Welcome to the pond

Ok I'm taking a break from all the cool computer talk to do the Midweek Music Meme:

How much influence do you think music has had on your life, and why? Give examples!

Music has had a TREMENDOUS influence on my life! For one thing, it's my main hobby and the main thing that keeps me entertained and happy. It gives me something to talk about with other people, something to share, something to bond over. It helps keep me sane and keeps me from getting too bored. It gives me something to be passionate about and something to look forward to. It gives me something to explore as I discover new bands, artists and genres.

A few examples? Well, in 1999 I took a chance and bought a CD with lots of new Scandinavian modern folk music. That album opened a whole new world of sound for me, and I soon began exploring other types of folk music: Cajun, Celtic, and other music from around the world.

From my Celtic explorations, I learned about the Afro Celt Sound System. When I discovered how wonderful their music is, I found something to believe in. I found something to carry me away from the worries and troubles of everyday life. As long as I have an Afro Celts CD on, I'm having a good time.

Beth, who you should all know by now from my postings, introduced me to the amazing music of Jeff Buckley and I found a new source of beauty, peace and power. My friend Mike got me interested in guitars and how they work, and that opened the door to the Smashing Pumpkins, Dave Matthews, Jimi Hendrix and more. All the hours riding in vehicles with my dad when we'd go camping, or anywhere really, introduced me to the world of classic rock. For a while I didn't think anything of it, but today those hours listening to classic rock radio have affected my listening habits. No matter what I do, I can't escape the sounds of car and truck rides in my youth.

I think that's enough of my babbling for now. The point is that music is a huge part of my life and I can't imagine what life would be like without it.