1. "Straw Man" by David Berkeley - "A fantastic vocalist I discovered on the NPR show "This American Life". He was part of a plan gone awry in the episode "Going Big". The song that plays using the playlist below is not the right song (it is actually Fire Sign) but shows a sample of his style."

2. "Dark Angel" by Electronic - "Great track for a run. For those that do not know, Electronic is New Order's lead vocalist (Bernard Sumner) and The Smith's guitarist (Johnny Marr) and obviously some other people:-)"

3. "An Innocent Man" by Billy Joel - "One of my favorites from my youth. Makes me think of summers hanging out with Brian. Great memories at Kay-Kay and Wa-Wa's"

4. "Gasoline" by Audioslave - "Best driving song, evah! I want to make a car commercial with this song. It could save the U.S. auto industry!"

5. "15 Step" by Radiohead - "Despite my enormous disappointment that this song plays during the credits of that stupid vampire love movie (actually I think it may have been the best part of the movie), this is a solid example of Radiohead's musical genius. Must be listened to with good speakers or headphones or you just will not get it"

6. "Red Barchetta" by Rush - "On the first album I ever owned. Mom took me up to the store near 155th and Aurora to buy it (which was amazing since as the guinea pig, evil rock and roll was not permitted in the house...it is true). I still remember picking it out vividly; I think it was Pay 'N Save? Along with fantastic lyrics, the composition clearly evokes roaring engines, quick shifting, and spinning tires. You can close your eyes and easily imagine the backcountry race that it narrates"

7. "Heartland" by U2 - " How do I pick one U2 song? I chose this one because it was written as U2 was discovering America in the late 80s. It captures the romantic view of this great country."

8. "Fast Car" by Tracey Chapman - "Probably my favorite song. A bleak but realistic view of American life. A classic 80s tune which now finds itself in the American literary canon"

9. "The Dance" by Garth Brooks- "Yes, a seemingly cheesy country song. But, it is a pretty deep view of life. We should enjoy life for what it gives us and not worry so much."

10. "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3" by Coheed and Cambria - "My new favorite band? Possibly. How can I not include a song with power chords and lyrics like "Man your battlestations"? Epic rock anthem with a sci-fi thing going for it. Love it!"

11. "Corduroy" by Pearl Jam - "My favorite song from this band. I got to hear it live in SLC when they toured for this album."

12. "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor - "Do I really need to comment on this? Enough said."