I’ve been noticing the age difference between my travel companions and myself in various ways throughout the trip. I have many more friends who are married and have kids. Hangovers don’t seem to be nearly as debilitating for them. The most striking evidence that I’m older comes whenever we listen to the car radio. The rental van that we are driving has SiriusXM radio, which has been nothing short of a godsend. Sure, there is something to be said for experiencing the regional color through local radio ads, but I prefer actually listening to music. The problem arises when we have to pick a station. I didn’t think this would be an issue because the people I’m traveling with generally have good taste in music. Unfortunately, I didn’t count on the 90’s on 9.
The 90’s on 9 plays everything that ever played on Top 40 radio stations during that decade. This isn’t so bad for the first day or so. If I have to tolerate the odd Alanis Morisette or Deep Blue Something song to rediscover some forgotten classics from The Black Crowes, Better than Ezra, and Arrested Development, it is totally worth it. About Day 2, the songs start to become repetitive but the sing-a-longs don’t stop. Mariah Carey… sing-a-long. Those Mambo Number 5 guys… sing-a-long. Tag Team is back again for another sing-a-long.
By Day 3, this was starting to slowly drive me crazy. But on Day 4, I had a revelation. It wasn’t that everyone else in the van had suddenly lost their taste; it was that this wasn’t about music at all. This was childhood nostalgia. Their love for these crappy songs is the same as my love for Bon Jovi, Guns ‘n Roses, and Young MC. My nostalgia and musical blind spots are just more likely to appear on the 80’s on 8. Once I realized the reason behind this, I began to find the 90’s on 9 much more enjoyable. Just as long as I don’t have to listen to that insufferable LFO song one more time…
We spent 2 nights in Houston recovering from the all of the alcohol that we had consumed the previous 3 nights. We made it to Star Pizza and Amy’s Ice Cream, but beyond that I quickly remembered that there is absolutely nothing touristy to do in Houston. So instead, it gave me a chance to catch up with my family and hang out by my dad’s pool. Relaxed and recharged, we headed off to Kevin’s wedding weekend in my favorite city in the country…Austin, TX.
What I’m Listening To: All I Want - Toad the Wet Sprocket, Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms, & Ditty - Paperboy
Next Stop: Austin
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