My Thoughts Create My World

Anyone who grew up in the 90’s knows what an awesome influence the Beastie Boys were- namely the late Adam Yauch. Not only in the world of music but also in the life of our nation and the awareness of teenage minds. They were not the celebrities of today- creating reality TV shows and scandalous headlines for the sake of their career. Yes, they were talented, they were loud, they were funny, but most importantly when they had something to say they said it, and usually it was something that really mattered. Here’s my tribute to MCA- a passionate individual who took every moment in the spotlight to draw attention to things that mattered more than who dressed him and how well these dudes could rhyme. Thank you for your part in creating a conscious thoughtful generation- aware that there are things that matter more than fame. Rest In Piece MCA. 

Update on the musical whereabouts of my life. I re-visited a 90’s favorite Nada Surf at the Paradise Rock Club April 6th. I entered the venue without hopes for the show beyond that they would play some of their most popular songs. Namely, Popular and Blonde on Blonde. I left with a new appreciation for the band too commonly classified as a 90’s has been.

They had fantastic chemistry and crowd interaction. Maybe its true that all performing bands give a shout-out to the city they’re visiting as though its their favorite, but in the case of Nada Surf us Bostonians were made to feel that the Paradise Rock Club was an important piece of their touring past.

I left the venue understanding what Nada Surf is and why, regardless of whether they’re in they’re on the billboard charts or your Pandora station, they’re still relevant and worth your time. As Caws himself put it, Nada Surf is “something much more existential, it’s just surfing on nothing. Being lost in your head or in your imagination.” True music lovers everywhere know what that means, the idea that music can get you lost in your head, your imagination, or your memories. 

The most memorable part of the show was not necessarily the sing-alongs, the hair throwing guitar playing antics of Daniel Lorca, or the crowd shouts for their favorite songs answered good naturedly by front-man Matthew Caws. Instead, I remember most as Caws introduced their song “When I Was Young” a girl in front of me turned around and said “Just listen to this song and you’ll understand why they are one of the most underrated bands. Just listen.” I did. She was right. I’ve included the youtube video of this single for your listening pleasure. I don’t think there’s anyone out there over the age of 24 that can’t relate to this song. This, to me, is Nada Surf- the song itself gets me lost in my own head, my memories, a time when I was young and my current self feeling the same way.  

I’ve been in love with ‘Broadripple is Burning’ by Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s roughly since Spring of 10. I learned to play it shortly after but couldn’t find a way to really make it my own. After about a year of messing with it, I actually like the way I sound when I sing it. Nothing is perfect, of course, but enjoy! 

Heart Gone Wild:

Here’s my most recent piece of music. Actually written from beginning to end in about the time it takes to play it. Its not the most polished recording I’ve ever shared but I hope you’ll give me your honest opinion on it. 

I am currently obsessed with this song and listening to it on repeat. Holy crap- I can’t believe I’ve never heard these guys before. There’s just something about the sound that I can’t get enough of. Sigh.