Today In Rock: March 16th, 1996 – “Santa Monica” is #1
On this day… Everclear’s “Santa Monica” is #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart. The song, written by the band’s lead singer Art Alexakis, is from the “Sparkle And Fade” album.
When Alexakis was a teenager, his girlfriend committed suicide; shortly thereafter, Alexakis attempted the same by jumping off the Santa Monica Pier.
“I grew up in a seaside town called Santa Monica, which is like L.A. but on the coast,” explained Alexakis. “I think everybody has a place in their mind that is like a safe haven. It’s also about getting away from bad times … the ending of something is also the beginning of something new, whether it’s with someone or getting out of a bad job, a bad way of life or an abusive relationship.”
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 the song was placed on the list of post-9/11 inappropriate songs distributed by then-radio ownership giant Clear Channel Communications.
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