great jamz

i sit here in the office killing the remainder of my friday by writing this. The Stone Temple Pilots song "Dead and Bloated" from their album Core (arguably their best work) came on the old computer and i had a random instant flashback to 9th grade. I was walking across the courtyard of my alma mater Saratoga Springs High School right next to the bike rack. mountain bikes were just getting mainstream and everyone was riding theirs to school. an older student drove by at this instant blaring STP so loud that his stock speakers were cracking and he was loving every second of it, air-drumming the entire way, driving with no hands on the wheel as only stupid teenagers can.

having this song bring back such a vivid memory got me thinking that this happens to me a lot. it's sorta like musical deja vu. most people remember something from a smell, or something they see. for me, a certain song will come on and i can tell you when, where, and how i was at the time of my hearing the song previously. examples:

weezer - say it aint so:

- extatic because i was actually driving for the first time to a friday night football game and it came on the radio
- jamming this song with friends at a band practice in high school
- drunk group karaoke at moose's bachelor party and wedding

tears for fears - sowing the seeds of love:

- on continental airlines flight from philly to lafayette, louisiana for a second round interview that led to my current career

alice in chains - dirt:

- hungover, exhausted, thirsty, dirty, and tired, i was packing up my tent after a large get together. doors and trunk of my buick century open, speakers blaring.

- getting my 8th speeding ticket in new jersey and as the cop is waiting for me to get my paperwork, he starts tapping his pen to the music.

pantera - 5 minutes alone:

- senior year volleyball warm-ups, the other teams thought we were the devil

- 12th grade, sitting in my buick in the pouring rain in a skidmore college parking lot, having just broken up with my girlfriend 30 mins previously, i meet and get drunk with a complete stranger.... great night

firehouse - love of a lifetime:

- a roller coaster of emotions. on the radio as i am rollerblading in my driveway during 5th grade, contemplating what i should do about my first true crush. i hit a ball with a hockey stick and somehow break two windows. the second most angry i have ever seen my father. possibly the second most scared i have ever been, for both situations.


the list goes on, but the music-based memories never cease to amaze me.





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