wherein I split into a million pieces

I've talked before about my varying music tastes.

Well, recently I purchased a new iPod nano and went on a downloading binge. Mostly because I like listening to music when I'm on a treadmill (I have to listen to something if I'm on a monotonous treadmill) or on roadtrips or cleaning the house or whatever. And my mood is different for each of those activities.

So I'm always in search of new favorites. And my nano holds 8 GB - but that's A LOT for someone like me. I don't know why I don't listen to more music or buy more than I do. I feel like I've kind of stopped over the past few years. I love music and love finding new bands and artists. Maybe it feels safer to stick with what I know and not branch out. Or maybe I've been worried I'll discover "too much" new stuff and wouldn't be able to keep up with all of it.

Until this downloading binge. I couldn't stop. I can tell that I need even more music already, because I'm tiring of what's on my playlist now, or at least desperate to find similar tunes.

Here's what's in my head:

1. Black Keys - 10 AM Automatic

Because funky, raw, loud rock can be simple AND sexy.

2. Rodrigo y Gabriela - Diablo Rojo

A guy and a girl. Two guitars. MAGIC.

3. Nine Inch Nails - Discipline

I will always have a crush on Trent Reznor, no matter who he marries, how often he quits Tweeting, or how short he cuts his hair. He brings out the angsty teenager in me, and I love it.

And the lyrics? "I need your discipline." Don't even get me started.

I mean, LOOK:





















And yes, he DOES look like Severus Snape (who I also have a crush on).













Sorry - I got sidetracked.


4. AC/DC - Thunderstruck

Chuck Klosterman has said far more eloquent things about AC/DC and their ability to "RAWK," so I won't try to wax poetic about their abilities. This song is just fun. And you HAVE to listen to it in the car. Yes, with the windows down - how could you NOT share fucking ANGUS YOUNG with the world???

5. OK Go - This Too Shall Pass

They're smart musicians and they totally get viral marketing and what their fans are into. Also, every member of that band is hot. Yes, even the bald guy. They wear SUITS, y'all.

6. Missy Elliott - Shake It Like a Pom Pom

You can't NOT dance to this.

7. Radiohead - Like Spinning Plates

I don't think Radiohead could ever do wrong. Ever. I'm serious.

8. Tool - Aenima

And I don't like every single song they've done, but Tool is genius as well. Yes, genius. I know, I know - Maynard Keenan is what you'd call an "interesting guy":






















Have you heard him scream, though? It's unworldly and awesome and scary. And the band's talent is seriously unbelievable. Like maybe they made a pact with the devil or something to be that creative. There's a great article here about them: 33 Things You Should Know About Tool.

I've been adding more stuff by Andrew Bird and Beirut as well. There's just so much talent out there. And I haven't even touched on older stuff like Billie Holliday or the Beatles or Jimi Hendrix or Muddy Waters or Beethoven!

You could probably live a thousand years and never hear all of the music that's been created. Which is strangely comforting.