#9 The Ataris // San Dimas High School Football Rules

#9 The Ataris//San Dimas High School Football Rules

“Last night I had a dream / That we went to Disneyland / Went on all the rides / Didn’t have to wait in line.” (The Ataris)

Okay– we’re really reaching back in time now. :P

The destination?  9th and 10th grade.  A period marked by fun times, precarious relationships, and even more precarious listening habits. (Lou Bega was king of my airwaves.  Need I say more?)   But then it came.  Slowly at first, but surely.  A band played MxPx’s “Chick Magnet” during Spirit Week.  Josie and the Pussycats’ “3 Small Words” became a sing-along sensation.  And then there was that catchy song namedropping Wayne Newton and the Happiest Place on Earth.

For me, “San Dimas High School Football Rules” is one of those songs that defines an era.  It came during a time when the punk energy and raw distortion aligned perfectly with the experiences of youth.  And while I don’t listen much to Kris Roe and friends anymore, I do have him to thank for introducing me to a whole new body of music. 

And for stirring in me the occasional desire to ride the teacups at Fantasyland.

For the bonus track, I was caught between MxPx and Rufio.  MxPx won out, but not because I’m bitter about not being able to play those lightning fast Rufio songs on the drums way back when!! (grr!)

[x] The Ataris- San Dimas High School Football Rules (mp3)

[x] MxPx- Prove It To The World (mp3)

This post continues a segment on 10 influential songs/artists that have shaped the blogger’s musical tastes and otherwise rocked his world over the years.  They are in no particular order.  They are also wonderful

~ by cvaesthetic on May 8, 2009.