I'm put my music collection on shuffle mode and talking about the songs that come up. I'm less interested in giving a simple review of each song than I am in the personal emotions and memories these songs conjure. I prefer to talk about music as an experience rather than something to be measured scientifically.

“Creep” - Radiohead
From Pablo Honey

I saw Radiohead open for R.E.M. during the Monster tour back in the mid-'90s. This was way before Radiohead became the pioneers they have since become and they were mostly known for the single “Creep.” I really don't remember much of their performance either as I was really just waiting for R.E.M

I do remember seeing someone who looked suspiciously like Michael Stipe wandering around the concession area across the arena. It looked just like him actually, all lanky and bald and all of my innards cried out that I should run over and say something. Like most things with me though, my logical and shy side controlled my actions and I stayed in my seat.

When R.E.M. finally did get on stage, Stipe made a comment about watching the Radiohead performance from that side of the stage and I nearly threw up.

I went to that show with a friend from college and one of her friends. I don't remember the friend's friend's name, but I sure remember her legs. She was the driver of the group and when she got into the car she was wearing a pair of jeans. As soon as we got out of site of her house (and presumably her parents) she stripped out of those pants to reveal a short black skirt and a great pair of legs underneath. I never did ask, but always assumed her parents were against such short skirts and so the pants were camouflage until she got out of sight.

Strangely, my friend quit talking to me after that show for no particular reason, as far as I could tell. I supposed I wasn't cool or hip enough for the friend's friend and I embarrassed her. Or something. Who knows? Who cares? I got to see R.E.M and Radiohead on the same ticket which is cool enough for me. Even if I remember those legs more than the show.