There was a time when I could actually hold it for more than 20 minutes. These days though, if I gotta go, I gotta go. I don’t know if that’s because I’m getting older, or because of some kind of internal damage caused by said holding. Either way, the series of funnels and hoses which would prevent me from having to get up so much that I once proposed, both at work and in the home, were met with strict “no’s” from both management and roommates.

So I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but it’s been a balmy 10 degrees here all week. The sun has been out, the birds have been chirping, and the miniskirts have been dangerously close to making their triumphant return. There are many things about this time of year that I look forward to. But the one thing, the one rite of passage if you will, that marks the true beginning of springtime is when I break out the Sublime CDs.

Sublime are one of my all-time favourite bands. I was so bummed when Bradley Nowell, their lead singer and chief songwriter, OD’d on heroin. It was a very sad story, not only because he was so young and had just had a baby daughter, but also because it meant the end of such a great band.

Fusing reggae and dub with punk rock and ska, Sublime easily became one of the most recognizable bands of that era to come out of Long Beach, CA. Whenever I hear their music, I can only think of sunshine, pretty girls, and a world that is eternally spring and summer. Every year when those Sublime CDs come out, it’s a great feeling, and one I look forward to all winter.

I’m sure most of you know their biggest hit “What I Got,” but if you are looking to dig a little deeper into Sublime’s catalogue, I would suggest picking up their Self-Titled album, 40oz To Freedom, and the excellent live CD, Stand By Your Van.

Now, off to enjoy the second best part of a new spring: Patios!!