12. My Favorite Band

The Get Up Kids have been my favorite band since I was fourteen. On my way home from church this week, I was going through my iPod searching for good music to accompany me on my long drive home. It was raining lightly on 17, more or less an emphatic drizzle, one that seemed to point out that it is November and it will rain. I put on The Get Up Kids’ “Something To Write Home About”, which is probably my favorite album to listen to in the months between lazy summers and hectic winters. It was a good decision.

As I was driving over the summit, I realised that I have been listening to this album for seven years. Seven years, in the greater scheme of things, is not that long. But in the last seven years I have had seven boyfriends, gone to seven schools (eeek), had eleven jobs, received about fifty haircuts (I cut my hair bi-monthly for a few years), and put about 200,000 miles on two cars. I’ve seen The Get Up Kids nine times since then, worked for a company a few of them co-own, recieved my first photo pass to shoot at one of their last shows, and gotten yelled at by their annoying manager. I’ve gone to work with Ryan and Rob; had great conversations with Matt about everything from clothes to theology to gas mileage; been kissed on the ear by James; and to this day I have NEVER had any interaction with Jim. I’m not even sure he is real.

I don't care if you think they suck, or if you think Matt has an annoying voice or if their lyrics are chilidsh or stupid. They will probably always be my favorite band (though Wilco is likely a close second) because I kinda feel like I've grown up with them. I just wish they'd get back together.