For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside, That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive.

While the majority of the writings here are words of wisdom for you boys, it is also an opportunity for me to share with you the importance that music has meant in my life. Music can be magical. It can take you to another place when you need it. It can make you happy when you feel down, or it can simply be a friend during those times sharing empathy with some of the most heartfelt lyrics ever written. There are artists who can do that better than others. For me, there is nothing quite like Bruce Springsteen. They call him “The Boss”.

With all of the rock star posturing that's out there, Bruce exemplifies the “everyman” attitude better than anyone before him. He just gets me. His words share what you are feeling. His songs give you hope. He is the voice of my generation.

I was a late convert to the music of Springsteen. In the mid-70's when it was all about Kiss and Cheap Trick, I thought Springsteen was a dinosaur already. It would take another ten years to start appreciating the gifts he had to offer me. One particularly memorable night for me was back when I was in college. I remember listening to Springsteen for about four hours straight after hearing that my best friend Eric's dad had been killed. I laid on the floor and thought about my relationship with my father and my own mortality. That night Bruce was there for me.

You will likely find your own music that speaks to you. It's hard to say what will be the “popular” music of your generation. I bet Springsteen stands the test of time though. Someday when you're feeling lonely put on “Nothing Man“. On a carefree Friday night put on ”Glory Days“. In a defiant mood? “Badlands.” Need some inspiration? ”No Surrender.“ When you have a son... ”My Hometown.“ See if he doesn't speak to you.

Headline from "Badlands" by Bruce Springsteen, 1978

Talk is Cheap, and Those Rumors Ain't Nice...

No deep philosophical ideologies today boys. Just wanted to share a bit of good ol' rock n' roll from a band that served as your Father's transition band into the music nut he is today. In 1978, at the ripe age of 13, I first heard a band out of Illinois called Cheap Trick. To this loyal member of the Kiss Army, it was a sound like I had never heard before. There was revolution in the music world going on in England and in small dingy clubs in NY and LA but I wouldn't be exposed to this new sound for a couple of years yet. But Cheap Trick was something very new to me. Their sound was explosive and urgent. It signaled a clear change in the musical landscape and an end to the music of the 70's as the world knew it.

Anyways...on the way to work this morning, head spinning with the uber-responsibilities of a 40-something dad about to have his world turned upside down by Boy #2, Cheap Trick's "Dream Police" fires off those unmistakable opening drum beats. THIS...is what music was made for. To completely take you away to another place. Music serves to mark a time in life. An event. Good times, bad times. But it stirs an emotion. It makes you feel alive.

For three or so minutes your conservative Dad cranked that radio and rocked. Yup, the other drivers figured I was having a meltdown. Who cares. I'm 14 and I'm drivin' a car! Woo-Hoo!

Without further ado...I give you Cheap Trick.

Headline from "Dream Police" by Cheap Trick, 1979