IFLTS: 'Drinking in L.A.,' Bran Van 3000

'Drinking in L.A.,' Bran Van 3000
From 1998's 'Glee'

I was drinkin' in L.A. the first time I heard this song -- iced tea, I think. And my first thought when it was playing was, "Hold the phone. This is going to be a smash." I was like, "This is the summer song to end all summer songs." The repetitive 3-note piano, the electric guitar background sample, the oooh waaa ooooh backing vocals, the humorous, self-deprecating rapping -- all were oh, so catchy. 'Drinking in L.A.' might as well have been screaming, "Get those windows down in the Corolla and put your arms out. Rock this jam on 11 as you roll down the boulevard. And for God's sake, soak in this beautiful summer sun." Then I realized that it wasn't summer yet.

Sure, it's always summer in L.A., but thinking about those poor folks in Minnesota in early spring when it's still stupid cold -- they probably took less kindly to the song. In fact, they might very well have wanted to kick Bran Van's ass. "Drinking in L.A.?" they thought. "Na, man. I'm shivering my ass off, spilling hot chocolate all over my big ass itchy wool sweater here in the MN."

But that wasn't me. And, being as self-involved as I am, I never thought about those folks from Minnesota. Then I started seeing the album in stores for $1.99 or $2.99, and I was less sure about its success. And when I stopped hearing it on the radio, I knew the battle was lost. Poor little record.

So, what's the takeaway? Well, the valuable lesson I learned was to never put out a summer record in early spring. Think of Minnesota, man. It's cold up there and they don't appreciate the teasing. Being from Canada, BV3K should have known better.

Scott Boyd is an editor at Spinner and no joke, will kick your ass in Wii Tennis.

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