Dec 07

Another Sign of Aging … But a Good Reason to Share Music!

I woke up to the news of the latest inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this morning. For years, now the Hall has been honoring some of my all time favorite musical acts, but today’s group of inductees (you can see them all here) definitely hit home. For the first time, three of the acts that were so honored are truly of, by and for my generation of music fans. And I am a big fan of all three.

I guess it makes sense. After all, 40 today means 15 in 1986: the year all of these groups first hit any kind of recognition. At the same time, two of the three call Los Angeles home (and the third lived and recorded in Los Angeles during one of their most fruitful periods, which also coincided with my college years).

The induction of the Beastie Boys, Guns ‘N Roses and the Red Hot Chili Peppers is definitely a clear sign of transition into a different generation for the RNRHOF. Here are two songs from each band: one representing a “favorite” among their hit songs and the other representing a “favorite” among their deeper “album cuts.” Enjoy! (And, if you’re a fan, too, share yours!)

Beastie Boys

Perhaps the greatest video of the MTV music era: Sabotage

THE best Beastie Boys song: Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun

Guns ‘N Roses

Guitar lessons available here: Sweet Child O’ Mine

Who knew murder could sound so catchy? Used to Love Her

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Two things – great treadmill song; mentions Pleaides (hello Fullerton High School): Can’t Stop

The greatest (only?) song about the Lakers’ greatest era, from some big fans: Magic Johnson

May 16

40 for 40

As I mark the passage of 40 years on this planet, I’ve had plenty of chances to reflect on those four decades — the happy moments and the sad; the wins and the losses; and everything in between. As I rolled these years over in my head it struck me that perhaps I could put together a list — in no particular order — of 40 various people, places and things that have affected or influenced my life, brought me great joy or even provided simple lasting memories.

To my loved ones: you are ALL at the top of any list I would make like this, so realize and recognize that before you note to yourself, while reading, “What about me?” For all my cynicism and dark wit, I just love living and experiencing life so much that I could never touch on everything that’s made a mark on me in this or any space. But I can give you a decent set of examples — one for each year that I’ve lived.