Mix 05: In the Court of the King

Every budding dramatist and fledging writer is familiar with Joseph Campbell's paradigm for the hero's journey. Our most beloved novels and films, from Star Wars to Harry Potter, are examples of modern mythology that utilize Campbell's definition of a hero. In summary, the hero starts in an ordinary world, receives a call to adventure, undergoes a series of tests and trials (often with assistance of a wise sage or learned warrior), and then faces an ultimate challenge or test, often resulting in the discovery of an important self-knowledge.

My personal journey began when I left the familiar terrain of Wyoming for the rolling hills and sunshine of San Diego. Though hardly a distant land, the move was a symbolic journey of sorts. It was my first venture into the real world—a journey that would transform my youthful ideals into adult realism.

This journey could have been disastrous without the aid, friendship, and brotherly advice I received from one learned warrior, Mr. Trevor Hill. Together, Trevor and I battled jobs in two of the same arenas (Auto Trader & WildStorm), traveled the endless roads, highways and freeways of San Diego County, drank good wine, ate wonderful food, and attended a slew of concerts and street festivals. For a few years, life in San Diego was truly mythical.

Older, wiser, and more stubborn, Trevor is everything this young hero could ask for in a stalwart brother and this mix is dedicated to him. The songs were chosen to reflect the soundscape of the time. We commuted to work together and spent many hours listening to these artists (and a ton more not featured here). Six of these bands we saw live. After a few listens, I noticed that a lot of these songs deal with resignation, loss and moving on. Maybe my subconscious is allowing me to let go of a wonderful adventure... and to remind me that even if I am no longer a resident in the Court of the King, he forever remains a brother and best friend.

01. Aerials • System Of A Down
02. Nice To Know You • Incubus
03. Place For My Head • Linkin Park
04. Rise • The Cult
05. Laughing • Sprung Monkey
06. Maybe Someday • The Cure
07. We Used To Be Friends • The Dandy Warhols
08. You Speak My Language • Collective Soul
09. Get In or Get Out • Hot Hot Heat
10. San Diego Shutdown • Los Straitjackets
11 - 12. Larry Berry Bonus Tracks

Click Here To Download