I refused to listen to Born To Kill by Social Distortion until my vinyl copy came in the mail. That happened today.
1. Mike Ness beat cancer and then made this record. He should hold his head high on both counts. Both are stellar feats. I give this record 10 out of 5 stars.
2. On October 6th, 2011, Social Distortion played Riot Fest at The Congress in Chicago. Queenie and I shared our first kiss at that show.
Life is good.
Today my red vinyl Record Store Day copy of Big Lizard in My Backyard came in the mail. Here’s a cute story about this record:
In 1987, I was a junior in high school and I had my own car, so a buddy and I went to Record Town in Orland Mall and dug through their extremely small punk rock section. My buddy bought A Mi Ga Sfafas by Fang, (this was the only record I ever heard by them, but I remember it had a killer punk rock version of Puff The Magic Dragon, which I loved.)
I bought Big Lizard in My Backyard by the Dead Milkmen and I was instantly obsessed. A group of friends and I saw them play at Metro on a school night not long after I purchased the album.
So here we are nearly 40 years later and I’m the proud owner of a brand new copy.
Some things never change.
#bitchincamarobitchincamaroiranovermyneighbors
If I could go back in time and talk to 17 year old me, this is what I would say….
“There’s going to be this thing called Riot Fest, and Naked Raygun is going to play their 10th anniversary. When Jeff comes out on stage, he’s going to be wearing your band’s t-shirt.
And then…about 15 years later, you’re going to go see The Smoking Popes kick off their 35th anniversary tour, and when you go back to say hello to Josh, he will also be wearing your band’s t-shirt. Then he’s going to give you one of those big Josh Caterer hugs and tell you he loves you. And as if all this isn’t enough, you’re going to dance the whole night with the most beautiful woman in the world, and she’s your soul mate, and the both of you are surrounded by the friends that make you a cooler person.”
I’m sure 17 year old me would be STOKED about all these things, because nearly 55 year old me is beside himself with love.
My bucket is full.
For anyone who thinks they may be cooler than me for having more black concert t-shirts, I’ll kindly remind you that I also have these four cans of Naked Raygun coffee.
Sit down, peasants.
Thanks to all you guys that came out and supported us at The Forge tonight. Bands survive on the live they’re shown and by those who love and support live music. We can’t thank you enough.
