Alwaysmovinginstereo

Janet Jackson's 25th Anniversary of Rhythm Nation 1814

When I was young, my Mom would take my older sister and I in her modest Toyota Tercel on roads to anywhere and nowhere. Day trips to the Mendocino Coast, or down to Santa Cruz, through vineyards or artichoke fields. There was always a soundtrack for the road, for my mother was still young and big on cassette tapes. INXS, Madonna, and Fine Young Cannibals were heavy in rotation. Lest not forget Pat Benatar. My mom would kill me if I didn't mention her.

Alas, another band was often filling my impressionable ears, whether on the tape deck or ol' KRQR, and that band of course was U2.

Now, you could imagine the shit I've gotten over the years for my penchant for the band's music. Especially from music lovers my age, of whom I've endured so many "Bono sucks" rants I've lost count. 

In part, I understand, Bono's persona is incredibly self-righteous, and he's always had awful hair. It's too bad, because it detracts those who may be so inclined from their music. And their music my friends, has generally been outstanding. In their prime (1980 -1991), the band's catalog is unparalleled. They became the greatest rock and roll band for their passion, their sincerity and their sound, which now has been ape'd like a bad rash (Coldplay would be served well if Chris Martin stuck to his piano).

I have no qualms stating that tonight I'm seeing my all-time favorite band for the first time. I'm not going out on a limb saying I am who I am in part to the music I've grown up listening to, and U2 is a such a significant part of that. 

They're gonna play one of my favorite songs, which you can stream above.

And when they play, I'll sing and holler and put my arm around my brother-in-law(who in fact first saw U2 in '87 for The Joshua Tree tour) and stand in awe of it all. 

The Irish band plays the Oakland Coliseum tonight with Lenny Kravitz.

Friends to the north RAC remixed LDR's epic "Blue Jeans," which has been remixed more times than the number of jeans you've owned in your lifetime. It's this or the Moonlight Matters remix taking the cake as best. 

i just bought tickets to lana del rey's show at bill graham civic auditorium in sf on april 18th. it could be really bad or really GOOD. this remix, however, is close to perfection.

Sometimes it’s like someone took a knife baby Edgy and dull and cut a six-inch valley Through the middle of my soul At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet And a freight train running through the Middle of my head Only you can cool my desire

I’m on fire.

Sometimes you’ve got to dance like it’s A BIG FUCKING ROOM.

Yelle at the Regency Ballroom, SF. May 19, 2011. Sweaty, dancey fun. Forgive my iPhone camera's suckatude.

last song.

Giving credit where credit it due: this particular heartbreak is one of the greatest heartbreaks of all time. 

The thing about it was I always knew. I knew exactly what I was getting into. 

I was me - being sweet to the most beautiful, challenging, and ultimately infuriating person I have ever met.

If I had the choice, I'd probably do it all over again.

Fucking silly, really.