Josef Salvat - ‘Every Night’

M83's anticipated double-album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming finally and officially dropped on Tuesday. I must admit, I've been apprehensive. How could the self-proclaimed youth and nostalgia-obsessed Frenchman and mastermind Anthony Gonzales live up to the hype(machine)? I mean, everyone loves that sax solo in lead single "Midnight City"! And Urban fuckin' Outfitters had rights to the first complete stream of the album!

Still, I believe true mainstream success will elude M83. Unless within the year he sells out the Fox Theater(I call it) and every track is licensed to movies, tv, and commercials ala Moby's Play. 

Regardless, I will continue to listen to standout track "Steve McQueen" with my fist in the air.  

When I was young, my Mom would take my older sister and I in her modest Toyota Tercel on roads to anywhere and nowhere. Day trips to the Mendocino Coast, or down to Santa Cruz, through vineyards or artichoke fields. There was always a soundtrack for the road, for my mother was still young and big on cassette tapes. INXS, Madonna, and Fine Young Cannibals were heavy in rotation. Lest not forget Pat Benatar. My mom would kill me if I didn't mention her.

Alas, another band was often filling my impressionable ears, whether on the tape deck or ol' KRQR, and that band of course was U2.

Now, you could imagine the shit I've gotten over the years for my penchant for the band's music. Especially from music lovers my age, of whom I've endured so many "Bono sucks" rants I've lost count. 

In part, I understand, Bono's persona is incredibly self-righteous, and he's always had awful hair. It's too bad, because it detracts those who may be so inclined from their music. And their music my friends, has generally been outstanding. In their prime (1980 -1991), the band's catalog is unparalleled. They became the greatest rock and roll band for their passion, their sincerity and their sound, which now has been ape'd like a bad rash (Coldplay would be served well if Chris Martin stuck to his piano).

I have no qualms stating that tonight I'm seeing my all-time favorite band for the first time. I'm not going out on a limb saying I am who I am in part to the music I've grown up listening to, and U2 is a such a significant part of that. 

They're gonna play one of my favorite songs, which you can stream above.

And when they play, I'll sing and holler and put my arm around my brother-in-law(who in fact first saw U2 in '87 for The Joshua Tree tour) and stand in awe of it all. 

The Irish band plays the Oakland Coliseum tonight with Lenny Kravitz.

John Hughes ‘The Reckless Club’ Project by Butcher Billy 

ha. pretty dope.

Why I'm here.

Music. It follows me everywhere. It's sustenance. Synonymous with all that's true and great and beautiful. It's been with me in the dark and in the haze and under the covers. It makes my blood flow and the gears turn, reminding me of everything, and all that is. 

What does it do for you?

Stages of Grief