I am only giving one week to the Gin Blossoms, even though I gave two to The All-American Rejects. That is partly because of some of the other posts that I have already written, and also partly because I have not written a book or screenplay inspired by the Gin Blossoms at this time.
Regardless, this post will involve some comparisons with the two, as examples of different ways of relating to bands.
In many ways my relationship with the Gin Blossoms is similar to my relationship with The All-American Rejects: their music touches me emotionally, I loved them instantly, and suddenly as I started finding new music it was there from old favorites as well. Their "Don't Change For Me" holds a similar place for me as AAR's "I Wanna".
The differences are largely a matter of time. I initially fell for the Gin Blossoms much sooner; "Hey Jealousy" came out in 1992, versus "Swing, Swing" in 2002 (though "I Wanna" is two years older than "Don't Change For Me").
Also, the Gin Blossoms are older. They are on average about ten years older than me, and the Rejects are about ten years younger. The younger ones are closer to the bulk of the bands I review, though there are no hard and fast rules.
One aspect of this is that the Gin Blossoms pass through life stages ahead of me, and so I sometimes will find a song waiting for me. I knew it was there, but it didn't feel the same way, and then I catch up.
That is not always an age-related phenomenon, but it is something that I feel with the Gin Blossoms, and something that has grown.
In addition, there has been more direct and networked connection with Gin Blossoms. I have reviewed some bands because of recommendations from Mike Kennerty, and he is the one Reject I have spoken to.
On the other hand, the Gin Blossoms are the reason that I have reviewed The Odds, The Paul & John, and Marshall Crenshaw. That is without even getting into anyone's side projects, like Jesse Valenzuela solo or Honeygirl for Scott Johnson, or opening bands at shows. They are why I listened to Gas Giants and Northey Valenzuela (no reviews for them at this time, but there are also no regrets).
There has been a surprising amount of Twitter following out of that. People who have been professional musicians for years have followed me and I have been in on conversations -- joking and serious -- with them.
That's kind of a trip, but it started with a concert where not only did I finally get to see the band play, but I had close encounters with each of them. I'm not saying all of them would recognize me, and certainly not that we are best friends, but there is nonetheless a sense of connection and trust.
One of the things I appreciate most is them bringing Scott Hessel, who started as a touring drummer, into the band. A lot of bands have a hard time with that. Sometimes I get it, but sometimes it is beautiful to see that affirmation of confidence and trust.
(Yes, I am more aware of this because of Richie Ramone. Yes, I still wish nothing but good things for Phil Rhodes.)
I'm glad they're still around. I hope that's true for a long time to come.
Songs for the week:
"Don't Change For
Me" -- This is the opener to their 2010 album, No Chocolate Cake. It sprang out and me right away and filled me with hope and good will.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orBjBiqiKDI
"Lost Horizons" -- I associate this one strongly with the trip to go see them in early 2013, and I am so glad I did.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z10lH4fJEGY
"29" -- I've been past 29 for a long time, but the sentiments still work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq7psoiaBkw
"Til I Hear It
From You" -- Probably their most famous, and definitely aching, but what I really love is the way the rhythm dominates on the bridge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7sx32alzeE
"Not Only Numb" -- Again, this is a band that has endured, but they don't define themselves solely by the things that have hurt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF_KQcZEwLI
"Miss Disarray" -- Because sometimes I am a hard-to-pin-down mess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4yfajEw7Mo
"Hey Jealousy" -- Not the first song that caught my attention, but the one that cemented that this was a band for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah5gAkna3jI
Related posts:
https://sporkful.blogspot.com/2013/01/concert-review-gin-blossoms.html
https://sporkful.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-gin-blossoms-and-i.html
https://sporkful.blogspot.com/2014/01/creating-set-list.html
https://sporkful.blogspot.com/2019/08/album-review-mixed-reality-by-gin.html
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