Music, and some exciting news

Every once in a while, an artist (music) comes along that totally inspires me and sends me on a deep search of everything in their catalog. As it is, my playlists are varied, featuring Black Sabbath, Madonna, Eminem, and The Eels in the same listening session, for example, though not all bands I listen to have quite the profound effect I am referring to. Right now, it is Megadeth. I never paid much attention in the past, due to the idea that the first four Metallica albums were the "end all-be all" of thrash. Boy, was I wrong! I wanted to just make a timeline of artists that grabbed me particularly hard at different times. This list by no means is all- inclusive of the artists that have made an impact on me, nor do the years reflect when i first "discovered" them, though it is in some cases.  It represents just those who have had the most influence: 1995- Smashing Pumpkins 1997- Led Zeppelin 1998- Rush 1998- Metallica 1999- The Who 2000- 311 2002- Dream Theater 2003- Pink Floyd 2006- The Beatles 2007-The Clash 2007-David Bowie 2008-Oasis 2009-Black Sabbath 2010-Soundgarden 2010- Blur 2010-Alice in Chains 2011- Opeth 2012-Megadeth Each of these artists had a particularly significant impact on me and has served to remind me of why I love music so much. There are many others I enjoy and more I appreciate, and other genres, but I am a rocker at heart. Looking back, I still maintain that my favorite, all time, is Pink Floyd, with Meddle being my favorite album by them. As far as a first time listen though, nothing was quite as intense as blasting "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spider from Mars" (1972) by David Bowie. I would have loved to have been around in the 70's...for example, IMO, 1973 was the year that Bowie, The Who, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath were at their apex--all artists I love ("Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973) is a seminal glam album--I've yet to discover more of Elton John's work). Lately, I'm really into Metal. I used to give my metal friends such a hard time, suggesting that metal was so angry and dark, how could it be great to listen to---even while still enjoying the first four Metallica albums. But Metal doesn't make me angry...it makes me excited, it makes me want to rock. If you haven't yet, go listen to "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth...insane album. Dave Mustaine is totally underrated as a creative force. As far as "the big four" of thrash metal are concerned (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer--not sure I'll ever appreciate Slayer, still have yet to give Anthrax a chance) I pull for Megadeth...not that anyone is competing or anything. I saw Opeth live in Portugal last summer--incredible band, aboslutely amazing. Lamb of God and Testament (Thanks Mitt Matcalf) are also quickly becoming metal heroes as well. And of course, there's always Pantera, Black Sabbath, and yes, Metallica--until they sold out worse than just about anyone. Maybe even worse than Green Day? Just talking as far as the sellout factor goes. Favorite albums: (no particular order) Meddle (1972)- Pink Floyd Quadrophenia (1973)- The Who Master of Reality (1971)- Black Sabbath "Ziggy"(1972)- David Bowie London Calling (1979)- The Clash Revolver (1966)- The Beatles Siamese Dream (1993)- The Smashing Pumpkins Ten (1991)- Pearl Jam Rust in Peace (1990)- Megadeth Good enough list for now... Oh, and I am going to Sweden next week! I still ride a bike, though not as much. But due to saving, and some gifts, I am going for two weeks in 10 days. I've also applied for residency, so we will see what happens with that! Yeah, I purposefully made it seem like an afterthought, even though it certainly is not!  Thanks and love to all, including these great musicians who enrich our lives-can you imagine life without music?