I am in an exceedingly bad mood today but I think it’s getting better. I have my kombucha, I had a good breakfast, and an old friend is in town and taking me to lunch.

That said, I’ve been playing the heck out of Ghost lately – a band I only recently got into – and so a run-down of my fave bands/singers (of all time) might be in order for today.

1.) Fleetwood Mac. My parents played a lot of classic rock and this band has so many good songs. It helps that this band’s lives were fraught with strife and that always makes for better songwriting. It was hard to choose just one song to share but here’s a good one.

2.) Counting Crows. They make the list because their first album is one that can be classified as perfect start to finish. This is not an easy task! August and Everything After came at a time in my life when I really needed something with an emotional investment and it was the perfect fit for my move from my childhood home at 15.

3.) Jimmy Buffet. SO much more than just Margaritaville! I mean, everyone thinks of that when his name is uttered but omg his songbook is extensive is dynamic. Every album has a different feel and concept and man, so many great songs from this man.

4.) Metallica. Ash doesn’t understand how I can be so angry but honestly, for me, listening to angry music helps me be less angry! Maybe that makes no sense but it works for me. I’ve been a fan since 1991 so I feel like I ought to include them.

5.) As long as we’re on heavy angry music, let’s go Pantera. Long time fan and again, an indulgence when mad.

6.) Tool. Again, a band I have listened to forever. It’s dark, it’s moody, it’s emotional. What more do you want?

7.) Luke Bryan. My mom was a big country fan so I was always in and out of that “fandom”. A few years back I got really big into it and it was also a high time for that portion of the music industry. Every big country name had great songs out.

8.) Guns n’ Roses. Outside of VanHalen, this is the first rock group I really got into.  For a retrospective that includes and GnR songs, go here.  This band meant so much to my pre-teen/teen self.

9.) I’m going to put Motley Crue in this spot but I want you to know that they hereby represent all of glam metal because I love every single one of those bands: Poison, Skid Row, Ratt, Warrant, Whitesnake, Winger, Great White, Dokken, Stryper, Damn Yankees, etc…

10.) Strung Out. Here’s a band who has but one album I like but what an album it is. Also, Ash and I listened to them A LOT in our formative years so this hardcore punk group has a special place in my heart.

11.) My  musical tastes are nothing if not varied so let me hit you with Sade. Sexy, sultry, slow but jazzy.

12.) The Eagles. Another band my parents got me into. They also have an extensive songbook and almost everything is listenable. I saw them in concert in maybe 2002 and it was great!

13.) I can’t get through this list without mentioning Iron Maiden. Back in the day when rock/metal really became my thing, I collected SO many albums. In fact, I sometimes stupidly bought stuff I was not really well-versed in because it fit into the category. I remember picking up Number of the Beast on cassette and not really giving it much of a listen. Everyone knew Run to the Hills so it was obviously a staple. It took me a few more years to rediscover their great music history. I am so glad I finally got to see them in concert!