Respect your Elders
My respect for “oldies” really blossomed when I moved off Cape Cod. One of the downfalls of growing up in Falmouth, Massachusetts was the limited music stations. Before Internet, I-Pods, and I-Tunes, the greatest media outlet for music was radio.
I remember when I first started living in Boston. As I made daily trips to Massachusetts Bay Community College in my 1984 faded red Nissan Sentra, I quickly wore out the bag of tapes I kept in my back seat. Buying more cassettes seemed silly because they were becoming archaic and purchasing a CD player was only a pipedream for a broke college student. My only option was to surf the Boston radio stations. I was already a fan of 104.1 WBCN, 101.7 WFNX, and 100.7 WZLX, but my ADD wouldn’t allow me to listen to commercials, so I soon became an avid listener of 105.7 WROR and 103.3 WODS.
I was familiar with the artists played on WROR and WODS and their more popular songs, but I soon discovered additional ones. Smoky Robinson, Tommy James and the Shondells, The Animals, Chicago, Steely Dan, it was all beautiful stuff and quite refreshing, even though it was music from decades earlier. What I love about listening to music from the fifties, sixties and seventies, is hearing the influence it has on today’s music. History does repeat itself.
Donovan became a huge favorite of mine. His song, Sunshine Superman was a must to add to our soundtrack. In The Running Waves, Colin, an ex-lifeguard, was once called Aquaman. We try to make little connections throughout the book, especially with the music. There is more to it, but you will have to read it yourselves.
As for the Grass Roots Live for Today, I always loved this song. The scene where we use it, Colin is hitting rock bottom. He isn’t living for today, he actually isn’t living at all.
I hope you enjoy these classics.
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-Seton
I remember when I first started living in Boston. As I made daily trips to Massachusetts Bay Community College in my 1984 faded red Nissan Sentra, I quickly wore out the bag of tapes I kept in my back seat. Buying more cassettes seemed silly because they were becoming archaic and purchasing a CD player was only a pipedream for a broke college student. My only option was to surf the Boston radio stations. I was already a fan of 104.1 WBCN, 101.7 WFNX, and 100.7 WZLX, but my ADD wouldn’t allow me to listen to commercials, so I soon became an avid listener of 105.7 WROR and 103.3 WODS.
I was familiar with the artists played on WROR and WODS and their more popular songs, but I soon discovered additional ones. Smoky Robinson, Tommy James and the Shondells, The Animals, Chicago, Steely Dan, it was all beautiful stuff and quite refreshing, even though it was music from decades earlier. What I love about listening to music from the fifties, sixties and seventies, is hearing the influence it has on today’s music. History does repeat itself.
Donovan became a huge favorite of mine. His song, Sunshine Superman was a must to add to our soundtrack. In The Running Waves, Colin, an ex-lifeguard, was once called Aquaman. We try to make little connections throughout the book, especially with the music. There is more to it, but you will have to read it yourselves.
As for the Grass Roots Live for Today, I always loved this song. The scene where we use it, Colin is hitting rock bottom. He isn’t living for today, he actually isn’t living at all.
I hope you enjoy these classics.
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-Seton
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Song of the Day - I'm Allowed by Buffalo Tom
Back in 94, on spring days when it couldn't even decide if it was going to rain, I used play this song while driving around town wondering if I was going to work in a parking lot for the rest of my life (No disrespect to PL attendants. Some of my best friends are parking lot attendants etc.) I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I was afraid to write. So on those rainy days, I wore this song out (and the whole Big Red Letter Day album). Seton reminded me of that fact and also how much this song relates to both main characters. We decided we had to give a shout out to it in TRW. After all, Buffalo Tom is also a BOSTON band. Thanks Buffalo Tom!
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-Ted
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-Ted
Song of the Day - An Ode to Hip Hop
People who know me well, understand my appreciation for music. I’m not exaggerating when I say I listen to everything. Like my brother Ted, music motivates me in all aspects of life.
One of my favorite brands of music is hip hop. I especially love what was produced in the early 1990’s. Critics of this musical genre are quick to point out the tension and violence that erupted in that decade between east and west coast rappers. Fact is, outside of personal “beefs,” there were legitimate artists and groups making some amazing music. Originally in chapter three I wanted to use a song from Biggie Smalls or Tupac Shakur, but stayed away from east and west and opted for the south.
During that controversial era in hip hop, something unique was brewing in Atlanta, Georgia-Outkast. This band’s debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik brought a new and distinct sound in the spring of 1994. My good friend, Wayne Rose, introduced me to Outkast and I was instantly hooked. I loved all the songs, but was particularly fond of “Git Up, Git Out.” I loved the beat, but it was the lyrics that really drew me in. This song bleeds positivity. It’s about being in a rut, or having a habit that can be detrimental to becoming the person we are capable of being. This song is a reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s up to us to make the right choices in order reach that light. This song sums up Colin Brennan’s struggle.
For this jam Outkast teamed up with another group from the “Dirty South,” Goodie Mob. So sit back, close your eyes, and listen to the message.
Further along in the book, I came to the conclusion that it was imperative we pay tribute to another hip hop band. I’ll never forget being fifteen years-old and hanging out with friends, Dave Romiza, Gilbert Mendoza, Damien Anderson, and Damien’s cousin, David from New York. As we chilled in Dave Romiza’s car (I believe a maroon Hyundai) David, from New York, pulled a tape out of his pocket and handed it to the front to be played. He smiled at me and said, “You’re gonna like this.” It was A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory.
He was right. I sat back and let it wash over me. The beats, the lyrics, everything appealed to me. I had never heard anything like it before. Along with the Beastie Boys, Tribe was who ignited my love for hip hop music.
Because The Running Waves is a period piece, we give a shout out to Tribe’s follow up album, Midnight Marauders, which dropped in November of 1993. It was another musical gem that defined the group as a hip hop power house. Here is “Electric Relaxation,” off Midnight Marauders.
I would like to dedicate this post to three of my friends who are holding it down in Baltimore. Big Rod, Dorian, and J Spot. I can’t wait for Fantasy Football 2010! Thanks for supporting the Murphy brothers and The Running Waves. God Bless.
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-Seton
One of my favorite brands of music is hip hop. I especially love what was produced in the early 1990’s. Critics of this musical genre are quick to point out the tension and violence that erupted in that decade between east and west coast rappers. Fact is, outside of personal “beefs,” there were legitimate artists and groups making some amazing music. Originally in chapter three I wanted to use a song from Biggie Smalls or Tupac Shakur, but stayed away from east and west and opted for the south.
During that controversial era in hip hop, something unique was brewing in Atlanta, Georgia-Outkast. This band’s debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik brought a new and distinct sound in the spring of 1994. My good friend, Wayne Rose, introduced me to Outkast and I was instantly hooked. I loved all the songs, but was particularly fond of “Git Up, Git Out.” I loved the beat, but it was the lyrics that really drew me in. This song bleeds positivity. It’s about being in a rut, or having a habit that can be detrimental to becoming the person we are capable of being. This song is a reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s up to us to make the right choices in order reach that light. This song sums up Colin Brennan’s struggle.
For this jam Outkast teamed up with another group from the “Dirty South,” Goodie Mob. So sit back, close your eyes, and listen to the message.
Further along in the book, I came to the conclusion that it was imperative we pay tribute to another hip hop band. I’ll never forget being fifteen years-old and hanging out with friends, Dave Romiza, Gilbert Mendoza, Damien Anderson, and Damien’s cousin, David from New York. As we chilled in Dave Romiza’s car (I believe a maroon Hyundai) David, from New York, pulled a tape out of his pocket and handed it to the front to be played. He smiled at me and said, “You’re gonna like this.” It was A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory.
He was right. I sat back and let it wash over me. The beats, the lyrics, everything appealed to me. I had never heard anything like it before. Along with the Beastie Boys, Tribe was who ignited my love for hip hop music.
Because The Running Waves is a period piece, we give a shout out to Tribe’s follow up album, Midnight Marauders, which dropped in November of 1993. It was another musical gem that defined the group as a hip hop power house. Here is “Electric Relaxation,” off Midnight Marauders.
I would like to dedicate this post to three of my friends who are holding it down in Baltimore. Big Rod, Dorian, and J Spot. I can’t wait for Fantasy Football 2010! Thanks for supporting the Murphy brothers and The Running Waves. God Bless.
Reading this on Facebook? Visit the original post to watch the videos.
-Seton
Cape Cod Style
04/05/10 06:27 AM Filed in: Inside the Book
With each passing year, styles and trends change as much as the erratic New England weather. When I was young, I felt comfortable in a pair of stone-washed jeans and a Champion “hoodie” sweatshirt. For a more formal appearance, I chose a Polo shirt with pegged Bugle Boy slacks and a fresh pair of Buckskin shoes, smooth like butter. Nevertheless, casual or conservative, I had something tucked into my back pocket; my baseball cap.
As far as I can remember I always wore a baseball hat. One reason was to hide my overgrown hair, but another was to imitate my childhood idols, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, Mo Vaughn, etc. When baseball’s magnetism would emerge during the cold months of February and March, my older brother Ted and I would head down to Burt’s Sporting Goods to purchase new baseball gloves and hats. For the next several weeks, both hat and glove would endure lengthy and grueling break-in rituals.
Unfortunately, as I got older I didn’t produce into much of a baseball player, but my skills at breaking in a hat were unprecedented. My expertise rose to an all time high when the “master breaker” and high school friend, Matt Arnold, shared some of his secrets with me. Armed with this new found knowledge, I became sought after by friends and strangers alike to lend a hand breaking-in their hats. As you will read in The Running Waves, the sculpting of a hat is particularly significant.
So let’s take a ride back in time to the early nineties and relive the steps of properly breaking-in your hat. First thing was to soak your hat in warm water with a little detergent, this would loosen it up. I usually left it soaking for several days, but because I was also obsessive, I changed the water every twelve hours. After the soak session, I would throw it in the washer machine for a couple of cycles. This process was potentially dangerous. It’s very important to know how tough your washer machine is. I had some hats fall apart on me, thus, jeopardizing my “business.”
I soon learned an alternative way that would solve this problem- the dishwasher. Since there is no spin cycle, this process is gentler on the hat. For first-timers I would advise using this method. Repeat this procedure several times. Now it’s time to work the brim. Roll the hat between your hands over and over; shaping it. If the brim is plastic, go easier than if it were cardboard. The last thing you want to do is snap it in two pieces, then all you’re left with is a Salvation Army donation.
Let the hat air dry. Your enemy can be a machine dryer. I have melted many hats in my day. Once your hat is dry, rubber band the brim and shove it under your mattress on its side, just like a baseball glove. Leave it there for a couple of days. This will help mold your brim. Fortunately, for Cape Codders, there is one last thing you can do. Take your hat to the beach and sink it into the ocean, letting the saltwater work its natural magic.
Now, many years later, thankfully, I no longer dress in stone-washed jeans or Bugle Boy trousers, and the old Buckskin shoes have been replaced with Rockport and Timberland. However, when I’m not working, I still wear a baseball hat. And even though I’m not as compulsive and using a dishwasher or the weight of a mattress, I still break it in. I have to admit, I cringe when I see today’s youth sporting the straight off the shelf look, but just as the volatile New England weather, styles and trends do change.
As far as I can remember I always wore a baseball hat. One reason was to hide my overgrown hair, but another was to imitate my childhood idols, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, Mo Vaughn, etc. When baseball’s magnetism would emerge during the cold months of February and March, my older brother Ted and I would head down to Burt’s Sporting Goods to purchase new baseball gloves and hats. For the next several weeks, both hat and glove would endure lengthy and grueling break-in rituals.
Unfortunately, as I got older I didn’t produce into much of a baseball player, but my skills at breaking in a hat were unprecedented. My expertise rose to an all time high when the “master breaker” and high school friend, Matt Arnold, shared some of his secrets with me. Armed with this new found knowledge, I became sought after by friends and strangers alike to lend a hand breaking-in their hats. As you will read in The Running Waves, the sculpting of a hat is particularly significant.
So let’s take a ride back in time to the early nineties and relive the steps of properly breaking-in your hat. First thing was to soak your hat in warm water with a little detergent, this would loosen it up. I usually left it soaking for several days, but because I was also obsessive, I changed the water every twelve hours. After the soak session, I would throw it in the washer machine for a couple of cycles. This process was potentially dangerous. It’s very important to know how tough your washer machine is. I had some hats fall apart on me, thus, jeopardizing my “business.”
I soon learned an alternative way that would solve this problem- the dishwasher. Since there is no spin cycle, this process is gentler on the hat. For first-timers I would advise using this method. Repeat this procedure several times. Now it’s time to work the brim. Roll the hat between your hands over and over; shaping it. If the brim is plastic, go easier than if it were cardboard. The last thing you want to do is snap it in two pieces, then all you’re left with is a Salvation Army donation.
Let the hat air dry. Your enemy can be a machine dryer. I have melted many hats in my day. Once your hat is dry, rubber band the brim and shove it under your mattress on its side, just like a baseball glove. Leave it there for a couple of days. This will help mold your brim. Fortunately, for Cape Codders, there is one last thing you can do. Take your hat to the beach and sink it into the ocean, letting the saltwater work its natural magic.
Now, many years later, thankfully, I no longer dress in stone-washed jeans or Bugle Boy trousers, and the old Buckskin shoes have been replaced with Rockport and Timberland. However, when I’m not working, I still wear a baseball hat. And even though I’m not as compulsive and using a dishwasher or the weight of a mattress, I still break it in. I have to admit, I cringe when I see today’s youth sporting the straight off the shelf look, but just as the volatile New England weather, styles and trends do change.
Song of The Day - Tears by The Chameleons (UK)
As mentioned in many previous posts, we chose every song for the book for a reason. It may be symbolic and it may just be a shout out to the time period and then there are times it is both. Seton and I picked this song because it's about dealing with losing someone you love, but the other reason we chose this song is because our sister Sarah used to put it on all of her mixed tapes. Sarah made some great mixed tapes back in the day! I remember a spring day like this one (the Sun finally coming out after a long winter) and I was cleaning out the shack (which is called The Shanty in TRW) and I was listening to one of Sarah's tapes. This song Tears came on and it stopped me in my tracks. I was flooded with so many memories of a couple of friends I had lost over the previous few years - one to cancer and one to a car accident. The lyrics spoke to how I had felt. It then hit me that Seton was now going through the same thing after losing his friends, and I realized how I wasn't able to help him deal with the pain. All these feelings and thoughts came to me from just pressing play on my walkman. Is there a happy ending to this post? I was later to find out how much Seton also loved the song Tears and listened to it often because it swirled up many emotions he normally kept hidden. This song Tears is one of the many little connections that brought us together to write a book that we hope will help other people who have to face losing a friend or relative especially at an early age. Of course, you can't give a shout out to The Chameleons UK without adding Swamp Thing! Enjoy who you are and have a wonderful holiday weekend with your family and friends!
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-Ted & Seton
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-Ted & Seton
Song of the Day - Cannonball by The Breeders
I needed a song for a party scene in Chapter three. Ted and I discussed it for a while. We kicked around a lot of ideas and then remembered a great jam from that time. "Cannonball" by The Breeders. This song was everywhere during 1994. Every time this song was played, it got people jacked up to party. I still hear it on the radio and am instantly reminded of parties behind the Nickelodeon or at the Creek, the power lines, Coonamessett Pond, and countless other places. Enjoy this one. It's a classic.
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-Seton
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-Seton
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