A memory of being cool......

I have never been overly concerned with being "cool" or in the know. I like what I like and if others don't oh well. Now whatever you happen to be into, there will be others into it as well and chances are you will be with the masses at some point. I am not a person into strange things just to be different, no I just happen to like what I like - classic rock and 90's grunge mostly - like a lot of other people. I consider myself to be very diverse and listen to many different types of music, but those that know me well know I listen to PJ, Queen, Floyd, etc etc for the most part. Anyway I'm rambling, the point being I like music that has been or is "cool", but because I like it, not just to be "cool". But one time, just once I discovered in my small world something that in my circle of friends was the ever cool "ahead of its time and new" or at least new to us!

In fall 1994 I was at media play (if a young person ever reads this, that would be a music store from back in the day, old man statement of the year for me) looking at singles, ha! Then I would head over to the classic rock rack to buy something to add to the collection. I was so not into new music yet because I was obsessed with anything mid to late 60's that rocked. Then I saw an album cover that was so cool and I didn't recognize the title or the band, but I just had to buy it to see what the music was like that went with the cover. I read the back and saw it was newer music (released in 92) and should not have been in the classic rock section. The album was 40 oz. to freedom the band (for those not in the know) Sublime. In  2 years their self titled 3rd album would blow up shortly after their lead singer and star would overdose like too many great musicians.....  It was the only time I turned all my friends on to something before it became what everyone knew about and that's not as important to me now as it was then, but I'm glad what I turned them on to was something so good. That is what I find cool now, just how great the music is, 40oz and Sublime are still two of my favorite albums to just hit play and listen to every track. I am still partial to 40 because it was first and because it has Rivers of Babylon which is a cover song, but it is a must listen - just perfect. The whole album is amazing. Like many other rock stories  it is sad that it was cut short but I am appreciative of the music we do have.

I guess, if you have the album and haven't listened to it in a while, I'm saying put it on and enjoy. If you've never heard it, buy or borrow and give it a try you will not be disappointed. I'll be listening today in my very NOT cool desk at my NOT cool job, letting the songs take me back to being cool or what the 16 yr old me thought was cool, I'm glad the 32 yr old me still thinks it is cool. Hope the 64 yr old me is still listening to great music.