The Ping of the Musical Radar: Foreword

OK, it's been a few weeks since I've posted anything. In that time I've had time to think and reflect. I've also had time to get food poisoning, during which time I felt like an Olsen twin trying to make weight. For the record, the culprits... 2 Supreme Chalupas and a Soft Taco from the Bell. Anyway, I'm good now.

I've found new life in music these days. For years I followed the jam band scene almost exclusively, listening to Phish, moe., the Grateful Dead, Medeski, Martin & Wood, etc.

And I found an incredible amount of redeeming value in it. It was a time in my life
when you'd not catch me being "very un-dude". I felt more centered and inspired when I listened to some of the fantastic work created by these groups.

To shatter the sterotype and perhaps your mental image right now...I didn't wear dreads. I didn't live and die by the hooka. And I wasn't willing to give you "nugs for your extras". It was all about the music for me. Then came the bomb in late May 2004. Phish frontman, Trey Anastasio, wrote in a press release on the band's website...

"Last Friday night, I got together with Mike, Page and Fish to talk openly about the strong feelings I've been having that Phish has run its course and that we should end it now while it's still on a high note."

I now had to bid a respectful farewell to a band that single-handedly wrote the soundtrack to my formative high school and college years, and beyond. Admirably, they not only recognized they were threatening to become a "has been" act, but they pulled a Seinfeld and went out on top. Very impressive for one of the top grossing live acts of the 90s and early 2000s. Alas, I was left without a soundtrack and it was bumming me out.

So over the next several days I will showcasing a group/album. These are all recent musical discoveries for me. They may be old news to many of you, which I completely expect. My renewed interest in popular music means I'm starting from square one. So excuse me while I catch up and wax pop rock. Stay tuned.