First Things First

Philadelphia is a city of “firsts” in the U.S.  Among other things, it boasts the first public school in America, the first public library, the first hospital, the first volunteer fire department, and the first zoo.  The first Congress of the U.S. met in Philly.  On the arts side of things, Philly is home to the first art museum in the U.S. and the first permanent theatre. 

This got me thinking about some of my own firsts.  Now, I can’t compete with Philly, but I did just come across a ticket stub to the first concert I ever saw.  Here’s a picture:

Loggins and Messina, can you believe it?  I guess you could say that I started slowly but worked up to the big time soon enough.  Hey, at least it only cost me $6.50.

After finding this ticket stub, I thought of some of my other personal rock history firsts.  They're a little better than the first concert.  When I turned six, I was gifted my first ever record:  a 45 by the Hollies (BTW, who gives a 6 year old a rock record?  My parents!).  “Carrie Anne” is the name of the song, and it’s still good.  Take a listen:

 
Soon enough, I actually spent my own money and bought my first ever record.  Another 45, this one by the Human Beinz, called “Nobody But Me.”  I still like this song, too, but its silly lyrics and rockin’ sound are harbingers for me, don’t you think?

Finally, I broke down and purchased my first LP.  This one is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and is the subject of a huge reissue and lots or press.  And, since we are talking of firsts, it is the first rock album with a fold out album cover.  It’s the Beatles, “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”  I could stop with that and earn cool points (badly needed after the Loggins and Messina concert), but I’ll fill the gaps a little bit. 

I wanted to buy an album, and my older brother was all about the Beatles.  He was buying “Magical Mystery Tour,” which had just come out, and I said I wanted to buy it.  He told me to buy something different and shoved Sergeant Pepper’s at me.  So I bought it.  Can you hear me bleating like a sheep about now?    

Cool points firmly trampled, here’s a track from that album that is fun, loving, and unfortunately for me, getting closer to reality:  “When I’m 64.”

I’m not going to talk about some of my other firsts.  But musically, that about does it.  The funny thing is that I am still such a grommie with live music – it still has a kick for me.  First times forever!

I hope all is right in your world.  And to finish off this post of “firsts,” here’s Madonna with “Like A Virgin.”  See ya real soon.