music

I will admit, without shame, that at two different periods of my life, my most influential albums were Michael Jackson's Thriller and Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet.

We grow, we change. Thank God.

Following is a by-no-means-comprehensive list of the more obscure music that I dig much. Where possible, I have provided links to websites. Check out these most amazing bands...

Second Coming - A knock-down, drag-out rock band whose music was most recently featured in the movie The Sixth Sense, these guys have only put out one album in their current incarnation, but it's a humdinger.

Marcy Playground - Known by most as a "one-hit wonder" for a little tune called "Sex and Candy," Marcy is actually a band with four albums to date who is currently in search of a new label. Everything they have done is better than "Sex and Candy"...give this folksy new-age cute-as-hell philosophizing band a second chance...

They Might Be Giants - The two madmen, John and John, are still at it. They're latest album, NO, is directed at kids. Weird guys. Fun music.

Finger Eleven - Canada has actually produced something great besides hockey and comedians. Check them out.

Our Lady Peace - Canada again. Currently on their third album, Happiness is Not a Fish that You Can Catch, this unique foursome is one of the most dynamic bands out there. Guaranteed drug-free high.

A Perfect Circle - The masterminds behind the monolith that calls itself Tool have gotten together to form some more mellow fare. Featuring soaring, lyrical vocals by sexually-ambiguous genius Maynard James Keenan, the first album is an emotionally gripping trip from start to finish.

Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - This Nashville band, named after a Big Wheel (remember those, eighties kids?), offers real Southern blues-funk to which I have enjoyed a semi-religious experience...be converted.

Days of the New - Begun by 17-year-old prodigy Travis Meeks, singer/songwriter/guitarist/bassist/drummer extraordinaire, the band began a few years back with a sound that could only be described as modern metal, unplugged. After dumping his entire band, Meeks put out his second self-titled album, adding female backing vocals, orchestras, choirs, Eastern instruments, techno riffs and other pyrotechnics to enhance his already unique sound. Check them out.

Huffamoose - Weird name, great band. Self-proclaimed as the ones who "write the songs that make the whole world think about absolutely nothing," in reality they're one of the most poetic and thoughtful bands out there. Fun lyrics, mellow, pretty vocals and complex rhythms add to the mayhem.

Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals - He looks like Hendrix, plays slide guitar sitting down, sings in a soulful whisper and knocks my pants off. Just listen.