MandarisI was in a car collision. The whole family is banged up and it just sucks all around.
I’m just thankful to be alive.
Crucial Track for February 15, 2026
"Bounce" by Emotional Oranges
How do you discover new music, and what’s the latest gem you’ve found?
I usually find music from tv and movies. Sometimes, I even find it on the radio. The best recommendations are from family and I found this one to be very soothing.
Crucial Track for December 31, 2025
"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson
What song makes you feel connected to nature?
If they say why? (Why?) Why? (Why?) Tell 'em that it's human nature
There's something about the way that Michael just does the various runs during the song. I feel that it just lulls me into a peaceful mood.
Crucial Track for December 19, 2025
"Waiting for a Girl Like You" by Foreigner
Share a song that perfectly captures anticipation.
Right now, I'm waiting for my family to get ready so that I can take them somewhere. We were supposed to leave an hour ago.
Crucial Track for December 18, 2025
"Bitch" by Meredith Brooks
What's a song you associate with your favorite person?
There are so many aspects of a person that goes into being a whole human being. Sometimes you have to assert yourself and others might not like that.
Classic song and I think it really shows the positives of the b word.
Crucial Track for February 14, 2026
"Midnight Train to Georgia (Single Version)" by Gladys Knight & The Pips
What is a song that feels like home to you?
I think of this song when I'm going to my parents. They would have a lot of music playing and this was one of them that I remember. Although it wasn't in regular rotation, it was notable in the way that there was a sort of call and response and the way that Gladys' voice just commanded attention.
Crucial Track for January 1, 2026
"Let It Be" by The Beatles
What's your favorite song about letting go?
I thought of this song tonight because I was a little frustrated. Angry with the state of the world. A sort of victimhood sort of crept into my being and I didn't know what to do with that feeling.
I'm going to disconnect and just listen to the message of this song.
Crucial Track for January 2, 2026
"Dancing With Myself (EP Version)" by Billy Idol & Generation X
What song makes you want to dance alone in your room?
This and White Wedding are the only songs that I know from Billy Idol.
Honestly, I should just dance more often and as the saying goes dance like no one is watching.
Crucial Track for January 3, 2026
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
Share a song that captures the feeling of being understood.
I feel that a lot of songs about understanding are about being _mis_understood. I like this one because it talks about the joy of having someone who understands you.
Crucial Track for February 13, 2026
"Get the Party Started" by P!nk
What’s the first song you’d play at a party?
My first instinct is the play Let's get this party started by the black eyed peas, but I feel that it's probably a song that you want to save for later in the party. This one has the same message and is big hit.
