Rodan
Back in the 90's the Ruins would frequently fly over from Japan to the west coast and play gigs in the Bay Area. I saw them several times, once at the Nightbreak in the Upper Haight. Also checking out that show was a scene of music geeks from the area that I kinda sorta knew via mutual friends. One of them, Chris, needed a ride home to Russian Hill afterward, and I was happy to oblige.
We began walking to my car several blocks away. We were basically strangers, but Chris knew I liked various post-rock bands, so he broke the ice asking, "Are you into Rodan?"
I heard of this highly regarded indie band, but honestly hadn't listened to note one. Still, I lied to seem hip, saying "Of course."
"Yeah," he said, and then after a thoughtful pause asked, "Where do you live?"
I told him I lived in Oakland and he seemed concerned about inconveniencing me given my own long schlep home. He offered, "Aw, man thanks for giving me a lift. I could give you $3 for gas."
"Don't worry about it," I said, and then we were silent again, continuing to walk toward my car.
After about a minute Chris queried, "Are you into Rodan?"
Hunh. Maybe I misunderstood him the first time he asked, but once again I lied. "Yeah."
"Cool," he said, and then, "Where do you live?"
I said Oakland and then he said then he echoed the similar offer of thanks and gas money, albeit for $4 this time.
Weird. Upon approaching and entering my vehicle Chris asked, "Are you into Rodan?"
This conversation loop happened about 5 times total until I finally dropped him off at his place. Only thing that really changed with each iteration was the amount of gas money I was to expect at the end of the trip. I just played along as if this was normal. Dude was pretty fuckin' stoned.
He left the car saying thanks and see ya later, but that was it. Fair enough, I didn't really want or need to be compensated for giving him a ride. I waited to make sure he got in his front door safely. Halfway there he suddenly ran back to my car. "Oh yeah, man" he said, and handed me 3 bucks. Or maybe it was 4 bucks. I don't remember.
Epilog: Since then I only ever heard a couple tunes from their one record, so I still can't truly tell you if I'm into Rodan.
Bonus fun fact: Shortly thereafter I told this tale to Jai Young. This eventually inspired him to randomly yell "Are you into Rodan?" somewhat unintelligibly during one JOB show. This bit ended up on one of our early cassette-only releases. See if you can find it!