I left off on the 90’s last article. Instead of going on more about that, just go put on a 90’s playlist. You’ll see what I mean. Pure gold. No nostalgic bias at all. Kid’s these days just don’t get it. “Okay, dad.” (Everyone ever)
So, around my middle school years my family moved into a nice little suburb, our suburb before that was nice too I guess, but our house was bigger here, so upgrade? I had some pretty kick ass neighbors though. This one kid Jacob lived a couple streets down from me, he was a couple years younger than me, but we were decent friends. Sebastian lived across the street from me too. Also a cool guy. We used to sit out in my drive way and play guitar together. Back then I was rocking my Walmart Strat and little 10 Watt. But we always had fun. I remember I was listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers around then.
First song I learned was Smells Like Teen Spirit. Still to this day I think, “It’s amazing how a riff so simple got so big.” But I always say, “It’s not what you’ve got, it’s how you use it.” A million people have played the Pop-Punk Progression but every time it’s something different and unique. I’ve never understood why some people find that diminishing (ha, music puns) to its value though. The fact that those four chords resonate so much with us is beautiful if you ask me.
I digress. Living in Texas at the time, we would occasionally get tornado warnings. So the family would cram under our staircase. I always thought it was kind of bullshit. I remember playing Don’t Fear the Reaper just to fuck with everyone. I also really loved Blister in the Sun for whatever reason. I’m pretty sure that’s the only Violent Femmes song I know though.
It was around this time when Guitar Hero and Rock band came about. I used to sink my entire life into those games. I remember the first time I beat a song on expert. Pure dopamine. I was hooked. In all fairness I kicked ass at those games. Looking back I wish I spent more time at that age actually practicing my real guitar. But I don’t regret anything. I learned a lot about rhythm from those games and got to listen to all sorts of amazing music.
Next I’ll get into my teenage years. There’s plenty to talk about. Until then, stay awesome.