Monthly Archives: June 2017

She Sees Me Through to the End or: 40 Happy Years

30 Friday Jun 2017

Posted by in Music Review, Records

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

So, Thursdays are my day to do music reviews but today is something special. It was 40 years ago today that one of my favorite, if not my favorite, KISS albums came out. That’s Love Gun. It was the first of their albums that I owned and it started my love affair with the band that kept me dreaming, mesmerized, enamored and inspired me to become a musician myself.

Love_gun_cover

©Casablanca Records

 

I started long hours at the cover. Both because the band was “larger than life” in their characters and because there were scantily-clad women adorning the cover… ish. I didn’t know as an eight-year-old kid that I wasn’t actually seeing anything. I thought I was. That, too, was mesmerizing. Thanks, Ken Kelly (artist for the cover)!

At this point in their career, KISS was at their apex. They were also starting to bend and crack with the pressures their “#1 in the world” status brought. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss both started to feel that they were bigger stars and needed to be highlighted more, hence Ace getting his first lead vocal credit on his signature tune, “Shock Me.” He was nervous about it and laid on the floor in the studio, he says to help him with his pitch. I think it was so no one could see him doing it, but I wasn’t there, so I don’t know. Peter had had vocal credits on every album thus far. This was the last full-band studio album to feature Peter as on the studio follow-up, Dynasty, Anton Fig of David Letterman’s “World’s Most Dangerous Band”/CBS Orchestra played drums save for one tune, which was Peter’s lone contribution.

It was the tour for the Love Gun album that spawned KISS Alive II, which is my favorite of the two live albums that really matter. Not because it was better, but it was more my favorite time period in the make-up era of the band. The costumes were cooler and they were just everywhere. I loved that. I didn’t miss an issue of 16 Magazine to see what they were doing, older mags to see where they had been, special editions and so on. This time period was important to me. It was also the period for the fantastically awful made-for-TV movie, KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park. That was the first time I really ever saw what they looked like.

This album is pretty much clunker-free. My least favorite song is “Hooligan” but even that is somewhat cool. Peter’s lyrics are kind of ridiculous but it was right for the time. My next least favorite would be “Got Love for Sale.” I didn’t get how cool that song really was until Heavens Sake (the band I was in for many years – and still am in as we never officially broke up) learned it to cover, although we really only did it in practice a few times. “Have love will travel,” that’s classic. The last I’d do without if I had to choose three would be the cover on the album. “Then She Kissed Me” which was a backflipped version of the Crystals hit. I didn’t listen to the first two of these as a kid much, I’d skip over them. But, I listened to the last. Luckily, I don’t have to get rid of any of the those. I love them on the album, I’m just saying they’re my least faves.

On to the ones that I do love, though. “I Stole Your Love” and the title song are some of my favorite KISS songs, ever. I love the riffs of “Stole” and the lyrical content. KISS was never really deep, but they, at times, told good stories. Those are just solid tunes, both of which made the cut for Alive II and “Love Gun” is still a concert staple for the band. Paul Stanley has been known to ride a pulley to a remote stage in the crowd to sing that song.

Gene Simmons’ sex-obsessed freaky-deakiness came out in two tunes: “Christine Sixteen” in which the song’s narrator laments about a 16-year-old girl as she’s coming out of school. The other is “Plaster Caster” which was written about Cynthia Albritton, also known as Cynthia Plaster Caster to made plaster molds of male rock stars’ junk and some female breasts. Okay, then. If you want to see Gene’s love, just ask her. He also had two “conquering” songs, the aforementioned “Got Love For Sale” and “Almost Human.” I didn’t listen to “Human” much as a child either. I really got into that one after I got the CD in 1990.

The production on this album is solid, produced by both the band and Eddie Kramer, who did three of the band’s live albums (including Alive III), Rock and Roll Over and Ace’s KISS solo album (okay he did Frehley’s Comet, too). Gene’s playing is good. Peter’s, too, although I question if everything on there was his playing or session people. I have no proof, just a thought. Ace was still doing well, despite his substance problems, but there’s some solid solo work as well as some of his best guitar stuff on this album. Paul’s vocals were fantastic and the riffage he threw out on the rhythm tracks is great. He played the first half of the solo in “I Stole Your Love,” too.

This album is where my KISS journey began. I guess you can say it’s maybe one of the most important albums in my life? I really do love it. It’s hard to believe it’s 40 years old today. Man, time’s fun when you’re having flies. If you have it, may you take a listen today or tonight. If you don’t, look it up. It is some of their finest work, in my opinion. I have been listening to it on vinyl whilst writing this, but it’s only slightly over 30 minutes long. I have to turn it over again!

Until tomorrow, rock on!
Scorp out!

—
“I remember the day that we met. I needed someone, you needed someone too, yeah. Spend time takin’ all you could get. Givin’ yourself was one thing you never could do. You played with my heart, played with my head, I got to laugh when I think of the things you said. ‘Cause I stole your love, stole your love. Ain’t never gonna let you go.” – “I Stole Your Love” (Stanley)

Struck My Heart Like Lightning or: Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (Eugeology Entry 25)

29 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by in Music Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

I think Eugene was a bit peeved with my assessment of last week’s entry. I didn’t not like it, just it’s no Shout at the Devil. And, that’s okay. Jon has been through it, a rough month, and I’m hoping he continues where he left off on the list. But, meanwhile, let’s move on to the next entry – number 25 if you can believe that!- which I’m very excited about! I mean, I literally squealed like a little girl when it came across the line.

MI0000023913

©Megaforce Records

 

#25 – Gretchen Goes to Nebraska by King’s X.

I had never heard of King’s X until a local band played a tune by them in their live show. It was just about the time of the follow-up to this album, Faith Hope Love. Someone told me of Gretchen and I started listening because I loved “Over My Head.” Quickly this became one of my favorite albums and I’d say it still resides in my top 10, if not all time, at least in the influence of me, musically.

Supposedly, this is a concept album based on a story written by drummer/vocalist Jerry Gaskill. I don’t necessarily hear a story but I certainly hear a theme. The entire album is based in spirituality, either in accepting, hearing, seeing, or questioning it. Probably their most famous tune, the aforementioned “Over My Head” is all about the spirituality that music brings or that one can get lost in. I have performed that song in a band before. The first one that I ever was the lead vocals for. We rearranged it a bit to fit what we needed to do with it, but it remains one of my favorite songs, to this day.

King’s X has often been called a “Christian” band and I think that has a bit to do with the “underrated” status they have in the non-musician musical community. While they may be Christian and spiritual, they question as much as they believe. I had a discussion with Doug Pinnick (bass/vocals), Ty Tabor (guitar/vocals) and Jerry about that very thing when I met them in Charlotte on the King’s X tour. I hadn’t fully accepted my position in the non-believer category at the time and they told me to embrace what it was I felt. Not exactly in those words but in essence.

They are, in my opinion, one of the most underrated bands out there. Their musicianship, their songwriting abilities, and Mon Dieu (or whoever)! those harmonies. There are very few bands that can offer the same harmony quality as these three guys together. Add that on top of the fact that they’re not playing anything on their instruments that make the vocals easier. Their timing is impeccable, too. Seeing them live, they had stops, where without looking at each other, could interact with the crowd and be on beat in their heads, hit a hard “E” and stop again. Talk to the crowd and hit another. Me talking about it doesn’t do it justice.

Their albums from their debut, Out of the Silent Planet (the actual song of that title is on this album), this album, Faith Hope Love, and the eponymous fourth albums are all fantastic and I wore them out in my CD player. I’ll admit they started to lose me about the time Dogman came out. It still had some great tunes (including a great cover of “Manic Depression” from Jimi Hendrix), but it didn’t have the same feeling to me. But, this album, in particular, had a special groove. The melodies and harmonies flow like bubbling water over the rough, heavy riffs and it creates a river of delicious hard rock soul.

Jerry Gaskill’s drums are thumping and rhythmic but crisp, as well. He’s an awesome drummer. Soft-spoken, hard rockin’. Doug (or as he goes by now, dUg) Pinnick’s tone is remarkable because he plays through various Ampeg and Traynor amps and cranks the distortion on them. But, on this album and the few subsequent ones, he plays a 12-string bass. All that added together makes him not only the bassist but also the rhythm guitarist. Being they’re only a three-piece band, that allows him to fill the sonic gaps while Ty Tabor plays his solos. Speaking of Ty, he’s also world-renown for not only his playing but his sound. You can hear him play and know it’s him just from the tone. I don’t know about now because I’ve kind of fallen off the current King’s X wagon, but at this time, he refused to give interviews or just refuse the question if someone asked about his tone. It was a secret. But, it wasn’t for selfish reasons, it was more because he wanted guitarists to find their own tone; make it their own. He felt that anyone getting his tone would just copy his sound and they’d not be their own player.

While dUg is the main vocalist, Ty and Jerry do some duties in that department. “Pleiades” is Ty’s vocals on this album. Sometimes the majority of the song is three-way harmonies. The band utilizes a lot of drop-D tunings which heavies up the overall tone. Great tunes. Brilliant tunes.

“Out of the Silent Planet” is based on the book of the same name from C.S. Lewis. But, it supposedly fits in the “storyline” that Gaskill wrote. I will admit that a lot of times, my feeble and imbecilic mind cannot comprehend what the heck they’re talking about, but I know I love it, just the same. “Everybody Knows a Little Bit of Something” is about enlightenment and self-discovery. “Summerland,” best I can tell, is euphemistic for growing older and gaining knowledge. “Mission” is about doubting the televangelists, or at least questioning them. For the most part, as I stated, I have no clue what the actual message or story is, I just know I love it. Oh! and the title? It means absolutely nothing. A roadie threw it out when they were joking about stupid album names. I think it’s brilliant, really.

I love this entire album, it never gets old. I hadn’t listened to it, in its entirety in a couple of years. We – Eug, Brian and I – reviewed it as the first of the “albums of the week” segment when we used to do that on The Less Desirables. But, I started listening, right away, when it was assigned and I have listened a lot. I’ve listened to this album more than any other that has been on the list, so far. I mean, I’ve listened to it no less that 100 times in my life and while I usually listen an average of six times per album for this project, I’ve listened to this one about 13 times in the last seven days; four times today, as I write this. In the studio, in the car, on Alexa, everywhere I have been and had a minute to listen.

I highly recommend this album and if you don’t like it, listen to it again. You’ll learn to love the musicianship, the talent, the songs, the entity that is King’s X. Then listen to the other three of the first four of their albums. All amazing. Thank you Eug, for picking this one. I can’t wait to read your account and I am really interested in reading Jon’s take if he is able to catch up.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I walked through a garden in the morning. I walked right into a change. No words were spoken, just a feeling. And I cannot explain, but I can feel the difference. I can feel the difference.” – “The Difference (In the Garden of St. Anne’s-on-the-Hill)” (Pinnick/Tabor/Gaskill)

Cool Breeze or: The Less Desirables Beer of the Week

28 Wednesday Jun 2017

Posted by in Beer

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Salutations™!!

City Beverage, the Official Beer Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents Cool Breeze Cucumber Saison from SweetWater Brewing Company, The Less Desirables Beer of the Week. unnamed (10)

SweetWater is a good brewery. They’re also known for a lot of IPAs. This wasn’t one of those and while I’ve been trying to stay in the IPA realm while Caitlin is still here, we found out that she’s gonna be here a little while longer, so I decided to venture out a little from the IPAs and try a summer beer. It’s been kinda hot in the last bit so let’s get a nice summer brew in for a spin. I’m trusting their craftsmanship to be good to us in the flavor game.

The ratings from BeerAdvocate (81 – Good) and Untappd (3.03 out of 5) are not keeping my confidence up, however. Yikes. Oh well, maybe we’ll at least have something drinkable? Here’s hoping. Have you had it? What did you think? If you’ve not had it or just a hankering for more, head to City Bev and pick up your sixer. Tell them we sent you and get 5% off your order when you tell them this is the beer of the week! Tune in later tonight or early tomorrow and see what Caitlin, Danielle, the guys from O’Brien’s Deli and I think of it.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Don’t Float the Mainstream!” – SweetWater Brewing

Piggybacking or: the 40

27 Tuesday Jun 2017

Posted by in Food, Podcasting

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Today, I recorded the 40th episode of The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast. I’d appreciate if you have a listen. I talk about Finnigans, Dogwood Hops & Crops, a new restaurant coming to NW part of WSNC and Lowes Foods. You can listen HERE.

18157553_534117083643295_222103372280875073_n

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We are excited to announce the addition of Christopher Byrd as executive chef. Christopher is a native of Augusta, GA and graduate of Johnson and Wales in Charleston with many years of cooking experience.” – Harry Kahuna’s Tiki Grill

Making Up Monday or: The Haul 6/24/17

26 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by in Records

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Here I am, making up or catching up after the weekend’s seemingly non-stop party. It started as usual with breakfast at Mary’s Gourmet Diner and then heading over to Underdog Records, where we picked up some great stuff before heading to Windsor Run Cellars and then Shadow Springs wineries (they’re owned by the same cool folks). Then on to Willows Bistro for great food and beverage. Here’s the haul for this week:R-450842-1249177353.jpeg

It was a light week for us, but still a lot of fun! If you’re wanting to get into (or back into) record collecting, then Underdog Records is the place to start. Old stuff, new stuff, reissues, equipment, etc. You should also use Discogs to catalog your collection!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Yeah, I know it’s kind of strange. Every time I’m near you I just run out of things to say. I know you’d understand. Every time I tried to tell you the words just came out wrong. So, I’ll have to say I love you in a song.” – “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” (Croce)

Silent Sunday or: The Most Silent

25 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records yesterday, but then we went to a few wineries and then Willows Bistro, so I didn’t get to put all the stuff in until late on Sunday. So, I’ll work on the Haul list tomorrow. So, instead, I’ll just leave a picture of Prince’s Purple Rain album. It was 33 years ago today that it was released.

unnamed (10)

You can guess one of the albums on The Haul for tomorrow, right?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Paint a perfect picture. Bring to life the vision in one’s mind. The Beautiful Ones
always smash the picture. Always. Every time.” – “The Beautiful Ones” (Prince)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High or: The Less Desirables Movie of the Week

24 Saturday Jun 2017

Posted by in Movie Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

a/perture cinema, the Official Movie Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents The Less Desirables Movie of the Week, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), starring Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold and Phoebe Cates.

Fast_Times_at_Ridgemont_High_film_poster

©Universal Pictures

Per IMDb: : “A group of Southern California high school students are enjoying their most important subjects: sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.”

Brad Hamilton (Reinhold) is looking to get out of high school on top. He’s popular and a senior. But, he’s not really enjoying his time with his girlfriend and a dipstick customer costs him his job at the local All-American Burger. He gets another job at Captain Hook Fish & Chips but, after realizing it was humiliating as all get out to deliver food in that costume, he quits that. So, why not go home and relax instead? He’s on top of the world right?

Brad’s sister, Stacy (Leigh) is also popular and works at the mall in a pizza parlor. She gets dates with older guys by lying about her age. She’s pushed by her seemingly promiscuous friend Linda (Phoebe Cates) to be more bold. Stacy tries and isn’t really thrilled about it. There’s a nerdy dude named Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) who is interested in Stacy but is too shy to ask her out. His buddy, the concert-ticket-scalping-pseudo-suave-dilettante , Mike Damone (Robert Romanus) talks him into taking Stacy out to a local German restaurant. While there, Mark realizes he has forgotten his wallet and calls Damone to bring it to him. Stacy tries to seduce Mark but his shyness gets the best of him and he leaves, rendering Stacy a bit frustrated. Eventually, Damone moves in gets a little time with Stacy.

Jeff Spicoli (Penn in a role unlike anything else he ever did) is a stoner slacker who dreams of nothing but surfing the gnarly waves. He is also the prime nemesis of the dry and no-nonsense history teacher, Mr. Hand (Ray Walston). Spicoli breaks rules and is just a nuisance, but, I don’t think he means to be. I think he’s just a free spirit. This film is a culmination of their lives and more. What happens with them? You’ll have to watch to find out.

I defy any male aged 40-55 to hear the first few bars of “Moving in Stereo” by The Cars and not have fond memories. When I see The BCPF get into our bed, it reminds me of that and I hear that song. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you have to watch the film. The cameos in this film of folk that either were just on their way into acting or perhaps not necessarily known to the general public in 1982, were all fantastic. Names like Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, Anthony Edwards, Nick Cage were all up-and-comers. Actors Taylor Negron and Vincent Schiavelli have both passed on but you’d recognize them in the film from other things. Another quick cameo is from Nancy Wilson of he band Heart. She’s the blonde in the car that flirts then laughs at Brad in his pirate costume. She’s in the film because her husband, Cameron Crowe wrote the book and the screenplay. She’s made a lot of cameos in his films over the years.

The acting in this film was typical early 80s. Good, but you could tell the folks were just getting going. It’s cheesy early 80s cinema at its best. The soundtrack is chock full of greatness, as well. Then again, it is a Cameron Crowe film. This one was directed by Amy Heckerling (European Vacation, Clueless, Look Who’s Talking, Johnny Dangerously and so on).

Rotten Tomatoes has it at 78% Fresh with an Audience Score of 80%. IMDb has it at 7.2 stars out of 10. It is only available via Netflix‘s DVD.com or renting or buying on DVD or digital on Amazon. I have it on DVD and we watched it with 3B. The swimming pool scene, he really enjoyed. I rate the film 4.25 out of 5. Have you seen it? What did you think? What would you like to read/hear me review?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine.” – Jeff Spicoli

 

New Concepts or: Piggybackin’

23 Friday Jun 2017

Posted by in Food, Podcasting

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Salutations™!!

I’m piggybacking on The Man Who Ate the Town today but not for the podcast. I recently visited the brand new Lowes Foods store in Kernersville (it opened on Wednesday) and I thought it was a fantastic place to be. How fantastic? Well, read to find out, won’t you? You can do that HERE.

unnamed

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Our commitment to local includes offering produce sourced through our partnership with more than 200 local farmers and featuring a wide assortment of unique local products found throughout the store.” – Tim Lowe, President of Lowes Foods

Tight Action, Rear Traction or: Too Fast For Love (Eugeology Entry 24)

22 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by in Music Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Sure, my love affair with Eugene’s choices waned a bit last week, but still, I’m having a winning record with the majority of stuff. And, it wasn’t a total waste, there were parts that I liked, right? Jon’s Monolithic Mega Month of Mayhem may be coming to an end and perhaps, just maybe he can get back on the train and catch up. Well, here’s this week’s take:

Too_Fast

©Elektra Records

 

#24 – Too Fast For Love by Mötley Crüe.

I didn’t even hear of Crüe until after Shout at the Devil came out in 1983. We were on a family trip to Virginia Beach and I was watching Night Flight on USA Network (that’s what it was called back then). The videos for “Looks that Kill” and “Too Young to Fall in Love” came on and I was in awe at the vids and dug the music. It was rough, raw and punchy. At least I thought so back then. I didn’t realize that Shout was a polished as it was. That’s not a bad thing, I like polished.

Then quite a few years later, which could have even been around the time the Decade of Decadence 81-91 greatest hits album came out, I realized there was something prior to Shout from the band. “Live Wire” and “Piece of Your Action” were on that. I thought they were decent songs, but they weren’t “Shout at the Devil,” “Ten Seconds to Love” or “Knock ‘Em Dead Kid.” It was too raw for me. I borrowed a cassette from an ex-girlfriend and really disliked that album. I didn’t like the production and I didn’t necessarily care for the tunes. Well, in my quest to be more accepting of things I don’t normally like, I purchased the CD in 2003 (okay, call it my need to collect). I still really didn’t care for it, even after it was remastered.

So, Eug had it up next on our list. I said, “yes!” because it was one of the few that I actually own or have owned. Eug was happy about that, and then I told him that I hadn’t listened to it but maybe once or twice. I sent me a virtual smack. I deserved that I guess. On to the album…

I still don’t really care for it. Well, let me clarify that. I still don’t like the production and Vince Neil’s voice is only slightly better than amateurish. Overall, it’s not awful. But, I hate the chorus to the title track because it sounds like the Ramones doing hard and heavy music. The “gang” vocals sound like two people yelling in unison instead of sounding like a gang. His voice is powerful in spots and really crappy in others. Now, I understand that when they originally released the album it was mostly self-produced and when Elektra Records signed them, they rerecorded some of the album. I’m thinking once Vince learned how to actually sound like a professional singer, that’s where they rerecorded.

Many of the songs sound like trial runs of Shout songs. “Take Me to the Top” sounds like a mix of “Looks that Kill” and “Too Young…” Not a bad thing but I’d rather have the finished product. Well, kind of. I haven’t really cared for “Looks that Kill” for the last 25 years or so (overplayed). I still like “Too Young…” though.

Besides the bad production, the one constant that I believe has always been the best asset of Mötley Crüe is Tommy Lee. He was the best thing for them. Both in “show” and in talent. He’s a fantastic drummer; a beast, if you will. I got tired of watching his antics over the years but I loved watching him play. Not that I ever saw them live, but on videos and such.

Mick Mars was just coming into his flashiness, even though he was 60 when this album came out (I’m kidding). And the main songwriter, bassist Nikki Sixx, actually plays some riffs that aren’t just mimicking the guitar parts. You don’t hear a lot of that in future Crüe albums. He just plays underneath the guitar parts in most of the songs from here.

I know it sounds like I’m poo pooing on the album, but really, I’m not. It’s not a bad album, just parts that peeve me. I came to that conclusion on the seventh listen through. I don’t usually listen to reissues or at least the “bonus tracks” but on this one, I made an exception. The original release had ten songs. The “official” version had nine. So, even though they released “Stick to Your Guns” as a single, it was omitted on the Elektra version. The 2003 reissue (and what’s on Amazon Music and Napster) has the song back on there as well as a decent cover of The Raspberries’ “Tonight” and “Stick to Your Guns” b-side, “Toast of the Town.”

If you take Vince’s crapola vocals out, this is really a good album and I’m glad I gave it another chance or was required to as part of the research. It’s no Shout at the Devil (my fave by the band) or Theatre of Pain (my second fave), heck nothing up to Generation Swine, but it’s decent. Thanks, Eug. I want to read your take and Jon will catch up someday.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Plug me in, I’m alive tonight. Out on the streets again. Turn me on, I’m too hot to stop. Something you’ll never forget. Take my fist, break down walls. I’m on top tonight. No, no! You better turn me loose. You better set me free cause I’m hot, young, running free. A little bit better than I used to be. ‘Cause, I’m alive. I’m a live wire.” – “Live Wire” (Sixx)

A Little Different or: 31

21 Wednesday Jun 2017

Posted by in Life as We Know It

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

10423671_10152954847710490_763019700581453533_n

I’m the one on the left… No, I didn’t work for Foot Locker

 

I know that I usually post The Less Desirables Beer of the Week, presented by our Official Beer Sponsor, City Beverage, on Wednesday, but today is a little different. If I look back on this day 31 years ago, I had been up all night dreading what was going to happen. I had to get up early, along with my bestie, Scotty B. We had been gathering belongings for a few months by then.

I stood outside and watched a dump truck ride up the road in the “holler.” I didn’t understand what it was that was happening. This dump truck was pulling into our driveway and moving through the yard, backing up to the steps of the breezeway of our house. Out pops my Pops and he was swinging the tailgate of the dump truck wide. I realized what was going on. It was typical of my family: Improv. We couldn’t get a moving truck, we used a dump truck. Walking across a narrow improved ramp made of 2x4s and pressboard (at least how I remember it) we carried all of our big things – furniture, fixtures, beds, etc. – onto/into this dump truck bed.

While that happened, Ma Mère and some of her friends were piling stuff into our passenger cars, their passenger vehicles and anywhere else we could. We closed that swing gate, topped off the cars with whatever we could whilst still being able to get into them, locked the door of the “old house” and piled into said vehicles, creating a caravan of stuff that could possibly have rivaled The Beverly Hillbillies. The only thing preventing that was there was no rocking chair and the dump trucks’ sides were too high to really see what was in it.

Scotty and I had piled into a car with a family friend (I wasn’t old enough to drive, yet) in what was one of the worst rides, ever. It had nothing to do with the company, I enjoyed those folks. I didn’t want to be going where we were going. It wasn’t a vacation, this was a permanent situation.

If you’ve not figured it out, June 21, 1986, was one of the most transitional days of my life. It also was one of the biggest and best game changers ever. We moved from “(Little) White Oak Holler,” WV to good old Winston-Salem, NC on that day. I hated it. At least then. I swore I was going back as soon as I could. I was going to go stay with someone and graduate from my high school. I was going to do a lot of things. I knew no one here. I had no friends. I had my stuff, but it was boring by myself.

Then, I had a realization. I was almost 16. I was almost driving age. I was making friends at school. I was within 10 minutes of just about anything that I could want to do. City life was good and while I missed my friends in WV, I was really enjoying access and availability. I would go back “home” as often as I could and loved hanging out with my friends (and girlfriends) but I was realizing that I was missing my new home. It was a weird kind of Stockholm Syndrome – my new home had overtaken my want of being back in WV. As much as I have fond memories of the old homestead, there’s no way I’d move back there. It’s not the same as I look upon it as an adult as it was through the innocent child’s eyes. There’s nothing there for me to do – no one really. Not a lot of industry, not a lot of work, not a lot of entertainment. I’m not putting it down, I’m just stating some of the realities as to why. But, all of that being said, it’s my roots. I have wonderful memories from my time there. I still talk to friends from there, whether they’re still there or not.

As much as I have fond memories of the old homestead, there’s no way I’d move back there. It’s not the same as I look upon it as an adult as it was through the innocent child’s eyes. There’s nothing there for me to do – no one really. Not a lot of industry, not a lot of work, not a lot of entertainment. I’m not putting it down, I’m just stating some of the realities as to why. But, all of that being said, it’s my roots. Like I said, I have wonderful memories from my time there. I still talk to friends from there, whether they’re still there or not. I love my native state, but I love living in my adopted state more. I love my city, which should be obvious from about any post or podcast that I do. And the city seems to like me, which is a plus.

Oh, and something else that happened on this day 31 years ago, it was Mes ‘Rents’ 18th anniversary. So I’d love to wish them a Happy 49th Anniversary today. They’re awesome and I strive to have a family like that. They’re not perfect, but they’re perfectly mine. Happy Anny to you guys and happy Carolinaversary to all four of us (including my sis)!

And, still, go by City Beverage and get some beer or wine. Listen to The Less Desirables tonight to hear what the beer of the week is so you can get your 5% discount from City Bev. We will have Amanda and Mackenzie from Winston-Salem Ambassadors in the studio tonight. And, with the picture, I don’t really have a lot of pics from my childhood, at least digitally. Oh, well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I love North Carolina.” – Tyler Hilton