What five albums or singles are in heavy rotation for you now?

1. Cocteau Twins: "Stars and Topsoil: A Collection (1982-1990)"
   She [Elizabeth Fraser] has one of the most amazing voices. Most of the songs have a melancholy feel that is perfect for winter. This is one of my favorite albums.
2. The Cure: "The Head on the Door"
   "Six Different Ways" is my favorite Cure song at this point in my life. I've always loved "Close to Me" as well. The Cure is an incredible band that everyone in my band loves. They made so many awesome records, so it's hard to choose just one. The greatest hits is a good starting point for someone who isn't familiar with the band.
3. Joy Division: "Substance 1977-1980"
   This album is what I listen to on the way to a party. It's a really tuff [sic] record in a robotic way. It's extremely mechanical sounding but with less soul and funk than the Talking Heads -- it sounds cold and detached. I like it. I like the bass lines. Peter Hook is in the top 3 biggest influences on my playing.
4. The Stills: "Logic Will Break Your Heart"
   It's hard to take this record out of my CD player -- ever. This record just feels superclassy and rich. I always listen to this when I first meet a girl -- it's a great date CD. The lyrics and music on this record were too smart for the mainstream. It should have been huge.
5. Townes Van Zandt: "The Late Great Townes Van Zandt"
   This is such an amazing record from one of our favorite lyricists. This record reminds me of my brother Caleb. He let me listen to this, and it is heartbreaking. He was a true poet of his time, though it's even better than poetry because it has great music with it. Lyricists like this aren't around anymore -- except for Caleb.

What one song or album can you always listen to and how did you find it?
Thin Lizzy is a band that will forever make me feel so happy and "at home." It will always take me to Talihina, Okla., in the summer time.

It's a feeling that is indescribable. I could be in Moscow in the middle of winter and hear that record and I would immediately, in my mind, be sitting next to Walnut Creek at 12:30 a.m. with a million stars sprinkled across the sky, drinking an ice-cold, cheap, delicious can of beer.

What was the first record you ever bought and do you still have it?
I got a UB40 tape for Christmas. I'm not sure which record. I wanted it for "Can't Help Falling in Love." That was the only song I cared about at that point in my life. It could have been a lot worse -- I was only like seven ... teen.

What was the first live show you ever saw?
Kenny Rogers at the state fair in Tennessee. I was only there for a corn dog ... and he was great.

What was the best live show you ever saw?
That is a question that I cannot answer. It's a close call between U2 and the Secret Machines. Both are very different. U2's show is huge and amazing; they have a million songs that everyone can love. The Secret Machine's show is just so creative and impressive on all levels. Overall, I'm gonna go with Kenny Rogers.

Do you have any guilty pleasures you'd care to reveal?
Nelly Furtado. To most people that probably will not sound like a guilty pleasure. I don't like most people.

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