Since about the 2nd grade, I've been obsessed with music.

It started with Michael Jackson. Enough said. Then I fell in love with Jon Bon Jovi. Hair bands came next, then harder metal. Finally, in the summer of 1987, I was introduced to bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, U2, and most importantly, The Smiths. I was a bit late for The Smiths' glory, since they split in August of 87. I remember thinking what a bummer that was....I had no idea.

Michigan State University launched a modern rock radio station in the summer of 89, 88.9fm, or "Impact." Fortunately, it still exists, and is still just as great. That station, along with Mtv's "120 Minutes," saved me from my nothing town naivete and misery. That radio station was the soundtrack to my high school years. I started attending concerts the very night before I began high school....how poetic and fitting. I've been going to them ever since. I can now say I've seen hundreds of bands, and even met a few of the artists too. I could tell some interesting stories, but I'll save that for another blog. I was also blessed enough to have parents that supported my growing love/habit, and they bought me many CDs. I now have a collection nearing 1000. I also have many cassettes and some vinyl too. That collection has slowed considerably in its growth since the advent of Mp3s. Either way, I still am on the lookout for great new bands.

I'm a hopeless Anglophile, and that is reflected in my musical tastes. I could safely say that my collection is at least 70% British, especially British Alternative. I remember buying old issues of the NME or Melody Maker so I could learn about the hottest bands across the pond. I still have every issue. I always preferred Select magazine, though, which is sadly no more. Along with some magazines, I also collect various memorabilia, but now I restrict that to the concerts I've attended. My budget is considerably smaller these days! I have this dream of papering a wall with concert flyers one day, haha!

I remember lying on my bedroom floor in about 9th grade, head at the speaker, listening to The Cure's "Disintegration" cassette. I cried at the beauty. I'd lie in my bed and dream of England for hours, what it was like. I finally realized that dream in 1993, and Britrock suddenly became much more real.

My love of music has brought me so much fortune in my life, and so many friends and adventures. It completely shaped my existence. I owe so much to Mr. Steven Morrissey, and countless others.

And this blog starts yet another chapter, perhaps. Here's for hoping...