Last Sunday night, I found myself amid a sea of forty-somethings standing shoulder to shoulder, awaiting the magic that was sure to come. The lights dimmed, and everyone began to scream. The moment we were all waiting for was at hand. The band took the stage, and from the opening bars of their iconic album “Through Being Cool,” I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else.
It’s an aquired taste for sure and I think part of it was being in the scene as it formed. Most of the bands I was in were always hardcore and essentially orchestrated violence lol. This stuff was the softer side I suppose.
I’m so glad this was a totally different writing than I thought it would be. I thought it was going to be a sad story about you being through with being cool.
I am glad it is about a song that you love and music being your safe place.
Music has always been my safe place! Everyone needs a safe place. I have been to a few shows, the energy is exhilarating. We had Susanna’s 16 th birthday @ Somewhere Else Tavern. Three bands were playing that night it was great.
The music, the mosh pits & the dancing, which was entertaining to watch. I had never seen “people picking up change”
Wow. This brings back lots of memories from Aaron and friends hardcore shows. Me taking Aaron, Susanna and 4 friends to Charleston for a weekend hardcore show and being called out as “the older gentleman in the back” by one of the bands!! Me getting a call about 2 AM from Aaron in Winston. “Dad we parked in the wrong place at the show and they towed mom’s car! Bring cash!!! Lotsa memories from this “Older Gentleman”. Thanks for sharing. I know Aaron is right there with you! Love and Hugs!
I was never a big emo guy but this was one of the first records I ever bought on vinyl, mainly because, like me, they were from Jersey! I drummed along to it for years. Great essay, as ever.
I figured you’d have at least crossed paths with the band being from the same place. The bass on this album is like a master class if you ever really listen to it. Dude is killing it. I remember trying to play along and being blown away at what all he was doing. Thanks for reading bro.
I read this several days ago and should have commented. It's totally out of my genre of music, but the message of presence resonates. Great stuff.
It’s an aquired taste for sure and I think part of it was being in the scene as it formed. Most of the bands I was in were always hardcore and essentially orchestrated violence lol. This stuff was the softer side I suppose.
I’m so glad this was a totally different writing than I thought it would be. I thought it was going to be a sad story about you being through with being cool.
I am glad it is about a song that you love and music being your safe place.
Music has always been my safe place! Everyone needs a safe place. I have been to a few shows, the energy is exhilarating. We had Susanna’s 16 th birthday @ Somewhere Else Tavern. Three bands were playing that night it was great.
The music, the mosh pits & the dancing, which was entertaining to watch. I had never seen “people picking up change”
As usual great writing Stan!!!
I’m so glad you are not through with being cool!
Hahahaa well thank you. This show was energetic in a different way, no dancing or moshing for the most part ahah.
Wow. This brings back lots of memories from Aaron and friends hardcore shows. Me taking Aaron, Susanna and 4 friends to Charleston for a weekend hardcore show and being called out as “the older gentleman in the back” by one of the bands!! Me getting a call about 2 AM from Aaron in Winston. “Dad we parked in the wrong place at the show and they towed mom’s car! Bring cash!!! Lotsa memories from this “Older Gentleman”. Thanks for sharing. I know Aaron is right there with you! Love and Hugs!
Hahah oh yea! He almost was with me at this one but we couldn’t work it out and he DID get married the day prior haha
I was never a big emo guy but this was one of the first records I ever bought on vinyl, mainly because, like me, they were from Jersey! I drummed along to it for years. Great essay, as ever.
I figured you’d have at least crossed paths with the band being from the same place. The bass on this album is like a master class if you ever really listen to it. Dude is killing it. I remember trying to play along and being blown away at what all he was doing. Thanks for reading bro.