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Because I've basically saved every song I've ever collected in my long life of music listening, I figured it would be fun to compile CD length playlists containing songs that best represent my music taste at various stages in my life. What's interesting is that there are very few bands that I used to listen to that I now say are terrible. It seems like my tastes haven't exactly changed; I've merely added new genres and bands to my collection, and I still listen to artists that I rocked out to as a wee youngin. See what you think of my former selves, and sound off on which one's taste sucks the most if you want. It's all kosher here.

Age 13 (When I was an awkward, fat teenager)
Beastie Boys - Intergalactic
The Beatles - Maxwell's Silver Hammer
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear the Reaper
Collective Soul - The World I Know
Dave Matthews Band - What Would You Say
Kent - Things She Said
Meja - All About the Money
Mikael Wiehe - Flickan och Krakan
Oasis - Wonderwall
Robbie Williams - Millenium
Seal - Kiss From A Rose
Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
Sugar Ray - Falls Apart
Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Verve pipe - Freshman
The Wallflowers - One Headlight
The Who - My Generation

This playlist shows the beginnings of my exploration of music. At this point in my life, I got music from two sources: my parents and my radio. My mom would buy me popular bands such as Dave Matthews Band, Sugar Ray, The Wallflowers, etc. My dad would play me records and CDs by artists such as The Beatles, The Who, Sweet, and Black Sabbath. The radio introduced me to the grunge movement, alternative rock, and The Beastie Boys. I even distinctly remember a short fascination I had with the Aqua song Barbie Girl... anyways, you might notice a few outliers there, namely Meja, Kent, and Mikael Wiehe. I spent one semester of 8th grade in Sweden, where my friends and neighbors had a considerable impact on what I listened to. So that's that, then.

Age 17 (senior year of high school)
Alizee - Moi Lolita
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - For Tha Love Of Money
Bright Eyes - The Calendar Hung Itself
Death Cab for Cutie - Photobooth
Finch - What It Is To Burn
The Get Up Kids - Long Goodnight
GLAY - Two Bell Silence
Jay-Z - It's Like That (w/Kid Capri)
Jimmy Eat World - Sweetness
L'Arc~en~Ciel - Spirit Dreams Inside
Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song
Noir Desir - Le Vent Nous Portera
Poison the Well - Torn
The Rasmus - In the Shadows
Red House Painters - I Feel The Rain Fall
Sigur Ros - Hjartao Hamast
Something Corporate – Hurricane (Changing Weather Patterns)
The Used - Buried Myself Alive

Ah, I remember this time in my life so clearly. This was probably the biggest change in my listening habits. I had tapped out radio-friendly music and, becoming more internet savvy, I decided to expand my music horizons through talking to people online and, probably the most effective way, searching for random words in file-sharing programs. By searching for “spirit,” I got “Spirit Dreams Inside” by L’Arc~En~Ciel. By searching for “hjarta” (Swedish for “heart”) I got “Hjartao Hamast” by Sigur Ros. By searching for “vent” (French for “wind”), I got Noir Desir etc etc. I also discovered an online game called “The Emo Game” that introduced me to bands like Bright Eyes and The Get Up Kids (although they’re admittedly not emo). I also got some rap music for blasting in my car like pretty much every other idiot jock.

Age 18 (after my first year of college)
Abandoned Pools - Start Over
Avenged Sevenfold - Remenissions
The Beautiful Mistake - Circular Parade
boysetsfire - Full Color Guilt
Dave Matthews Band - Grey Street
Erase the Grey - Rain
From Autumn to Ashes - I'm The Best At Ruining My Life
Guided by Voices - Liquid Indian
Her Space Holiday - My Girlfriend's Boyfriend
Jimmy Eat World - Claire
Keepsake - Cartoon Life
Murder by Death - I'm Afraid of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Radiohead - My Iron Lung
Rise Against - Like The Angel
Sparta - Light Burns Clear
Sunny Day Real Estate - Pillars
Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance
Thursday - Standing on the Edge of Summer

In college, I connected with people on my hall that had similar music tastes. Two of my closest friends got me into Avenged Sevenfold, Thrice, Thursday, Sparta, From Autumn to Ashes, Rise Against, all that jazz. I randomly heard Abandoned Pools while I was walking past a kid’s room once, and I ran in there and asked him what it was because it was so incredibly beautiful. I continued finding stuff on my own, introducing myself to Radiohead, Guided By Voices, and Murder By Death. I also had my second Dave Matthews Band resurgence; after hating Everyday, Busted Stuff and the Lilywhite Sessions came out and blew my mind with yet another sound, this one more folk/bluesy. It seemed like every other album they’ve put out are the ones that everyone cracks on for being lame (Crash (though it’s only because of Crash Into Me, the rest is awesome) Everyday, Stand Up), and the good ones they do so well on (Under The Table and Dreaming (aside from Ants Marching and What Would You Say), Before These Crowded Streets, Busted Stuff, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King) go unnoticed… but enough legitimizing my on-again-off-again romance with a band that’s trendy to hate. I listed Jimmy Eat World again because while the band moved in their mediocre pop direction (Futures, Chase This Light), I started going back in their history, checking out Static Prevails and Clarity and the various underground comps they lent singles to. They used to be so good, so raw…

Age 20 (senior year of college / becoming a music snob)
The Album Leaf - On Your Way
Arcade Fire - Wake Up
Ariel Kill Him - Ca-cao
Atkins Lane - Everything Was You
Bishop Allen - Ghosts Are Good Company
Dinosaur Jr. - Even You
Fugazi - Give Me The Cure
Iron & Wine - He Lays In The Reins
JR Ewing - Fucking & Champagne
Life at These Speeds - Land Filled
Love Lost but Not Forgotten - Perfectly Fucked
M83 - A Guitar And A Heart
Marc Broussard - Home
Matt Pond PA - The Trees And The Wild
Minus the Bear - This Ain't A Surfin Movie
Rites of Spring - For Want Of
Saetia - Venus And Bacchus
Tujiko Noriko - Aru Choten
Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start - Come Away
Wilco - At Least That's What You Said

This was when I truly got into underground music. The girl I dated at the time started hating the music I listened to (and we actually broke up not long after I refused to go to a Brand New concert with her). I had a torrid love affair with Dischord and Level Planes (my man crush on Guy Picciotto supercedes all other musical emotions even today) caused by a single listen by Saetia’s Venus and Bacchus that lead to me buying over a dozen CDs in a week, including Love Lost But Not Forgotten, Fugazi, JR Ewing, Life At These Speeds, Saetia, Rites of Spring and so many more. I also started moving in the exact opposite direction, away from drum- and guitar-driven rock and hardcore and towards minimalist indie and vocal work. I bought The Album Leaf album without even hearing it, which started me on the road towards Ariel Kill Him, Tujiko Noriko, Iron & Wine, and M83. I also started seeking out rising indie bands like Arcade Fire, Up Up Down Down, and Minus The Bear, catching on right before the huge upswell in popularity. I had my first Wilco moment, and fell in love with Marc Broussard’s voice and writing at first listen even though I only listened to him to be able to mock him (I saw him on Yahoo! Music and thought he was another boy band reject from his looks). I also began getting into unknown bands through random concerts around town (Atkins Lane, matt pond PA).

Age 22 (Wasting time / looking for a job / The Guitar Hero era)
All That Remains - This Calling
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - A Classic Arts Showcase
The Appleseed Cast - Here We Are (Family In The Hallways)
Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
Carissa's Wierd - Ignorant Piece of Shit
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Details of the War
Greenleaf - Agents of Ahriman
I Would Set Myself on Fire for You - Seven
Lightheaded - Poetry in Motion
Mac Lethal - Turn Off The Radio
The National - Fake Empire
Othello - Seasons Greetings (feat. Sirens Echos)
Scar Symmetry - Artificial Sun Projection
A Silver Mt. Zion - Take These Hands and Throw Them In The River
Strange Fruit Project - Get Live (feat. Erykah Badu)
Strata - Night Falls (The Weight of It)
Suis La Lune - Quiet, Pull The Strings
Trophy Scars - Alchemist. Alchemists.
65daysofstatic - This Cat Is A Landmine

I call this the Guitar Hero era because being introduced to that game hearkened back to high school when I actually used to try to play instruments… I returned my focus to instrument-driven work, paying more attention to technique and individual performances instead of the whole song. This lead to a lot of progressive rock and metal. Mike Martin and Olin Buchanan of All That Remains single-handedly slated my guitar-shredding thirst for almost a year. Trail of Dead, Appleseed Cast, The National, Strata, and Trophy Scars kept me happy with unusual drum-work and time-signatures and variations on the 4/4 that would blow most musicians’ minds. Suis La Lune, I Would Set Myself On Fire For You, 65Daysofstatic, and A Silver Mt. Zion created beautiful and off-kilter music. Bands like Greenleaf and Scar Symmetry gave me the guitars to fill the void that All That Remains couldn’t. I also began my foray into undergroup hip-hop, using Mac Lethal as a springboard into balding white rappers and Lightheaded and Strange Fruit Project introducing me to rap music that can uplift and energize. Finally, I continued to get into indie music, playing Black Kids, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Carissa’s Wierd till my roommates wanted to kill me (insert music asshole joke about how one play is all it took here).

Age 24 (Gainfully employeed / the man I am today)
The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You
Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You
Bottomless Pit - Leave The Light On
Dave Matthews Band - Why I Am
Fleet Foxes - Blue Ridge Mountains
Jacobi Wichita - I Only Draw Chairs
Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
The Knife - We Share Our Mother's Health
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
The Mae Shi - Run To Your Grave
Mars ILL - Fade to Black (feat. Sintax)
MGMT - Time To Pretend
Nizlopi - Last Night In Dakar
Pierce the Veil - The Cheap Bouquet
Restiform Bodies - Foul
Silversun Pickups - It's Nice to Know You Work Alone
United Nations - The Shape of Punk That Never Came
WHY? - Good Friday
Zolar X - I Pulled My Helmet Off (I'm Going to Love Her)

Once I got my life on track and got into the real world, my music tastes matured with me. The “My Grass Is Blue” movement in Blacksburg got me into The Avett Brothers and Fleet Foxes (not exactly related, I know, but bear with me), Carissa’s Wierd led me to Band of Horses, peeks at Pitchfork and last.fm led me to Justice, The Knife, and MGMT, and random music review sites turned me onto Jacobi Wichita (still only 250 listeners on last.fm is a crime!) and Zolar X (extremely awesome David Bowie’s mind meets Styx’s sound meets Rush’s instrumental insanity space-age love progressive rock). I also continued to find underground hip-hop, experiencing a love for half of Anticon (Restiform Bodies, Why, Odd Nosdam, etc) and a mixture of disgust and pity for the other half (all the straight-edge assholes like Non-Prophets). I had my third DMB sighting after Stand Up made me hate the band, but Big Whiskey made me their bitch again, and I continued to find bands in genres I thought I already nailed down (Bottomless Pit, Pierce The Veil, Niz, Silversun Pickups, United Nations).

1979-1985:
10. Too $hort - Don't Stop Rappin'
9. Kurtis Blow - Kurtis Blow
8. Sugarhill Gang - Sugarhill Gang
7. Whodini - Whodini
6. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - The Message
5. Run-D.M.C. - King of Rock
4. The Treacherous Three - the treacherous three
3. Whodini - Escape
2. LL Cool J - Radio
1. Run-D.M.C. - Run-D.M.C.

1986:
10. Just-Ice - Back to the Old School
9. Schoolly D - Schoolly D
8. 2 Live Crew - 2 Live Crew Is What We Are
7. Too $hort - Born to Mack
6. Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew - Oh, My God!
5. Stetsasonic - On Fire
4. Whodini - Back in Black
3. Kool Moe Dee - Kool Moe Dee
2. Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill
1. Run-D.M.C. - Raising Hell

1987:
10. Just-Ice - Kool & Deadly
9. MC Shan - Down By Law
8. Spoonie Gee - The Godfather Of Rap
7. N.W.A - N.W.A. & The Posse
6. Ice-T - Rhyme Pays
5. Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush the Show
4. Kool Moe Dee - How Ya Like Me Now
3. LL Cool J - Bigger and Deffer
2. Boogie Down Productions - Criminal Minded
1. Eric B. & Rakim - Paid In Full

(NOTE: Since hip-hop is getting better year by year, from now I will also find some use of a "honorable mentions" list which names all left out albums that could make a top 10 spot)

1988:
10. Run-D.M.C. - Tougher Than Leather
9. Ultramagnetic MC's - Critical Beatdown
8. Eazy-E - Eazy-Duz-It
7. Boogie Down Productions - By All Means Necessary
6. Eric B. & Rakim - Follow the Leader
5. Slick Rick - The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick
4. EPMD - Strictly Business
3. Big Daddy Kane - Long Live the Kane
2. Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
1. N.W.A - Straight Outta Compton

Honorable mentions: Goin' Off, Straight Out the Jungle, In Control, Vol. 1, In Full Gear, The World's Greatest Entertainer, Life is... Too Short, Act a Fool, He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper, Power, It Takes Two

1989:
10. Low Profile - We're In This Together
9. Biz Markie - The Biz Never Sleeps
8. Kool Moe Dee - Knowledge Is King
7. Gang Starr - No More Mr. Nice Guy
6. Ice-T - The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech...Just Watch What You Say
5. Boogie Down Productions - Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop
4. The D.O.C. - No One Can Do It Better
3. EPMD - Unfinished Business
2. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo - Road to the Riches
1. Big Daddy Kane - It's a Big Daddy Thing

Honorable mentions: Grip It! On That Other Level, Done by the Forces of Nature, Big Tyme, 3 Feet High & Rising, Paul's Boutique, Walking With A Panther, Nice & Smooth

1990:
10. Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth - Funky Technician
9. X-Clan - To the East, Backwards
8. Above the Law - Livin' Like Hustlers
7. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo - Wanted: Dead or Alive
6. Masta Ace - Take a Look Around
5. EPMD - Business as Usual
4. LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out
3. Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet
2. Brand Nubian - One for All
1. Ice Cube - AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted

Honorable mentions: It's a Compton Thang, Holy Intellect, Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, Edutainment, Short Dog's in the House, Sex Packets, At Your Own Risk, Taste of Chocolate, Hispanic Causing Panic

1991:
10. Del tha Funkee Homosapien - I Wish My Brother George Was Here
9. Ice-T - O.G. Original Gangster
8. Scarface - Mr. Scarface Is Back
7. DJ Quik - Quik Is the Name
6. Gang Starr - Step In The Arena
5. Main Source - Breaking Atoms
4. Cypress Hill - Cypress Hill
3. N.W.A - Niggaz4Life
2. A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory
1. Ice Cube - Death Certificate

Honorable mentions: Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black, Naughty By Nature, Bitch Betta Have My Money, A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing, Straight Checkn' Em, We Can't Be Stopped, Organized Konfusion, Ain't A Damn Thing Changed, Prince of Darkness, 2Pacalypse Now, The Ruler's Back

1992:
10. Showbiz & A.G. - Runaway Slave
9. Redman - Whut? Thee Album
8. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - Mecca and the Soul Brother
7. Compton's Most Wanted - Music to Driveby
6. Brand Nubian - In God We Trust
5. EPMD - Business Never Personal
4. Ice Cube - The Predator
3. Gang Starr - Daily Operation
2. Dr. Dre - The Chronic
1. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo - Live and Let Die

Honorable mentions: Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop, Dead Serious, Guerillas In Tha Mist, Way 2 Fonky, Spice 1, Shorty the Pimp, Too Hard To Swallow, Don't Sweat The Technique, Reel To Reel, Psycho Active, Return of the Funky Man

1993:
10. Cypress Hill - Black Sunday
9. 2Pac - Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.
8. Onyx - Bacdafucup
7. KRS-One - Return of the Boom Bap
6. Masta Ace Inc. - Slaughtahouse
5. Big Daddy Kane - Looks Like A Job For...
4. A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
3. Black Moon - Enta Da Stage
2. Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
1. Snoop Dogg - Doggystyle

Honorable mentions: No Pressure, The World Is Yours, Tha Triflin' Album, No Need For Alarm, 21 & Over, Here Comes The Lord, 93 'til Infinity, Black Mafia Life, Lethal Injection

1994:
10. Redman - Dare Iz A Darkside
9. Brotha Lynch Hung - Season of da Siccness
8. Organized Konfusion - Stress: The Extinction Agenda
7. Method Man - Tical
6. MC Eiht - We Come Strapped
5. Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die
4. Scarface - The Diary
3. Jeru the Damaja - The Sun Rises in the East
2. Gang Starr - Hard To Earn
1. Nas - Illmatic

Honorable mentions: Daddy's Home, To the Death, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Regulate... G Funk Era, The Main Ingredient, Thug Life: Volume 1, Resurrection, The Most beautifullest Thing in This World, Behind Bars, Word...Life, Shock of the Hour

1995:
10. AZ - Doe Or Die
9. Big L - Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
8. Group Home - Livin' Proof
7. DJ Quik - Safe & Sound
6. Smif-N-Wessun - Dah Shinin'
5. KRS-One - KRS-One
4. 2Pac - Me Against the World
3. Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
2. GZA/Genius - Liquid Swords
1. Mobb Deep - The Infamous

Honorable mentions: Neva Again, 4, 5, 6, Operation Stackola, Mack 10, Curb Servin', Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, Soul Food, Dogg Food, Sittin' on Chrome, E. 1999 Eternal, Real Brothas

1996:
10. Jeru the Damaja - Wrath Of The Math
9. Fugees - The Score
8. Westside Connection - Bow Down
7. Mobb Deep - Hell on Earth
6. M.O.P. - Firing Squad
5. OutKast - ATLiens
4. Ghostface Killah - Ironman
3. 2Pac - All Eyez on Me
2. Xzibit - At the Speed of Life
1. Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt

Honorable mentions: Nocturnal, Illadelph Halflife, The Coming, Ridin' Dirty, Stakes Is High, Death Threatz, Muddy Waters, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, Tha Doggfather, It Was Written, The Awakening, Autobiography of Mistachuck, Da Storm, Soul on Ice

1997:
10. Scarface - The Untouchable
9. Busta Rhymes - When Disaster Strikes
8. O.C. - Jewelz
7. Mack 10 - Based on a True Story
6. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - The Art of War
5. EPMD - Back In Business
4. Jay-Z - In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
3. Notorious B.I.G. - Life After Death
2. Wu-Tang Clan - Wu-Tang Forever
1. Rakim - The 18th Letter

Honorable mentions: The War Report, I Got Next, For the People, The Art of War, The Villain in Black

1998:
10. DMX - It's Dark And Hell Is Hot
9. Brand Nubian - Foundation
8. Black Star - Blackstar
7. WC - The Shadiest One
6. Big Daddy Kane - Veteranz Day
5. Big Punisher - Capital Punishment
4. Xzibit - 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz
3. M.O.P. - First Family 4 Life
2. OutKast - Aquemini
1. Gang Starr - Moment Of Truth

Honorable mentions: Roots of Evil, Retaliation, Revenge & Get Back, Heavy Mental, Shut 'Em Down, Ruthless for Life, War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc), Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life, IV

1999:
10. Kurupt - Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha
9. Pharoahe Monch - Internal Affairs
8. Method Man & Redman - Blackout!
7. Nas - I Am...
6. GZA/Genius - Beneath The Surface
5. EPMD - Out Of Business
4. Slick Rick - The Art of Storytelling
3. Mos Def - Black On Both Sides
2. Dr. Dre - 2001
1. Eminem - The Slim Shady LP

Honorable mentions: No Mercy, No Remorse, Immobilarity, Amplified, The Master, Section 8, ...And Then There Was X, Still i Rise

2000:
10. Cypress Hill - Skull & Bones
9. Wu-Tang Clan - The W
8. Big L - The Big Picture
7. DJ Quik - Balance & Options
6. Xzibit - Restless
5. OutKast - Stankonia
4. Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele
3. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP
2.Common - Like Water for Chocolate
1. M.O.P. - Warriorz

Honorable mentions: Tha Eastsidaz, Both Sides of the Brain, Mind Over Matter, From the Darkness Into the Light, 2000 B.C., NIA

2001:
10. DMX - The Great Depression
9. Cypress Hill - Stoned Raiders
8. RZA - Digital Bullet
7. Grand Puba - Understand This
6. Kurupt - Space Boogie: Smoke Oddessey
5. KRS-One - The Sneak Attack
4. Wu-Tang Clan - Iron Flag
3. Nas - Stillmatic
2. Jay-Z - The Blueprint
1. Masta Ace - Disposable Arts

Honorable mentions: Priesthood, Word of Mouf, Genesis, Revolutionary Vol. 1, The Realness

2002:
10. Eminem - The Eminem Show
9. Blackalicious - Blazing Arrow
8. Cormega - The True Meaning
7. Xzibit - Man Vs. Machine
6. Royce da 5'9" - Rock City
5. Kool G Rap - The Giancana Story
4. GZA/Genius - Legend of the Liquid Sword
3. Talib Kweli - Quality
2. Nas - God's Son
1. Scarface - The Fix

Honorable mentions: Revolverlution, Power in Numbers, The Lost Tapes, Better Dayz, Aziatic, Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Bo$$, Spiritual Minded, Under Tha Influence, Trinity (Past, Present And Future), Ghetto Heisman, The Chosen Few

2003:
10. Westside Connection - Terrorist Threats
9. Immortal Technique - Revolutionary Vol. 2
8. OutKast - Spearboxxx/The Love Below
7. KRS-One - Kristyles
6. Craig G - This Is Now
5. DMX - Grand Champ
4. Black Moon - Total Eclipse
3. Jay-Z - The Black Album
2. Canibus - Rip The Jacker
1. Gang Starr - The Ownerz

Honorable mentions: Joe Budden, Black August, Shadows Of The Sun, Godzilla, The Listening

2004:
10. KRS-One - Keep Right
9. De La Soul - The Grind Date
8. Cypress Hill - Till Death Do Us Part
7. The Roots - The Tipping Point
6. Ghostface Killah - The Pretty Toney Album
5. Masta Killa - No Said Date
4. Murs - Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition
3. Nas - Street's Disciple
2. Royce da 5'9" - Death Is Certain
1. Masta Ace - A Long Hot Summer

Honorable mentions: Tical 0: The Prequel, The Hard Way, The Beautiful Struggle, Weapons of Mass Destruction

The remaining years will be done another time. I put hard work for this list so comments and opinions are appreciated.

As of 4:16 AM on July 20th, 2009 (just because I'm a nocturnal bastard lol)...

1. What's your favorite song by 15? (Blaze Ya Dead Homie)
Either "Saturday Afternoon" or "Put It Down"...

2. How did you get into 20? (Violent J)
My stepbrother got me into ICP back in early 2000, so I naturally moved from their group work to J's solo albums.

3. Who is your favorite member in 1? (Joe Budden)
Kinda doesn't apply since he's a solo artist (lol)...

4. What’s your favorite lyric bit by 29? (Stone Temple Pilots)
The lyrics for "Plush"...

5. Have you ever seen 22 live? (B.O.B)
Nope

6. What's your favorite album from 10? (6'6 240)
That's kinda hard to say because Big Boi Tactics & Mr. Dub Vee are equally good to me, but I'd probably give BBT a slight edge because it's the first 6'6 record I heard & it got me into him.

7. Do you own any merchandise from 3? (Tech N9ne)
Yeah, on top of all his records: I've got 2 of his custom-made jerseys (white & black), 2 "Strange Music" beanies & an "Everready" poster signed by him. I'm such a Tech junkie I actually bought the jerseys at the full price of $99.99 each.

8. What is a good memory you have of 7? (Chamillionaire)
Every time I hear the song "Rain" it still gives me chills. I can relate so much to that song it seems to read like a page from my diary (if I kept one lol).

9. Is there a member of the same age as you in 2? (Twiztid)
No, I believe Jamie & Paul are both in their 30's by now.

10. When did you first get into 8? (The Offspring)
Hmm...I think around the time Americana came out ('99) but it could have been even earlier than that.

11. Who likes 4 along with you? (Insane Clown Posse)
Aside of their million-plus fans, my best friend & his girl are also into them. I grew up - in high school & college - around juggalos that I know so many it's impossible to list them all. A lot of people peg fans of ICP as brainless or trashy, and believe me I know some of those people too, but the fan base is like a community, and their are some really bright people I've met through juggalo outings.

12. Which song did you first hear from 16? (Kottonmouth Kings)
I'm thinking "Spies" for some reason, but I'm really not sure.

13. What song made you fall in love with 5? (Wale)
When I first heard him on DC radio back in '06 with that single "Dig Dug". Right when I got back home from that trip I kept typing in the lyrics for that song, never knowing who did it, and I came across his name on MySpace or something. It's kinda funny now because he's huge, I kind of got into him right before he blew up nationwide.

14. Which song do you not like by 18? (Puddle of Mudd)
I don't really know of one. Most of their songs are either good to me or just kinda so-so. None really stand out as bad, even though "She Hates Me" gets pretty annoying sometimes.

15. Why do you like 14's songs? (The Cool Kids)
Because they're a throwback to REAL hip-hop. And by real hip-hop, I mean the kind that doesn't force you to act like something you're not. These guys will rap about everything from brushing their teeth (seriously, check "Pennies") to having a kickass house party. It's like a time-warp from the 80's shot them right into the present.

16. Where did you first hear 6? (Michael Jackson)
You're kidding, right? I'd be surprised if I didn't hear MJ when I was still in the womb. I literally can't point out an extended time in my life where I haven't listened to his music. I always go back to it. It is really a huge loss considering what happened recently. (R.I.P Michael)

17. How long was 19 a band before you liked them? (Drake)
Well, he's not a band, he's a solo artist. I don't really know how long he's been out, but he's just getting real popular this year & I've been into his stuff for a couple years now. I think I started listening to him back in '07.

18. Does 13 have a song that gives you a bad memory? (Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
Can't think of one.

19. When did you get into 17? (Foo Fighters)
I've been aware of them for over a decade, but I actually got into them heavy after I heard "All My Life"...whenever that first came out. >_>

20. How long have you been into 9? (Lil' Wayne)
Over 7 years.

21. If 11 had a concert 300 miles away, would you drive there to see them? (R. Kelly)
Doubt it. I've never been to an R&B concert & don't really intend to. Would only go if I was with a girl or my sister. Not saying his music is only for females, but that is who he caters to. I'm into it on wax but I could care less about seeing him live.

22. How many CD's do you own of 12? (Dark Lotus)
2: Tales From The Lotus Pod & Black Rain.

23. Does 21 have a song that makes you cry? (Rich Boy)
Ugh, hell no!

24 is MISSING so I guess Rise Against is getting left out! :-(

25. Does 23 have a song that makes you smile? (Hydrogyn)
Sounds weird, but no. Most of their music is really somber or depressing. I like a lot of their songs but none of them make me happy at all.

26. What's the last song you've listened to from 28? (Jamie Madrox)
A skit off his Phatso album called "This Is What We Got...", which is funny shit IMO.

27. Is there a song by 32 that you've listened to more than 30 times? (Boondox)
I don't think I've sat down & listened to any of his that many times, but I've definitely heard them in the background enough times to make me answer "yes" to this question.

28. Any song by 50 that you've only listened to once? (UGK)
Probably, but I can't recall which one.

29. Is there a song you are sick of hearing by 24? (Monoxide Child)
I kind of wore myself out on his entire "CHAINSMOKER LP" album...

30. What song got you into 40? (Esham)
I'd think I would have trouble recalling since I've liked him for so long, but it's easy to recall the one that got me hooked: "Play Dead" was definitely it.

31. What is your favorite single by 25? (Nickelback)
"How You Remind Me"

32. If 49 hated you, what would you do? (Jadakiss)
Uh, nothing. <_<

33. What would you say if 42 or one of the members from 42 asked you out? (Krizz Kaliko)
Last time I checked he wasn't gay, so I don't think that would happen. XD

34. Would you care if 41 had a boyfriend/girlfriend? (Prince)
Of course not.

35. Who has the best voice in 46? (Metallica)
James Hetfield, obviously.

36. Do you think 26 is/are good looking? (Anybody KIlla)
Not really, but I like his face paint designs.

37. How many times have you listened to your favorite song by 36? (Kutt Calhoun)
Can't really say, because I don't have just one fav. from him. I'd say whatever it was, though, I've listened to it more than 20 times.

38. How many CD's do you own of 30? (Grafh)
Just one: The Preview.

39. Is there a song from 38 that makes you mad? (Kid Cudi)
Not really.

40. Which member from 31 do you want to see go solo? (Mudvayne)
I wouldn't really care if any of them did. >_>

41. What does your favorite song from 48 remind you of? (Slaughterhouse)
"Move On": reminds me of all the shit I've gone through in my life. I can really relate to what Joell Ortiz & Joe Budden say in this song, especially the latter.

42. Did you hate 43 at first? (KISS)
No! I've always been fond of them.

43. Does your best friend also listen to 33? (Rob Zombie)
Absolutely.

44. Do you think your parents would like 37? (System of a Down)
No way in hell. XD

45. Does 47 have a song that makes you want to dance? (Fabolous)
Yeah, a few of them actually.

46. Have you ever seen 34 in person? (Drive-By)
Well, since that group is composed of Anybody KIlla & Blaze Ya Dead Homie, the answer is yes. I met ABK at a signing in Cleveland a couple months ago. Even got pictures. Lol

47. Do you like 44's name? (Asher Roth)
Not really, but he can't help it. I think that's his actual birth name.

48. Is there someone in 45 that you want to go out with? (Rhymefest)
He, himself? Hell no!

49. Do you know anyone that hates 39? (The-Dream)
Several people, actually. Lol

50. Have you ever danced to a song from 35? (Buckcherry)
Oh yeah...

By the time I post this my list will have changed, because I've been listening to a playlist the whole time. Oh well, it was right at the time! XD

Here's whom I can remember seeing over the years:

* = seen live multiple times
*** = seen live so many times I should get an award

A Place to Bury Strangers
A-Trak
Against Me!
American Bang*
American Music Club
Amiina*
Amy Winehouse
Andrea Corr
Andrew W.K.
Animal Collective
Annie Lennox
Annie Stela
Antony
The Apples in Stereo
The Arcade Fire*
Architecture in Helsinki
The Arctic Monkeys
Aretha Franklin
Aṣa
Atlas Sound
Autolux

B. Dolan
Bad Brains*
Basia Bulat
Bat for Lashes
The Battle Royale
Beastie Boys***
Ben Harper*
Benevento/Russo Duo
Big Audio Dynamite
The Bird and the Bee
Biz Markie
Bjork***
Black Ice
The Black Keys*
Black Kids
Black Moth Super Rainbow
black swan green
Blank Dogs
Bloc Party*
BoDeans*
Bonde do Role
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Bootsy Collins
Boris
Boys Noize*
The Breeders
Brother Ali
Bruce Springsteen
Bryan Adams
Buddy Guy
Burning Spear

Camper Van Beethoven*
Carbon/Silicon
Cat Power*
Chairlift
Cheap Trick
Choir of Young Believers
Chromeo
Cinematic Orchestra
Cloud Cult
Coldplay
Common
Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band
The Cool Kids*
Cornelius
The Corrs*
The Coup
The Courtneers
Courtney Love
Crosby & Nash
Crowded House
Crystal Antlers
Crystal Castles
CSS*
Curumin
Cut Copy

Da Brat
Damien Rice*
Dan Friel
Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip
Dashboard Confessional*
Dead Rock West
Deadboy & the Elephantmen
Debbie Harry
Depeche Mode
DeVotchKa
Dexter Romweber Duo
Diddy
Dinosaur Jr.
Dirty Projectors
DJ Heather
DJ JS-1
DJ Lord
DJ Mehdi
The Dodos*
Donna Summer
Duchess Says
Duffy
The Duke Spirit

Earl Greyhound
Elbow
Electrelane
Elefant
Elf Power
Eric Mingus
Erykah Badu
Etienne de Crécy
Explosions in the Sky

Fanfarlo
Fat Joe
Ferraby Lionheart
Fiction Plane
Fight the Big Bull
Fleet Foxes
Flo & Eddie
The Forms
Forro In The Dark*
The Frames
Fuck Buttons
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Future of the Left

Gang Gang Dance
Garbage*
Gavin Friday
George Clinton
Ghostface
Ghostland Observatory*
Giant Drag
Girl Talk*
Gogol Bordello*
The Golden Filter
Grand Duchy
Grand Ole Party
Gravy Train!!!!
Grizzly Bear
Growing
GZA

High Places
The Hold Steady
Holy Fuck*
Husker Du

I'm From Barcelona
Ice Cube
Ice T
Imani Coppola
Incubus
Indigo Girls
Interpol*
INXS

J.G. Thirlwell
Jane's Addiction*
Jarvis Cocker*
Jay-Z
Jeff Beck
Jenny Lewis
Jens Lekman
Jerry Lee Lewis
Joan Baez
Joe Cocker
Joel Grey
The Joggers
John Doe***
John Parish and Polly Jean Harvey
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Joshua Radin
Juana Molina
Juliette and the Licks
Jurassic 5
Justice*

Kaki King
Keane*
Kelis*
Kenan Bell
Kid Creole and the Coconuts
Kings of Leon*
The Knitters*
Kool Keith
Kraftwerk
KRS-One

Lady GaGa
Lady Miss Kier
Laurie Anderson
Le Tigre*
Lee Fields
Lenny Kravitz
Les Nubians
Les Savy Fav*
Lewis & Clarke
Lil Eazy-E
Lil Jon
Lil Kim
Linton Kwesi Johnson
Lissy Trullie
Liturgy
Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Lone Justice*
Longwave*
Lori Anderson
Lou Reed***
Lupe Fiasco
Luscious Jackson
Lydia Lunch
Lykke Li

M.I.A.
Magnolia Electric Co.
Man Man
Maria McKee
Marissa Nadler
Marnie Stern
Martha Wainwright
Mary J. Blige
Maserati
Mates of State
Matisyahu
Matmos*
Max Tundra
MC Lyte
Melt-Banana
Metallica
Metric
MGMT
Micachu
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Mick Jagger
Midnight Juggernauts
migu
Mika
Mission of Burma
Mix Master Mike*
MM/DD/YYYY
Mogwai
Money Mark
Mono
The Morning After Girls
Morningwood
Morris Day
Morrissey
múm
Muse*
The Music
My Bloody Valentine
My Morning Jacket

Natalie Merchant
The National
Neko Case
Nellie McKay
The Neville Brothers
New Order
The New Pornographers
Nightmares on Wax
The Nightwatchman
No Age

Organized Konfusion
Oumou Sangare
Ozzy Osbourne

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Pale Young Gentlemen
Pattern Is Movement
Patti Smith***
Paul and The Patients
Paul Young
Peaches
Peter Gabriel
Pharcyde
The Phenomenal Handclap Band
Pixies*
PJ Harvey***
Plastiscines
The Police*
The Polyphonic Spree*
Portishead
Portugal. The Man
The Pretenders*
Pretty Girls Make Graves
Prince
Prince Paul
The Prodigy*
Public Enemy*
Public Image Ltd.

Q-Tip

R.E.M.*
Ra Ra Riot
The Raconteurs
Radiohead*
Raekwon
Rage Against the Machine
Rahzel
Rakim
The Ramones
Ratatat
Ray Davies
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Redd Kross
Remy Ma
The Replacements***
Richard Hawley
Roger Waters
Rollins Band
The Roots*
Royal Crescent Mob*
The Ruby Suns
Rufus Wainwright

Satellite Party
Scarlett Johansson
School of Seven Bells
Screaming Females
Sean Lennon*
Seasick Steve
Sebadoh
Shane MacGowan
Sheila E
Shearwater
Sigur Ros*
Silversun Pickups*
Sin Fang Bous
Sinead O'Connor
Skybombers
Smash Mouth
The Smashing Pumpkins
Sneaky Sound System*
Spiritualized
Snoop Dogg*
Snow Patrol
Sonic Youth*
Soulwax*
Spoon*
St. Vincent*
Starsailor
Stephane Wrembel
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Stereo Total
Stereophonics
Steve Aoki
Steve Soto & The Twisted Hearts*
Sting
The Style Council
The Sugarcubes
Sunbears

Talib Kweli*
Tapes 'n Tapes
The Teenagers*
Tegan and Sara
Telepathe
Tenacious D
These Are Powers
Tiny Masters of Today
Tokyo Police Club*
Tom McRae*
Tracy Chapman
Two Gallants

U2***
Uffie

Vampire Weekend*
Van Morrison
Via Tania
Violent Femmes*
The Virgin Prunes

warpaint*
Warren Zevon
We Are Scientists
Willie Nelson
Wiz Khalifa
Wu-Tang Clan

X***
The xx
Xzibit

Yeah Yeah Yeahs*
Young Jeezy
Yuka Honda

!!!
18th Dye
10,000 Maniacs

1. How did you get into 29? (Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
My brother used to play it in his car all the time and honestly, I would get really jittery, scared, and anxious, I don't know why. I used to want to cry and tell him to turn it off but I just sat through it. Later, I listened to them on my own and completely fell in love with them.

2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22? (Ryan Adams)
"La Cienega Just Smiled"

3. What’s your favorite lyric by 33? (Amy Winehouse)
"I shouldn't play myself again, I should just be my own best friend, not fuck myself in the head with stupid men."

4. What is your favorite album by 49? (Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins)
The only one: "Rabbit Fur Coat".

5. How many albums by 13 do you own? (Stevie Nicks)
"Timespace – Greatest Hits"

6. What is your favorite song by 50? (Belle & Sebastian)
"ANOTHER SUNNY DAY"

7. Is there a song by 39 that makes you sad? (Lily Allen)
"Littlest Things"

8. What is your favorite album by 15? (Sufjan Stevens)
"Illinois"

9. What is your favorite song by 5? (Britney Spears)
"Overprotected"

10. Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy? (Rocky Votolato)
"Time Is a Debt"

11. What is your favorite album by 40? (Matisyahu)
"Youth"

12. What is your favorite song by 10? (The Decemberists)
"The Engine Driver"

13. What is a good memory you have involving 30? (Lil' Kim)
Every time I get naked wasted and dance provocatively/lap dance people to "How Many Licks". Also, I walked to Target to go buy "La Bella Mafia".

14. What is your favorite song by 38? (Sarah McLachlan)
"Building a Mystery"

15. Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy? (Pat Benatar)
"Invincible"

16. How many times have you seen 25 live? (Girls Aloud)
Never.

17. What is the first song you ever heard by 23? (Elton John)
I can't really put a finger on one because my dad always played him when I was really young so I don't quite remember.

18. What is your favorite album by 11? (Taylor Swift)
"Taylor Swift"

19. Who is a favorite member of 1? (Celine Dion)
That’s a question that doesn’t really work in this case.

20. Have you ever seen 14 live? (Emily Haines & the Soft Skeleton)
No.

21. What is a good memory involving 27? (Fleetwood Mac)
A couple weeks ago driving to Las Vegas with my parents listening to their greatest hits.

22. What is your favorite song by 16? (Tilly and the Wall)
"You and I Misbehaving"

23. What is the first song you ever heard by 47? (Architecture in Helsinki)
"It'5"

24. What is your favorite album by 18? (The New Pornographers)
"Mass Romantic"

25. What is your favorite song by 21? (Death Cab for Cutie)
"We Looked Like Giants"

26. What is the first song you ever heard by 26? (Bright Eyes)
"Lover I Don't Have to Love"

27. What is your favorite album by 3? (Neko Case)
"Middle Cyclone" because it's way too hard to pick one of the older ones and they are all amazing.

28. What is you favorite song by 2? (Feist)
"That's What I Say, It's Not What I Mean"

29. What was the first song you ever heard by 32? (Neko Case & Her Boyfriends)
Not really sure exactly, but I love "South Tacoma Way".

30. What is you favorite song by 8? (Mariah Carey)
Super hard... but I'd have to say "Sweetheart".

31. How many times have you seen 17 live? (Stars)
None.

32. Is there a song by 44 that makes you happy? (Cursive)
"Art Is Hard"

33. What is you favorite album by 12? (Metric)
"Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?"

34. What is the worst song by 45? (The Sounds)
"Riot"

35. What was the first song you ever heard by 34? (M.I.A.)
"Pull Up the People"

36. What is you favorite album by 48? (Le Tigre)
"This Island"

37. How many times have you seen 42 live? (Danity Kane)
Zero.

38. What is you favorite song by 36? (Imogen Heap)
"Loose Ends"

39. What was the first song you ever heard by 28? (AFI)
"The Leaving Song Pt. 2"

40. What is your favorite album by 7? (Cat Power)
"You Are Free"

41. Is there a song by 31 that makes you happy? (The Rocket Summer)
"Around the Clock"

42. What is your favorite album by 41? (Mates of State)
"Team Boo"

43. What is your favorite song by 24? (Rachael Yamagata)
"I Want You"

44. What is a good memory you have involving 46? (Aaliyah)
Being in love with this girl Celicia in middle school and having "Rock The Boat" be our song lol.

45. What is your favorite song by 35? (Paramore)
"Let the Flames Begin" or "When It Rains"

46. Is there a song by 9 that makes you happy? (Yann Tiersen)
"J'y Suis Jamais Allé"

47. What is your favorite album by 4? (Rilo Kiley)
"More Adventurous"

48. Who is a favorite member of 37? (Broken Social Scene)
Leslie Feist and Emily Haines.

49. What is the first song you ever heard by 43? (Brand New)
"Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades"

50. How many albums do you own by 20? (Madonna)
One. "The Immaculate Collection". The only one needed.

Total Playing Count - Most Played Artist(s) - Playing Count Of The Artist(s)

A 502 - Above the Law - 173
B 1565 - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - 354
C 1550 - Chamillionaire - 321
D 1466 - DMX - 362
E 495 - Eazy-E - 284
F 115 - Flo Rida - 49
G 532 - G-Unit - 296
H 132 - Hood Surgeon - 29
I 494 - Ice Cube - 262
J 923 - Jurassic 5 - 340
K 485 - Kano - 123
L 1259 - Ludacris - 278
M 1281 - Mobb Deep - 272
N 1426 - N.W.A - 358
O 423 - OutKast - 235
P 458 - Public Enemy - 182
Q ------------------------------
R 616 - Ruff Ryders - 95
S 1580 - Snoop Dogg - 269
T 2125 - Tech N9ne - 385
U 67 - Usher - 21
V 13 - Vanilla Ice - 10
W 843 - Will Smith & Wu-Tang Clan - 248
X 265 - Xzibit - 243
Y 786 - Young Jeezy - 238
Z 117 - Zion I - 87
# 1263 - 2Pac - 405

20783 is the total playing count as of now.

Based on my top artists from the past three months.

1. How did you get into 30? (Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
I don't actually like em too much. I just love to listen to Weed Song when smoking.

2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22? (CunninLynguists)
Mic Like a Memory

3. What's your favorite lyric by 7? (Atmosphere)
East coast, West coast, down South, Midwest
Nowadays everybody knows how to get fresh
Somebody give me a big yes
God Bless America, but she stole the B from "Bless"

4. What is your favorite album by 9? (Gnarls Barkley)
St. Elsewhere

5. How many albums do you own by number 13? (Snowgoons)
Two.

6. What is your favorite song by 28? (Muse)
New Born

7. Is there a song by 12 that makes you sad? (Cage)
No, not really.

8. What is your favorite song by 15? (MF DOOM)
Rapp Snitch Knishes

9. What is your favorite song by 5? (The Killers)
Smile Like You Mean It

10. Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy? (Modest Mouse)
Fire It Up

11. What is your favorite album by 24? (The Sounds)
Dying to Say This to You

12. What is your favorite song by 10? (Looptroop)
Bandit Queen

3. What is a good memory you have involving 29? (The Coup)
Their gig.

14. What is your favorite song by 17? (Mr. Hyde)
Them

15. Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy? (Army of the Pharaohs)
Dump The Clip

16. How many times have you seen 25 live? (Franz Ferdinand)
Once.

17. What is the first song you ever heard by 23? (The Hives)
B Is for Brutus

18. What is your favorite album by 11? (Cage)
Movies for the Blind

19. What is your favorite song by 1? (Sage Francis)
Broken Wings

20. Have you ever seen 14 live? (Julma-Henri & Syrjäytyneet)
Yup. A plenty of times.

21. What is a good memory involving 27? (Ill Bill)
Getting woozy while listening to What's Wrong With Bill? at summertime.

22. What is your favorite song by 16? (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Around the World

23. What is the first song you ever heard by 4? (Placebo)
Running Up That Hill

24. What is your favorite album by 21? (Immortal Technique)
Revolutionary Vol. 1

25. What is your favorite song by 18? (The Strokes)
Heart in a Cage

26. What is the first song you ever heard by 26? (Norwegian Recycling)
Animals Goes By

27. What is your favorite album by 3? (Jedi Mind Tricks)
Violent by Design

28. What is you favorite song by 2? (Santogold)
Starstruck

30. What is you favorite song by 8? (Madvillain)
Figaro