The year the music died

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The year the music died
by Jahanshah Javid
12-Jan-2010
 

A few months ago my cousin Shirin emailed some old photos. They were from the summer of 1976. I was 14 and had just arrived from Abadan, waiting to start my freshman year at Thacher, a boarding school in the small town of Ojai, a couple of hours north of Los Angeles. I was staying at an apartment in Santa Monica shared by Shirin and my older brother Roger, who were in their early 20s. I couldn't wait to grow up and live like them, free from parents, do whatever you liked, go wherever you wanted, be with whoever you desired.

When I saw the above photo, I remembered that room well even after more than 33 years. Opposite where I sat was my brother's TV which was  showing the Democratic Party's national convention. Jimmy Carter was giving a speech. I was witnessing democracy in action for the first time. The concept of elections and voting for candidates was new to me. There was nothing close to that when I was growing up in Iran, where we had a Shah and he was the head of state forever. None of this noisy convention business impressed me. Looked more like a circus with red white and blue balloons flying and people wearing silly hats.

Much more than politics, I was into pop culture, especially music. I loved listening to FM radio and American Top 40. One of my favorite songs at the time was "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John & Kiki Dee. Obviously my taste was pretty gay, so to speak. And my very first album proved it. One day I was at a record store on Westwood Blvd with Shirin. She said she would buy any album I wanted. I'm embarrassed to say that I chose Vicki Sue Robinson's "Turn the Beat Around". And I still think the title track is a great song! Yikes!

A lot changed when I entered boarding school as I was exposed to a wider range of bands and musicians. Hank my next-door neighbor introduced me to Elton John's masterpiece "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". Another dorm-mate frequently played Peter Frampton's live album on his stereo on high volume and then on his electric guitar. One of my classmates with big rock-star hair and a southern accent from New Orleans was into Lynyrd Skynyrd. Another was a big fan of Chicago.

The dorm counselor played what I thought was the strangest music. His room was behind mine and I could hear stuff never played on the radio coming through our joint wall. It wasn't rock, it wasn't pop, and certainly not classical. It had a great beat though.  One day I was passing by his room and the door was open. I saw a big poster on the wall of a guy with crazy hair and a beautiful smile named Bob Marley. I think it was through the same wall that I fell in love with WAR.

Walking to class every morning I heard music from Heart, Jefferson Starship, the great Steve Miller Band and the incredible Blondie blaring out of the windows in another dorm building.

My father had bought me a small cassette-tape machine when I first arrived at the school. The only music I remember coming out of that box was the Bee Gees' "Nights on Broadway". But when my father and brother Roger visited me a couple of months later, I got the greatest gift in the world: a used, no-name-brand record player for $20 from a classmate who had a for-sale sign on his door in our dorm. From then on, my record collection steadily grew.

One of my favorite pastimes was to go to the record store -- I especially remember Warehouse Records on Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach, when me and my younger sister Michelle were living with my sister Sue-San and her husband Hossein. I rarely bought anything because a) I usually couldn't afford it and b) I didn't know most of the artists. My main source for new music was the radio stations and they mostly played pop songs. So I would stare at the big, colorful album covers and wonder: Should I pay seven bucks for these scary guys called Aerosmith? What on earth is Led Zeppelin? The Cars? It was a big risk because you couldn't return something once the plastic wrap had been removed. I thought long and hard before I bought Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life". Great album.

I paid what seemed like a fortune for the best of The Beatles in two double-albums. It was worth every cent. And their collection of love songs too from the years with Capitol Records, which drowned me in romantic fantasies of my girlfriend Laura in Hawaii. I faithfully bought every album by Paul McCartney's Wings. All except for "Band on the Run" were, I don't want to say junk, but not so good except for a couple of hit songs in each one.
 
I was so obsessed with Boston's first album that their next didn't have a chance in hell to meet my expectations. But everything Fleetwood Mac put out was awesome. No one was more beautiful, or could sing a ballad like Linda Ronstadt. Boz Scaggs' "Silk Degrees" was an instant classic. The Eagles didn't have one song I didn't like. Same with Supertramp -- God they were so good!

Music was my biggest pleasure.

***

Sometime in late summer, early fall 1979, I made my decision. I put all my albums in a bag and walked over to a second-hand record store somewhere in Huntington Beach in southern California. The man paid me 50 cents for each and I walked out without sadness or hesitation. I was proud I had sacrificed my most precious possessions for Islam and the revolution.

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more from Jahanshah Javid
 
Monda

4JJ :o)

by Monda on Wed Mar 03, 2010 09:42 AM PST


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Jahanshah Javid

Across the Universe

by Jahanshah Javid on Sat Jan 16, 2010 09:41 AM PST

Thanks Monda! This is not just of the best songs The Beatles ever did, but one of the best all time. Perfect song for my iPod when I shoot off into the Great Unknown :))


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Monda

JJ,

by Monda on Sat Jan 16, 2010 08:51 AM PST


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Monda

Ari, this is why you are my idol!

by Monda on Thu Jan 14, 2010 01:08 PM PST

You pay attention to important facts and nuances, then you always have a beautiful way to present them! 


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Ari Siletz

Monda

by Ari Siletz on Thu Jan 14, 2010 01:04 PM PST

Great Led Zepplin link. Kashmir is a favorite. The opening phrases remind me of the James Bond theme. Some on the web say the repeating phrase in "Golden Eye" is a variation of Kashmir. Others say Kashmir was inspired by the original Bond theme. At any rate, to me Golden Eye sounds like an elevator version of the brilliant Kashmir.

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never ever again

JJ, your daughter Mahdiyeh has your sweet smile

by never ever again on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:45 AM PST

in case you haven't noticed yet :)


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Monda

I hope you can listen to this one!

by Monda on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:11 AM PST


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Cost-of-Progress

PArviz

by Cost-of-Progress on Thu Jan 14, 2010 06:03 AM PST

Thanks for the Camel feedback. The only easy way to get them in the US is through the Web. I'll try the other two albums you mentioned. I had been listening to them since high school in Iran (mid 70's) and had followed them afterward. In 1998, I spent some time in UK on an assignment and was able to easily get their music there, of course. 

As for others, I had gone to a few Roger Waters concerts here too over the years. In the past few years he had become increasingly (more than before) political. A few years ago in a concert he started cursing Bush for the Iraq war while singing songs from his "Amused to Death" album. Funny thing is the concert was in Patriot Center in Virgina; not too far from DC! The guy is passionate, that's for sure.

I must admit that I wasn't as pure as you were going to those concerts. A few mind altering substances, I recall, were utilized to enhace the experince......seems like a long time ago.

Good talking to you.

____________________

IRAN BEFORE ISLAM 

____________________


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PArviz

@cost-of-progress

by PArviz on Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:33 AM PST

Holy crap, I just read your post. that's amazing. You must be in Europe, ay? Their latest album that I have is "Harbour of Tears" and it is fan-tas-tic. Are there newer ones that you know of?

 


Do you know BJH?

************************

Yes, I was in England at that time.

After the "harbour of Tears" album they released "Rajaz" and "A Nod And A Wink". Unfortunately Andy Latimer has some sort of cancer and that's part of the reason Camel ceased touring. He is doing better now (//www.camelproductions.com/).

As for BJH (Barclays James Harvest), Yes I do know them and I distinctly remember at their concert one part of the drum set came apart and despite their efforts they could not fix it. They apologized and continued playing. I, at least, couldn't notice the effect of the missing drum part on their sound, it was as good as always. It was a great concert too.

By the way, I had a look at your list, an impressive one it is too. I have seen all of them in concert except for ELO, Peter Gabriel and Led Zeppelin. I enjoyed this kind of music without ever taking any kind of drugs, the music itself was the most effective and uplifting drug for me. I feel so lucky to have been able to experience the music of these bands in person at their concerts.


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Onlyiran

Of course

by Onlyiran on Wed Jan 13, 2010 10:00 AM PST

an ode to this great song should not be missed in light of the title of your blog:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6uEjifqTaI&feature=related


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faryarm

TURN THIS UP LOUD !

by faryarm on Wed Jan 13, 2010 09:17 AM PST

Ten Years After, I'd like to change the World 

Timeless and Relevant....and Powerful... 


//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhp6Upgg9Qk


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Faramarz

Letting Go of Your LP’s – A Stage in Man’s Evolution

by Faramarz on Wed Jan 13, 2010 09:11 AM PST

Thanks for the memories J.J.

Don’t feel bad about selling your LP’s for Islam. There comes a point in a man’s life that he has to part with his LP’s. That’s a part of a young man’s evolution. Mine happened in two steps. First, they all went into a box and storage, and then after much anguish, I gave them all away.

I had almost the same selection as you had; maybe a little bit heavier in Reggae with Peter Tosh and also a lot of jazz with the Dizzy, Ella, Billie Holiday, Coletrane and Brubeck.

The solo drum piece below is a masterpiece.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2In5a9LDNg


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anonymous111.2

Here you go

by anonymous111.2 on Wed Jan 13, 2010 08:48 AM PST

the best song EVER made.  A truly timeless piece of art:

 //www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfNMrnTlK-w&feature=related


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Jahanshah Javid

Pink Floyd & Genesis

by Jahanshah Javid on Wed Jan 13, 2010 08:32 AM PST

The same summer I arrived in U.S. from Abadan (1976) one my cousins, Shahriar, who was in his 20s, played some Pink Floyd -- from their Dark Side of the Moon album -- on his fancy stereo. In particular I remember the song "Money". I thought the music was cool, but too cool. I was only 14 and it was too deep for me to care. I was a sucker for love songs and dance music. I still am, but I do appreciate Pink Floyd a lot more now.

As for Genesis, I just wasn't exposed to them. I think they were great and their music has certainly stood the test of time.

Queen I liked too, but not enough to buy their early albums. I was late bloomer -- story of my life!


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Monda

Speaking of Phil, I just remembered!

by Monda on Wed Jan 13, 2010 07:45 AM PST


My main argument with my boyfriend in the early '80's was about he insisting that Phil Collins was too short for me!  I argued that when one is in Love, height didn't matter! When he told me if I were tiny he would not be as attracted to me, I stoped talking to him for a few days, until he apologized. I was/ still am 5'7".

Luckily I had a no-show so I had to leave this piece here :o) 


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Cost-of-Progress

Wow PArviz, you know Camel??

by Cost-of-Progress on Wed Jan 13, 2010 07:24 AM PST

Holy crap, I just read your post. that's amazing. You must be in Europe, ay? Their latest album that I have is "Harbour of Tears" and it is fan-tas-tic. Are there newer ones that you know of?

Do you know BJH? 

____________________

IRAN BEFORE ISLAM 

____________________


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oktaby

Was is 70's or a different planet?

by oktaby on Wed Jan 13, 2010 07:14 AM PST

I hated disco but //www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y9fYDyFuHU

this was a newcomer //www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB3b1W6rEDw

was cool cafe by same name in Den Haag  //www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCfVFxRsKQc

OKtaby


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Monda

For JJ and PArviz

by Monda on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:14 AM PST

Genesis concerts were some of the Best ever!

Oh man I had such a huge crush on Phil Collins! I fantasized about him singing it to Me one day :o)

 //www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7ld88yfD8c&feature=related


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Cost-of-Progress

Pink Floyd, Exactly

by Cost-of-Progress on Wed Jan 13, 2010 06:54 AM PST

I too was looking for Pink Floyd as I read this piece. I am a Pink Floyd fanatic and a bit older than Mr. Javid, but agree that those days music was one of the main attractions and focus. I still find myself drawn to those artists because most of today's music just doesn't do it for me. I also listened to a lot of stuff that was outside the mainstream music played on the radio.

These are some of the names that bring back a lot of memories:

ELO, Mike Oldfield (still a favorite), Tangerine Dream, Camel, Barclay James Harvest (two British groups most people do not know in US), Led Zeppelin, Genesis (gee, I almost forgot to list them - big fan), Peter Gabriel (but, of course), Did I mention Pink Floyd??? and many others.

____________________

IRAN BEFORE ISLAM  , EVERYDAY

____________________


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Monda

PArviz thanks for waking me up this morning :o)

by Monda on Wed Jan 13, 2010 06:45 AM PST

I'm listening to your recommneded links while munching on my carrots and apples.  It'll be a good day even if I'd feel a rush of memories with some of those songs. 


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Monda

as Ari said, boghz on PF and Genesis!

by Monda on Wed Jan 13, 2010 06:42 AM PST

Actually make that double boghz!

 


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PArviz

What kind of an Iranian

by PArviz on Wed Jan 13, 2010 04:34 AM PST

What kind of an Iranian "teenager in the 70's" are you without a mention of Pink Floyd or Camel?

Well, everybody knows Pink Floyd of course but if you are into melodic, soulful and emotional guitar listen to Camel. They were simply out of this world. I have seen most of big rock bands in concert (Pink Floyd, Genesis, Queen, Eagles, Santana...) but the one etched in my mind forever was Camel's (and of course The Wall by Pink Floyd). Here are a few links for those who want to check Camel out:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0GPn7aIUtg

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBhNExZSKGQ

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLarYtjkPRA

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTVnCyDoQlQ

 

Enjoy!


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MeyBokhor_Manbarbesuzan

Music and religiousness in harmony

by MeyBokhor_Manbarbesuzan on Wed Jan 13, 2010 01:03 AM PST

Supertramp – Lord Is It Mine

I know that there's a reason why I need to be alone
You show me there's a silent place that I can call my own
Is it mine, Oh! Lord is it mine?

You know I get so weary from the battles in this life
and as many times it seems that you're the only hope in sight
Is it mine, Oh! Lord is it mine?

When everything's dark and nothing seems right,
there's nothing to win, and there's no need to fight

I never cease to wonder at the cruelty of this land
but it seems a time of sadness is a time to understand
Is it mine, Oh! Lord is it mine?

When everything's dark and nothing seems right,
You don't have to win, and there's no need to fight

If only I could find a way
to feel your sweetness through the day
The love that shines around me could be mine.
So give us an answer, won't you,
We know what we have to do,
There must be a thousand voices trying to get through.


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Hovakhshatare

aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh, if only we had reform and not the

by Hovakhshatare on Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:06 AM PST


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Ari Siletz

Beautiful writing!

by Ari Siletz on Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:43 PM PST

Boghz!

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Monda

Yes, What a Cutie!

by Monda on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:54 PM PST

I guess that's the sign of genius because we can still appreciate their music.


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faryarm

Summer of '76 and the New Wave...

by faryarm on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:46 PM PST

The Summer of '76 was when even the The Stones went Disco.

Punk and Johnny Rotten's Puke became the Rave and

American Disco ruined everything and Music became melted Ice Cream..

but help was at hand as Marley, and the rise of Roots Reggae, and the following New Wave of music of The Stranglers, The Police and others like Kate Bush, Elvis Costello and the lovable Ian Dury who sent us back to buying those LPs and EPs again..

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnwhi381hnA

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDC9Y9bJMqc

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiNHe7BUqhc

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEJH6clqfUI

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F5XHZ0NPGc

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5snIxUBVjw


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faryarm

My Fave Song...from the key of Life...

by faryarm on Tue Jan 12, 2010 08:51 PM PST

PASTIME PARADISE

They've been spending most their lives

Living in a future paradise

They've been spending most their lives

Living in a future paradise

"They've been looking in their minds

For the day that sorrow's gone from time

They keep telling of the day

When the Savior of love will come to stay

Tell me who of them will come to be

How many of them are you and me?

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=840uku8_T4Q


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Jahanshah Javid

Child of Vision

by Jahanshah Javid on Tue Jan 12, 2010 07:59 PM PST

Thanks MasoudA. Supertramp's song is right on the money. Good thing I found myself a "new ambition"!

CHILD OF VISION

Well, who do you think you`re foolin`?
You say you`re havin fun,
But you`re busy going nowhere,
Just lyin in the sun.

You tried to be a hero,
commit the perfect crime
but the dollar got you dancing
and you`re running out of time.

You`re messin`up the water
You`re rollin`in the wine
You`re poisoning your body
You`re poisoning your mind
You gave me Coca-Cola
You said it tasted good
You watch the television
It tells you that you should

How can you live in this way ?
-(Why do you think it`s so strange ?)
You must have something to say
-(Tell me why I should change ?)
There must be more than this life.
It`s time we did something right.

Child of Vision, won`t you listen
Find yourself a new ambition.

I`ve heard it all before
You`re saying nothing new
I thought I saw a rainbow
but I guess it wasn`t true
You cannot make me listen
I cannot make you hear
You find your way to heaven
I`ll meet you when you`re there.

How can you live in this way?
-(Why do you think it`s so strange ?)
You must have something to say
-(Tell me why I should change)
We have no reason to fight
cos we both know that we`re right

Child of Vision, won`t you listen
Find yourself a new ambition.


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Jahanshah Javid

February...

by Jahanshah Javid on Tue Jan 12, 2010 07:53 PM PST

A great song. Perfect for the occasion.

"But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldn't take one more step."

February... February 11, 1979 to be exact.

Thanks Khar.


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