...And we are the dreamers of dreams.

No one can go through life without being influenced in some way by the world around then. Whether it is by your parents, the television you watched as a child, the music you heard when you turned on the radio in your car for the first time. I have made a feeble effort here to display that art that has most profoundly influenced me. Mind you, I do not give my reccomendation lightly. I can practically guaruntee you, if you like my writing, you will like these wonderful works. Perhaps they will affect you as immeasurably as they have affected me.

Music

Since before before I can remember, I have always had a passion for music. My earliest memories are of sitting on the couch with my mother watching MTV and of hearing my father play piano. I myself play the guitar & sing, among other things, and occasionally write songs. But right now, more than or at least as much as ever, others' music is playing in integral part in my life. Here are some bands/artists I don't know where I'd be without.
Note: These are in no particular order. It would be impossible for me to pick any favorites.

Toad the Wet Sprocket

I was given Toad's "In Light Syrup" in 1995, and I literally wore my CD out. Their lyrics were emotional and down-to-earth, their music layered with melodies & harmonies, and at times slightly whimsical. I fell in love instantly. I subsequently bought "Fear," "Dulcinea," "Coil," and "Pale" (the only one I don't have is "Bread & Circus"), and can now say I am hooked. Addicted is probably a better word. They are amazing.

Dave Matthews Band

The first I heard from them was "Ants Marching" on the radio, and I immediately bought the CD. Needless to say (to anyone who knows the band), I was blown away. The shere musicianship of every single member of this band is astounding. When I listen to the unique blend of jazz, bluegrass, rock and whatever else, I forget what's bothering me & am simply caught up in the beautiful music...

Better Than Ezra

I didn't realize how very awesomely amazing these guys were until I saw them in concert at the Trocadero in Philadelphia. I loved their albums but I was just blown away by the live show. They all had such a presence; maybe it was all the screaming and the sweat and the smoke but it seemed like the whole room was captivated the second they stepped on stage. I swear, Kevin Griffin has as much sexual energy in his little finger as the whole of Hollywood combined. I have since become (for lack of a stronger word) fairly obsessed with them, so I've decided to make them their own page!

The Sundays

The Sundays hail from somewhere over in England. While I don't know as much about the people, I do know more than enough about their music. My mother received their debut album "Reading Writing & Arithmetic" as a Christmas gift, and I remember singing along with that tape all the time- until we lost it. Just recently I rediscovered these talented Brits when they released their first album in five years, "Static & Silence," last year. I then rushed out & bought "Blind"- my favorite yet (which I've been listening to that one almost exclusively for the past three weeks). If you like melodic, layered songs and real-life lyrics, you'd definitely love the Sundays.

Sarah McLachlan

It's hard to describe what Sarah's music means to me without going thru a track-by-track description of every song she's written. What I can say about her, though, is that I'm most creative while listening to her. Don't ask me why- if you've ever heard "Fumbling Towards Ecstacy," you'll know.

Smashing Pumpkins

I have listened to their songs so many times; they are so familiar to me; whenever I hear Billy Corgan's voice, it's like seeing an old friend. It's like I can wrap their music around me, a thick, dense blanket of melody and countermelody, guitar over guitar over guitar... They are so beautiful. And with Jimmy Chaimberlain back in the line-up (can you believe it?!) they promise to be more amazing than ever. Please check out my ever-evolving page for more info.

Placebo

I have been listening to this band for less than a month, and they are already one of my favorite bands of all time. No kidding. Brian Molko has to be one of the sexiest men on the planet... A veritible God of Androgyny. But even that description falls short of describing this incredible edible treasure. ; ) Check 'em out if you like boys in make-up.

Counting Crows

Adam Duritz has a knack for writing songs that seem to come straight out of my life. Listening to them has gotten me through some really tough times, the present included. Visit my page to see how much they really mean to me.

The Cure

The older I get, the more I listen to their music, the more I love it. I had always liked the Cure; they were MTV darlings during the 80s and when I was very young I was practically glued to the television. Their hits were sweet and catchy and hummable, and I hummed them and laughed a little at the silly boys wearing more make-up than my mother. But a few years ago, my good friend told me to buy "Wish" if I liked the Cure. And so I did. And ever since then, their music has come to mean more and more to me as the days (weeks months years) progress... There are very few bands whose members I look at and say, "I want to be like that." But, for various reasons (serious and silly alike), the Cure is one of those bands.

Stabbing Westward

For many reasons, Stabbing Westward has recently emerged as one of my all-time favorite bands. Honestly I think I am in love with Christopher Hall; he is such a beautiful man, inside and out... But that's beside the point. Or perhaps it's just part of it. These guys are not afraid of the darkness that seems to consume them. Their music is partially what inspired me to assimilate my 'dark side' rather than just suffer from it. Combined them with the Cure and Better Than Ezra and you have my ultimate vision of myself.

Third Eye Blind

Really cool tones and great melodies. There's more to these guys than "Semi-Charmed Life".

The Refreshments

What can I say? I missed a chance to see these guys at the 9:30 club in DC and I KICKED myself!!!

Foo Fighters

Especially "The Colour & The Shape"; it's pop music on crank. Not that I mind. ; )

I'd list more, but this is getting way too long...