Rumors of my demise last night were in large part exaggerated. Thanks to K. and Pho I am a new man or at least repaired. I love Rhino Records . They are masters of box sets and reissues. Since the local Sam Goody store is closing I treated myself to the above box set as a birthday present at 30% off. It is a treasure trove of alternative 80's stuff. 82 songs and some good liner notes talking about the battles of who made the cut and why some did not. Named after a 'Mats song and including my faves Husker Du and Pixies I will be rocking out for a while.

Musical tastes are difficult largely formed by outside impressions and then culled to fit one's persona. Was it in High Fidelity where Rob Gordon said you are what you listen to? Parents I suppose are the first impressions either in compliance with or avoidance of. My mom was Elvis all the way in her youth and my dad was old school country like Hank Snow or Sons of the Pioneers. I find I have a greater appreciation for country now and my aversion was probably just an aspect of the larger conflict between father and son. Peers and trends dictated my teens as my collection was ripe with the likes of Boston, Scorpions, Iron Maiden & Pink Floyd's The Wall was probably first album I bought in store after my ordeal with Columbia House finally ended. I eventually gravitated towards Adam & the Ants other pseudo- alternative tunes. It is always interesting to look back on era and see what has survived. I just wish the Misfits song included had been "Where Eagles Dare". I think I will go play it on the jukebox now.