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| From | Brian Kassan <brian@powerpop.org> |
| Subject | Re: Mayor Of The Sunset Strip..(long) |
| Date | Wed, 14 Apr 2004 09:51:56 -0700 |
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I agree with everybody that this is not only interesting from a
musical/historical standpoint, but it is affecting in many ways as a
character study. For me personally, it was interesting as I know Rodney as
an acquaintance. As some folks know here in Los Angeles, the "Rock and
Roll" Denny's restaurant which was torn down a couple years ago, was
frequented by Rodney for lunch every day for years.
My family printing/stationary business is located next to the former Denny's
and I saw Rodney pull up in his pristine blue GTO every day for years. He
frequently came in our store to get pens, and various items. There is
actually a shot of Denny's in the movie and you can see our store with a
mural on the side of the building that has since been painted over.
Rodney is a very shy in person, but such a nice man. In 1997 when the first
Chewy Marble cd came out, I gave him a copy, explained to him that I had
been in the Wondermints and knew Chris Carter (their manager). Not only did
Rodney play several of our songs on his show (I'll never forget when he
played "Peculiar" and back announced it as "Particular"..:), he listed our
cd as one of his top 10 picks in Hits Magazine (a Music Industry pub) that
year. I thanked him and let him know how much that meant to us and me since
I have been listening to his show on KROQ for years--a show which shaped my
musical tastes with my first listens to X, the Specials, the Go Go's, the
Bangles, Oasis and so many other great bands. When he came into the store,
I'd always ask him what he was listening to at the moment. When our 2nd cd
came out, I walked into Denny's to find him to give him a copy. He smiled
and said thanks, I'll give it a listen. That is the kind of person he is.
Since the Denny's was torn down, I don't see him around anymore, but I know
he does go to the Canters Deli on Fairfax...:)
Some folks I've spoken to about this movie think he comes across as a kind
of tragic figure in that he has some degree of fame, but no wealth to show
for it and that he is alone (one of the more telling shots in the film is
the obviously unrequited love of his best female "friend" Camille). I think
he lived his life how he wanted to and is a very sincere and genuine person
who doesn't seem to have any agenda--only a love of music and the folks who
make music. His difficulty in opening up to the us in the documentary is
moving. Yes, he's had more than his share hardships as the movie shows, but
ultimately, I think he is a remarkable man and has been a great influence in
introducing so many great bands and performers to the U.S. before anyone
else. This movie is a great document to his legacy. Go see the movie!
Brian
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