I've been thinking a lot lately of the bands that made up the core of my early music listening. Not the primitive days when Def Leppard was actually something I could tolerate. I'm talking about the point in my development when something approaching taste happened, my taste, when I evolved from liking anything that played on the Top 40 station and began to actively seek out music that wasn't easy or accessible. And living in small town Alabama in the 80s, this wasn't always easy. But there was 120 Minutes and a low-watt FM station in Pensacola and a late-night Sunday radio show on the album oriented station. I'm not sure what the catalyst was, I'm not sure what age it happened, it just did. My taste. That's why I've decided to start a new irregular feature, pretty much a nod to the music that I listened to in the late 80s/early 90s, some songs and bands that I think of only occasionally these days but whose tapes and eventually CDs made up the bulk of my collection back then. Sometimes there may be a memory attached or a reason for remembering the band. Other times, I might just post the video. But if nothing else, we'll get to see just how expansive YouTube's video collection is.
The other night I heard an Echo & the Bunnymen song on XMU Fred and it reminded me of another band from the good old days, the Screaming Blue Messiahs. Technically, they were the first "alternative" band that I saw live. They opened for Echo & the Bunnymen on a tour circa 1988 I think. I didn't know much about SBM at the time but I remember having to conceal their name from my parents; when you live in the Bible Belt you have to be careful what adjectives you attach to the Lord's name. Anyway, I think the SBM's were known for one song, but tonight while in the fit of my nostalgia I had my doubts as to whether or not YouTube would have the video. Well, as Richard Marx would say, I should have known better.
I saw the Screaming Blue Messiahs play in Boston, probably on that same Echo & the Bunnymen tour you mention. I had completely forgotten this song though. Thanks for bringing it back.
Posted by: Cynthia Closkey | September 11, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Wow...what a delightful trip down memory lane...!
Posted by: Jimmy Beck | September 12, 2007 at 09:35 AM