JOHN SALCIDO'S LIST OF LAST DECADES' GOODNESS
Over the time I have known John Salcido I have found him to be an ever-increasingly kindred spirit. My first encounters with him were at that hub/nexus of the universe, Lou's Records. He was a very helpful, knowledgable and smiling guy who I always found to have a few great insights or comments on music. Fast forward a bit and one day I walk into Buffalo Brothers Guitars (one of the few REAL-DEAL music shops in SD county!!) and Lo and Behold it's John again! He now works there and is one of the most knowledgable music gear folks there are. It also turned out that he is engaged to my other pal Kristin and that just makes things all the better. Over time I have found that we share a number of interests and passions. We're both intrigued by fringe and mainstream science. We both are conspiracy/UFO nuts and while we find these various topics engrossing we're not above stepping back from them and seeing the funny. He's a deep person. He thinks deeply about the things he loves. He puts care and effort into his art and music (he plays bass in local Hard-Rock band Sweet Ever After-check them out!) and all the while he maintains a lightness and humor. It seems like it's a rare thing to make good new friends in this hyped up, texting, technologically isolating world of ours and I'm glad to count John as one of mine. Here is his list!

In no order what so ever, my top 10 of the first 10!

(But really, probably my #1 of this decade)

Tool 10,000 Days
Maynards lyrics and cadence can move me to tears nearly everytime I push play, at some point during this album! Definitely goosebumps upon hearing his angelic whispers! They lay down more knowledge than most big bands. They along with bands like Muse really give a thing or two to think about with issues regarding Aliens, Sacred Geometry, and all of the Energies that surround us! (Cue Chorus of Coltrane's version of "My favorite things!")

Beck Sea Change
This album came to me a time of transition, when I too along with Beck, learned lessons of love, and how hard it can be sometimes.

Radiohead
Pretty much every album they released this decade made me bob my head a time or two. Their live shows are worth killing an aunt or second cousin to see.

A Perfect Circle 13th Step
Yeah, yeah, yeah! Another Maynard choice! What can I say?! I love me some Maynard! With the kick off track "The Package"- That beat kicks ass!!! While I could easily add Puscifer, I think I'll stop with APC! A high note of Puscifer though is my absolute favorite song "The Humbling River" which I got all geeky about after I saw them on Halloween. What a hilarious and strange evening! CIA? FBI? I don't who was there!

Blonde Redhead Misery is a Butterfly
Kazu and Amadeo's tension alone gives me a major one for everything they do, but this album I think stands out. Beautifully, beautiful music, that knows how to go minor at just the right time!

Coldplay A Rush of Blood to the Head
Coldplay is my "Barry Manilow" or "Abba" for some! I think they write some good F'ing songs! This one in particular was one for me that changed my life and gave me a chin up when it was down, and also gave me an idea or two about useage of harmonies and melodies in a song.

Om Pilgrimage
C'mon Keith. You know! I needn't say word one more about this band or this album. I think this one is "The One" because the stars aligned perfectly for this album! Steve Albini captured the bottom end essence of a band that really makes me want to pick up my bass, crank up the Low EQ and rock it!! I love every album, and really, I place them all "up there!"

Mars Volta Deloused thru Octahedron: Tie
I love them all!! These guys know how to copy a Mahavishnu Album! I love fusion, and most of its scary relatives! To me, the Volta can take a rhythm, twist it around, reverse it, and scare the hell out of me, all at the same time! Cedric's vocals are the perfect topping for Omar's layers of guitar. Most, done by another decade near choice, but not quite chosen John Frusciante. Thumbs up for his and Omar's Pedal boards!

Cornelius Point
Have you ever seen Mr. Keigo Oyamada aka Cornelius live? You never know what the show will be, but this again is another kill your relative and hide the body kind of show. Part pop. Part noise, and part most awesomely beautiful groove music you've ever heard! Very colorful, and very fun!

Red House Painters Old Ramon
Mark Kozelek's voice reminds me of black and white photos. Something so perfectly still about his voice and his crafts. The Sun Kil Moon album Tiny Cities is quite note worthy as well. A tear jerker of a cover of Modest Mouse's Tiny Cities mad of ashes, comes to mind for sure.

There you go! I really could keep going, but for brevity's sake, I'll stop here!