It's harder now that it's over, now that the gloves are off

A.K.A. how punk rock saved me from becoming "that dude"

I think I might have to explain myself. I'm currently listening to Led Zeppelin II on my iTunes. It's the only "official" Zeppelin record I own. I do have the four disc box set, but II is the only record I own*. As I listen to this I am remind of Chuck Klosterman's theory that all young men, at one point in their lives, absolutely love Led Zeppelin. I went through this phase during the 7th and 8th grade. I loved Led Zeppelin. I thought the twenty minute version of Dazed and Confused was fuckin' genius. I did not, however, think Kashmir or Whole Lotta Love were anything special. This trend might have continued if it were not for three elements: 1)Nirvana, 2)Discovering punk & indie rock in the 9th grade, and 3) having friends who liked both in high school.

I'm so not cool.

*this is, in fact, a lie because I own a vinyl copy of the first Led Zeppelin album.