So the next song I’ve debated. I really came into my passion for music in high school, especially when I met some of my (now)lifelong friends who had the most excellent taste.
But right beforehand I had a significant moment with Blue Öyster Cult. Also Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons, but I’d long listened to classical and folk music, so even though that is my most significant makeout music, I don’t think it counts.
I don’t think I can put Veteren’s of the Psychic Wars on there next, later maybe? That’s describes living with my mother and sister. It was an intersection of Science Fiction and good music I normally wouldn’t listen to. But oh dear Unknown Tongue and Tenderloin along with Vivialdi’s Winter…still a memory there. First time I’d every really ‘made out’ with anyone. Heavy breathing, pink cheeks, tousled hair. 3rd most significant high school relationship who dashed my heart into bits cause I couldn’t go further than that.
Sigh. I thought about leaving that part out, but why? I’m so damn old now I’m sure everyone else has forgotten.
Anyway..some of my dates are mixed up in my head. There’s a rerun of Elvis Costello doing Radio Radio on late night TV and there is The Buggles, first video ever played on MTV.
Music that I didn’t know could exist because of my small Southern town and how sheltered I’d been.
Until I met the wonderful folks, many of them still friends today.
So today you get two for the price of one, since they are connected thematically and in my life.
Radio Radio by Elvis Costello.
There is so much in these words that applies to today’s Right Wing media. I know it had a different meaning back then, but thinking it about it in terms of today–
Radio is a sound salvationRadio is cleaning up the nationThey say you better listen to the voice of reasonBut they don’t give you any choice ’cause they think that it’s treasonSo you had better do as you are toldYou better listen to the radio
I wanna bite the hand that feeds meI wanna bite that hand so badlyI want to make them wish they’d never seen me
I was very angry. Angry at the abuse I lived with. Angry at how I was treated for being different–which now turns out to be being on the spectrum. Or Complex PTSD take your pick. Back then I was just a weird kid being abused. I was lucky to find the friends I did. They didn’t just put up with my weirdness, they matched it with their own and we celebrated it all.
Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles
This was important because suddenly I could see what the rest of the world was listening to from the living room floor in my small Southern town. It looked unlike anything around me. It was shiny and electronic and weird and I wanted more.
It also made me think of my Dad (I heard you on the wireless back in ’52) He died a couple of years later. He drank too much and had a car accident. He was a War Vet and saw things I think he never got over. He did love me though. And his dogs. I still miss him.
It’s not a lyrically significant song I guess. Just a moment in time when things opened up for me.
And yes, I’m making a playlist on Spotify for this, adding to it each time.