By 1995, I knew King’s X only as the band behind the catchy-as-hell single “Over My Head.” Cool song, sure — but I wasn’t what you’d call a fan
Then… everything changed.
While working at Boscov’s (yes, that place comes up in my stories a lot), I met an awesome girl named Lorie. One day, she handed me a tape titled Gretchen Goes to Nebraska. And let me tell you, this thing was a game-changer.
Until then, I had no idea just how great King’s X really was. That tape flipped every preconceived notion I had. Friends, this record hits hard on so many levels. Honestly, I felt cheated for not having it in my collection sooner.
Right from the jump, you get the triumvirate of “Out of the Silent Planet,” “Over My Head,” and “Summerland” — three tracks that should have any true music fan bouncing like a kid about to get his first kiss.
Then along comes “Everybody Knows a Little Bit of Something,” which slaps harder than your auntie when she hits bingo at church. I’ve been lucky enough to see the band play this one live a few times, and every time it’s burned my face clean off.
This shared love for the record actually brought Lorie and me closer. Many post-work listens led to some pretty intense makeout sessions. Ah, to be 22 again.
Next up is “The Difference,” which flows seamlessly into “I’ll Never Be the Same” with a kickass groove that won’t quit. But my personal highlight? “Send a Message” — a head-boppin’, toe-tappin’ jam that’s criminally absent from the setlists of every King’s X show I’ve seen. The three-part harmonies of dUg Pinnick, Ty Tabor, and Jerry Gaskill shine like fireworks in a summer night sky.
Closing this magnificent beast is “The Burning Down,” with Tabor taking the lead vocals and absolutely nailing it.
Man… 1995 feels like a lifetime ago — and in many ways, it was. But I’ll always have the memories of that summer, and the music that made it unforgettable. So guess what? I win.
— THE MAESTRO
