22nd May 2004
Camper Van Carrot Juice
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In the early to mid-80’s my friends and I were residents of the “Science Computing Center”. This generally meant lots of hanging out, coding, playing frisbee, drinking massive amounts of coffee (or beer) and nearly getting arrested late one night with my friend Trygve for playing our electric guitars very loudly in an acoustically perfect underground garage at school (not for our noise, but because our electrical use was “stealing a utility”) |
Some of the backdrop at that time was the music (Clash, Stones, Pink Floyd, Suicidal Tendencies) In 1985, we latched onto Camper Van Beethoven immediately.
Trying to describe the band is like trying to describe all
of the diverse influences in college. It, and they, were all
over the place. CVB was “alternative” before there was such
a term. They were punk, middle eastern, country, bongos and
violins. I once saw them open for the Dead Kennedys (at the Novato
Theatre, of all places).
But I only have vinyl of CVB, and that’s back in California, unplayed
for a good 15 years. I had partially forgotten about my fave band
from Santa Cruz.
So it was wonderful to discover Cigarettes & Carrot Juice - The Santa Cruz Years [BOX SET]. The 1st three albums are here + 2 more CDs of live and rare bits. It’s a nostalgia trip
for me, and I’m loving every note!
“I’ve got an electric guitar and half a bottle of warm beer / I’ve got some funny ideas about what sounds good …”
