The Alternative in Me

Every single day I try to fit too many things into my schedule.  I try to write. I try to blog. I try to search FB and tweet with others. I do dishes. I sometimes cook. I try to do anything I can to make Meghan's pregnancy easier.  One thing I always have time for, especially on my trek to and from work, is music. Now don't be alarmed. I sometimes am a little enthusiastic when I'm alone in my car and listening to some great tunes.  This should not scare you.  It might be a good opportunity to mock or laugh, but never fear.

My music tastes originate from my mom like my sporting tastes come from my dad.  I grew up listening to U2, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Queen, Genesis/Phil Collins, and so many other bands that include one hit wonders that I couldn't tell you the name of the band unless I looked it up.  Now, my favorite song of the 80s at the time could possibly be Run-DMC and Aerosmith performing "Walk This Way."  The end of the 80s and beginning of the 90s included LL Cool J and if anyone asked me my favorite song at its release, it was "Mama Said Knock You Out." I think it wasn't until just recently that I got rid of that single on tape. There was also R.E.M., Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Metallica, and so many others.

The music that I listen to now revolves around the grunge era and alternative rock.  In the 90s and 00s, I listen(ed) heavily to Live, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Radiohead, Linkin Park, Incubus, Sev, R.E.M., Green Day, Beastie Boys, Outkast, Counting Crows, Korn, Deftones, Eminem, and more. I also enjoy(ed) Avenged Sevenfold (A7X), Seether, Zander Bleck, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Muse, The Killers, Lady Gaga, Weezer, Billy Talent, Silverchair, 311, and yes, I could keep going.

Music is a great way for me to unwind or get energized for any given day.  During my college years, I used to post songs of the week and day.  I would update my posts via AIM.  Do we all remember AIM?  I haven't gotten on instant messenger in probably five years, but I used to update my profile with songs, albums, and lyrics.  And there wasn't any particular reason to do it other than to share what music I was really enjoying.  So I think I might get back into that just for fun.

I'll be tweeting a song of the day every day at @STLakata so feel free to stop by and check it out.  I will also occasionally post my favorite songs from the 90s, 00s, or today.  For now, here's a list of some favorite songs while I was in college:

• Figure.09 by Linkin Park
• Thoughtless by Korn
• Beverly Hills by Weezer
• Just A Phase by Incubus
• Sympathetic by Seether
• The Wicked End by A7X
• Same Old Song by Sev
• Confessions by Bleed The Dream
• The Man Who Sold The World (cover) by Nirvana
• Street Carp by Deftones
• Dani California by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• King of Comedy by R.E.M.
• Beautiful Disaster by 311
• Across the Night by Silverchair
• Tahitian Moon by Porno for Pyros
• Gone by U2
• Nothing to Lose by Billy Talent
• Face Plant by Pepper

This is just a small glimpse of some favorites from my college years.  I hope everyone will share their favorite songs and stay tuned for future blogs that may have a touch of the alternative.