Have been thoroughly enjoying the beautiful weather we've had lately. For me, once spring hits, sunny days are the perfect excuse to fire up my ipod and bop along to my own funky soundtrack; Jazz, classical rock, hard rock, alternative, and everything else I can manage to squeeze into my little musical companion's tiny hard drive.

Well, while going about my day today, I noticed that, aside from a few rare exceptions, most of the tunes I keep close to my heart and plugged in my ears was from the early 2000's or before, with a large majority of 90's and 80's songs taking up space. I've found a few current bands that have managed to grab me, but for the most part, I just can't seem to get interested in much of what's currently out there now.

Only a few short years ago, I seemed to be plugged into all things music. I knew which bands were currently out, which ones were on their way up, who was on their way out, what albums were about to drop, and 20 underground/unheard of bands that rocked for every 1 mainstream artist that was hocking their wares on the Billboard charts.

Now? I could hardly tell you 20 artists that have come out in the last five years. (Yes, I've heard of Lady Gaga; not interested.) Now, I will admit that there are still a small group of bands out there that are exceptionally talented and have something unique to express. But for the most part, I couldn't find many contemporary bands that can move me the way earlier music could.

As a test, I tried to listen to the radio to see if there were some good bands that may have just missed my radar. (Believe me, if you knew how much I despise mainstream radio, you would understand how major of a feat this was for me.) After a day and a half of a few rare gems among the musical clones, I realized two things:

1.) Radio is just as bad now as it always has been when promoting good music.

2.) Most of the bands out now are pretty pathetic compared to their earlier influences.

What happened to all the good music? When did musicians lose their...spirit? Their passion? Has materialism and mediocrity really become the norm??? Do people really think that just because something is 'indie' that it's good? Where are the bands with heart, soul, and balls that could actually grab you emotionally and inspire you?!?!?

What do you think? What are some bands that you love, and no, not just bop your head to, that you LOVE, that move you? Do you think modern music has a chance to redeem itself? Or have all the good songs already been sung? I'm interested to hear what the rest of you think. In the meantime, I'll be rocking out to "Achilles Last Stand", by Led "No one can come close" Zeppelin. Take care.

I hate cold weather with a passion.

I'd rather be in 99 degree weather any day, than be cold.

I love to make people laugh and have a quirky sense of humor.

I've recently started learning yoga, pilates, & martial arts.

I tend to find the balance in everything, be it politics, religion, relationships, life, etc.

I think that I'll look damn good when I go gray one day.

Believe that everyone has a story to tell, and am interested in knowing yours.

I respect authority only so much as it is used fairly, otherwise I have no qualms about challenging that authority.

I'm one of the only people I know who doesn't like cold chicken or pizza.

Believe that beyond black and white, there are about 18 shades of gray.

I like all movies, even chick flicks, so long as they aren't solely based on sappy, bambi-eyed movie-romance. There has to atleast be an interesting story there.

I used to have a pet squirrel named Matemo who would actually sit on my shoulder while I was writing. When he was tired of watching me struggle through writer's block, he'd fall asleep either in my shirt collar or pocket. He was frickin cool! Even if he did bite me from time to time.

I don't drink, not because of an straight-edge philosophy or alcohol-related problems. It's just because I get migraines the MOMENT I start drinking. It's like I skip tipsy and drunk and go straight to hang-over. But it doesn't bother me if others want to drink. Being around people who are partying and drinking actually makes ME feel tipsy. Maybe it's just the atmosphere.

If I like a new song, I will play it over and over again when I'm by myself (even though it drives me crazy when they do that on the radio). I don't listen to a lot of radio or watch a lot of television. Commercials get on my nerves more than anything else.

I always root for the underdog. Where's the story in the big guy crushing the weaker little guy? Boring! I'd rather see the little guy no one expects to win make a come back and rise to the top. No there's a good story.

I have about a million ideas for books I want to write, just trying to find that one idea that really resonates.

I am interested in pretty much everything. I love to learn new things, whether it's about philosophy, religion, art or physics. I love having long, in-depth, deep & meaningful conversations with people.

Love playing Devil's Advocate. If I'm having a philosophical conversation with someone, even if I agree with them, I'll debate from the other side, just to get a good conversation going and make them think.

Want to travel to many places around the world, including those you wouldn't think of as the usual tourist spots. (In no order) All of Europe of course, South America, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, Russia, the Black Forest, Israel, Africa, India, Thailand, Japan, Egypt, Jordan, & would one day I'd like to hike the Camino de Santiago (it's a route that runs from France, over the Pyrenees and across Spain all the way to the coast).