My Geo Name (Starflyer 59 puzzle cache)

Ever wonder how people come up with their geoname? Here's the short and sweet explanation of my name - Benj59. “Benj” is short for “Benji” which is short for “Benjamin." 59 has nothing to do with my birthdate but everything to do with my favorite band of the last 20 years – Starflyer 59.

I started listening to Starflyer 59 after I read they were similar in style to Smashing Pumpkins. There are some similarities for sure but definitely different. It was unlike anything I had ever heard as a teenager. Subsequently it took me a few months to really latch on. But I distinctly remember being sick in bed and listening to the B-Side of their second album, Gold, on repeat five or six times in a row. After that, I was hooked.

Never heard of Starflyer 59? Most people haven’t so allow me to elaborate a little more. Starflyer 59, Jason Martin with a rotating supporting cast, has been making crazy good music since ’93 and during that time have released 14 full-length albums, multiple EPs, a few live recordings, two boxed sets and a smattering of other random releases. And yes, you can find almost all of their releases on vinyl. Well, you can find them if you're willing to drop well over $100 for the Gold album on eBay (no joke).

Stylistically it falls under the banner of indie rock but has ranged from heavy shoegaze to classic rock to new wave to dream pop to synth pop. And Jason Martin has utilized his talents in multiple other bands (as you’ll see below). Jason was the founder and is the songwriter, singer, guitarist. Over the course of the years he has often played keyboards and occasionally bass and drums on his own albums. Lately he has been producing his own albums as well. No formal education in music, just very gifted. But if you ever read any of his interviews or ever saw them while they were touring, he always remained humble and unassuming. He’s not there for the braggadocio. He’s there for the music.

So, in tribute to my geoname and favorite band here's a trivia puzzle for you. Have fun! Also, it might help to listen to some of their music while researching. If I had to recommend ONE album to someone it would be Dial M. But, if you like hard, heavy guitars go with Silver. Music is available to stream on Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal. Anyway, on to the puzzle!

Cache container is at N 39 AB.CDE W 104 FG.HIJ

A. In 2012, Starflyer 59 had their first self-release of an album (after their long-term relationship with Tooth and Nail Records ended). They raised the funds on Kickstarter just a couple hours after it launched. When the campaign ended, what percentage of their goal did they hit?

1. 125%

2. 189%

3. 243%

B. What is distinctive about the first three Starflyer 59 full-length albums?

3. The first song off each album starts with drums

4. Their cover art is monochromatic

5. They all have only 9 songs

C. From the album Everybody Makes Mistakes, what key is the song “Play the C-Chord” in? (if you owned the album the answer would be right in front of you)

4. B-flat

6. F

8. D-sharp

9. C

D. What instrument is used at the opening of “I Drive A Lot” (my favorite SF59 song) from the album The Fashion Focus?

1. Keyboard

2. Drums

3. Guitar

4. Bass

E. Which former Starflyer 59 band member had his own solo career and then went on to be a multi-instrumentalist member for the following bands: The Shins, The Black Keys, The Arcs

1. Richard Swift

2. Jeff Cloud

3. Frank Lenz

4. Joey Esquibel

F. What does Jason Martin do for a day job?

4. Owns his own plumbing business

5. Owns and drives for his own trucking company

6. CEO of StarFlyer Inc. – Japanese airline

G. Which professional skateboarder used a Starflyer 59 song from the album Everybody Makes Mistakes in one of his videos?

3. Bob Burnquist

4. Nyjah Huston

5. Tony Hawk

6. Bucky Lasek

H. What is the name of the band Jason Martin formed with Mark Salomon (Stavesacre), and Steven Dail (Project 86, Crash Rickshaw, Starflyer 59) – releasing two albums of what is best described as creepy, up-tempo, haunting rock music?

1. Neon Horse

2. Low & Behold

3. Bon Voyage

4. The Brothers Martin

I. What is the name of the band Jason Martin (songwriting, guitars) formed with his wife Julie Martin (vocals)? They released three albums of sugary sweet power pop, sometimes 80’s synth-infused, but always with a Starflyer 59 overtone. One of their songs was used on the Fox TV show Lie to Me.

3. Neon Horse

4. Low & Behold

5. Bon Voyage

6. The Brothers Martin

J. What is the name of the band Jason Martin formed with his brother Ronnie Martin – the man behind Joy Electric; electropop/synthpop dedicated to the use of analog synthesizers. Under this band name, Jason and Ronnie wrote and collaborated on a series of synth/rock songs that sought to mold their two unique styles. One of their songs was used at the end of the series premier of NBC TV show Chuck.

3. Neon Horse

5. Low & Behold

7. Bon Voyage

9. The Brothers Martin

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Congrats to Prescottazbob on the FTF!

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