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5 Songs That Changed My Life These songs completely warped my little musical mind, some of them long ago, some more recently. Trying to narrow this down was difficult, but I tried to pick the songs that not only had a personal impact on me, but also made me want to explore other artists, make my own music, and drove me deeper into the water of musical exploration. In no particular order....

1. Aerosmith-"Walk This Way"
I remember hearing this song on classic rock radio when I was about 13. It just genuinely freaked me out it was so different and catchy. Pop but rock. I couldn't understand what the hell Steven Tyler was saying, but that didn't matter, I just knew I wanted more of whatever I just heard. Shortly after, I bought "Aerosmith Greatest Hits" and "Get A Grip" on CASSETTE (this was the mid-90's). I completely feel in love with Aerosmith, especially the whole "Get a Grip" album, which to this day I'm sure I could recite all the lyrics on cue. I started listening to classic rock radio, and became obsessed with anyone who was British and played guitar. Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones (I had a huge poster of Keith Richards on my way when I was 14...I don't think many other girls in 1996 had that), The Who, Jimi Hendrix, the whole lot of classic rock stars became my favorites. Almost all the bands I loved were either dead or broken up, but I didn't care, because the music would last forever.

2. Madonna-"Express Yourself"
This is not my favorite Madonna song (that would be Burning Up), but I remember vividly watching the video (when I was waaayyyy too young to be watching it) and completely being hypnotized by this blond goddess writhing around on the floor and grabbing her crotch. I knew it was so bad...it was that good. Madonna is my favorite solo artist ever (Favorite band is RHCP) and in 12 years of being a fan of her she always surprises and intrigues me. Not everything is good (American Life....WHY!?!?!) but her dedication to doing things differently and doing things her way is completely inspiring. Her greatest hits "The Immaculate Collection" was the first CD I ever bought. It was explosive, brilliant, stylish, and every other good adjective I can think of. Some of those songs are 25 years old and they still sound fantastic. If "Borderline" came out today it would be a huge hit. She may be a household name for her controversies, but she will remain in our minds because at the end of the day, she has the music to back her up. Some of the best pop songs of the past 25 years were hers, and most she even co-wrote. Few are the women, or anyone for that matter, in the industry that can hold a candle to this bitch. Bow down.

3. U2- "Where the Streets Have No Name"
I can't even begin with this song...CAN'T EVEN BEGIN!!! Glorious Gold!! What a magnificent band, what an unbelievable song. Timeless, innovative, inspiring and uplifting. First released in 1987 on "The Joshua Tree", one of the greatest albums of all time, this song still gets me all riled up every time I hear it. The Edge's guitar work on this song is so ahead of it's time. It's so lyrical and fresh. Millions of people all over the world no doubt picked up a Fender after hearing this song, mystified by these Irish lads. And Bono's voice is just outta control. He just feels every word and you feel it too. This song just must be listened too. I was probably around 12 or 13 when I first got into U2 and this song is still by far their most triumphant moment for me, in a career full of them. Now I'm 24 and they never cease to amaze me. All the accolades and awards and critical love they get is truly warranted..they are spectacular.

4. The Smiths-"There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"
The marriage of doom and gloom lyrics and jangly Brit Pop Guitars has often been replicated, but never equaled. Morrissey was put on this earth to so eloquently express his misery and have others realize that they are not alone. Like many other great lyricists, the Moz uses vivid imagery and simple concepts to drive home his point. "Driving in your car/I never ever want to go home/Because I haven't got one/Anymore", completely releatable to anyone who has ever been 17. I loved that I was a teenager struggling with so many issues, like everyone does, and this heaven sent band made up of older British guys so expressed everything I was feeling so perfectly. This song is a perfect juxtaposition with dreary lyrics sung so beautifully over over light melody and jangly guitars. The Smiths were so severely influential to all alternative music, that I doubt it is possible to find a band that has put out an album in the past 15 years who has not been influenced by them. For me, this song opened me up into the world of Brit Pop, and I am still in a trance with the land across the pond. I think the Smiths though, had a special combination of lighthearted and dark that can't possibly be described without delving into their catalog. Also, the genius of co songwriter and guitarist Johnny Marr can't be overlooked. Morrissey needed a McCartney to his Lennon, and he found it in Johnny. One of the best songwriting partnerships of all time, no question. Misery never sounded so good.

5. Red Hot Chili Peppers-"Don't Forget Me"
My beloved RHCP can do no wrong, however, when the album that this song appears on "By The Way" came out, I not only didn't like the album, but I absolutely HATED this song. Now it is one of my favorite of all time. Just goes to show you that first impressions don't mean shit. I was going on vacation to London (and going on vacation is always an excuse to spring for new CD's) and bought this CD even though I had heard it and wasn't crazy about it. But I figured what the hell, I liked "Californication" so how bad could this be? After constant listening, I became enraptured with the complexities of the music and Anthony's captivating lyrics on the album. But I still HATED this song. I would listen to the album all the way through and then skip this song and this song only. Cut to about 8 months later when I saw then in concert for the first time at Madison Square Garden in nyc. And, my god, what a show! Still the most incredible show I ever seen...and I got to enough shows in 1 month to beat what most people see in a year. The band was jamming, John was wailing away on guitar, Chad the drummer was like an animal behind the kit, Flea was a lunatic and Anthony was jumping all over the place and I was in love. Then they played "Don't Forget Me". It was one of the moments in my life when I realized live music is so much more than the sum of it's parts. When the band is rockin, the crowd is engaged, and the stars align it's like some kind of magic happens in that venue. I can't even really explain why this particular 5 minutes of that show was so great, but I guess you had to be there. This song took on a life of it's own for me. It is haunting, slow burning ballad, that explodes into a balls out chorus of chanting and hollering. The lyrics are so revealing, yet show nothing at all. John Frusciante's guitar solo towords the end is literally one of the best guitar solos I've ever heard (and believe me, I've heard all the great ones). This song puts me in another place. It sneaks up and then ATTACKS you when you least expect it. But like all the best songs, it makes you feel some indescribable beauty.

On any given day, this list could completely change, but right now, this feels about right. However it pained me to leave off my beloved Bob Dylan, Aretha Frankling, Joy Division, Radiohead, The Beatles and so many other artists who have put out so much amazing music. I strongly encourage anyone reading this to seek out these bands and their songs if you are unfamiliar, and hopefully you will have just as great a response as I did.

*TARA*