Beyond X

Gen X music isn't as easily defined as the previous or following generations. The music produced isn't always very good quality, or even musically interesting. Much of it isn't much more than noise. Some of that noise is highly technical, to the point of being hard to digest. Still, much of it is melodic and expressive. If anything can be seen as a vein running through all of it, it's a disregard for imposed structure.

Somehow, it's usually entertaining. The uncovered ability to emote allows for relatable content in the art. Even if you don't like it for the musical aspects, you can find lyrics or ambient sounds in the piece to trigger memories or other synaptic paths from your past.

The willful disdain for requirements in this music allows for expression that exposes raw nerves. In a way, I'm relieved that the younger generation of music makers decided to work within more rigorous conventions. For a long while, I've avoided listening to new music from Gen X artists because it was a bit stressful.

There are rumblings, though, that the generation beyond the Zoomers may have caught on to the vibe Gen X only began to touch. I've heard a few pieces from kids that blew my mind. I may be ready, once again, to hear that kind of sound. If what I've heard is any indication, the next generation, whatever they may call it, will take us to places we may not want to go. And we'll beg for more.

Relative Use of Time

Time isn't wasted. It's part of the preparation for now. When you get where you need to be, it will all be time well spent.

It's possible to learn from everything you experience. Going down the wrong path teaches you not to take that path again. The time wasn't wasted.

Sometimes it takes longer to figure out you're on the wrong track. That's just the time required to learn that valuable lesson. It's never a waste.

Falling to Pieces

Vivid memories of popping a then-new Faith No More tape into the Pioneer Supertuner II freshly installed in my '86 Ford Ranger XL flood back while listening to this song:

Too Much Right Now

I owned this song on tape back in the early '90s. It was the B-side to the single for Liar by legendary punk icon, Henry Rollins. For some reason, the single was titled Too Much Right Now, which is how I remember it. Apparently, the album version was called Right Here, Too Much.

On Youtube there are several live versions. This is the only studio recording I found, which sounds just like the single:

Living

Life isn't 'good' or 'bad'. It's a work in progress. Enjoy the experience.

Mr. Blue Sky

At the end of the gray is a blue sky. Everybody has to walk through some rain. There are times, though, when you'd stand in the rain for days and not be mad about it.

The rain will go away. Learning to appreciate it for what it is brings the sun back so much more quickly. You'll be warm, again.

Lit Up

Your eyes are a reciprocal mirror. When the light comes on inside, it's possible to see everything in your mind. The world is so dark; you're the brightest light.

Sadly, that makes everyone try to get inside your head.

I should know, I'm in there right now.