Nostalgic for Nothing

I guess I'm getting to the age (32) where I have things to look back on a bit enviously. I suppose you're always told to cherish what you have, and that you don't know what it's like when you grow up - so enjoy being a kid. How can anyone actually do either of those things? Of course, if I could go back and do it again I would have done many things differently (17 Again), but I can't. All I have now is the memories and (thankfully) the music that works as the soundtrack to those memories. I've done a lot of growing up in the past three years and I've realized this ain't easy. I've taken a lot of things for granted and have lived a fairly easy life. I'm grateful for everyone who has been there for me over the years.
This mix (and stories) range from 1994 - 1998ish. I graduated High School in 95 and left college in 1998, so I was pretty young. All this music helped shaped who I am today. Ahh, the nostalgia... only pleasant for me.
the College Years
Catherine - songs about girls
my first college roommate (and friend in High School) Joe Cassan introduced me to this band. He liked them because Billy Corgan did. He was a big Smashing Pumpkins fan.
Texas is the Reason - dressing cold
I remember listening to this EP in the cd player of my girlfriends parents car in Chicago one summer... '96? Could be...
Archers of Loaf - web in front
I really wanted this to be the song for my part in a skate video. When my friends finally put a skate video together (after our trip to San Francisco) I got the song "California Dreamin'" covered by some Japanese Punk band. Thanks Randy.
Gods Reflex - musings on an otherwise anniversary
I still have no idea why Gods Reflex never got big. I listened to this album thousands of times. I still go back to it every once in a while. They apparently got back together and recorded a new album. I have it, but can't get through it.
Tuesday - another disco party?
After Slapstick, but before Alkaline Trio, Dan Andriano formed his version of an Emo band, Tuesday. I saw them a couple times and listed to their album and EP way too much for a college boy getting his heart broken over and over again.
Mephiskapheles - eskamoes
Yeah, I went through a ska phase. Didn't everyone? I still enjoy this song and album. Mephiskapheles was cool.
Braid - a dozen roses
EMO. This is one of best emo songs ever written. I loved this album. It helped me survive the transition from college to the real world/big city of Chicago.
Sunny Day Real Estate - theo b
At one of my first big parties in college, a senior played this song and I said "that sounds like Sunny Day Real Estate" - and he told me it was, they just released a new album that doesn't have a title. It's pink!
Pegboy - strong reaction
This song will always remind me of skateboarding in Chicago.
Blur - parklife
Another band Joe Cassan forced me into liking. Blur is talented and this album is great.
Jawbreaker - sluttering (may 4th)
My freshman year of college. Dear You came out (Jawbreaker's major label debut) and I lived by it. I wanted them to be the biggest band in the world. They broke up.
Screeching Weasel - cindy's on methadone
Another band that transitioned me from high school to college. I loved Ben Weasel's sense of humor in his song writing.
Oblivion - actress
The greatest Chicago punk band - Oblivion. I probably saw them play live 25 times. Their second album was released while I was a freshman at EIU and I was upset I had to miss the record release shows in Chicago. boo.
Dinosaur Jr - sideways
This song will forever remind me of my good friend Jason Thomas Brown. I wish I could track him down... the last time we saw each other we saw American Movie at the Music Box in Chicago. Where'd you go, Jason?
Sicko - sprinkler
This song is on the soundtrack from my trip from Chicago to SF and back with three good friends (Randy, Brian and Matt). What a great trip. Summer '96.
J Church - nostalgic for nothing
J Church made me want to start paying attention to social and political issues. Thank you Lance Hahn. RIP.
Not Rebecca - fall again away
A band that only a handful of people in Chicago know about. I listened to this album waaaaay to much my freshman year of college
Sebadoh - skull
I was a member of the J Mascis / Dinosaur Jr fanclub over the Lou Barlow / Sebadoh club, but when a girl gave me this song on a mixtape, it changed my mind.
Jawbox - cornflake girl
If anyone could make me enjoy Tori Amos, it would be Jawbox. I saw these guys play at the Metro and was stunned and how great a live band they were.
Pink Lincolns - I got you
Nothing good comes out of Florida. Except for the Pink Lincolns and the first pair of E's Eric Koston shoes I ever got. They were blue and rad.
Superchunk - hyper enough
I will always remember the Sunday night ritual in my freshman dorm room. Papa John's pizza / dukes of hazzard / blades of steal / 120 minutes. This video premiered that year.
Zoinks! - ugly side
Zack left the band before I got a chance to see these guys live. Funny thing is, Squirtgun came two weeks after Zoinks! and Zack was in that band. I don't know why I was such a big Squirtgun fan...
Alkaline Trio - 97
This song came out in 1995. Why was it called 97? Matt Skiba confused me. This was my favorite song on that Johann's face compilation. I'm glad Dan joined this band and they released a few good albums.
the Vindictives - I'm in trouble now
This one stayed with me from High School. Chicago punk rock at its snottiest and best.

Wow.