Every human has an emotional side. Mine is like a giant monument covered with a camouflage net - always there, but only visible on occasion. I normally suppress this side, unless someone (or something) forces me to reveal it. One of the few singers who can do this to me is Sheryl Crow. Now, this is weird. First of all, she has about as much indie music cred as a dead badger. But a few years ago, in my early twenties, I decided I couldn't care less about the coolness factor of a band - it's always just the music that counts. This revelation came to me through a song by Ricky Martin - "Private Emotion" - I heard the accoustic part at the beginning of the song and fell in love. As soon as I realized just who played that number, I was enlightened.Second, Sheryl's a woman, and normally I have a hard time relating to music written and/or performed by women. Not because hold any primitive sexist thoughts, but because I'm a guy, and no matter what the gender abolitionists say, there are certain differences in perspective.And still, every time I listen to her songs, it sends shivers down my spine, and I get an uncontrollable urge to tune my guitar and play for a while. I once knew a girl who could play "Strong enough" better than Sheryl herself, and she taught me a bit. I guess that's it - all the songs are a delicate mix of nostalgia and hope. I guess I'll go and grab my six string now.