So yesterday I began my trek from Hollywood down to West LA to check this place out. I put Tusk on my iPod and started heading down Santa Monica Blvd. I hadn't realized it had been so long since I had just listened to this incredible album from end to end. And with all the alternate mixes, live versions and demos I've been listening to I'd forgotten how much I love Tusk just as it is. Sara came on and I was blasting it with the windows down. It was a beautiful day out yesterday. And I was so caught up in the sheer beauty of this song that I drove right past the studio! The excitement was building the whole trip and I was totally lost in the music.
About two miles away I had realized my mistake and turned around. I swore out loud at myself for having made such a stupid mistake and started heading back to my intended location. I got to Butler Ave and saw it from the front. Making my turn I was surprised to see the words "Masonic Temple" over the door. I guess this building has a rich history.
As I went down the street I caught a glimpse of the mural in my rear view mirror and I could hardly contain myself. I noticed a number of police cars on this street (I think there's a station nearby) so rather than try to make some sort of U turn I thought it best to simply go around the block. Then something wonderful happened. As I approached the Village Recorder the song Angel started blaring through my speakers. And it struck me that I was seeing this building through my own eyes exactly the same way I saw it twenty years ago when I first saw the Tusk documentary. And I realized what a lovely gift from the Universe that was. I always say that the Universe speaks to me through Stevie's songs and for this afternoon to play out the way that it did, with my missing my turn and all that, I realized that this was exactly how it was supposed to happen. The mural was off in the distance getting closer and closer as Stevie sang "...and many of those dreams pass us by... keep passing me by", exactly like in the video. I was so overcome with emotion that I laughed out loud for a full minute.
I parked and just sat there looking at it in wonder while Stevie kept singing. Finally I got out and took a few pics. I posted the one with me in it on my Facebook and someone commented on my serious expression. The truth is, I was so in awe over standing on this spot that I was utterly speechless and didn't even realize that I had forgotten to smile.
The mural is very faded and these metal things have left dripping rust stains all over it, but it's still quite a majestic sight. I remember seeing the video for the first time and not quite getting that it was a mural. I even thought just for a moment that the studio was somehow perched up on this mountain. Then, once I realized it was a mural I kept trying to figure out what that thing teetering on the mountain top was supposed to be. I don't know who the artist was but it's supposed to be California sinking into the ocean. It wasn't until seeing it in person that I finally got it. It's a chunk of freeway that's broken off, with a big piece falling into the water. I'm quite saddened that it hasn't been cleaned up or restored. It's really breathtaking, and it reminds me of some of the really artsy album covers of the 70's, like that big stone giant crushing the members of Queen or the crying ape with the cake on Mystery to Me.
Anyway, I know this isn't anywhere near as exciting as meeting Stevie in person, but it was still quite an experience for me. And much more of an experience than I was expecting. It's like I always say... Hollywood is magic.
And if you want to compare the photos with the video, here it is:
http://youtu.be/3A6ICAlcREw