The 1990s; what an awesome decade. I love running at the gym on a Sunday morning with my eyes glued to VH1 because they are airing "I love the 90s". Not only is everyone on the show amazing, but it is finally a decade that I can relate to. I was born in 1988 but with my steel trap memory, I never forget anything. Key items of the 1990s that will flash before my eyes before I die:
1. Polly Pockets
2. The movie Clueless
3. Having a crush on Doug Funny, always worrying about Tommy Pickles, hating Ferguson, admiring Alex Mac, being scared of "Dinosaurs"
4. Slap bracelets and scrunchies
5. Playing defense on my soccer team because I was really slow
6. The movie "Speed"
7. My parents minivan with the wooden panel
8. Mariah Carey being sane
9. A kid in my third grade class asking during "prayer time" to pray for Biggie Smalls
10. Wanting a Talkboy to prank call my four friends, my Dad at work, and neighbors.
11. Annoying Gap and Old Navy commercials advertising their fleece vests
I could talk for days about how awesome the 90s were. I feel bad for everyone born after 1997 because even though they were alive, they definitely do not remember anything from this mind blowing decade. Today, toddlers are born with laptops in their hands, does anyone remember the game centipede? or having to use a land line to get "on line"?
My favorite part of the 90s: the music. U2, Third Eye Blind, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dog, TLC, Seal the man who was kissed by a rose...the list goes on for days. One artist I hate: Jewel (her hands are small she knows...). One artist I will never forget: Alanis Morrissette. Why? I would go over one of my friend's (I will not name her, she gets so angry when I tell this story) house at least twice a week. For her birthday, my friend received Alanis' album "Jagged Little Pill" on tape. My friend would hang out with me, with her head phones on blaring Alanis. Imagine: chubby me with a bowl cut talking about who knows what, following my friend who is clearly listening to angry Alanis on her cassette player, not responding because she is rocking out too hard. My friend, being the great sharer that she is, would of course rewind the tape for me and let me listen after.
Thanks to all of the geniuses at Apple, I can now get my 90s fix whenever I want. What beats listening to "Jessie's Girl" on my iPod while walking through the Financial District? Listening to my uncle Terry and his band Edgewater Road sing it on a Saturday night right in front of me.
Last weekend, my friends and I decided to see Edgewater Road play at the Green Dragon in Faneuil Hall. This was one of the best things I have done so far in 2011. Everyone really enjoyed themselves; both my friends and the crowd. One man, dressed in a nice suit, danced like his head was on fire every time Edgewater Road played a song. He did not care who he knocking over, who he was spilling drinks on, or who he was weirding out - this guy just wanted to dance. At times, he was moving his legs like his batteries had just gotten recharged and arms swaying like he was Frankenstien. My favorite dance number: his body moving really slow but just his head going crazy like it was actually on fire. Here is a picture of the character:
This picture does not even do this strange man justice, but it is understandable why his body reacted this way. Edgewater Road's music is amazing. Seconds after walking into the bar, your head is nodding a little bit, your mouthing the words because they are not rappers and you understand them, and your friends know the words too. Your feet might stop tapping, you might even get up and shake it a little bit. I do not believe dancing like your head is on fire is socially acceptable, but as a crazy dancer, I can understand how powerful a good tune is.
Here are some of the great songs that they played: Crazy Bitch, Sweet Emotion (thank God none of them look like Steven Tyler), Semi-Charmed Life, Sweet Child of Mine, Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy, Laid, Come on Eileen, Billy Jean (a favorite of mine!), Hey Jealousy, One....the list goes on. One request I need to make to this band: play some Hootie!! Who does not love a little Hootie and the Blow Fish???? My uncle said he does not think they are good enough to play Hootie...I agree to disagree.
I fear that I am not advocating for how great this band is; you need to check them out. If you have an appreciation for live, talented bands, or even want to change up your regular Saturday grinding to Sisqo (okay that is actually a really good Saturday night!) check them out!!! I promise, they do not sing Alanis Morissette. Also, I cannot promise that Weird Suit Guy will not be out in full swing next time they play.
At this point, I am not sure when their next show is, but here is their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46048623949 - Like their page!! A video of them singing Semi-Charmed Life: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=91102609522&oid=46048623949, so good!
Also, shout out to the coolest uncle ever!! I think you stole all of the musical talent from me. Thanks a lot...
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