Shape Me

There is no question the profound impact that music can and does have on an individual and a culture.  From childhood sing-along songs to the early teenage years of listening to the “non parent approved” songs but only because we like the beat not the words.  Music can change your emotions and take you places.  It can set the mood or it can take you out of a mood.  The reality is that movies would not be nearly as effective without their sound tracks, think Top Gun, Rocky, Rudy, Braveheart or The Notebook, um…never mind that last one.  We can think of a song and tie it back to a location or an event.  Maybe its the conception of a child, first kiss, a death a friend or a road that you were driving on.  I can even pinpoint certain songs to smells and feelings.  Music is powerful not matter how you package it.

I was thinking about the music that has shaped me and potentially my “Gen X” generation, er, if that’s how you say it.

• Nirvana
• U2
• Michael Jackson
• Green Day
• Smashing Pumpkins
• Hootie and the Blowfish
• Pearl Jam
• Oasis
• Dave Matthews Band
• Wheezer
• The Offspring
• The Fugees
• Bush
• Foo Fighters
• Alanis Morissette
• Collective Soul
• Gin Blossoms
• Live
• Candlebox
• The Presidents of the United States of America
• The Wallflowers
• Radiohead
• REM
• Sound Garden

Each of these groups had a song that reminds me of an event, a person and a memory.

What bands have had a part of shaping who you are?

What Was Your Favorite Christmas Gift?

Who doesn’t love to get gifts?  Even now I am sure you have a list of things you would like for Christmas.  Maybe it’s a toy, clothes, cooking essentials, an LCD TV, video game system or a Nook (Barnes & Noble’s version of the Kindle for reading books).  Whatever you want I am sure you have received something in your past that you have loved and stuff from your past that made you question whether they even knew you at all.  I have been on both sides of the receiving and if I’m honest probably on the giving as well.  I found a picture of one of mine.  It was the “indestructible” Rocky/Mr. T punching bag…it lasted 3 days and just for the record I beat the junk out of Mr. T and Rocky.  I am a product of the late 80′s and early 90′s and loved the entire Rocky collection [except for number 5].  That was one of my favorite gifts because I felt so tough.  Below is a poll question of what is your favorite christmas gift you have received?