Mandaris"I Wanna Sex You Up (Single Mix)" by Color Me Badd
What's a song with lyrics you didn't fully understand until you were older?
I had -and if you ask my wife still don't - no understanding of what any of these words mean.
Crucial Track for June 5, 2025
"Larger Than Life" by Backstreet Boys
What's a song that feels larger than life to you?
Sorry, not sorry. This is the track that comes to mind when I saw the prompt. I still smile thinking about how people would argue whether Backstreet Boys or N*sync were better.
Crucial Track for June 4, 2025
"Life Is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts
Describe the perfect song for a road trip and why it works.
I didn't think much of this song when I heard it in the movie, but it's really grown on me over the years. I think it's because my daughter would keep on saying "Kachow".
The family loves her
You came in and just stole everyone’s heart.
And stuffed up everyone’s nose.
Keep doing what you’re doing!
Crucial Track for June 3, 2025
"Nobody Knows" by The Tony Rich Project
What song would you use to describe your current relationship?
I've been married for years and sometimes relationships can ebb and flow as we try to make things work in this world. At the moment, we've got a lot of things going on as our children start moving on to their next stage in life. This doesn't leave us a lot of time to be a couple.
We're not on the rocks but sometimes I just miss being with my wife and having her smile.
Crucial Track for June 2, 2025
"Kokomo" by The Beach Boys
Describe music that reminds you of a specific place you've traveled.
I’ve never been to Kokomo. For me, the song actually reminds me of Santa Cruz, Ca. My wife and I would sometimes listen to this song as we would drive down there. It was her happy place and that would make me feel good to know that she was happy.
Crucial Track for June 1, 2025
"The Dynamo of Volition" by Jason Mraz
What song do you associate with your biggest accomplishment?
This isn’t the biggest accomplishment, but I was able to beat a ticket one time and “The Dynamo of Volition” by Jason Mraz. It probably won’t happen again.
Crucial Track for May 31, 2025
"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson
What song makes you feel understood when no one else does?
I feel that Human Nature by Michael Jackson is the best fit for the prompt. It might just be because I'm a big Michael Jackson fan.
Crucial Track for May 30, 2025
"I Try" by Macy Gray
What's a song you initially disliked but now love?
I would say "I Try" by Macy Gray is the perfect song for this.
The first time that I heard this song, I was surprised that it was even on the radio. It was the early 2000s when I heard it -although it was released the year before- and I was of the opinion that singers had to be "perfect" or from the olden days of the 80s where they didn't know any better. I grew to appreciate the song and the singer and have been listening to here off and on over the years.
Crucial Track for May 29, 2025
"Corner of the Earth" by Jamiroquai
What song feels like a secret between you and the artist?
"Corner of the Earth" is that track for me. It's something that I subconsciously seek out when I feel my world is spinning out of control. It helps feel centered and get back "on track".