Musical Memories

Music is a big part of my life.

You see, like a good film, I think living requires a soundtrack. Certain songs will always take me to certain places.

For instance, I'll never forget buying Peter Gabriel's "So" album while I was in high school. It was dark out, and pouring down rain. I unwrapped the cassette (yes, I'm old) in my car, popped it in and started driving home.

As the rain beat down on my windshield, the first words from that album were these:

"Red rain is coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me"

It may sound strange, but I'll always associate that song with that moment.

Much like I'll always associate Pearl Jam's "Alive" as my dorm wake-up call, after a long night on the town in college.

Or, how Hootie and the Blowfish's "Hold My Hand" and Blues Traveler's "Runaround" will always take me back to the Ohio State-Notre Dame game at the Horseshoe.

And, of course, no St. Patrick's Day memory is complete without my friend Dave playing "Fat Bottomed Girls" on the jukebox of every bar we visit. Or, how the same Dave convinced us to lead a Savannah bar in an a cappella version of "Tainted Love" when the power to that jukebox temporarily cut out during the song.

So, I have to admit, I was a little sad last night when I learned that Steven Page was leaving the Barenaked Ladies after 20 years.

I'll admit, I got into BNL a little late, but just before they went crazy big. A friend turned me on to the "Rock Spectacle" CD, and the band's live versions of "Brian Wilson" and "If I Had $1000000."

Then, "Stunt" was released, and the first single "One Week" ushered me in to full fandom.

Afterward, I went to every tour stop in NE Ohio, joined their fan club for a chance at better seats, bought their children's album (even though I don't have kids), and basically did everything but throw Mac & Cheese at the stage.

Next thing you know, 13 years had gone by.

The Ladies helped fill a period where some of my other favorite artists (Genesis, Bruce Springsteen, etc.) were somewhat dormant ... or no longer around in the forms I first fell in love with.

Now, ironically, Springsteen is back in full force with the E Street Band, and BNL is changing forever.

I know Steven Page had some legal troubles, as well as family issues, and as a fan, I hope this change helps him become healthy and happy.

He's going to keep making music, and so will BNL, with the 4 remaining members.

I'll keep supporting both ... but can't help but feel that another magical, musical time in my life is gone for good.

Anyone else have those certain songs ... that take you to specific places?

Feeling Brown

Tonight, the Cleveland Browns open their pre-season schedule, and I'll be in attendance.

It will be just my second Browns game in person (the other was an exhibition game as well), and the tickets are freebies (as were the tickets to the first game.)

Let me tell you why I'm not a rabid Dawg Pound occupant.

First off, I'm a baseball fan. Baseball is my sport, always has been, always will be. I love football, love the Browns, and hope to live to see them in a Super Bowl someday.

But, one reason I love baseball is that it's a summertime sport. Shorts. Short sleeves. Cold beer. Warm temperatures (well, except when it snows.)

I have absolutely NO desire to see the Browns when its 30 degrees outside ... when I can enjoy a pizza and beer and watch them from the comfort of my La-Z-Boy.

But, there's another reason. The fans.

I get it that football is an aggressive sport, and so it attracts a more aggressive fan.

But, honestly, I don't need to be surrounding by people hurling expletives, fighting and puking.

There was just an article in the Plain Dealer about the NFL cracking down on fan conduct this season. Take a look at the comments. Wow.

Which leads me to another point. Why do Clevelanders seem to want to get absolutely, positively, fall-down-the-stairs hammered before every big event?

I get that tailgating is part of the football experience. Heck, I've done it myself. But, I've never been so drunk I can't make it to my seat, or fell asleep during the game.

But, it's not just football.

The Genesis concert I went to last fall featured several people falling down ... and at least one person throwing up in the aisle. Genesis! 59-year old British dudes! This isn't KISS people!

Bruce Springsteen had the right idea. Before his last solo acoustic tour, a concert where he wanted the crowd to "give him some quiet", the Boss cut off beer sales before he took the stage. You should have heard the complaining!

Now, I'll confess, I like going out on with my buddies on St. Patrick's Day in matching t-shirts or vintage green tuxedo jackets and having a good time. But, we never get out of control.

So folks, what is it that makes you want to get so darn drunk at every social event that requires a ticket to enter?

And with that, I'll end this post, and kindly tell those kids to get off my lawn. :)

What's In A Name?

So, why did I go with the title that I did?

Simple, It's taken me 37 years, but I now fully understand that I am a geek.

No one WANTS to be a geek, but some, like me, are now old enough and mature enough to handle the reality of the situation.

In high school, I wasn't really a member of the "cool" crowd ... that what reserved for football players (despite the team's losing ways). But I really wasn't a geek, either. I was somehow part of the "sub-cool" crowd ... people that played sports other than football, and did well in class.

And while, throughout my adult life, I fought the "geek" label, it wasn't until 2007 that I realized that I am what I am.

What did it take to push me over the edge? Music.

While some were excited to see The Police reunion tour (which I attended) or the Van Halen reunion tour (which I wish I attended) ... I went into full geek mode for another tour.

Genesis.

I'll say it again.

Genesis.

And not the Peter Gabriel-fronted band that cool people wanted to see. Nope. The Phil Collins led version which moved from progressive rock to pop hitmakers.

Why did this make me a geek? Well, first of all, not a lot of folks admit they like Genesis. Not only do I admit that, but also admit they're my favorite band of all time.

Secondly, I didn't go see them once ... I saw them 3 times ... traveling as far as Buffalo to see a band that doesn't change it's setlist.

I also became somewhat active on the band's online site ... and even organized the Cleveland meet-up for fans coming from all around.

Oh yeah, I also bought a couple t-shirts, the first 2 of 3 re-mastered box sets of their CD's, and a huge coffee table book which basically serves as their biography.

But you know what, it felt right. As I met other Genesis fans. I discovered that, they too, felt like geeks. But, we were all able to share our geekdom together. And, had a great time doing it.

Am I geeky about anything else? You bet!

Want proof? Well, the movie I'm most excited about this summer is the X-Files sequel.

I love baseball. But, not just going to games, but arguing about players, competing in a fantasy league, and devouring just about anything having to do with the sport.

And, I'll be happy to tell you why "Arrested Development" was the greatest television show of the last 5 years.

So, expect to hear about many of these topics, and a lot more, as I dive into this blog.