Happy 4th of July! Or Independence Day! Or day to wreak havoc on the canine population!
Part of me can’t help but find this annual holiday a bit of a bummer. This aversion is connected to the whole “America, we’re #1” drunken boasting which this country has no lack of macho idiots pronouncing vehemently in the streets.
As a dog walker and owner, I see firsthand how challenging it is for many of our canine friends to process the booms, pops, and gunshots blasting constantly — not just on the 4th, but for weeks leading up to it and for a few days after. They cower and whimper and shake so intensely that many can’t help but pee themselves with fear.
I have to wonder how many of these so-called proud Americans truly stop to contemplate their country’s history. How few reflect upon what life must have been like for those fighting the American Revolutionary War in 1775, when 13 of Great Britain’s North American colonies broke away, finally gaining political independence, and going on to form the United States of America.
I thankfully leave my explosion-addicted city of Oakland every July 4th with my family to meet with friends up at a nearby river where the town has strict fireworks ordinances. It’s a way to celebrate having a few days off of work and gather with the people I love, playing Cards Against Humanity, and paddle-boarding down the river with the pups.
I do appreciate some of the 4th of July rituals. The getting together to grill steaks, corn, burgers — beef, Impossible™, and Beyond™ all welcome! — drink a couple of beers or maybe a strawberry margarita and eat an assortment of tasty desserts. Fruit crumbles, pies, brownies….
I’d like to say I’m getting hungry writing about it, but I’ve been at the river for a few days now, so this type of eating has been de rigueur. The challenge is how to make room for more gluttony. Do I kayak down to the dam? Do I try and get the dogs to chase me in circles on the lawn? Vacation sure offers a lot of important decisions to make.
This Week’s Embedded Earworm Tune (TWEET) is Meat Puppets’ “Lake of Fire.”
In terms of music to play at a 4th of July party, I can think of no better band than Meat Puppets, who knew and still know how to throw a party with the best of ‘em.
Here’s the band performing their classic song “Lake of Fire” on the late great Jon Stewart Show back in 1993.
Where do bad folks go when they die? They don't go to heaven where the angels fly They go to the lake of fire and fry Won't see them again 'till the fourth of July
It’s the perfect song for an Independence Day mix! And as good as their original version on Meat Puppets 2 is, I find myself returning to the version they recorded a decade later for the excellent Too High To Die album (1994), which may never have seen the light of day had Nirvana not helped put the Puppets on the world stage on their MTV Unplugged album.
I first saw Meat Puppets in concert at a super small club in East Los Angeles back in 1984, but I could not find info on that show in my internet search. That’s fine, because two years later I would see them again at a show I will say right now is in my top-10 greatest live concerts I’ve ever seen.
Look at that lineup in the Goldenvoice advertisement above. No, not the one with Toy Dolls and Butthole Surfers; and not the one with ska legends Bad Manners and Fishbone. As awesome as those lineups must have been, I refer to the one in the middle.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Meat Puppets, and Dead Milkmen. I don’t know anything about Raszebrae and have no memory of watching them perform. The other three though? Man oh man.
I was a huge fan of all three bands. I must have been 18 years old at the time. Fender’s was a divey, warehouse club in Long Beach, about 30 minutes southwest of Los Angeles. My buddy Rick and I arrived early to nab a close spot near the stage. Dead Milkmen vocalist Joe Genaro ("Joe Jack Talcum") roamed the stage like a man possessed, and at one point riled the crowd to chant “Ozzy! Ozzy!” over and over. Then, he dramatically reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out an Ozzy Osbourne figurine, and proceeded to bite its head off, spitting the severed bit into the audience. A rumble of sweaty male bodies pounced for the rare concert collectible. It was friggin’ awesome.
When Meat Puppets began to play, the crowd began to fill to capacity. Their highly-acclaimed 1985 release, Up On The Sun, had come out a few months prior and was the album they were touring on. One thing about Meat Puppets back then is no matter how slow and laid back a song might sound on the album, in concert it would be played at twice that speed.
Hence, a giant mosh pit erupted. As a small person, I do not do well with mosh pits. But I am resourceful and spotted the Marshall stack on the right front of the stage was scalable by dextrous small dudes like me. So I pushed to the front, climbed my way up to the top of the stack, and continued to watch my favorite band from the amazing view above them, and on the stage.
Pulling me down was not an option because I was so much smaller than the security team. Also, they had their hands full with the mosh pit. This might be a false memory, but I recall the crowd at some point chanting, “Let Him Stay!” referring to me up on the amps. Did bass player Cris Kirkwood stand in front of the amp to keep security from hassling me? Again, my memory is fuzzy, but I have strong feelings that he did, in fact, do that.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, when they began their set, got the crowd just as riled, so I kept my front-row seat atop the stack for their set as well.
RHCP was touring on the Freaky Styley album, the one produced by George Clinton before Hillel Slovak would sadly pass away. It was, in my opinion, the band’s best lineup, with Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Hillel, and drummer Cliff Martinez.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers set list at Fender’s Feb. 7, 1986. Seven cover songs — Three by Zeppelin — and only five originals. It was amazing.
The Peppers played for what felt like two hours, even though it appears they only played 12 songs. It was a funk, punk explosion. And at the end of their set, they invited the members of Meat Puppets and Dead Milkmen back to the stage and all dozen or so musicians jammed out to songs like Funkadelic’s “Cosmic Slop,” Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” and The Weirdos “We Got the Neutron Bomb.”
I stayed on my perch atop the stack the entire time. I was in rock ‘n roll heaven. My brain buzzed for days afterward, partly from the magical music and partly from the vibrations of a Marshall stack shooting sonic voltage through my butt for two hours straight. I’m feeling that buzz now, just writing about it.
Steve and Bernie on the Russian River hanging with the osprey
I know many of you do not live in the US, and so this 4th of July holiday means even less to you than it does for me, but I imagine you can appreciate spending time with friends and family, basking beneath the warm sun, beside a BBQ and a body of water, whether it be lake, river, ocean, kiddie pool or mud puddle.
Instead of letting the inconsiderate firework and M80 setters upset me, I choose to enjoy these long summer days of sun and great food and use them as a chance to find gratitude for all that I have.
Great friends, a loving, kind, beautiful wife, the best dog in the world (Bernie, above), and access to the world’s best music at the press of a few finger clicks.
I’m also grateful to all of you. Those who have recently chosen to subscribe to this Substack, those who’ve been here since the beginning in May of ‘22, and those of you who are yet to join the Earworm and Song Loops family. I welcome you all and hope that wherever you are in the world, you have things to be grateful for and time to celebrate with the people and creatures that bring you joy.
What are your feelings about the 4th of July holiday (in the US)?
Meat Puppets, the perfect summer BBQ soundtrack?
What special food item/recipe do you make for BBQ gatherings?
And what do you think Curt Kirkwood means in the last two lines of the chorus to “Lake of Fire”? They go to the lake of fire and fry / Won't see them again 'till the fourth of July
Great photo! What serene and pleasant surroundings! As for that mid-'80s, 3-band bill....that had to be borderline historic, as you had three influential alt bands, not only newly-born, but on the verge of their various levels of "breaking out"----RHCPs were only founded in '82 (believe me, I had to look)! Plus, Long Beach?!? Mega-raw-hard rock/real kinda hotbed there! The Long Beach Arena, alone, is historic in who they've hosted!
So, I was wondering if the Meat Puppets ever came within a tiny inch, say, of settling on "The Beef Marionettes" as their chosen sobriquet, before cooler, if not hipper, heads prevailed. Never one to leave well-enough alone, there's more: Did you know that Jim Henson's original pitch to PBS was about several sock-covered hands doing a show from a nearby bog? Yes, hard though it may be to believe, we almost had a frog and a pig starring as "The Peat Muppets." No truth to the rumor, though, that A&M Records' Jerry Moss was in line to direct. Well, I'll be going now.
I do envy your river trip....you and Bernie look like you had a blast, and even a relaxing blast.
Wow, a double dose of punfoolery! I believe when the Meat Puppets tour under a pseudonym, they do go by the Beef Marionettes. But don’t let that get out or it defeats the purpose (demeats the porpoise?). I think I like The Peat Muppets better though.
And yeah - that was a pretty big triple bill show; at the time, it was 50/50 who was more a headlining band, the MPs or the RHCPs. Not the DMs though. Sadly, all milkmen are now officially dead, unless we start counting the teat pullers. Which is also a great band name.
I’m back home now of a few hours ago. It was a blast and there were two dogs and one day 3 dogs. All of them got along like BFFs. I’ve been up late trying to get the next piece done. I’m very intrigued what you’ll think of it. It’s a big off from my usual style. Only a bit though.
Glad you're back! Also glad the bow-wows got along. Makes sense, as none have any property or food source to defend! I look forward to your new one! Hope you dig my new one, dropping in 10 minutes as I write this! Can you say 2003 alt anthem turned sports anthem?
Great post - I share your feelings about the 4th, and having moved to the UK means I only have to experience it vicariously (though my 13 year old son rang me at school yesterday just so he could sing a few lines of The Star Spangled Banner - he didn't make it far as he started laughing). Though I do miss the 4th being the middle of summer break - many schools don't break up here until late July. And I also feel the same about fireworks - hate them. Not the go-down-to-the-river-bank-and-see-a-proper-show type as those can be works of art, but the idiots-blowing-up-things-in-the-middle-of-the-evening type. Here in England that occurs before, during and after 5th November - when Guy Fawkes 17th century failed attempt to blow up Parliament is celebrated by, well, blowing stuff up and building massive bonfires. Lovely irony.
As for the Meat Puppets - Too High to Die is a GREAT album that I only recently rediscovered while resurrecting my CD collection. Like many, it was their performance on Nirvana's Unplugged session that introduced me to them - and I went straight out and bought both THtD and Meat Puppets II - also, a great one. I'll be listening to both tonight!
Yes! I feel like the Meat Puppets are a quintessential American band. No other band has better blended the punk and jam band aesthetics than the Puppets. I saw them perform right before the pandemic and it was a great show. Kurt and Kris have gained a ton of weight, and sport giant gray beards, but Derek looks the same behind the drums! He rejoined the band right before the tour.
How long ago did you move to the UK? It was so nice not hearing a single blast, explosion or gunshot last night....
Oh and my husband and daughter are making shawarma - no bbq. The cherry on top is the performative aspect of how she serves the shawarma. Let’s just say there’s a trucker hat involved and some ‘tude and I’m totally there for it
I share the dislike of fireworks. One night only I can handle but it’s the lingering before and after. My dog is terrified of the sounds and is pretty miserable. Sounds like you have a solid plan of being in a place where you are shielded from the jarring noise. Looks like you are having a blast too! No pun intended.
We never heard a single blast last night! So lovely. I do appreciate your daughter's attention to detail and way with blending cultural traditions: the blue-collar 'Merica trucker-hat and 'tude while making shawarma. That's a particular skill the younger generations are especially adept at.
I beg to differ with you on one point in your piece. The best dog in the world? Bernie? Maybe he’s the best dog in your world but in THE world, you know damn well it’s Lil Bear! 😂 Happy floating on the river and F*UCK the 4th which represents the founding of one nation by destroying Indigenous nations and stealing their land! #LandBack
Yeah, lil Bear is a close second, but if he can’t handle meeting Bernie then he doesn’t reach Bernie levels…;) And, yeah, I wasn’t gonna go into the larger issue of the 4th, of calling stealing and murder “discovering.” Wanna keep it short and more music focused.
Jul 4, 2023·edited Jul 4, 2023Liked by Steve Goldberg
My thought on the 4th is that it would be nice if people used it as a chance to reflect on our nation, and gauzy ideals like aspiration, the collective, etc. But I also get why people want to cut loose, rip around on jet skis and blow shit up. I'm usually at work, so maybe that's all just a weird sort of FOMO.
Up on the Sun, and Lake of Fire are perfect for the 4th. Please tell me you quietly sang "Backwater" on one of your trips down the river.
P.S. I never saw the Meat puppets play, but can confirm that RHCP and the Dead Milkmen both tore the roof off when I saw them.
I get why people want to let loose and ride jet skis but blow shit up? I was into that as a teen, but find it enormously immature and inconsiderate from adults. I’m not talking about organized firework events and sparklers; I refer to the people who get a thrill “blowing shit up.” It all triggers (pun intended) my extreme avoidance of a certain kind of macho “war is cool” mentality. I guess I relate to dogs more than most humans these days.
Great photo! What serene and pleasant surroundings! As for that mid-'80s, 3-band bill....that had to be borderline historic, as you had three influential alt bands, not only newly-born, but on the verge of their various levels of "breaking out"----RHCPs were only founded in '82 (believe me, I had to look)! Plus, Long Beach?!? Mega-raw-hard rock/real kinda hotbed there! The Long Beach Arena, alone, is historic in who they've hosted!
So, I was wondering if the Meat Puppets ever came within a tiny inch, say, of settling on "The Beef Marionettes" as their chosen sobriquet, before cooler, if not hipper, heads prevailed. Never one to leave well-enough alone, there's more: Did you know that Jim Henson's original pitch to PBS was about several sock-covered hands doing a show from a nearby bog? Yes, hard though it may be to believe, we almost had a frog and a pig starring as "The Peat Muppets." No truth to the rumor, though, that A&M Records' Jerry Moss was in line to direct. Well, I'll be going now.
I do envy your river trip....you and Bernie look like you had a blast, and even a relaxing blast.
Wow, a double dose of punfoolery! I believe when the Meat Puppets tour under a pseudonym, they do go by the Beef Marionettes. But don’t let that get out or it defeats the purpose (demeats the porpoise?). I think I like The Peat Muppets better though.
And yeah - that was a pretty big triple bill show; at the time, it was 50/50 who was more a headlining band, the MPs or the RHCPs. Not the DMs though. Sadly, all milkmen are now officially dead, unless we start counting the teat pullers. Which is also a great band name.
I’m back home now of a few hours ago. It was a blast and there were two dogs and one day 3 dogs. All of them got along like BFFs. I’ve been up late trying to get the next piece done. I’m very intrigued what you’ll think of it. It’s a big off from my usual style. Only a bit though.
Glad you're back! Also glad the bow-wows got along. Makes sense, as none have any property or food source to defend! I look forward to your new one! Hope you dig my new one, dropping in 10 minutes as I write this! Can you say 2003 alt anthem turned sports anthem?
Great post - I share your feelings about the 4th, and having moved to the UK means I only have to experience it vicariously (though my 13 year old son rang me at school yesterday just so he could sing a few lines of The Star Spangled Banner - he didn't make it far as he started laughing). Though I do miss the 4th being the middle of summer break - many schools don't break up here until late July. And I also feel the same about fireworks - hate them. Not the go-down-to-the-river-bank-and-see-a-proper-show type as those can be works of art, but the idiots-blowing-up-things-in-the-middle-of-the-evening type. Here in England that occurs before, during and after 5th November - when Guy Fawkes 17th century failed attempt to blow up Parliament is celebrated by, well, blowing stuff up and building massive bonfires. Lovely irony.
As for the Meat Puppets - Too High to Die is a GREAT album that I only recently rediscovered while resurrecting my CD collection. Like many, it was their performance on Nirvana's Unplugged session that introduced me to them - and I went straight out and bought both THtD and Meat Puppets II - also, a great one. I'll be listening to both tonight!
Yes! I feel like the Meat Puppets are a quintessential American band. No other band has better blended the punk and jam band aesthetics than the Puppets. I saw them perform right before the pandemic and it was a great show. Kurt and Kris have gained a ton of weight, and sport giant gray beards, but Derek looks the same behind the drums! He rejoined the band right before the tour.
How long ago did you move to the UK? It was so nice not hearing a single blast, explosion or gunshot last night....
Thanks for reading.
I moved to the UK in August 2002 - came as a visiting teacher and stayed!
Oh and my husband and daughter are making shawarma - no bbq. The cherry on top is the performative aspect of how she serves the shawarma. Let’s just say there’s a trucker hat involved and some ‘tude and I’m totally there for it
I share the dislike of fireworks. One night only I can handle but it’s the lingering before and after. My dog is terrified of the sounds and is pretty miserable. Sounds like you have a solid plan of being in a place where you are shielded from the jarring noise. Looks like you are having a blast too! No pun intended.
We never heard a single blast last night! So lovely. I do appreciate your daughter's attention to detail and way with blending cultural traditions: the blue-collar 'Merica trucker-hat and 'tude while making shawarma. That's a particular skill the younger generations are especially adept at.
I beg to differ with you on one point in your piece. The best dog in the world? Bernie? Maybe he’s the best dog in your world but in THE world, you know damn well it’s Lil Bear! 😂 Happy floating on the river and F*UCK the 4th which represents the founding of one nation by destroying Indigenous nations and stealing their land! #LandBack
Yeah, lil Bear is a close second, but if he can’t handle meeting Bernie then he doesn’t reach Bernie levels…;) And, yeah, I wasn’t gonna go into the larger issue of the 4th, of calling stealing and murder “discovering.” Wanna keep it short and more music focused.
My thought on the 4th is that it would be nice if people used it as a chance to reflect on our nation, and gauzy ideals like aspiration, the collective, etc. But I also get why people want to cut loose, rip around on jet skis and blow shit up. I'm usually at work, so maybe that's all just a weird sort of FOMO.
Up on the Sun, and Lake of Fire are perfect for the 4th. Please tell me you quietly sang "Backwater" on one of your trips down the river.
P.S. I never saw the Meat puppets play, but can confirm that RHCP and the Dead Milkmen both tore the roof off when I saw them.
And hell yeah I sang “Backwater” while kayaking down the river! “To feel the daybreak on my face, there’s a blood that’s flowing through the feeling.”
I get why people want to let loose and ride jet skis but blow shit up? I was into that as a teen, but find it enormously immature and inconsiderate from adults. I’m not talking about organized firework events and sparklers; I refer to the people who get a thrill “blowing shit up.” It all triggers (pun intended) my extreme avoidance of a certain kind of macho “war is cool” mentality. I guess I relate to dogs more than most humans these days.