Ben Harper and Metallica

For me the influence of music travels both paths. The music I listen to effects my mood and the mood I am in effects what music I choose to listen to. Good music does not only effect moods but more importantly it has meaning and reality within the lyrics and the score.

Ben Harper, one of my favorite musicians, is an excellent example of this.

Regardless of how I am feeling or what is going on in my life I can always relate to his music and his words. A person from any pace of life or step in society can appreciate and understand the meaningfulness of his songs.

Much in contrast but still another one of my favorite bands is Metallica. During times in my day and my life when I am mad about something or very excited Metallica is very enhancing. However, when I am more in tuned to relaxing or chilling with nothing to do Ben Harper is extremely good to listen to. I believe that in some way or anther music is just as important to a lot of other people as it is to me. When my school's basketball team is warming up for a game we blast music in the gym to get ourselves "siked".

For those of you who feel the same way please write me back and share some of your favorite artists.

Phil Merrell <stu10-319@isb.ac.th>
International School of Bangkok, Thailand