Several people have told me that radio in LA is the best in the USA. It makes sense. It's the largest market, and people spend a lot of time in their cars. But, no matter what people say, you always learn a bit more when you first find things out for yourself.
Doug and I drove down to La Jolla for some good Mexican food. La Jolla hasn't changed much since I was last there. Even the La Valencia Hotel was still there, one of the great hotels I used to love staying at. "The Cove" was a bit of a disppointment. I suppose Australia has spoiled me and coastal grandeur here in the USA will never be quite as exciting as it once was.
Driving was tense. It had really been a while, and I wasn't really prepared for the 6 lane swerve and dodge. I should have spent some time in a video arcade practicing before I came back to LA.
The rental car had just about the strongest bass I can ever remember in a stock stereo system. Maybe hip hop has raised the bar so that any stereo worth its salt needs to be able to reproduce the full dynamic range of an average artillery barrage. Doug started tuning the radio as I drove.
Suddenly, Stevie Ray was there with Crossfire. That opening bass vamp sent a shiver down my spine as I cranked the volume. It was as if the tension stopped and the road was suddenly an exciting challenge. My foot plunged downward as the car lunged forward. The road signs flew by to the rhythm of the beat as I swayed and leaned into the curves and swerves. I was confident, in control, grooving to Steve Ray and driving like nobody was going to get in my way.
No wonder there are so many vehicle accidents on the LA freeways.
Then it was Steely Dan. "Drive west on Sunset to the sea..." echoing those great Donald Fagan lyrics. Sheryl Crow, The Cure, Wild Cherry. All I wanted to do was have some fun. LA driving, and LA radio, a marriage made in ....
Well, enough. LA radio is quite a bit better, or maybe we're so numbed by the normal drivel that even merely above-average format radio turns us on.
When you rent a car in LA, make sure you initial the box on the rental agreement that says "Ass-grinding in-your-face bass option?". Maybe the extra collision coverage too.
You'll be glad you did.
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