THE EVERLASTING FIRST: Quick Takes For N [music edition]

Continuing a look back at my first exposure to a number of rock 'n' roll acts and superheroes (or other denizens of print or periodical publication), some of which were passing fancies, and some of which I went on to kinda like. They say you never forget your first time; that may be true, but it's the subsequent visits--the second time, the fourth time, the twentieth time, the hundredth time--that define our relationships with the things we cherish. Ultimately, the first meeting is less important than what comes after that. But every love story still needs to begin with that first kiss.

NEW RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE



Yuck. Maybe that's unfair, but...yuck. I'm sure I heard "Panama Red" on FM radio in high school, I guess. When I got to the hotbed of Southern rock and Deadheadedness that was Brockport State College in '77, The New Riders Of The Purple Sage were among the unwelcome sounds playing everywhere, no matter how hard I tried to drown 'em out by crankin' my own Beatles, Runaways, Television, and Sweet. And Herman's Hermits. Maybe I should have been more open-minded, but...yuck. I saw The New Riders Of The Purple Sage live on campus, in either '79 or '80. It was a free show. It was still overpriced. Yuck.

999



Much more like it! I heard this British punk group's awesome "Let's Face It" on the radio, probably on 95X's import show Off The Boat. The Flashcubes opened for 999 at The Slide-Inn in '79, and they were one righteous good time.

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Our new compilation CD This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4 is now available from Kool Kat Musik! 29 tracks of irresistible rockin' pop, starring Pop Co-Op, Ray Paul, Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, Vegas With Randolph Featuring Lannie Flowers, The Slapbacks, P. Hux, Irene Peña, Michael Oliver & the Sacred Band Featuring Dave Merritt, The Rubinoos, Stepford Knives, The Grip Weeds, Popdudes, Ronnie Dark, The Flashcubes,Chris von Sneidern, The Bottle Kids, 1.4.5., The Smithereens, Paul Collins' Beat, The Hit Squad, The Rulers, The Legal Matters, Maura & the Bright Lights, Lisa Mychols, and Mr. Encrypto & the Cyphers. You gotta have it, so order it here.