I was never one much for pop music when I was in high school. Sure, I listened to some of it. But I can only think of a very few bands that were really “mine.” If my memory serves me, my younger brother used to like bands like KISS and Ozzy Osbourne. Def Leopard. Molly Hatchett. I can’t remember my older brother liking much, but I know he probably liked Zeppelin. I might only think that because he may have gone to one of their concerts and had a t-shirt.
I do remember I liked Boston (and I’ve written about them here in the past), but maybe that’s because I remember them from cruising the country roads in Corky’s gold VW with the sunroof open and the 8-track blaring. He had some decent speakers in that car. What a blast.
I knew Pink Floyd back then too. And Supertramp. Gary the bus driver used to play Crime of the Century on the rides home. That’s why I’ve written about them too (and still think that album is the greatest of all time).
Some music I came upon later in life. My early years in the Air Force exposed me to a few new things. Talking Heads. King Crimson. Genesis (late Peter Gabriel, early Phil Collins…when they were still decent). One of my Monterey classmates, Marty Stoecker, was into music. Sang in a band he and a few guys put together. He and I went to Santa Cruz to see Utopia in the Civic Auditorium. The place wasn’t even big enough for a full basketball court. We got there late (Marty drove a boat of a car and had a broken collarbone at the time so it was a challenge on the corners) but still stood about 3 deep from center stage. It was such a blast that we didn’t even mind that we’d locked the keys in his car.
We also saw The Who in Oakland on their first farewell tour. They were alright, but I liked one of their opening acts better — The Clash. That was the year they released Combat Rock. A great show. Signature songs. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and “Rock the Casbah.”
I also first heard The Cars during that time frame. I still listen to them on occasion, and the other day I stumbled about Rick Beato breaking down one of their first — and best — songs: “Just What I Needed.” I listened to what Rick had to say, and it made the song all the more interesting when I went back and listened again. Beato has such a great way of digging out the details of the music and making you listen more deeply. He’s really helped my appreciation.
Now, having gotten through that, maybe give the whole song a listen in one shot. Listen deeply. It might not be your thing, but it’s still interesting music for its time…