The paths we find to certain bands can be very interesting. Neither of my parents were into the Beatles, so I didn't listen to them much as a kid. I knew some of the hit songs, but that was about it. By the time I reached high school and my tastes started to expand, I had a- let's call him a frenemy, for lack of a better term- who worshipped them. The guy was obsessed with his own band, and while there's nothing wrong with that, I considered him kind of an unoriginal hack who basically ripped off every band he was listening to, including the Beatles. That might sound harsh, and I've softened a bit over the years, especially as I realized I was basically doing the same thing as a writer in my own notebooks, but he wasn't really that good of a guy, so I don't feel that guilty for looking down my nose at him. Anyway, that's not really what matters. But his adoration of the Beatles really turned me off of them, and I tended to view them as overrated and went down other musical roads instead.
It wasn't until several years later when I met my first wife that I was truly introduced to their full catalog. She was a major Beatles fan, and it was sort of like a package deal- I fell in love with her and the Beatles at the same time. Things ultimately didn't work out between us. After a decade together and two kids, we split up and went our separate ways. But the story has a happy ending. We both moved on and remarried, we've managed to co-parent our sons like civil adults, and the Beatles have remained a constant part of the soundtrack of my life.
So, once again, kudos for another great article. We don't know where our writing will actually lead our readers or if it will end up anywhere close to where we're imagining it going, but I'm living proof today that it definitely got me thinking and moved me in an unexpected way. It was definitely not the reaction I was anticipating after reading the first couple of paragraphs, which is the highest praise I can give you, Brad. After all, what more can we hope to accomplish with our work?
Thanks, Patrick. I write a lot about family, parenting and the influences that shaped my music tastes and the path my life as taken. If you look at the other articles I've linked to in this piece and check out some of the other writing on my site, I think you'll see some commonalities.
I will definitely check it out. And I apologize for calling you Brad in my comment. Brad cross-posted your piece and I clearly wasn't paying close attention to the whole byline thing, which as a writer myself, is kind of embarrassing. So again, sorry about that, but it's always good to find another quality writer to follow.
Kudos to the grown ups for their musical influences. Funny story-- my mom was married to Herman Epstein (Owen's dad) until his death. (Owen died when he was around 36 of a brain tumor.) When Herman and my ma took a fancy trip to the south of France they were lounging outside near Bono. Herman introduced himself to Bono as Owen's father and Bono gave him a huge hug. They had a nice chat. Owen discovered U2. The funny part of the story-- My mom sent me and my sisters a picture of her and Bono and said, "Who is this Bono?"
It's wonderful to see how influential and impactful certain individuals can be in shaping one's musical tastes. Your grandmother, father, Marty Racine, and Seymour Stein have played vital roles in your musical journey, each bringing different aspects and experiences to your appreciation of music.
The foundation of rock and roll from your family and the diverse genres you explored through live shows in Houston are testaments to the rich tapestry of sounds that have shaped you. It's essential to acknowledge and celebrate these musical mentors in our lives, as they contribute to our growth and understanding of the world around us through the powerful medium of music.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Martin. I say that shooting and attending live shows rejuvenates my soul, and it does. As a result of those people, I have a wide catalogue of music from which to choose, and each brings something different. For that I am always grateful.
Thank you for the kind words and signal boost! I waited so long to start those discussions thinking I'd be hosting a party no one showed up for. Silly me. I love seeing everyone share their picks and interact. Now they're a highlight of my week.
I'm not sure there's any one person more directly responsible for shaping my music tastes than Stein was. I mean, maybe some of my friends from the block, but Talking Heads /and/ The Replacements? That's hard to top.
When I heard about Stein's death, I immediately thought of you and those discussions. Rarely a week goes by when one of the people he signed is not on your list of listened to songs.
Thanks, Glenn, for your kind mention & link! I also appreciate your tip o' the safety pin🧷to Seymour! I regret never having meeting him, but I did spend an evening with the Missus, Linda, as she was traveling with The Ramones (I wrote about that incredible 1978 evening in the lads' Houston hotel room)...readers can find it on FR&B!
I was actually informed of Seymour's passing earlier today by someone who played bass on a particular Sire artist's 1976 album, and immediately started thinking about what/how/when I'd write my own Seymour tribute. Yours is not only timely, but well-done and certainly fitting!
I remember your piece on the Ramones. If you get the chance to read Seymour's book, it's definitely worth your time. Interesting man with great taste in music.
The paths we find to certain bands can be very interesting. Neither of my parents were into the Beatles, so I didn't listen to them much as a kid. I knew some of the hit songs, but that was about it. By the time I reached high school and my tastes started to expand, I had a- let's call him a frenemy, for lack of a better term- who worshipped them. The guy was obsessed with his own band, and while there's nothing wrong with that, I considered him kind of an unoriginal hack who basically ripped off every band he was listening to, including the Beatles. That might sound harsh, and I've softened a bit over the years, especially as I realized I was basically doing the same thing as a writer in my own notebooks, but he wasn't really that good of a guy, so I don't feel that guilty for looking down my nose at him. Anyway, that's not really what matters. But his adoration of the Beatles really turned me off of them, and I tended to view them as overrated and went down other musical roads instead.
It wasn't until several years later when I met my first wife that I was truly introduced to their full catalog. She was a major Beatles fan, and it was sort of like a package deal- I fell in love with her and the Beatles at the same time. Things ultimately didn't work out between us. After a decade together and two kids, we split up and went our separate ways. But the story has a happy ending. We both moved on and remarried, we've managed to co-parent our sons like civil adults, and the Beatles have remained a constant part of the soundtrack of my life.
So, once again, kudos for another great article. We don't know where our writing will actually lead our readers or if it will end up anywhere close to where we're imagining it going, but I'm living proof today that it definitely got me thinking and moved me in an unexpected way. It was definitely not the reaction I was anticipating after reading the first couple of paragraphs, which is the highest praise I can give you, Brad. After all, what more can we hope to accomplish with our work?
Thanks, Patrick. I write a lot about family, parenting and the influences that shaped my music tastes and the path my life as taken. If you look at the other articles I've linked to in this piece and check out some of the other writing on my site, I think you'll see some commonalities.
I will definitely check it out. And I apologize for calling you Brad in my comment. Brad cross-posted your piece and I clearly wasn't paying close attention to the whole byline thing, which as a writer myself, is kind of embarrassing. So again, sorry about that, but it's always good to find another quality writer to follow.
Not a problem. Appreciate you reading it!
Kudos to the grown ups for their musical influences. Funny story-- my mom was married to Herman Epstein (Owen's dad) until his death. (Owen died when he was around 36 of a brain tumor.) When Herman and my ma took a fancy trip to the south of France they were lounging outside near Bono. Herman introduced himself to Bono as Owen's father and Bono gave him a huge hug. They had a nice chat. Owen discovered U2. The funny part of the story-- My mom sent me and my sisters a picture of her and Bono and said, "Who is this Bono?"
That's fascinating! Makes you realize — as if we need the reminder — how small this world can be.
It's wonderful to see how influential and impactful certain individuals can be in shaping one's musical tastes. Your grandmother, father, Marty Racine, and Seymour Stein have played vital roles in your musical journey, each bringing different aspects and experiences to your appreciation of music.
The foundation of rock and roll from your family and the diverse genres you explored through live shows in Houston are testaments to the rich tapestry of sounds that have shaped you. It's essential to acknowledge and celebrate these musical mentors in our lives, as they contribute to our growth and understanding of the world around us through the powerful medium of music.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Martin. I say that shooting and attending live shows rejuvenates my soul, and it does. As a result of those people, I have a wide catalogue of music from which to choose, and each brings something different. For that I am always grateful.
Thank you for the kind words and signal boost! I waited so long to start those discussions thinking I'd be hosting a party no one showed up for. Silly me. I love seeing everyone share their picks and interact. Now they're a highlight of my week.
I'm not sure there's any one person more directly responsible for shaping my music tastes than Stein was. I mean, maybe some of my friends from the block, but Talking Heads /and/ The Replacements? That's hard to top.
When I heard about Stein's death, I immediately thought of you and those discussions. Rarely a week goes by when one of the people he signed is not on your list of listened to songs.
Thanks, Glenn, for your kind mention & link! I also appreciate your tip o' the safety pin🧷to Seymour! I regret never having meeting him, but I did spend an evening with the Missus, Linda, as she was traveling with The Ramones (I wrote about that incredible 1978 evening in the lads' Houston hotel room)...readers can find it on FR&B!
I was actually informed of Seymour's passing earlier today by someone who played bass on a particular Sire artist's 1976 album, and immediately started thinking about what/how/when I'd write my own Seymour tribute. Yours is not only timely, but well-done and certainly fitting!
I remember your piece on the Ramones. If you get the chance to read Seymour's book, it's definitely worth your time. Interesting man with great taste in music.
I'd love to read his book. I've heard good things!📖🎶