My
friend recently stumped me on recognizing a song. The music in question
was “Bone Machine” the first track on the Pixies first full-length album ‘Surfer Rosa’ (released March 1988). I have to
admit, my knowledge of the Pixies is limited. I once saw them perform an
opening set for U2 at Brendan Byrne Arena (March 18, 1992) and if I heard them,
I would recognize their songs “Debaser”, “Here Comes Your Man”, “Wave of
Mutilation” & “Where Is My Mind” (the latter two only because of their use
in the films ‘Pump Up the Volume’ and ‘Fight Club’). But sitting around
talking music, it is difficult to argue their influence on a number of bands
associated with the alternative rock boom of the 1990s.
I know that I could have used Shazam, but as a
music lover, your pride takes over in these situations. However, this
scenario can also be a blessing in disguise. There is no better feeling
than discovering music new to you, even if that music has been released for
months and years before your revolutionary audio experience. One band
that has been around I have gone back to listen to is Guster. Their debut
album, ‘Parachute’, came out in 1995, but it was not until 1997 that I heard
their song “Bury Me” for the first time. And then in late 2014, I was
introduced to their song “Simple Machine” – the first single of their new album ‘Evermotion’. Now I am going back
and listening to 2003’s ‘Keep It Together; 2006’s ‘Ganging Up on the Sun’ and
2010’s ‘Easy Wonderful’.
But
with most scenarios (and records), there is a flip side, another friend of mine
was recently impressed at me recognizing Swedish singer-songwriter’s JoséGonzález version of the song “Hand on Your Heart” (not to be confused with Kylie Minogue’s version). While I sometimes wish
I could substitute this knowledge with a basic understanding of substantive law
and legal procedure or comprehending the technical side of auto mechanics, I
tend to embrace this party tricks/bar stool skill set.
What
was the last time someone was playing songs in your wheelhouse and you had no
idea who the artist/band was? Is it the Rolling Stones, “Rip This Joint”
or “Rocks Off”, both from their legendary album ‘Exile On Main Street’?
This is a good problem to have in my book and far better than a colleague
telling you that you are wearing toilet paper on the sole of your shoe.
Thanks
for reading.
