The Obelisk is 17 Years Old Today
I have to admit, I’m having some trouble processing this one. What’s weird about it — well, there are a few things weird about it if we’re honest, but what’s weirdest to me is it doesn’t feel like that long. Not like I don’t believe it — I’ve lived the 17 years, no question — but that the 17 years itself, that lump sum, feels like not so much in the grand scheme.
And on the level of a lifetime, or, say, the universe, it’s not. But in rock and roll, that’s over a generation, easy. I’m 44 years old, and that means I’ve spent a significant portion of my life dedicated to… a music blog? Is that what this is? Is that who I am?
I guess it must be. Sounds kind of lame on paper — is ‘blog’ still a slur for unprofessional? does anyone care? — but living it feels pretty lucky. To wit, I’m writing from Las Vegas, where I’m staying for a festival at the home of a friend I’d likely never have made without music, and I can both look back on and look forward to more experiences like this in more places this year, in years past, and on from here. I have seen and experienced things I didn’t know people could do. I’ve listened to more music to write this dinky blog than most people hear in a lifetime. I have a wife, a kid, a car. My family is healthy. I own a home. I don’t work full-time. I pulled the Master Sword the other day in The Wind Waker (again). If I believed in ‘blessed,’ I’d call myself that.
The world is burning, has burned, but apparently life is at least in part about finding a pocket to put yourself in. A community. While I may be the guy in the community who’s over in the corner writing because he’s too awkward to exist around humans, at least I have a corner to be in. That’s something that I didn’t anticipate 17 years ago, and I appreciate it more than I am able to put into words.
So — finally we get to the reason we’re here — thank you.
I don’t think I’m going to do this forever. I don’t have a plan. I know I’d like to hit 20 years because numbers are fun and then I assume keep going because what else have I got going on, but that’s a goal, but not necessarily a finish line. Could I still be doing this when I’m 60 and the site is 33 years old? I don’t know. I wouldn’t have thought it would go as long as it has. I honestly didn’t.
But apparently when you keep doing a thing, it keeps getting done, and maybe that’s the lesson for me of the last 17 years.
Thanks for reading. I don’t know what this year is going to bring yet, as regards travel, life, horrors, any of it, but I appreciate you being along for this trip with me.
Thanks to The Patient Mrs., The Pecan, my family, my wife’s family (very much also my family), Slevin who’s been there to help me and hand-hold my inept ass through having a website since websites were a thing people had, Behrang Alavi for the ongoing generosity in hosting and technical assistance, and everyone in my life for understanding how much I actually need to be doing this. I’ll go till I don’t feel like I need it in my day anymore. That’s the answer. That doesn’t feel like it’s going to happen anytime soon, so I guess I’ll keep going.
And no, political commentary isn’t going away. I write about my life and I take fascism personally. Grow up. Fuck ICE.
Much love, gratitude and freedom,
JJ Koczan
Jan. 31, 2026
Tags: The Obelisk
Here’s to the next 17 years!!!! \,,/(>.<)\,,/
Cheers brother! its not a blog, it’s a movement you’ve created!
No matter what I say it will be inadequate in comparison to the joy you have added to my life through your writing. I’m glad I know you man. Here’s to 17 more…60 years old ain’t nothing my friend.
Kudos and Respect
Congrats JJ! It is indeed a community which I feel part of since almost the beginning, and enjoy daily. All the best
Take a victory lap JJ! We love you!
Thanks as ever for keep on keepin’ on. Fuck ICE indeed.
Congrats on the anniversary dude.
There’s a descriptor for folks like you…..
LIFER
Thanks for all of it JJ
Happy anniversary!
No one is more informed or does it better!
Wow, to get to the first post you have to change the page count in the URL to 2325! That’s longer than the Bible dude. Here’s to another 17, I’l be 70 and hope to still be reading your articles daily.
Thanks for all you do, it is greatly appreciated and your work is vital to so many. Congratulations.
The importance of this radio stream and website cannot be overstated.
Happy 17th!
This site has continuously been my main source for new/unheard bands.
I’m very appreciative of your dedication.
Keep up the good work!
Started coming here after stonerrock.com crashed. I was first exposed to so many significant artirsts here for the first time. So appreciative of your dedication JJ. Music, the curating of what is featured on this site has had a tangible impact on my life. Grateful you spend the time to do what you do…it does make a difference to people on a personal level. Or at least one person because I don’t want to speak for anyone other than myself.
Congrats, Thank you for hard work. Favorite site on the web, check it everyday. To many more, cheers
That’s fucking awesome! Congrats on 17! I started coming here in the last couple of years and have discovered a ton of cool music I may not otherwise have found. Thanks for all the hard work!
Holy shit, brother JJ. Outstanding service you’re providing humanity. The art of sound you’ve helped us discover through your tireless, fearless dedication and tenacity doesn’t care where, when or to whom the eyes and ears come to find this heavy place – it only cares that after 17 years and thousands upon thousands of reviews that the integrity behind the continued creation – the person whose daily task has long since established its mastery of riff-speak – is always crystal clear in intent and execution. This prime anniversary is ripe for celebrating. I refuse to not enjoy living as best and as much as I can. I refuse to be a third generation holocaust survivor letting down his ancestors by not living and undertaking the wisdom from knowing that living is the best revenge. I refuse to stop letting heavy music excite my soul. This place, this art, this sound – the people I’ve befriended and have touched my life through it – are undeniably a crucial part of the joy in living I’ve settled upon. I’d be lost without this scene. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for all of us, JJ. This is priceless and precious. Happy anniversary, man.
The Obelisk is the pillarstone of all my online readings since I started to get into the heavy psych genre in 2011.
It’s one of the main reasons for which I’ve started my record label and the main one for my 10 years career in music journalism.
No words JJ, beside a huge THANK YOU
I can’t say it as well as all the others who have commented, but thank you for all you have done and continue to do. I’ve been visiting the site for at least a decade and you have helped to inform my musical knowledge more than anybody. Hope to have the chance to say thanks if you ever get back over to the UK for a fest. Cheers JJ!