A great post for a new year. I imagine everyone has a version of your experience. I know I experience some sort of flashbacks every time I work out listening to hair metal. Working as personel security in the music industry, the 80s were the dot com boom years for me. I made enough money in that decade to pay for living at the lake and not having to deal with the shit now. Leaving that and working in the world of technology was just the icing on the cake. Stick with the memories and keep your eyes forward.
Thank you, Daniel. I experience flashbacks too. I’ll hear a song from the past and be immediately transported to a time and place. Like you, I enjoy the memory and then I move on with my day. Let me just add that I’m thrilled to hear you’re living the life you desire. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Achieving that level of happiness. Or at least the attempt to achieve it. I mean, kill me now if the best days of my life happened over 30 years ago!
This is such a great piece. As a Gen X guy myself, it’s easy to get caught up in the days when things either were or just seemed better. I am fond of the saying you live your life like you live your days and I feel like this song sums that up very well.
Thanks, Dan! I couldn’t agree more that it’s easy to get stuck in a romanticized past. Whenever I find that happening to me, I remind myself that life was never as perfect as my memory would have me believe. Then I remember how often I’d dream about the future, and all the adventures that awaited. The key to getting unstuck, I’ve learned, or to avoid the pitfall entirely, is to never stop dreaming.
I worked at venue in Phoenix AZ in the early to mid 70’s; it was a theater in the round, meaning the stage moved counterclockwise very slowly. At that moment in time, all musical artists (minus west coast Rockers) started their tours in Phoenix and used it as a “warmup” in front of an audience... great time! I saw Springsteen 6 times by the summer of ’75 and he was fantastic even though he only released 2 albums for the first 5 shows.
Having said that, he is overrated, when compared to Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The Jukes and Southside created a deeper, more rockin’, and utilized a great horn section that was arranged by Stevie Van Zant. The band included Stevie, Max Middleton, and John Lyon... they really outperformed BS in a really big way. The size of the band doubled Springsteen’s and they made good use of the size.
Now those are some awesome memories! Seeing ‘The Boss’ when he was still an ‘apprentice’ must have been astounding. And I totally forgot about Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes! Definitely a force to be reckoned with. Might have to crank them later on tonight.
Those moments were absolutely amazing. The venue only held ~2300 people, the furthest row was 24. Great sound system and groups like ELO, Wizzard ard, Van Morrison, the Kinks took advantage of it which gave them greater mobility.
Southside Johnny was an awesome talent but to put him above Springsteen I can’t agree with. Just one aspect—song writing, there is no comparison. I always appreciated Springsteen but he was never my thing. But his lyrics…..
Songwriting is certainly not Southside’s strong point but Stevie Van Zant, Miami Steve, and all of his other monikers is very good. The guy can arrange a horn section superbly and performs much much better than his own band.
Having said that, I am in the minority regarding Southside vs Springsteen.
Great live shows too, although that goes without saying for Springsteen as well. I don’t believe that Springsteen is over rated but Southside Johnny surely is underrated. And yes good song writers in the band.
Peter: Thanks for digging up my post regarding my mom and dad’s anniversary/music. I realized by revisiting the post as to how much ramble and repeat myself. I still miss them and the music of the mid 60’s to the mid 70’s brings me to a special place in my heart. I am also more than fortunate to be married to the best and most beautiful woman who listens to rock and roll continuously.
This is a great post and has generated some thoughtful comments which is why I follow you. Not a GenXer myself but the feelings expressed here are universal. Music is the soundtrack of life and the songs heard in our formative teenage years—the music that becomes “ours”—brings on a wealth of feelings whenever we hear them; reminders of experiences good and bad. There are also times and I’m not sure if it’s nostalgia when I reach for a song or album from deep in my past because I have to hear it now….
Thank you, Peter. The thoughtful comments are my favorite part. I’m so humbled and grateful whenever someone takes the time to share their thoughts and experiences. Not being a Gen Xer is no problem here. Everyone is welcome, because as you say, the feelings we explore are universal. Music is indeed the soundtrack of our lives. Those songs we hold dear helped to shape our identity and represent our time in this world: our struggles, our victories, our failures, our dreams.
Thanks for taking the time to comment T.D. Glory Days was actually released in May of ‘85, though Born in the USA (the abum) was definitely ‘84. Either way, I completely understand why that period in your life wasn’t exactly your favorite. The hardship you passed is a valuable reminder that not everything in the 80’s was unicorns and rainbows.
I'm with you on this, and I'd feel bad for people like your friends if being resigned to the idea that you'll never top what you believe is your "best year" weren't a choice. But it is, and it sounds like their resentment towards you is really just jealousy that they gave up a long time ago.
One of my favorite lines in a song ever is one of the new that comes at the ole d of Jane's Addiction's 'Classic Girl:' "They may say 'those were the days,' but in a way, you know, for is, THESE are the days." It's something I've always tried to keep in mind when I feel like your friends feel.
Thanks, AJ. I mentioned it elsewhere in the comments, but shoot me now if the best years of my life happened decades ago. I mean, what is there left to live for then? I think you’re right that their resentment is rooted in jealousy. Life’s too short for that pettiness and noise.
Funny you should mention Jane’s Addiction as they were an extremely influential band for me. I love ‘Classic Girl’ and think the lyric you chose is perfect. I’m gonna take a page out of your book and keep it in mind the next time I feel like those so-called friends of mine.
Those days seem so very far away now - I'm also someone who prefers to live in the present. I didn't have a great time in school so those were never 'glory days' for me. I'm with you, Sonny - THESE are the glory days. This is the youngest you'll ever be again, don't waste it away pining for the old times. It's fun to reminisce, I agree, but today will slip by before you know it.
Thank you so much, Sheila. Indeed, those days feel like they happened in a different lifetime. As a matter of fact, they were so long ago that sometimes they feel like they happened to SOMEONE ELSE. I’ve changed so much from the man I was in my 20s, that I doubt I’d recognize myself back then (at the very least, I’m sure I’d be embarrassed). I’m so happy you’re embracing your present as well. Life is for the living. Carpe diem!
A great post for a new year. I imagine everyone has a version of your experience. I know I experience some sort of flashbacks every time I work out listening to hair metal. Working as personel security in the music industry, the 80s were the dot com boom years for me. I made enough money in that decade to pay for living at the lake and not having to deal with the shit now. Leaving that and working in the world of technology was just the icing on the cake. Stick with the memories and keep your eyes forward.
Thank you, Daniel. I experience flashbacks too. I’ll hear a song from the past and be immediately transported to a time and place. Like you, I enjoy the memory and then I move on with my day. Let me just add that I’m thrilled to hear you’re living the life you desire. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Achieving that level of happiness. Or at least the attempt to achieve it. I mean, kill me now if the best days of my life happened over 30 years ago!
💯🙂
This is such a great piece. As a Gen X guy myself, it’s easy to get caught up in the days when things either were or just seemed better. I am fond of the saying you live your life like you live your days and I feel like this song sums that up very well.
Thanks, Dan! I couldn’t agree more that it’s easy to get stuck in a romanticized past. Whenever I find that happening to me, I remind myself that life was never as perfect as my memory would have me believe. Then I remember how often I’d dream about the future, and all the adventures that awaited. The key to getting unstuck, I’ve learned, or to avoid the pitfall entirely, is to never stop dreaming.
I worked at venue in Phoenix AZ in the early to mid 70’s; it was a theater in the round, meaning the stage moved counterclockwise very slowly. At that moment in time, all musical artists (minus west coast Rockers) started their tours in Phoenix and used it as a “warmup” in front of an audience... great time! I saw Springsteen 6 times by the summer of ’75 and he was fantastic even though he only released 2 albums for the first 5 shows.
Having said that, he is overrated, when compared to Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The Jukes and Southside created a deeper, more rockin’, and utilized a great horn section that was arranged by Stevie Van Zant. The band included Stevie, Max Middleton, and John Lyon... they really outperformed BS in a really big way. The size of the band doubled Springsteen’s and they made good use of the size.
Now those are some awesome memories! Seeing ‘The Boss’ when he was still an ‘apprentice’ must have been astounding. And I totally forgot about Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes! Definitely a force to be reckoned with. Might have to crank them later on tonight.
Those moments were absolutely amazing. The venue only held ~2300 people, the furthest row was 24. Great sound system and groups like ELO, Wizzard ard, Van Morrison, the Kinks took advantage of it which gave them greater mobility.
The Kinks! They were a HUGE influence on me growing up. Color me officially jealous!
Southside Johnny was an awesome talent but to put him above Springsteen I can’t agree with. Just one aspect—song writing, there is no comparison. I always appreciated Springsteen but he was never my thing. But his lyrics…..
Songwriting is certainly not Southside’s strong point but Stevie Van Zant, Miami Steve, and all of his other monikers is very good. The guy can arrange a horn section superbly and performs much much better than his own band.
Having said that, I am in the minority regarding Southside vs Springsteen.
Great live shows too, although that goes without saying for Springsteen as well. I don’t believe that Springsteen is over rated but Southside Johnny surely is underrated. And yes good song writers in the band.
Peter: Thanks for digging up my post regarding my mom and dad’s anniversary/music. I realized by revisiting the post as to how much ramble and repeat myself. I still miss them and the music of the mid 60’s to the mid 70’s brings me to a special place in my heart. I am also more than fortunate to be married to the best and most beautiful woman who listens to rock and roll continuously.
Again, thanks for the posting.
This is a great post and has generated some thoughtful comments which is why I follow you. Not a GenXer myself but the feelings expressed here are universal. Music is the soundtrack of life and the songs heard in our formative teenage years—the music that becomes “ours”—brings on a wealth of feelings whenever we hear them; reminders of experiences good and bad. There are also times and I’m not sure if it’s nostalgia when I reach for a song or album from deep in my past because I have to hear it now….
Thank you, Peter. The thoughtful comments are my favorite part. I’m so humbled and grateful whenever someone takes the time to share their thoughts and experiences. Not being a Gen Xer is no problem here. Everyone is welcome, because as you say, the feelings we explore are universal. Music is indeed the soundtrack of our lives. Those songs we hold dear helped to shape our identity and represent our time in this world: our struggles, our victories, our failures, our dreams.
It’s a still a great song.
Agreed.
Love this. Great piece.
Thank you, Sharon! Really glad you enjoyed it!
That song came out in 1984. I lived out of my car during the fall semester of 1984. So 1984 was definitely not my favorite year!
Thanks for taking the time to comment T.D. Glory Days was actually released in May of ‘85, though Born in the USA (the abum) was definitely ‘84. Either way, I completely understand why that period in your life wasn’t exactly your favorite. The hardship you passed is a valuable reminder that not everything in the 80’s was unicorns and rainbows.
Interesting. I looked at the Wikipedia for Born to Run. By Spring semester I’d found housing!
Thanks for sharing this
Thank YOU for reading and taking the time to comment.
I'm with you on this, and I'd feel bad for people like your friends if being resigned to the idea that you'll never top what you believe is your "best year" weren't a choice. But it is, and it sounds like their resentment towards you is really just jealousy that they gave up a long time ago.
One of my favorite lines in a song ever is one of the new that comes at the ole d of Jane's Addiction's 'Classic Girl:' "They may say 'those were the days,' but in a way, you know, for is, THESE are the days." It's something I've always tried to keep in mind when I feel like your friends feel.
Thanks, AJ. I mentioned it elsewhere in the comments, but shoot me now if the best years of my life happened decades ago. I mean, what is there left to live for then? I think you’re right that their resentment is rooted in jealousy. Life’s too short for that pettiness and noise.
Funny you should mention Jane’s Addiction as they were an extremely influential band for me. I love ‘Classic Girl’ and think the lyric you chose is perfect. I’m gonna take a page out of your book and keep it in mind the next time I feel like those so-called friends of mine.
Those days seem so very far away now - I'm also someone who prefers to live in the present. I didn't have a great time in school so those were never 'glory days' for me. I'm with you, Sonny - THESE are the glory days. This is the youngest you'll ever be again, don't waste it away pining for the old times. It's fun to reminisce, I agree, but today will slip by before you know it.
Excellent article, thank you.
Thank you so much, Sheila. Indeed, those days feel like they happened in a different lifetime. As a matter of fact, they were so long ago that sometimes they feel like they happened to SOMEONE ELSE. I’ve changed so much from the man I was in my 20s, that I doubt I’d recognize myself back then (at the very least, I’m sure I’d be embarrassed). I’m so happy you’re embracing your present as well. Life is for the living. Carpe diem!
Now. That’s all there is.