Today I created a tangent of thought. It all began with Journey. The band Journey. I was in the mood to hear "Separate Ways," if not for its generic lyrics about love, then for its sweet synth/thumping guitar intro. As I listened and pumped my fists while feeling the two halves of my broken heart going their separate ways, I was reminded of "The Vegas" episode from the first season of The OC. That's right, I'm not scared to admit that I actually enjoyed the first season of The OC. Okay, actually just typing that sentence embarrassed the shit out of me. Jesus am I ever lame. Thinking of The OC immediately made me think of Phantom Planet. Isn't that unfortunate.
I will skip the biography of Phantom Planet that you probably already know far too well. Yes, Jason Schwartzman left. No, I don't hold that against him, he's still awesome. Anyway, it is a sobbing shame that any mention of Phantom Planet creates a banal word association game that always ends the same way: with me winning (can you win at word association?) by saying "The OC!" and then whooping it up, bumping chests with my bros, shotgunning beers (Colt 45, yo!), and listening to one of the Queen songs that have unfortunately become bro anthems (fortunately, bro-dudes have no idea what irony is, otherwise they would realize how fucking ridiculous it is for them to sit out on the "party porch" of the frat house and yell at "fags" who pass by while listening to A Night At The Opera). Phantom Planet was written off long ago and it's about time I do something to set things straight. They deserve far more credit than they receive, which is generally none whatsoever. Their last two albums are fantastic. Take a listen...
