Charles Manson

Yes, you've read it right.

Charles Manson who, according to Wikipedia is an "emblem of insanity, violence, and the macabre" is the 'who' I'll be talking about.

Unknown to many, the infamous Charles Manson known for his murderous spree done with the aid of his growing hippie followers known as the "Family", was also a would-be Hollywood musician.

Charles Manson is known to be amongst the most popular criminal of all time contributing great influences not only in the savage area in history but also in the Rock N' Roll arena--the decades following his arrest and trial for multiple accounts of man-slaughter, Guns N' Roses and Marilyn Manson have covered his songs. He was also a household name in the underground communities from where the group of his followers christened the 'Manson Family' was founded and countercultures of the '60s. In the following years, even up to the young generation of today, his legacy of notoriety lingers.

Though he grew and lived most of his life going in and out of correctional institutions and finally in jail, Manson was a huge fan of the Beatles. And when you see through his biography or the story of the Family, you'd readily recognize (if you are familiar with the songs of the Beatles) the use of many song-terms in Manson's teachings (as the hippie guru with his rise-of-the-black premonitions) and even the horrid crimes committed.

Manson, now 73 years of age remains unrepentant at the Corcoran State Prison. Luckily, his neck was saved by the abolition of the death penalty and instead he got the verdict of life imprisonment. He has stayed ineligible for parole until this coming year 2012.

An enigma of a man claiming to be a 'nobody' but just happened to terrorize Hollywood for years sings:

Sublime

“It all comes back to you, you'll finally get what you deserve
Try and test that you're bound to get served
Love's what I got
Don't start a riot
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot

Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that..”

These are bits of the hit song "What I Got" that, together with other hits like "April 29, 1992 (Miami)", "Santeria", "Wrong Way" and "Doin'Time", made the third self-titled record of sublime an all-time success. What's unfortunate is the death of their front man--Bradley Nowell (guitar and vocals)just two months before this album's release. In May 25, 1996 Nowell was found at the Ocean View Motel in San Francisco dead of a heroin overdose.

Just as the song goes, I sure remembered that: 'Try and test that you're bound to get served'.

Sublime is an American reggae, ska and rock punk band that originally comprised of Brad Nowell, Eric Wilson on bass and Bug Gaugh on drums. Once an average underground punk band, their success became one hell of a wild ride starting with their first gig in the summer of '98. It was said that the band's performance was what incited the infamous "Peninsula Riot" in their hometown- Long Beach, California. The rise to fame caught fire as they teamed up with the legendary SKUNK RECORDS to do their first recording. And band's career was all uphill from there.

Through their soar to success, temporary members got to get on with their gigs. Kelly Vargas was chosen to play drums while Gaugh was out doing time in rehab. And for a short time, Michael Happoldt, in guitars, has also jammed with the group for quite a short time.

The death of Nowell caused the disband of Sublime but their legacy lives on. Earning themselves and their music a place in the industry, and in the faves of their and even up to today's generation.

The Toyes

I should've been writing about Sublime today but throughout my research, I discovered one thing. The song “Smoked Two Joints” that was popularized by Nowell and the rest of the band was actually an original of The Toyes.

This pic was taken in 1983 (typical). See their latest pics below and spot the difference. Hehehe

Obviously, I've (and surely many others've) never heard of them, but again, this doesn't mean they're not good. I've listened to the original and it was, I think, fantabulous. The song was mostly and mistakelny attributed to the late Bob Marley. And this was what I was thinking when I picked to write about Sublime next. I thought “Smoke Two Joints” was done by Marley.

The Toyes plays traditional reggae that can be described as a fusion of the music of Marley and the Barenaked Ladies. Though the cut by Sublime was made more influential, the original track was actually recorded way back in 1983 and released just in 1993. The Toyes has also made a mark in the music scene through their strong advocacy to propagate their support to the legalization of marijuana.

The Toyes at the Seattle Hempfest in 1999>>

B-dub & Mawg at World Hemp Festival 2000 photo by Sue Byrd>>

Listen to their version..

Kewl.. (You'd even think they've

been influenced by Asin.. check intro)

;)