the luxurious Alex’s Bar in Long Beach, I’ll experience adolescence in the form of the greatest rock n’ roll band of my generation.
Long live the frenzy, of Rocket from the Crypt.
This is… in Stereo
I was able to find a stereo copy of This is Tim Hardin today at a thrifty little (unorganized) shop down in Long Beach. Already having been the owner of the original mono version, I couldn’t turn my back on this artificial (only because it was electronically re-recorded to simulate STEREO) stereo version for a cool $6. Possibly the best record I’ve ever laid ears on, I managed to acquire both copies the guy had (stereo for me, mono for a fellow Hardin-admiring buddy).
I am currently in possession of three This is Tim Hardin albums, and something tells me, it’s not enough.
“Are you ready to check out? You want both copies?!” – Guy
“Yes, guy! I have cash… why do you question the willing?” – Me, in my head
Beats, a Birthday, and a Boat
Combining a portable turntable, the annual spinning of the Earth revolving around the Sun, and luxuries of 1930’s, high-class travel, yields a few, important last-minute notions: 1) None of us, especially me, are getting any younger and, 2) Holding a record over an open porthole is, I guess, something I thought I’d never do.
If there is a will, there is a time for anything.
The Prudent Groove 