I do not profess to be some sort of music expert, but I know what I do and don’t like. My ten thousand song music library is filled with a variety of bands encompassing a variety of genres. Some of the music is glorious. Others, I simply lack the heart to delete. I tell people I will give anything one listen and anything good multiple listens. My ears generally find pop punk music most favorable, but I also have a fondness towards peaceful indie/folk rock (think I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning by Bright Eyes) as well as select music from the 1980s. In general, I do not like to listen to rap or country, but I am not completely closed off to either genre.
Since 2000, I have had the hobby of making “Mix CDs” of various songs for play in my stereo (when I had one) or in my car (after I got my license). I burn the CDs, give them a name, and label the date on them. My first few CDs were part of “The Favorites of Jakob Duehr” series. After that, I became less creative and labeled them by season (i.e. Spring 2k4) until I started the two current series: “Stand Up and Rock” and “The Pursuit of Peace”. I am up to the sixth edition of the “Stand Up and Rock” series and to the third addition of “The Pursuit of Peace”.
Recently I decided to look at these old CDs and create playlist equivalents on my computer. It amazes me how closely these songs and these albums are tied to memories. As I was creating these playlists, I felt like I was going through a journey through my adolescent and early adult years, rejoicing in my triumphs and experiencing pain once more. Just hearing those sounds brought me to places I wish I could visit again as well as places that I hope never to return.
Without going into details, this month has been a challenge and one that in time I will look back upon with great joy that it has passed. However, this month I have had the pleasure of hearing one of the greatest albums of the year and certainly one that has served as the soundtrack for my present situation. It’s by a band you probably haven’t heard of yet (unless I’ve hounded you to listen to them). Only Every Time by The Graduate is a tale of failure, perseverance and resiliency wrapped up on some of the most pleasurable notes and poignant lyrics that you will ever find. Please check it out.
I know this isn’t like a lot of my other blogs, but I am not a one dimensional person. I know your musical tastes may vary from mine, and that is fine and dandy. I’m just giving you, my loyal reader, a deeper glimpse into who I am and what I like. To end this blog, I am giving you my ten favorite albums ever (in no particular order).
1. The Graduate, Only Every Time
2. Rise Against, Appeal to Reason
3. Relient K, Mmhmm
4. FM Static, What Are You Waiting For
5. Anberlin, New Surrender
6. Day at the Fair, The Rocking Chair Years
7. Yellowcard, Paper Walls
8. New Found Glory, Coming Home
9. Better Luck Next Time, Third Time’s a Charm
10. Just Surrender, If These Streets Could Talk
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