QOTD – August 15th, 2013

Greetings.

Today we have a question from a good man, John Petuka.

I got this idea from a post a few days back when a couple of the
guys were talking about the band Rush.  Say what you want about their
vocals, but anybody who likes Rush knows good music and instantly earns
my respect in that regard.  Just like any young person who likes artists
that aren’t a part of the “young mainstream” music scene like Bruce
Springsteen, Soundgarden, or Sting (not Steve Borden) will also pass an
unofficial litmus test. 

So, I don’t know if you want to break it down to music or
movies, but what artists or movies that someone likes serve as your own
litmus test?  The litmus test is essentially a non-mainstream
artist/movie that hasn’t been shoved down the throat of the public
and/or is universally loved.  And if a person likes it, you have a good
idea that the person seriously knows their stuff (or is just plain
cool).

For music, I gotta say Eazy-E & NWA. They’re known to an extent, but most people don’t listen’em. So, if someone can match me verse for verse on Real Muthaphukkin G’z, I know they’re some hip cookies. Also, Blink-182. They’re my all-time favorite band. Now, I suppose knowing Blink’s work wouldn’t be the only way to get my respect, but not starting off with “They’re not punk!” or “That’s pop bullshit!” because they only know What’s My Age Again?. In 2003 Blink released an untitled record that is the most ambitious, brilliant, and gorgeous record I’ve ever heard. They completely flipped their style 180 degrees, and created a masterpiece. So, if someone knows that, and respects it, I can chaulk them up quite a few respect points. Adam Carolla is another one. He’s a hero of mine who’s busted his ass from day one to get where he is, and all he asks from people is the same. He’s an awesome guy, and most, if not all his views mirror mine.

If we’re talking movies, usually horror is how people get my respect. If you know Dream Warriors, Jason Lives, and Fright Night [1985] then we’re cool as cool gets. Of course, knowing classic Arnold & Stallone is a slam dunk as well.

How say you?

Send in your own QOTD at caliberw@hotmail.com, or you can tweet them as well @CaliberWinfield. Let us not forget scrublife.wordpress.com, where you can read my recent reviews of True Blood & Breaking Bad, as well as find out what I dubbed The 4 Most Fucking Frustrating Moments In My History With Nintendo.