As young punks growing up in West Carroll our exposure to "good" music is fleeting. Our radio options are limited to the local KWCL (sing it with me, "Delta Country Radio...") and KNOE. If we are very, very lucky, and the cloud cover is just right, we might catch a few minutes of KNLU, the local college station, and with it a glimpse into what people are listening to in far away, exotic lands like Monroe and Ruston.
Sure, we're drivers, but just barely and still subject to a short leash. On the rare occasion that we did get to a "big" city, and eventually to the mall, and then directly to the major chain record store we are overwhelmed with options. Our only guide, a section called "Alternative," whatever that means, and Cousin Bob. We're kids and Nirvana is still years away from our consciousness.
Cousin Bob has recently returned from California and brought with him tales of music we can't understand and bands we'll never hear. Cousin Bob has Enigma Variations: Volume 1.
I don't know where he got it. I'm pretty sure he doesn't remember either, but it's got songs on it -- weird songs, loud songs, scary songs -- and I'm always on the look out for my own copy because Bob's not taking the hint that I really want his.
Then one day it's there but it's different. Enigma Variations: Volume 2 is in the rack and I have to have it. Only problem? I'm a poor high school kid. I have no money but I'm walking out with this cassette... and I did. I wasn't caught. There is no moral lesson to be learned.
These two albums are my first introductions to Green on Red, T.S.O.L., Agent Orange, Dead Milkmen, Mojo Nixon (whom I'd get to see years later once I'd moved to the big city,) Rain Parade, 45 Grave, and Redd Kross. A few of these bands will become life long favorites. Some of these songs will still be ringing in my ears when I'm 47 and finally track down my own copy of Volume 1 on vinyl and reunite with my old friend Volume 2.
I'm older, my taste in beer is more refined, and I can buy anything I want -- within reason -- and these records are still cool.
