1994 Flashback/Anniversary Edition of New Music Friday
Hiya,
Kids. Welcome to this week’s “No” Music
Friday. I look forward every week to New
Music Friday on NPR and am constantly dismayed - I cannot believe that Robin Hilton,
et al at NPR spend their days (and nights) listening to Hip Hop and
overproduced/auto tune pabulum that they pass off as important. Artists whose names
(in all caps) read like the latest product from Big Pharma, or better yet
simply a typography glyph, I guess it’s my curmudgeon showing. So in light of this, join me, won’t you, in Old
Music Friday in celebration of my Anniversary - as we travel back 27 years and
blow the cobwebs off a few (now) oldies. To a time when radio still offered a
mix of grunge, rock, hip hop, and Mariah Carey; a world that still offered new
music from Prince, Bowie, Cobain and Tom Petty; when everything seemed…well,
you know.
First
off, I give you Ben Harper’s Welcome to the Cruel World, his prophetic
1994 debut album. Who knew the title track, “How Many Miles Must We March?” and
“Forever,” would still hold such meaning? [As to new Music, there is a 1995 live
broadcast/interview from the KSCA Music Hall (Los Angeles) called Gospel Truth
from Ben that is worth checking out.]
Second,
and in keeping with the ‘new music’ mood, the new artist of 1994 by far was
Beck - January had seen a Limited 10” release, A Western Harvest Moon by Moonlight,
and February saw two releases, Stereopathetic Soulmanure, the 25-track
lead up to the unexpected success of Mellow Gold. An isntant favorite of Jennifer’s, I preferred
my pop a bit less lo-fi and no one at the time were less lo-fi than The Gin
Blossoms, who’s 1992 release New Miserable Experience (it has ‘New” in
the title) was still going strong with two new singles getting airplay in early
’94. This album was huge.
There
were new bands - The Cranberries, Green Day and Weezer that would dominate the
year, but in the end, none hold a stronger bond in my memory (and my heart) than
Together Alone, the fourth album from Crowded House. My wife and I fell
in love through the band’s Woodface, but this was the first one that was
all ours together and alone - and I’ve got all I want, is that simple enough?
[Also, in the ‘As to New Music,’ there are two songs off the upcoming
Dreamers are Waiting CD from Crowded House - I can’t wait]
So
until next time, be safe, be kind, and Happy Anniversary M. Soquel, I love you
with all the my heart and all the music we share. Peace and Love.
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