A day in the life...

Lessons From a Fat Kid

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Sat, 31 May 2008 04:51:00 +0000

So this once upon a time fat kid has learned a thing or two in 3 + decades and maybe you can take a lesson or two with you from my journey. Hope you enjoy...

I've learned things aren't always what they seem

I've learned to appreciate the days when you can touch your toes

I've learned there is no gift quite like an awesome mom

I've learned that sometimes food just tastes better when its smeared all over your face

I've learned that green suede never was or ever will come back into style

I've learned that when you want something in life you just gotta go for it

I've learned that everyone needs a co-pilot

I've learned to wait until that perfect moment to make a goofy camera face

I've learned to have fun...even while working

I've learned that things don't always go your way yet this is when our influence on others is the greatest

I've learned to stop wearing nothing but underwear when in the presence of large groups of people

I've learned to enjoy the simple times when those you love are closest to you

I've learned that running is way better than walking AND that sheep skin coats are really cool

I've learned to keep my eye on the ball

I've learned to hold onto a good friend when you find one, especially one that doesn't care if you are covered in dirt

I've learned to grow my hair long and to KNOW I was cool for doing it

I've learned that 3 ladies are better than 2!

I've learned that Education doesn't prepare you for life, but Education is life itself

I've learned that sometimes to get the treasure you gotta get down and dirty

I've learned that it is best to hold a snapping turtle by the tail

I've learned to appreciate the days we have with loved ones because we won't always have them around (Love and miss you dad!)

I've learned to appreciate being Irish

I've learned that raccoons have the softest hands on the planet

I've learned to pick a winner young, and stay with them for life realizing Its All About the U!

I've learned that puppy dog eyes are cuter than a smile anyday

I've learned to smile when it is time to smile

I've learned to smile even when you are sad

I've learned how to never be serious

I've learned that you don't need Macy's to be happy

I've learned that you never have a friendship quite as close as when you are 12

I've learned that when in Rome...or West Virginia...

I've learned that technology changes and today's gumby phone is tomorrows iPhone

I've learned that you can have as much fun on the C team as you could on the A or B team

I've learned to let others win

I've learned that whoever invented the Business in the front and Party in the back was a moron

I've learned that everyone goes through an age when they kinda look female

I've learned to ride bareback, and how to survive when your insane horse gets spooked

I've learned that everyone has a little redneck deep inside

I've learned that love can be really painful, but eventually all wounds heal

I've learned that looking cool is an ineffective method to treat Melanoma

I've learned to have fun whether its 2 foot slop or 12 foot barrels

I've learned that what comes up, must come down, but you can choose your landing if you plan ahead

I've learned that family is the most important thing on earth

I've learned to represent my world no matter what coast I am on

I've learned you shouldn't lean against poison oak while doing leg lifts

I've learned that sometimes you gotta take in the scenery

I've learned to enjoy the simple things in life like a really good cup of coffee

I've learned you don't have to be related to be Brothers

I've learned that you can't be good at everything in life, but that shouldn't stop you from trying

I've learned that no matter how deep the hole, you are almost always going to pop out the otherside

I've learned that just because everyone is leaning one way, doesn't make it right

I've learned to look ahead at something more peaceful, and not to stare at your current troubles

I've learned that every brother needs a big sister

I've learned to smile, even when its negative 10 degrees

I've learned when I have had enough

I've learned how to care for the sick and how to teach others to do the same

I learned you can't judge a book by its cover

I've learned that you shouldn't trust a psycho with a belt

I've learned how to strike an attractive pose when I need to

I've learned that my influence can make others do like me...for good or for bad

Hope you have learned something too!

Best Music of the Decade: 1960s

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:17:00 +0000

For anyone out there that has debated what is the top music of the decade, this blog series was created for you. I am going to take a look at each decade from the 60s to the 00s, and pick out the top one (or three) rock albums from each year of that decade. This is obviously only my opinion, and holds no weight in an argument, but I am posting it just the same. All of these albums are 5 star albums that significantly impacted music history in small ways (Sum 41) and massive ways (The Beatles). Feel free to comment, and remind me of someone I left out, or recommend a comment addition and I will do my best to edit the post. Now sit back and enjoy the best albums of the decade, and make sure to click on any album to hear a sample (except the Beatles as they do not allow that...doh):

1960s

1963

Bob Dylan: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (Wow, how do you put an artist above the Beatles? Well typically you do not, and for most rest of the decade, that will be rare, but here is probably necessary. The Beatles would have a huge impact in another year with their invastion of America, but this album is probably the best, by someone almost equal the Beatles in influence on future music. Even the Beatles would alter their music after hearing Dylan, so at the top of our list he remains. Dylan produced much more good music in years to come, but never topped this, his debut)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Beatles: Please Please Me (The album that launched a legend. This album was essentially put together in a single day after one of their singles lept up the charts. It was done so quickly that the last song, Twist and Shout, was recorded on only one take, explaining why Lennon sounds so hoarse and out of breath on it. One of the best songs ever that took under 3 minutes to produce)

The Beatles: With the Beatles (This album shows the complexity of the Beetles for the first time: here you will find rocking songs, soft ballads, twist songs, and slower melodic hits. Excellent album that bettered the first one in every way except that it surprised no one, as the Beetles were on the map)

1964

The Beatles: Hard Day's Night (The album that truly introduced the dynamic duo of Lennon and McCartney, as it is the first one with 100% originals they had written, as well as being the first where you begin to see their differences in writing and singing. Both have equal time on vocals, and both perform magically)

The Beatles: The Beatles for Sale (Maybe it was the short 5 months between this albums release and Hard Days Night, but this is the first time you hear the group sound not just tired, but a bit more dark and morose. While you will still find some happy tunes, but there are a share of dark ones as well such as I'm a Loser, No Reply, and Babys in Black. But this album also marks the first time you here folk type music mixed in, of a Bob Dylan variety. It also contains arguably their worst song of all time, Mr Moonlight. But overall, an important part of their catalogue)

1965

The Beatles: Help (This albums marks, not only more exploration into Bob Dylan type music with songs like Hide Your Love Away, but also more composition such as including string quartets into their songs. This composition would be elaborated on in albums to come, but with songs like Yesterday, it is easy to see that the Beatles had already perfected it)

The Beatles: Rubber Soul (This album marks the onset of maturity in the Beatles history. Their songs are just simply much more thoughtful on this album, something you would continue to see develop over the next half decade. This album could also be called the Beatles Grow Up)

Bob Dylan: Highway 61 Revisited (Bob Dylan was as much a product of his time as any other artist, and here you see that, with the music having much more rock n' roll than simply folk. You also begin to see the subject change to more 60s type themes such as drug use, though it never takes away from the beauty of this album. He was ever so much as talented a song writer and composer as his British counterpart the Beatles)

(click album to hear clip)

The Who: The Who sings My Generation (You mean someone else was recording music in the mid 60s? Yes there is a ton of influential music coming out at that time, it was just that the Beatles seemed to overshadow most. The Who, however, made a name for themselves that year, not by copying the Beatles style, but alterating the rock that was being played. This album is the foundation of harder rock that would come into its own in the 70s and to a greater extent in the 80s. While we don't often put The Who and bands like ACDC and Sabbath in the same breath, those rockers of the 70s had more in common with the Who than with their british beatle brothers. Few songs have ever rocked like My Generation)
(click album to listen to clip)

1966

The Beatles: Revolver (This album marks the Beatles descent into the era that was the Psychadelic late 60s, as the bands get much more trippy on this album. Sometimes it was magical, such as with Yellow Submarine, and sometimes it didn't, such as when Lennon chants the book of the dead in Tomorrow Never Knows. Also included were huge hits such as Eleanor Rigby and Good Day Sunshine. Probably their most adventurous album to date)

The Rolling Stones: Aftermath (The first time the Stones released an album of 100% original material was on this album, which was also the time they were labeled as the bad boys of rock. Songs such as Stupid Girl, Doncha bother me, and Paint it Black, only increased that status, as well as their fanbase)
(click album to listen to clip)

1967

The Doors: The Doors (One of the most controversial bands of all time also produced the single best debut rock album to date. This exceptionally complete album stands so high around the competition that for a moment they eclipsed even the Beatles in their status. This quick rise to fame would be damaged by Jim Morrison's flair for the unacceptable, though in a way that is exactly what made the Doors so memorable. Whether it was the shows cancelled for Jim's verbal abuse of cops, or his exposing his privates on stage in Miami, their legend is as much from these antics as it is their music. But it is still undeniable that the Doors produced legendary music, none of which was to the level seen on this debut album)
(click album to listen to clip)

Jimi Hendrix: Are You Experienced? (The summer of Love introduced us to some of the most legendary musicians of all time, and Jimi Hendrix was among the best to debut that summer. His incredible guitar playing talents were immediately plain to see with his initial album, one of the most stunning debut albums of all time. He introduced a style that was not only rooted in traditional music, but showed glimpses of what the future of all Rock would look like)

(click album to listen to clip)

The Beatles: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (This album continues the psychadelic trip exploration that started on Revolver, only here they really never miss. All time favorites like Lucy in the sky with Diamonds, A Little Help from my Friends, and A Day in the Life, highlight this phenomenal album. One of their absolute bests, only missing the album of the year, by the emergence of another legend that same year with Jim Morrison at the helm)

The Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour (Things were just clicking this year for the Beatles, as they created enough songs that they simply had to release another album. This one, containing familiar songs like Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, and All You Need is Love, is another solid rock in their impressive growing catalogue)

The Who: The Who Sell Out (While retaining the hard guitar that brought them to fame, the Who were not immune to the psychadelic adventures of the time, and this is them at their trippiest. With songs like I can see for Miles, Relax, and I can't reach You, one can only imagine the trip the group was on while writing and recording this album. Still one of, if not their most monumental album)
(click album to listen to clip)

1968

The Beatles: White Album (Their longest album, the review of which depends upon who you speak to. Some think it an extended mess with no rhyme or reason, while some think it is musical genius expressing their complexity. Whatever the conclusion, there can be no doubting that it contains some must hear songs, such as Ob-La-Di, Dear Prudence, and Mr Mansons inspiration Helter Skelter. Of interest with this last song, is when it was supposedly the inspiration for the Manson family slaughter, all that was said was that the crazy man took the song wrong. A generation later when an ACDC release called Night Stalker was said to be the inspiration for serial killer Ramirez' spree in LA, bans on the group were called by opponents. Ah the innocence of the 60s, when all the critics were too stoned to criticize)

The Band: Music from the Big Pink (Though much less well known, there were moments when The Band was as popular as any group out at the time, and their influence can be seen for generations to come. They were the first to incorporate country influences into rock, which still can be heard from bands today. The one song that could be accredited with starting that movement would have to be The Weight, which also launched them into the mainstream and legendary status)
(click album to listen to clip)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Creedence Clearwater Revival (Their debut album, and home to one of their most recognizable classics, Suzie Q. This album catapulted them to fame, and yet was just a small glimpse of the talent they really possessed. The stunning songs they would be known for were hinted at on this debut, though few of the hits on this album would eventually measure up. Still, a necessary album for your collection, as it sounds the most like the 60s of any record they produced)

(click album to listen to clip)

Big Brother & the Holding Company: Cheap Thrills (WHO? This band was one of the top of the era and I have never heard of them? Well when you realize this is the band that had Janis Joplin as its lead singer for before she went solo, you may understand their ranking. This album still ranks as one of the most important to the Summer of Love era, especially that surrounding San Francisco in the late 60s. Legendary album containing some of the most legendary hits of those psychedelic times)
(click album to listen to clip)

1969

Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin (With their stunning debut album, not only was a legend born, but the entire genre of metal was born as well. Blending influences such as Jimmy Hendrix and Cream, Zeppelin started the heavy riff laden songs that have been a staple of hard rock and metal ever since. This album is absolutely one of the most important in music history, containing such classics as Dazed and Confused, Communication Breakdown, and Babe I'm Gonna Leave You)

(click album to listen to clip)

Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin II (Yet Zeppelin was not finished with the 60s yet. They were feeling the writing bug, and quickly produced another stunning album that continued their growth with such songs as Ramble On, The Lemon Song, Moby Dick, Whole Lotta Love, etc. In fact I could just name the entire album, as this one plays like a greatest hits album with absolutely no weaknesses)
(click album to listen to clip)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Green River (While Zeppelin was busy creating the metal genre, CCR was doing their best to create the model for southern rock for the next generation. This, there third album, is where CCR truly perfected their sound. But just don't try to get all their lyrics by listening, as they have a crazy way of saying things that are hard to understand even with the writtin lyrics in front of you...I give you exhibit number 1, Green River. Great song, no idea what he is saying)
(click album to listen to clip)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Willie and the Poor Boys (Possibly not only their best, but definitely their funnest album, only ranking behind because it was not quite as new with the release of Green River months before. Still with monster hits like Fortunate Son, Down on the Corner, and Midnight Special, there is no doubt that this album rocks)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Beatles: Abbey Road (The Last Beatles album to be recorded, fittingly containing the song Come Together, was a strong swan song for the group before the members decided they would be better off on their own. Still the group left while on top, permanently setting in stone their status as THE band that started it all. Never has, and never again will there be a band like the Beatles)

Best Music of the Decade: 1970s

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:39:00 +0000

For anyone out there that has debated what is the top music of the decade, this blog series was created for you. I am going to take a look at each decade from the 60s to the 00s, and pick out the top one (or three) rock albums from each year of that decade. This is obviously only my opinion, and holds no weight in an argument, but I am posting it just the same. All of these albums are 5 star albums that significantly impacted music history in small ways (Sum 41) and massive ways (The Beatles). Feel free to comment, and remind me of someone I left out, or recommend a comment addition and I will do my best to edit the post. Now sit back and enjoy the best albums of the decade, and don't forget to click on any album title to hear a sample:

1970s

1970

Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin III (Led Zeppelin started off the 70s with a bang...and yet it was a continuation of a bang they had started the year before with the stunning release of their first two albums. No III does not let off a bit, introducing legendary songs such as Gallows Pole, the Immigrant Song and Tangerine. This last song sums up what was the greatest of bands in the new decade: they always had a bit hidden under the surface. Squeeze my lemon, Plant moans, in very unsubtle overtones...whatever was perceived, it was obvious that music was changing, not yet to the point that the little Aussie band would take it in 4 years, but changing none-the-less)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Grateful Dead: American Beauty (It is hard to put your finger on one Dead album as the greatest as they simply produced so much music, but if you had to this album would be the unanimous choice. With favorites like Sugar Magnolia, Ripple, Truckin' and Box of Rain, it is easy to see why. And if it wern't for having the Nirvana of the 70s named Zeppelin release an album at the same time, it would be an easy pick for album of the year)
(click on album to listen to clip)

The Grateful Dead: Workingman's Dead (Actually released prior to the above album, it is not on the same level as American Beauty. But don't think it doesn't hold it's own. Still a solid album with classics such as Uncle Johns Band and Casey Jones. To put out two albums like this in a career is amazing, but to do it the same year is legendary)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Cosmo's Factory (Following up their string of hits, this album holds up fine by introducing Travelin Band, Run through the Jungle, Around the Bend, and Looking out my backdoor. A classic album by one of the more overlooked bands of this generation)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1971

Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin IV (Perhaps the most defining album of the decade. This album mixed folk, blues, and rock, in a way that defined the entire generation. For once it wasn't the white men with rock and the black man with blues, it was a blend of all. As AC/DC would say in a few short years, when these elements are combined...Let there be Rock! And rock #IV did, especially with what many consider the all time favorite song: Stairway to Heaven)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Janis Joplin: Pearl (The second and last classic album by one of the most legendary female song artists in history, deserves a top spot this year, that is if Zeppelin hadn't been around. Still this album contains many of those oh so recognizable favorites from her catalogue such as Cry Baby and Me And Bobby McGee)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers (This album defined the era for one thing: it was obnoxiously reveling in the rampant drug use of the times. Few songs on the album do not mention drugs, and the ones like Brown Sugar that don't, have something similar on their mind. Still a classic album in any self respecting rock fan's collection)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Black Sabbath: Paranoid (While they did have one previous popular album the year before, this was the one that brought them to the forefront, with War Pigs and Iron Man. Black Sabbath was the inspiration for virtually every Heavy Metal and Hard Rock band to come, with its completely new method of using metal chords and muted E strings. A classic album that started an entire genre, whether you like that genre or not)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Black Sabbath: Master of Reality (Black Sabbath had found their rhythm, and kept at it that same year by releasing Master. While not quite as complete an album, it is still very very good, giving us such songs as Sweet Leaf and Children of the Grave)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1972

The Rolling Stones: Exile on Main Street (This double album is considered by many to not only be the Stones greatest, but one of the greatest in the history of rock. And at first take you may not agree, as it sounds very unlike any previous Stones album. You can see the influence that was sweeping the times by its similarity to Zeppelin IV, with its wide range of music influences. But give it a second try, as this one will grow on you)
(click album to listen to clip)

Black Sabbath: Black Sabbath Vol.4 (A decent follow up to the previous years release of two metal classics, you do start to see hints that they were running out of ideas. I mean how complex can you get with some heavy riffs right? Well as we would see, numerous bands would take them a bit further, but it was all due to sabbath clearing a path)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1973

Led Zeppelin: Houses of the Holy (How do you follow up Stairway to Heaven? Seems impossible to us common folk, but Zeppelin in their prime had no problem, releasing another stunning album. The highlight of this one has to be the Rain Song, but start to finish this deserves to be at the top of your Zeppelin wishlist)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon (While probably not their best album, Dark Side is the album that most defines who Pink Floyd was. Its not the lyrics or the unbelievable instrument playing that made them so popular, but instead the lay they layer music to create an atmosphere, more like composers than a modern day rock band. And as was so popular with bands like Zeppelin and Aerosmith, they blend genres together to create a unique musical experience, here borrowing from jazz, blues, and psychodelic rock)
(click on album to listen to album)

Black Sabbath: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Just when they seemed to be running dry, Sabbath reappeared for one more classic hit. They began experimenting with their sound, which turned off many die hard fans, but it opened the appeal to more people, so their popularity never wavered...that is until Sabotage, their next album, started a steady decline to eventual break up. Still a classic album in the genre)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1974

Bob Marley & the Wailers: Natty Dread (There could not be a more far off place than the hills of west Jamaica for a Legend of music to come from, but no one ever told that to Bob Marley. When he came onto the scene he single handedly introduced an entire genre to the entire world. Reggae starts and stops with Bob Marley, and at over 25 easily accessible albums at your disposal, you have enough to last you years of enjoyment. Probably one of his absolute classics, and a good place to start if you are interested in more than just what the popular Legend album has)
(click album to listen to clip)

Aerosmith: Get Your Wings (This is not your daughters Aerosmith, that of the amazed or miss a thing. This is classic original rocking aerosmith, and this is the album they became that band. Having just got their new producer that would help create the classics, this album hinted of great things to come by giving us such songs as Same ole Song and Dance, not to mention numerous other little known hits)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1975

AC/DC: High Voltage (Ok ready to be confused? There were two high voltage albums released, one in Australia and one in the US. They also released an album in the states with a different name than the one released in australia, one by the name TNT and one Dirty Deeds, both of which had slightly different songs. But their first one was Jailbreak, which had songs spread out on the above albums. Phew...whatever the confusion and whichever album you get, AC/DC was the defining Hard Rock Band of the 70s. The problem is people think of them as one band from then until today, but that is far from the truth. They should have changed their name when lead singer Bon Scott died in 1980, as they changed drastically. For an intro into the real AC/DC, this is a great place to start with Long way to the Top, TNT, and Rock n Roll Singer)
(click to album listen to clip)

Aerosmith: Toys in the Attic (Along with Rocks, these back to back albums are the dynamic duo of any Aerosmith collection. This first album is where Aerosmith perfected that Stones/Zeppelin combo sound that would produce such great music. Here we get the classics Walk this Way, Sweet Emotion, and that subtley titled classic Big Ten Inch Record)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Led Zeppelin: Physical Graffiti (2 years has gone by for Zeppelin, but they pick up where they left off, with another 5 star album, their 6th and final in a row. This long double album more than lives up to their growing legend, with the highlight perhaps being Kashmir.)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Pink Floyd: Wish you were Here (Musically, Floyd peaked with this album, especially with the solos by Gilmour, which showed more of a concentration on performing, instead of conducting an album. My only complaint is this album, at 5 songs is very short, although those 5 songs stretch to over 40 minutes)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1976

AC/DC: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (One song on this album, Big Balls, sums up AC/DC of the 70s. Think of a group of 18 year olds travelling around having as much fun as they could have, and you would get AC/DC. Controversial for playing without their pants or other relatively harmless things, they developed as big a group of protestors as they did fans. But underneath you can't help but see a group of kids having fun, and playing exceptional music all the while. Title song to this album, is one of their absolute best songs)
(click album to listen to clip)

Aerosmith: Rocks (Few albums are so perfectly named as this one. What many fans consider their finest album, it together with Attic, introduce you to the real Aerosmith, before studios tamed them down for airplay. Classic rock album, one that I can't even pick out one song as better than the rest because they all truly do Rock)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Boston: Boston (Often overlooked in an era of so much great music, but rarely underheard. Classic Boston songs such as More than a feeling, Peace of Mind, and Rock and Roll Band still echoes from class rock stations across the country, and never grow old. One of the best of the generation right here)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Rush: 2012 (What many Rush fans consider their first legendary album, you will not find the synthesizer laden rush of the 80s here, but good ole 70s rock. Excellent album, though highly unknown to those who only know the Tom Sawyer band)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1977

AC/DC: Let There be Rock (The title song for this album truly is self defining. Where Black Sabbath set the stage for a genre to come, AC/DC created the exact recipe for all future rock. As the title song says...Let there be sound, Let there be lights, Let there be drums, Let there be guitar...oooohhh Let there be Rock! from which Angus busts out in his classic wail. If the 80s looked to one model for success, let them look no further than the Bon Scott led AC/DC)
(click album to listen to clip)

1978

Steve Miller Band: Best of 1974-1978 (This year is an odd year. There are none of the usual suspects present, and instead we see bands that sounded quite different than almost every other year on this list. That is because disco fever was sweeping the nation and Pop was beginning to emerge. As an answer to the blend between Rock and Pop I give you the next two bands. Steve Miller and the Cars; Typically I havn't listed compilation albums, but there are certain exceptions when you just really don't need the other songs, and just want the hits)
(click on album to listen to clip)

The Cars: The Cars (With hits like Good times roll and Best Friends girl, the Cars gained fame very fast. They were pioneers in their own right, introducing the pop-rock type music that would be seen shortly on stations like MTV and VH1. Very good album to start it off)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Bob Marley & the Wailers: Babylon by Bus (Rarely do live albums carry the weight of their studeo counterparts, but that can not be said about the legendary Babylon by Bus. Marley played the perfect set for this recording, giving us little known classics such as Punky Reggae Party, Concrete Jungle, and Jammin. This is the great complentary album to Legend, as you get a very thorough overview with two simple albums)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1979

AC/DC: Highway to Hell (The swan song for what was the original band AC/DC as lead singer Bon Scott died shortly after this recording of alcohol poisoning. The album title instantly caused controversy, even though it was actually named after Angus Young's description of their road tour through the states. Of course, the band was never afraid of controversy, which Young played off by wearing horns on the cover as a joke. One of their best rocking albums, one can only think what if Scotts friend would not have left him in the car that night...)
(click to album listen to clip)

Pink Floyd: The Wall (Due to the sheer popularity of this album it needed to be included but with certain disclaimers. It is almost entirely supported by such mega-hits as Comfortably Numb and Hey You, and if examined closer truly falls apart as a great album. It seems very over produced, something you did not see earlier in Floyds career, and the lyrics are weak for most of the songs. Still due to popular demand, it needed to be mentioned, though within inches of one of the greatest rock albums of all time from AC/DC, this seems like a crime)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Best Music of the Decade: 1980s

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04:00 +0000

For anyone out there that has debated what is the top music of the decade, this blog series was created for you. I am going to take a look at each decade from the 60s to the 00s, and pick out the top one (or three) rock albums from each year of that decade. This is obviously only my opinion, and holds no weight in an argument, but I am posting it just the same. All of these albums are 5 star albums that significantly impacted music history in small ways (Sum 41) and massive ways (The Beatles). Feel free to comment, and remind me of someone I left out, or recommend a comment addition and I will do my best to edit the post. Now sit back and enjoy the best albums of the decade, and don't forget to click on any album cover to listen to a sample:

1980s: Heavy Metal and Hair bands

1980

AC/DC: Back in Black (Despite losing the best rock n' roll frontman Bon Scott months before, these Aussie legends never missed a beat, producing their best selling album of all time. Gone are the antics of Scott, replaced by the seriousness of Brian Johnson, but even the most loyal Bon Scott faithful have to admit this album rocks. Back in Black and You shook me all night, by themselves would carry most albums, but this one is solid from start to finish. Unfortunately this would prove to be the last great album of AC/DC's career, proving that they missed Scott much more than initially recognized)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Diamond Head: Lighting to the Nations (Most casual hard rock listeners would find it difficult to name one of their songs. But if Metallica were to play them you would recognize them right away. Brought to fame by producing a slew of hits that Metallica covered, these representatives of the NWBHM-new wave of british heavy metal- brought an incredibly hard sound, as well as lyrics that would start the critics screaming ban. Songs like Am I Evil and Prince were too much for some. Definitely not for all, which is why it is still a relatively unknown piece of rock history)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1981

Rush: Moving Pictures (Almost certainly the best album Rush released, it is also their final one that held on to its rock roots, leaving the synthesizers for pop music, and keeping the focus on instruments. Here is the album that has that classic song Tom Sawyer, as well as other fantastic songs Red Barchetta and Limelight, all of which highlight the songwriting and drum skills of Neil Peart to perfection. Their eventual transformation into a band more focused on synthesized music, is exactly what the rock bands that would dominate the next decade were fighting against, and as is often the case, overcompensated to a much harder sound then previously heard. This album may mark that split where rock diverged into pop and Hard rock)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Motley Crue: Too fast for Love (Once this band got its foot in the door, it removed said door and hit you with it. Loved by some as much as they were hated by others, the Crue produced solid music through the entire decade. If it were not for Metallica, they would have no competition as the best band of the decade)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1982

Ozzy Osbourne: Diary of a Madman (Not many artists have left a band as successful as Black Sabbath and made a name for themselves on their own, but Ozzy is an exception. Whether it was his biting heads off of bats (fake) or insane album covers, he made a huge name for himself. Despite a voice that would not send him to Hollywood on American Idol, with the help of Randy Rhodes guitar, he made some great riffs that still stand strong today. Perhaps his best solo album)
(click on album to listen to clip)

The Misfits: Walk Among Us (Another of those bands you may recognize when a bigger band covers them, they were a staple to the teenage skater of the 80s. As was common in the 80s, the more shocking you could be, the more you would be recognized, they produced that controversal song Last Caress that still gives the non-fan chills to hear. But influential on future bands, they were, and gotta count in the ratings)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1983

Metallica: Kill em All (In my opinion the most important rock album of all time. Metallica went against the grain of glam and guitars that was so prevalent in 80s metal, choosing to simply rock. With Hetfields haunting voice and the absolute perfect three playing beside him, Metallica stood alone as the most influential band of the 1980s. And this album never grows old. I have listened to it as much in the last year as I did in the mid 80s and still hear things I never heard. Heavy, Fast, and pure Rock n' Roll. No better album in the genre)
(click album to listen to clip)

Quiet Riot: Metal Health (For a brief moment there was nothing like this album, with its shockingly good Metal Health and Cum on feel the noize. Meteoric in their fame, they still burned very bright for this brief moment, and the album sounds as impressive now as it did back then)
(click album to listen to clip)

Motley Crue: Shout at the Devil (Where Metallica grew in fame through shockingly good music, the Crue grew in fame by just being shocking. In no way interested in the occult, they used it to shock the world by placing pentagrams on their cover or throwing up the goats head sign. And you know it worked. By bringing them up in the news on a daily basis, opponents created the legend that was the Crue. And you know, what they had a pretty good sound to go with that new found fame)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Def Leppard: Pyromania (Truly a monumental year in the hard rock 80s, with the release of the defining albums by the defining bands of the decade. One of those defining bands would have to be Def Leppard, who produced two of the biggest albums of the decade. Though they had been playing for years together, this album truly put them on the metal map with hits like Rock of Ages and Photograph)
(click album to listen to clip)

Suicidal Tendencies: Suicidal Tendencies (Similar to the Misfits, they were heard wherever kids were grinding their skateboards, and were still playing good, fast music when those same kids were grinding to a halt on the way to their careers a decade later. Relatively unknown, they had a few very good albums, including this one, arguably their best. As with many other 80s bands, they had their share of controversy, especially with songs like I saw your mommy and your mommy's dead. Definitely not for everyone)
(click album to listen to clip)

1984

Bob Marley: Legend (In an era dominated by metal and rock, a reggae singer from Jamaica had one of the biggest albums of the decade. Of course Marley, had been dead for 3 years, when this compilation was released, but it still creates waves today. If there is one reggae album in your collection, it absolutely must be Legend, as it is the best of a very real Legend)
(click album to listen to clip)

Metallica: Ride the Lightning (If not for Marley, Metallica would have had their first four albums be the best of the year. Still, this is as good an album as they ever made. Probably better musically then Kill em All, it was a fantastic sophomore effort by the boys from cali. Fade to Black is one of the most incredible songs ever written, and yet was never played on the radio...too long for airtime, and yet that was Metallica in the 80s. No radio, No MTv, No problem. They still became the biggest thing in Rock)
(click album to listen to clip)

1985

Motley Crue: Theater of Pain (Despite the controversies, the Crue kept banging out solid albums, and Theatre was as solid as they came. It was so big that the drama faces became a staple on every good 80s girl groupie as a tattoo, including I may add, my sister. Very solid album, that stands the test of time for good music)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Anthrax: Spreading the Disease (Destined to play for decades, and influence future bands such as Rage against the Machine, Anthrax started off in relative obscurity. In an era known more for high pitched singing or lead singers with better hair and make up then their girlfriends, Anthrax didn't exactly fit the mold. But they made great music, some of which has stood up to time better than their more beautiful contemporaries)
(click album to listen to clip)

1986

Metallica: Master of Puppets (Considered by many to be Metallica's finest album, it would also be the last for their basist Cliff Burton, who was killed by their tour bus during the middle of the night. Metallica would carry on, but their head and shoulders standing above everyone else would slowly slip after this tremendous album. While Master and Sanitarium are among the best rock songs ever, a lesser known one by the name of Damage Inc. is probably their best song. Fantastic album)
(click album to listen to clip)

Bon Jovi: Slippery when wet (While some generations can say they remember when Kennedy was shot, or the Japanese surrendered, my generation had more humble memories. For example I still remember driving over the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Tampa the first time I heard You give love a bad name. A tremendous song, by a great band on what is their best album. They would be around for decades to come, but never hit it as big as they did with this album)
(click album to listen to clip)

Beastie Boys: Licence to Ill (Speaking of memories: my brand new tape, my huge radio, in my room hitting pause every two seconds writing the words to this album. What is what chad was doing in 1986 on his waterbed late on Saturday night, alex. This album had a significant impact on music, bringing Rap into the mainstream, in a day when very few new any rappers beyond Run DMC and LL Cool J. Fight for your right to party, was the theme song of every 13 year old rebel, which alone makes it a pretty cool album)

1987

Guns n' Roses: Appetite for Destruction (It seems every year of this decade had a monumental album, and none were as big as this one, with its slew of major hits. Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child o' Mine, and Paradise City, are still today some of the most recognizable songs of all time, and among the best as well)
(click album to listen to clip)

Def Leppard: Hysteria (If you were to watch MTV alot in 1987, which most of us did, you would hear one song so often you could sing it in your sleep. That song was Pour Some Sugar on Me, just one of the huge hits from Def Leppards most popular album. But that was not the only hit on this release, others included Love Bites, Rocket, Hysteria, and Animal. This record would not be mistaken for heavy metal on the level with Metallica, but constituted Pop Metal, a much more radio friendly and therefore popular genre with the masses. Still it is an enjoyable listen.
(click on album to listen to clip)

NWA: Straight outa Compton (No band has impacted one genre like NWA did for rap. Before them you would still hear rappers singing about their adidas or how they need love, but that all seemed a distant memory when the soon to be legends of Dr Dre, Ice Cube and Easy E, came stomping in their big brown boots. They unleashed an assault so violent, that no one had any response. And most didn't oppose thinking it was an inner city phenomenon. That is until it was heard as commonly in the suburbs as it was in the ghettos. As much as I loved Appetite for Destruction, this tape was played the most on my cassette deck of any that year. Not to defend them for the negative influence they had on music, however, as rap has never been the same, but they were very very big, very very fast)
(click album to listen to clip)

Motley Crue: Girls, Girls, Girls (As violent as rap was getting, we could always depend upon the Crue to keep it light. They were more interested in women and smoking in the boys room, then picking up a gun, however the critics fought them much harder then NWA was ever oppossed. Still, this album ranks as one of their best)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1988

Metallica: ...and justice for all (The last great Metallica album in the 80s was stunning. Whether it is the lightning fast Battery or the haunting One, this album rocks from start to finish. Still not mainstream freindly with its long guitar solos, it was a hugely important album to any self respecting rock fan in 1988)
(click album to listen to clip)

Bon Jovi: New Jersey (arguably as good an album as Slippery, Bon Jovi truly became huge when they released this one. What made them so popular was that they appealed to the metal fan as well as the casual listener, and their music was made for the radio and MTV. So while Metallica was still relatively unknown, Bon Jovi shot to stardom. Musically this was not as good an album as Justice, but is still very very good)
(click album to listen to clip)

Cinderella: Long Cold Winter (Even people alive and rocking during the 80s may fight me on this one, but I am stubborn, and still a big fan of Cinderella. They were one of the most unique bands of the era, going from hard core rock to very bluesy balads. And the vocals are among the most unique in the genre. Well worth checking out if have never heard)
(click album to listen to clip)

Poison: Open up and say Ahh... (Think of Motley Crue without the controversy and you have Poison. They were as fun and immature as the Crue and yet never had the negative publicity. And they produced songs that would become anthems to my generation, such as Every Rose, Nothing but a good time, and Talk Dirty to me. To do this day, nothing brings back the feelings of the 80s like popping in Poison)
(click album to listen to clip)

1989

Motley Crue: Dr Feelgood (In my opinion their best album. You can't help but get revved up when you hear the guitars fire up at the start of Kickstart my Heart. And when you realize that the song was about Vince being pronounced dead and getting brought back at the last second, it makes it a little more meaningful. Tremendous album)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Skid Row: Skid Row (Good ole Sebastian Bach. One of the best voices in the history of rock, and he had really cool hair. In fact, between he and the lead singer from Blind Melon, it was an easy decision for me to grow a super long pony tail, that I would wear for more than a decade. Great anthems on this album such as Youth gone wild and 18andLife)
(click album to listen to clip)

Aerosmith: Pump (Mostly known in rock circles for their incredible albums of the 70s, they were also known in the 80s for their frequent appearances on MTV. And that would get even bigger after Pump was released. Something from this album could be heard about every hour on MTV for years to come after Pump. Still, despite the popularity, a great album)
(click album to listen to clip)

Best Music of the Decade: 1990s

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:14:00 +0000

1990s: Metal Out, Alternative In

1990: The last hurrah for Metal

The Black Crowes: Shake your Money Maker (Even before Nirvana changed the face of music, an album came out that showed a much different style then the decade of metal that had dominated the scene. Hits like Hard to Handle, Twice as Hard, and She Talks to Angels, had a significant impact on the future course of music, though they are often overlooked. They followed up this album with two more solid productions, but unfortunately for them, the competition would get much more stiff in coming years. Probably at the top of this years class)

(click on album to listen to clip)

Jane's Addiction: Ritual de lo Hatitual (Another of those groundbreaking albums that helped to stir the wind's of change in the rock world, Ritual gained the band instant fame with such mega hits as Been Caught Stealing. This is undoubtedly the strongest album by a very strong band, and one which also probably deserves some credit for dethroning metal and bringing in an alternative)
(click album to listen to clip)

Cinderella: Heartbreak Station (This is one of the most underappreciated albums of the hair band decade, probably due to the fact that this was a hair band that didn't act like other hair bands. While some say the sound on this album was due to the changing music weather of the times, I believe it sounds so different because Cinderella was made of a different substance than those other bands. They were much more rooted in the Rock created by the Aerosmith and Stones of the 70s, and therefore sounded more gritty than their contemporaries. You may have never heard of this album, but you should give it a try)
(click album to listen to clip)

Pantera: Cowboys from Hell (Most will not put this album as high, but two things influenced this. One was 1990 was a time of change, and little in the way of competition was out there. Two is I listened to this tape in High School till it was worn out, and to me it was at the top. Very interesting album in the fact that you can hear the last days of the Metal high pitched vocals, and the intro of the heavier grunge vocals, on the same album)

(click on album to listen to clip)

Megadeth: Rust in Peace (Good album, but one that takes an ear for Metal to listen to even once. Megadeth never lived up to their rivalry with Metallica, as Mustaines voice is not quite Hetfield, and his guitar is not quite Hammett. But still the last days of Metal were putting out some good chunk. If you don't like this album, you won't like Megadeth))
(click album to listen to clip)

1991: Very difficult year to pick as there were so many great albums. Two stand out among the crowed, however, as they changed the direction music was heading, from Metal to Alternative.

Pearl Jam: Ten (Difficult placing this on top of Nevermind, as Nirvana did so much to change music. But musically this album is just a tiny bit better than their Seattle counterparts. Best effort by Pearl Jam, that wouldn't be duplicated by them for 15 years)
(click album to listen to clip)

Tie 1st: Nirvana: Nevermind (Along with Ten, this album sounded the death knell of metal as we knew it for so long. The first time we heard 'Smells like Teen Spirit' you could almost hears bells chiming as metal was forced out. Tremendous album, however, with the impact felt by few other artists. Ranks as important for the 90s as The Beatles (60s), Zeppelin (70s), or Metallica (80s) were to their decades.

(click album to listen to clip)

Guns n' Roses: Use your Illusion I (Incredibly complex double album set, that went a long way towards showing that GnR was at the top of the pile. Too bad the habits and attitude of Axle Rose would lead them plunging down after this terrific release. Oh what could have been...)

(click album to listen to clip)

Guns n' Roses: Use your Illusion II
(click album to listen to clip)

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic (any other year would have been a No 1, but not when albums like ten and nevermind are playing. Still this is hands down the Chilis best album ever, and one that still deserves its Ipod airtime)
(click album to listen to clip)

Primus: Sailing the Seas of Cheese (Good for them: these Georgia boys, with Les Claypool as the insane singing basist, released a string of seriously good and seriously overlooked albums. Very unique sound, that has never been recreated)

(click album to listen to clip)

1992: Another difficult year with two standout albums

Rage Against the Machine: Rage against the machine (To rank first in 1992 you better have a monumental album, and that is just what Rage had in their debut. This album sounds as powerful and fresh today as it did then. They built upon the rap-rock foundation created by bands like Anthrax, to create one of the most devastating albums of all time)

(click album to listen to clip)

Tie 1st: Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power (While this album is too heavy for many people who are reading this, you can not imagine the feeling of hearing this for the first time in 1992. My senior year in high school, and we were metal junkies from the 80s, and were simply floored by the Strength of this album. I spent many a night, and probably damaged a few vertebrae, head banging to this album in the passenger seat of my buddies mustang)
(click album to listen to clip)

Alice in Chains: Dirt (Often forgot in the insanely awesome time to listen to music that was 1992. Still they went a long way towards blending Rock and Alternative)
(click album to listen to clip)

Blind Melon: Blind Melon (At the time, I listened to this album as much as any of the above. Simply an awesome voice in Shannon Hoontz, and a great listen. Like Nirvana, this band could not live up to its potential, because Shannon would die soon from an overdose)

(click album to listen to clip)

1993:

Nirvana: In Utero (How do you follow up one of the most historical albums of all time. If you are Nirvana you put out one that is nearly as good. Too bad Cobain would die shortly after, as this band could have been the defining band of the 90s)

(click album to listen to clip)

Cypress Hill: Black Sunday (Rap was less mainstream in the early 90s and Cypress Hill went a long way towards changing that, as songs like 'Hits from the Bong' and 'Insane in the Brain' were played in dorm rooms across the country, regardless of race)
(click album to listen to clip)

Crash Test Dummies: God Shuffled His Feet (One of the most unique voices in all of Rock, and one of the most unique albums. This still gets airtime on my Ipod today)

(click album to listen to clip)

Primus: Pork Soda (excellent follow up the the Cheese album, that gained them an instant following. Best song on the album is My name is Mud, with the memorable line I kissed em upside the cranium with an aluminum baseball bat my name is mud...)
(click album to listen to clip)

1994
HUGE year with so many hits, its hard to list them all

Hootie & the Blowfish: Cracked Rear View Mirror (What can you say about this album. At its time there was nothing bigger, and what made it better was that they are from my home town of Columbia, SC. Problem is, with an album this big, you will never measure up no matter how good your sophomore effort is)
(click album to listen to link)

Green Day: Dookie (The album that really put Green Day on the map)
(click album to listen to clip)

Oasis: Definitely Maybe (The freshest sounding british band since the sex pistols, this album sounds like a greatest hits album, with every song sounding like an instant classic. Easily could be moved to the top of this years picks, but every author has a little bit o' bias)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Offspring: Smash (A teenagers dream in the mid 90s, having just enough of their older brothers heavy rock mixed with young punk. Hits like Come out and Play were staples on the radio, which helped catipult them to fame. Still a good listen today, for a unique blend of hard punk with enough fun mixed in that you don't get annoyed with them. Their best album hands down)
(click album to listen to clip)

Weezer: The Blue Album (1994 was a good year if you were into the type of music that blended punk and rock, as Weezer did very well. This debut album would start off a string of strong releases by the band that would continue through 2008, never once scoring an album that received less that 4/5 stars. Fun music that keeps things upbeat, in an era when it was more popular to sing about dark, despairing subjects)
(click link to listen to album)

Dave Matthews: Under the Table and Dreaming (If you listen to Dave much you know he has a tendency to meander a bit while playing. While this may endear him to you, it wasn't so radio friendly, which kept much of his music out of the rankings. Wait, I thought you liked to list bands that were possibly unknown gems? Well I do, but only those I know well, and for the others I have to go by the experts opinions. Whatever the opinions this is the most popular album by Dave of all time, at least according to every list I could find)

(click album to listen to clip)

Live: Throwing Copper (Being this far down on the list may make you think this band is just an afterthought, but the fact is, this year produced so many stellar albums, that any of them could top the list. This album certainly could, as it simply rocks. I probably put it down lower, as my brother is married to a girl that used to date one of the band members, and he still harbors a little animosity, so to please him I will mention them towards the end. Still, you can't help but crank the music up when one of the songs from this album come on today. A fantastic album, certainly a must for your ipod collection)
(click on album to listen to clip)

Beck: Mellow Gold (This stunning album introduced a very unique musician to the rock scene. He plays music like there is no dividing lines between genres, constantly changing with parts of rap, country, folk, and punk mixed in. This album needs to be heard, as it truly is a variety of music that was very unique in the age of punk and grunge)

(click album to listen to clip)

Cinderella: Still Climbing (Though most didn't notice, there was still one hair band cranking out good music in the mid 90s, and that was the gritty rockers Cinderella. Another very underappreciated album, that produced some fantastic music. But MTv was changing and didn't give the band any playtime, choosing the more hip bands of the day like the Offspring, Nirvana, and Weezer, instead of your older brothers band's like Cinderella. Still, one of the hidden gems you would probably really enjoy)
(click album to listen to clip)

1995:

Oasis: (Whats the Story) Morning Glory (Oasis went a different way with this record, but still ended up with a true classic. Instead of the high amp sounds of their previous album, they concentrated on presenting more musical ability and it works. And there is more to this album then the oft heard Wonderwall...a solid play from start to finish, and since I cheated them out of first last year, they deserve it here)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Smashing Pumpkins: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (It is too bad they released Gish and Siamese Dream the years that they did, as those albums are both probably better than this one, however those years were too competitive to include the Pumpkins)
(click album to listen to clip)

Ben Harper: Fight for your Mind (The first real hit album by one of the most popular underground rockers of the next decade. Harper brings all sorts of influences to bear, including Marley, Phish, Dylan, and Hendrix, to make his own style of music that is a refreshing change from most of the harder music being put out in the mid 90s)

(click album to listen to clip)

Bon Jovi: Blaze of Glory (Its not often that a movie soundtrack gets into the countdown, but this one from Young Guns II makes the grade)
(click album to listen to clip)

Everclear: Sparkle and Fade (In the tradition of Nirvana, but probably with more in common with a lesser known band named Screaming Trees, Everclear's first album was their rocking best, and produced a hugely popular single named Santa Monica. Probably one of the bands with the most edge to their music of any in their genre)

(click album to listen to clip)

1996

Beck: Odelay (Another winner from one of the more unique musicians of the decade, this album follows up on the success of the 'Loser', and the result is Becks' single best album. Call it complete, creative, innovative, whatever...But the end result is an album of the highest quality, and one that deserves to be heard, as here is one of those rare records with no genre boundaries)

(click album to listen to clip)

Rage against the Machine: Evil Empire (While not quite the album that preceded this one, or even the one to follow, Rage was still able to put out a solid album with songs such as People of the Sun and Bulls on Parade. A solid album for any fan of Rage's sound)
(click album to listen to clip)

Sublime: Sublime (A band that proved the AC/DC theory, Its a Long way to the Top if you wanna Rock n' Roll. Sublime worked the trenches since the late 80s trying to make a name for themselves, finally finding it with their self titled 3rd major label album. But the glory which should accompany such a long struggle was snatched away, as lead singer Brad Nowell, succumbed to a long addiction with heroine, dying of an overdose 2 months before the albums scheduled release. Like Blind Melon and Nirvana, yet another future star blinked out before his band could become legendary. Such is the sad story that often accompanies being a Rock n Roll star; If you don't know Sublime, this is the album to listen to for a good introduction)

(click album to listen to clip)

Sponge: Wax Ecstatic (One of the more unheralded bands in the post grunge mid 90s, Sponge reverted back to a 70s era hard rock sound on their second and probably best album. If you were not familiar with this band a decade ago, it is not to late to give them a listen, and this album is your best place to start)

(click album to listen to clip)

Tool: Aenema (A decade behind it seems, as this band would have been huge in the metal filled 80s. Still they bring heavy riffs with every song, so if that is what you are into you will get your fill with them)
(click album to listen to clip)

1997:

Blink 182: Dude Ranch (A chip off the Anthrax family tree, Blink has developed into a very solid band, with very solid albums, but this one still ranks at the top of their pile)
(click album to listen to clip)

Smash Mouth: Fush Yu Mang (1997 was a hard year. For those bands that were still rocking, this just seemed to be a leap year, as most didn't do much except tour. Of the bands that did release something new this year, one has to be mentioned as they made their biggest impact this year. The oddest named album in Smash Mouth's catalogue, is also their biggest hit, producing such songs as Walkin' on the Sun, Padrino, and Why Can't we be Friends. Never a huge mainstream artist, they seemed to prefer to stick to their surf and garage influences instead of making music for the masses. One hit, the aforementioned Walkin', did however reach the masses and make their name known to most)

(click album to listen to clip)

1998:

Metallica: Garage Inc. (excellent album mostly consisting of cover songs. Metallica does a wide range from Queen and Bob Seger, to Diamondhead and Motorhead; Their best album in a decade; Its Stoned Cold Crazy, Yo!)
(click on album to listen to clip)

1999:

Rage Against the Machine: The Battle of Los Angeles (Some consider their finest album, at least since their debut, if not their entire career...i don't agree, their debut in '92 was one of the best albums ever, thought this album still rocks)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Californication (Probably the Chilis second best effort after there early 90s monster smash BSSM. The title track alone is incredible, and the rest of the album doesn't disappoint either)
(click album to listen to clip)

Ben Harper: Burn to Shine (An extremely solid example of blues-rock, that may one day prove to be a masterpiece of its time. Harper sounds exceptional on this recording and the instruments are incorporated flawlessly. A timeless piece to end this decade)

(click album to listen to clip)

Best Music of the Decade: 2000s

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:21:00 +0000

For anyone out there that has debated what is the top music of the decade, this blog series was created for you. I am going to take a look at each decade from the 60s to the 00s, and pick out the top one (or three) rock albums from each year of that decade. This is obviously only my opinion, and holds no weight in an argument, but I am posting it just the same. All of these albums are 5 star albums that significantly impacted music history in small ways (Sum 41) and massive ways (The Beatles). Feel free to comment, and remind me of someone I left out, or a comment I need to edit and I will do my best to change the post. Now sit back and enjoy the best albums of the decade, and make sure you click on any album to listen to a sample:

The 2000s

2000

Green Day: Warning (This band never quits. They were on the list in the early nineties, and are on it again a couple more times. They just refuse to let punk die)

(click album to listen to clip)

Eminem: The Marshall Mathers LP (Ems first major album to hit the masses, immediately assaulting the ears of parents across the country. But you can't deny the guy has some incredible rhymes...for a white guy)
(click album to listen to clip)

2001

Sum 41: All Killer No Filler (These Canadians never hit it huge, but they have produced some excellent music. Depending upon what song you hear, there are hints of Rage, the Beasties, Oasis, and yes Blink 182 in their music. A fun group that doesn't take themselves too seriously, this is their best album to date)

(click album to listen to clip)

Tenacious D: Tenacious D (I thought Jack Black was an actor? Well he is but he can also play a mean guitar. This album is very musically talented, tainted with Blacks constant humor. Good album whether you wanna rock or wanna laugh)
(click album to listen to clip)

Green Day: International Superhits! (Here we go again. Green Day with another rocking album, that is also very long. If you like this band and are missing this one, than you now have a task on the to do list; but make sure you realize only some of this is new, as much is a compilation album from past hits)
(click album to listen to clip)

Dropkick Murphy's: Live on St. Patricks Day from Boston, MA (So we havn't included but one live album in this entire list, as usually bands are best represented by their studio works. But this album needs to be as it represents a couple advantages...first it shows you how this little Irish band can rally rock in real life, plus it acts as a sort of compilation album that allows you to see a summary of their work to date. Added to this is the fact that you get bonuses like traditional folk Irish songs, set to punk of course, as well as covers of such bands as CCR. Great album that makes you wish you had happened to be in Boston on St Pattys day the year they recorded this)
(click album to listen to clip)

Jack Johnson: Brushfire Fairytales (What can I say about mr Johnson. He surfs, plays the guitar, stands in the rain...I mean if I had his voice that would be me! Of course I don't so I am sitting here writing a blog no one will read, while he travels the world playing very groovy, modern day James Taylor type music)

(click album to listen to clip)

2002

Beck: Sea Change (The Loser is back, and this time he comes with a very focused agenda. Known for his kaleidoscope albums that joined multiple genres in one sound, Beck focuses in on one type of music, and it works to provide him his best album yet. This is a classic piece of music in an era fairly devoid of classics. And it is an album that sounds much different than most on this list, as it is much more mellow than those joining it here)
(click album to listen to clip)

Eminem: The Eminem Show (If the Marshall Mathers LP was Ems knock on the door of the music industry, this album is a kick the door off the hinges type intro. Basically there is no weak point to this album, just steady hit after steady hit. His best album so far by a mile)

(click album to listen to clip)

Dropkick Murphys: Blackout (the only band that counts when you are looking for good Irish punk rock, this album is their tightest one to date. For a band rooted in good old punk, they display a huge range of abilities on this album from classic pub sing alongs to hard rocking tunes rife with riffs. For any self respecting Irish rockers, this is a must listen as it represents the homeland well. Personally this is my favorite Murphys album so far)
(click album to listen to clip)

The Red Hot Chili Peppers: By the Way (Very consistent album by the Chilis, with my only complaint being it is a bit short. Still as enjoyable as any of their other albums)
(click album to listen to clip)

Coldplay: A Rush of Blood to the Head (Still relatively new to this author, enough requests in response to this blog initiated some research, which was made easier by the fact that I unknowingly had them on my Ipod. In my opinion this album is their finest work, with such standouts as In My Place and God Put a Smile Upon Your Face. If you are looking to expand upon the genre I have focused so much on in this blog, then Coldplay may just be what you are looking for as they have less in common with the Sum 41s or Yellowcards of the world and maybe a bit more with the Radioheads)
(click album to listen to clip)

Sum 41: Does this look Infected? (Sum 41 maintains their sound well and puts out another solid album that comes fairly close to sounding as solid as their release the year before. If you do not know this band, then that album is the place to start, but if you are a fan of their sound, then this album will satisfy you very well. Fun album, from a group that does not take itself too serious)
(click album to listen to clip)

2003

Yellowcard: Ocean Avenue (Hopefully those of you reading this know about this band. They are quite possibly the best band to form this decade, and yet I meet more people than not, who have never heard them. If you want an intro into the yellowcard world, then start here. Fantastic album!)

(click album to listen to clip)

Ben Harper: Diamonds on the Inside (Another stunning album by one of the most popular underground performers of the last decade, odds are if you like Ben Harper, this one will be your favorite. This album is unique in that you not only have the Marley or Phish type sound, but you get some that are very reminiscent of Lenny Kravitz with a funk rock style, while some sound of the dark continent complete with African soundscapes. Very enjoyable record that, like Beck, will add a bit of variety to your 2000s playlist)
(click album to listen to clip)

Pearl Jam: Lost Dogs (Just in case you had forgotten, Pearl Jam is still there. And this album is solid. Its not as good as Ten, or even as their 2006 album, but is still a great listen)

(click album to listen to clip)

Anthrax: We've come for You All (Anthrax is still around if you hadn't noticed and they are making really good music. And the thing is, this is music only old fans would like, but was one of the bands my 17 year old nephew liked the best when he came to visit this year and listened to my collection. Very good album that deserves a listen. Give Cadillac Rock Box and try as it is a very good song)
(click album to listen to clip)

2004

Green Day: American Idiot (Just when you thought, ok Green Day is on their way out, they come up with, what may possibly be their best album. Excellent from start to finish, with a few radio hits added for flavor, this easily wins album of 2004)

(click album to listen to clip)

Sum 41: Chuck (The band was almost killed doing an event in the Congo, only to be saved by a local named Chuck. When they returned to record their new album, they not only had a name for their album, but had also grown a bit more serious from the event. This album has a very diverse feel, from slower, at least for them, to heavy metal sounding on some tracks such as the #3. If you don't know Sum 41, get this one, but only after you have listened to no filler)
(click album to listen to clip)

Ben Harper: There Will be a Light (Harper has been collaborating with The Blind Boys of Alabama, off and on again for much of his career, but this marks the first official time they recorded a full length album together. Much of the album consists of Harper originals, while about 1/3 of the songs are covers or traditional gospel tunes. This is a very enjoyable album, sounding very unrehearsed and loose, and one that any fan of previous Harper albums will enjoy)
(click album to listen to clip)

Megadeth: The System has Failed (Well finally Megadeth was able to do something Metallica has not: that is produce a solid original album late in their career that measures up to their legacy. This album is very reminiscent of the type of work you would have heard from Mustaine et al back in the 80s, and yet retains a modern feel. Just wait till you hear the very first song...very heavy work)
(click album to listen to clip)

2005

Nickelback: All the Right Reasons (I really don't care about the critics. This album has taken so much trash talk, and I really can not find one reason why. I heard two guys talking about it the other day saying it was too soft: I give you Animals or Next Contestant to prove that wrong. Too hard: I give you If Everyone Cared to prove that wrong. Excellent album, very much worthy to be called the best of 2005. Comment all you want, but this review stays)

(click album to listen to clip)

Dropkick Murphy's: The Warriors Code (Another rocking album that is probably best heard with a pint of Murphys sloshing in your hand. Still, if you abstain from that I think you will enjoy this album as much as any other album they have released, as it once again ranges from bar room sing alongs to rocking riffs to patriotic hymns. Murphy Dropkicked another winner with this one)
(click album to listen to clip)

2006

Pearl Jam: Pearl Jam (Absolutely fantastic album, easily their best since Ten. In fact this album comes the closest to competing as Pearl Jams best album, of any since that stunning debut. Great album even if you didn't know they had a new one)

(click album to listen to clip)

The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Stadium Arcadium (Is this De Ja vu? Pearl Jam and RHCP on the same list! What is this 1995? No but you can't tell by listening to the radio. The Chili's still bring it, also Anthrax style, as well as they ever have)

(click album to listen to clip)

Yellowcard: Lights and Sounds (Very strong follow up to their landmark Ocean Ave album. Sound a bit more mature, but still bring the old Guitar and Fiddle, like they always have)
(click album to listen to clip)

2007

Eddie Vedder: Into the Wild (Hands down best album of the year, as well as being the soundtrack for the best movie of the year. Vedder sounds haunting in this almost entirely acoustic recording. If I could wear out an mp3 than this one wouldn't play anymore, as I can not get sick of it. Fantastic!)

(click album to listen to clip)

Sum 41: Underclass Hero (While not praised by critics as much as their former albums, this is still a solid listen if you are at all a fan of these canadian prog rockers. There is an attempt at more statement type songs, similar to what we heard on the Chuck album, with the main difference being the departure of their guitarist for that and all previous albums, Dave Baksh. There is not as much hard in their rock, and no hint of the Beastie Boy sounds we heard on earlier albums, yet this album still holds strong for any fan of Sum 41)
(click album to listen to clip)

The slow growth of wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Fri, 16 May 2008 03:00:00 +0000

I do have one thing to add before I do one of Chad's famous disappearing act. Call it the slow growth of wisdom...

I had a recent experience getting cheated. I was filming a medical video shoot with a producer from one of the major medical textbook companies, and since I have no ability or desire to haggle for more pay, didn't push the compensation discussion pre-shoot. When the time finally came I got the question, "how much do we owe you?" Ugh, while some of you were born for this sort of discussion, I am not in my element with it...blame it on growing up without money (only thing i remember doing without i might add) but whatever, I balked. "What is the going rate for filming?" was the only thing that popped into my mind. Now this is where the used car salesman starts to salivate.

Let me just say that I had to be the school representative that let them in the building at 8 am and lock the door at the close of filming 12 hours later. Long day, but for in front of the camera time, I only logged about 6 hours.

"We pay our medical actors 40 bucks an hour" was the reply. Well for going through the motions of medical care on video this seemed fair so I took my 240 bucks and walked. Next day they needed more volunteers, so I recruited for them and found 2 recent nursing graduates who gladly volunteered to film. Well 2 hours later each of them came out with 240 bucks cash in their hand. Well it doesn't take a math whiz to find out the pay was a bit unequal. I was thrilled for them, but honestly a bit disturbed inside, as the producer had been fairly dishonest. I know what you may be thinking, maybe they did harder filming or haggled for the extra money, but both of these statements were not true. In fact, I would find out that almost everyone involved did much less time and work for a whole bunch more money.

OK, here is the point. I had a lot on my mind on the drive home. I recalled a story of a parent that gave one son a dollar and he was thrilled, and then gave the other two dollars, and the first kid through a tantrum. Well that was not going to be me...I would be happy with what I got and forget it. But I couldn't. I stewed thinking I had trusted someone and had been screwed. I should be more aggressive, and all those thoughts that serve to make you feel a little less small. But then it dawned on me...

I had done what came natural to me, having grown up with two extremely trusting and loving parents. I trusted someone and took what they said at face value. Now argue you may and say that I will never get ahead, but I thought of something that made this lesson completely worth it. I would rather overestimate 10 people, then underestimate 1.

Yeah the world is full of selfishness and people getting ahead by stepping on others. But I refuse to become like that. I would rather help someone else than help myself at their expense. Wasn't this the whole point that Jesus spent 33 years trying to show? So while my bank account may have been a little lighter, I believe God blesses us for our sincerity. And God can do much more with my 240, then I could do with a whole bunch more on my own. For that reminder, I think the cash sacrificed was well worth it.

p.s. This experience came the day after I heard a very cool story. Susana, my awesome colleague, told me her son had found a 20 dollar bill. He immediately saw the closest person to him, and walked up and said, "hey mister, did you lose this?" to which the man quickly said yes and took the money. Did he really lose it? Probably not, but if you are stuck on this than you are missing the point of both stories. Her son thought he did and his immediate reaction was to give it back. As bad as she wanted to say that to her son and grab the money for him, the lesson he had just learned about honesty was far to precious to give up for a measley 20 bucks. I am sure any parent would gladly give away 20 bucks to have their kid be that honest.

Ah its been a while

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:45:00 +0000

Hello strangers...well all 2 of you who actually visit this site.

The reason for the silence is that I do not have a tons to share so far. Life sometimes is on cruise control and we can daze off for sections where we don't even notice the scenery. What updates I do have are as follows:

No news on UM med school, though May 15th marks an important day for the Med student to be. On this day we must declare only 1 school, forcing those holding multiple spots to relinquish the ones they do not want. This causing a massive shuffling as new spots open up, letting those of us on waitlists a chance at gaining a spot. Nothing yet, as the trickle down effect somtimes takes days to weeks. If nothing ever comes, then I will gladly start here in Miami at Nova. Either way I am in for a fun filled 4 years.

Been trying to stay busy in between semesters so I decided to improve my music collection. Check out my new collection at my online site www.mygenres.com/reihm

Finished teaching the class of nurses I have been working with for 2 years. Actually a sad day as I was close to many of them. Cool thing about this however, is that I will have upwards of 100 nurses I know well that I will be working with over the next 4 years doing my med school rotations. Here are some pics of a few of my students on our final day of school this year.

Awesome class of students! Good news is we just put out over 100 awesome nurses into the hospitals to take care of you all when you're sick (well at least in south florida).

Ok more news when I have some more to share.

The Reihm Family Grows

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:14:00 +0000

While I bake away down in the early South Florida Summer, my family is growing quite large back in the Carolinas. My sister and brother, both had their second kids recently. Below are some pics of our growing family.

Dakota's first trip to the beaches of Florida

Dawn and Mike have two to look out for now: Dakota and Ryan

Bleeding Orange and Green from an early age. Dakota with the U

Two cousins: Dakota and Tallie...

Look anything like their respective parents? Dawn and Tim a few years ago

Tallie and her new sister: Addison

Addison born on April 1, 2008

Who would have thought that of the three of us (Tim, Dawn, and I), they would have 2 kids each, and I would still be in school? OK, well that wasn't a hard bet. The harder one is how many more will they have before I am finally done? My bet would be a couple more. Until then, stay posted for more pics of their kids, as you may have to wait a while before you see some of my own.

Miami Hurricanes Football Spring Game

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:12:00 +0000

This post is really intended only for those die hard fans that really care to stare at over 100 pictures of the 2008 Hurricanes spring game. All other casual viewers of this blog probably won't be too interested.

Ok with the disclaimer out of the way, here is a bunch of sequence pics from todays game. Not the best zoom, but if you click on a picture you will get a much bigger copy that will give you an idea of how our young team looked. Overall I was much more impressed by our game this year than that of the last few years. We had many more big plays that in those dark coker years, and there seems to be some awesome potential here. That being said it was pretty sloopy with way too many dropped balls by our receivers, which probably resulted in the defense winning 32-29 over the offense. Here is a play by play (please take this with a grain of salt, as I am trying to remember the tiny details 12 hours later, so may have made a mistake or two on a play or player)

This was Khalil Jones first catch of the day, with very tight coverage. Great start, though I only remember his drops after this catch.

This one is very blurry, but I had to leave it in as it shows the speed of Cooper. Look how he makes an open field one on one a non issue by blowing by for the touchdown. This was in the first quarter and was pretty exciting to see coming straight at us.

Kayne Farquharson stands out in my mind as being on the receiving end of a lot of balls today. He had a few drops but made up for it by making some big catches. I love how Tervaris Johnson 23 throws aside a much bigger O-lineman in the third picture.

Aldarius Johnson 4 got some action today. This would have been an awesome catch, though he couldn't pull it in. Check out his picture later, that is very similar, of him making the catch. Chavez Grant 24 is glued pretty tightly to him, giving me some confidence in our DBs. Overall our DBs didn't get burnt by any long plays. The only long plays actually came on runs or dump offs to RBs, and is more telling of our LB play.

Couldn't quite remember who caught this pass, although Armour is on defense. We seemed to have alot of these flare type pass patterns, and I was very impressed by both Marve and Harris' arm strength to gun the ball out there in time to give the WRs time to make a move. Here we picked up a few yards after the catch.

Damien Berry makes a hard tackle on Lee Chambers.

This panoramic didn't quite stitch very well, but it can give you an idea of the stadium and crowd from today. Not too sure on the numbers, but there was a very nice crowd for a practice game 40 miles from campus. Weather was awesome and it really got me jonesin for that first game against Charleston Southern.

Harris showed a little too much arm strength on this bomb to Shields (?). Harris definetly has awesome potential but was probably a bit too revved up at times. I do recall if he missed it was long, while Marve missed a couple times way too low (pic to come).

If you look closely at the third pic, you will see a ball that definitely can not be dropped come this fall. Luckily the number is obscured, so I am not sure who the WR was, but this ball was in the basket and was allowed to slip out. Not the best way to give your QB confidence. That being said, the stats definetly were smaller than they could have been, as our QBs made some great throws, only to suffer too many drops.

I love the arm strength I saw today, here from Marve doing a Brett Favre impression on a bullet to Khalil. I have missed that the past few seasons.

Here Canon Smith hands to Shawnbrey Mcneal, who sees a huge hole, only to see it closed very quickly by Allen Bailey.

One of our biggest plays of the day didn't start off to pretty. Canon Smith shows a super off balanced form as he dumps off to Mcneal 33. But Mcneal takes advantage of some great blocking, and cuts hard left after the 4th pic, ending up way down at the 5 yard line. Something like a 65 yard pick up for our back up back up QB. If I am not mistaken Arthur Brown was the one on the receiving end of Mcneals juke.

OK, this pic is a bit blurry, but I thought it showed Marves ability to roll out the opposite way, turn his body and make a great throw. Unfortunately JJ had a pretty bad drop on this one. Not to worry, as we came right back with the same play, minus the huge roll out, and picked up a first down.

Here is that next play, with Marve (who was wearing number 9 today) gunning it in for a nice pick up.

See if you can follow this one. Marve tries another dump off (we did alot of this today), but it is tipped at the line real high, and the pass is then picked off. The pic sequence here ends with a pile attempting to make the tackle, but the play wasn't over, as our defense broke the tackle and picked up another 20 or so yards. Some penalty or call got the crowd booing, so not sure if it was called back, but none the less, Marves sequence was over for a few minutes.

Another dump off, this time from Harris to Dedrick Epps. The offensive scheme seemed a bit like the old 49ers as they used the passing game like an extension of the running game, with screens, roll outs, flares and dump offs. Not sure if this is a sign of things to come, or lack of confidence in the deep game, but was definetly a change from what we saw over the last couple years.

Hankerson gets a bullet from Harris with very tight coverage by Arthur Brown. Very nice throw and catch on this well covered route. I also love how Harris anticipates the route, as look where he throws it...Hank hasn't even made his cut or turned around yet. Nice sign form Harris...one that had me pulling for him all day.

This play was almost comical. Harris tries a dump off to JJ, who trips over an O-lineman before he can catch it. Luckily no LB was close enough to make a pick. Not our proudest play today.

Harris doing his best Mike Vick impression (don't look for any dogs on the field, I mean Vicks scrambling), and picking up some nice yardage in the process. I would be thrilled if Harris could scramble well, and had a monster arm. Lethal combo.

Zellner 88 gets in the game and tries to make a move down the sideline. Arthur Brown is trailing him. Brown didn't catch him on this play, but it seems like half the pictures I got, Brown was in the play somewhere. I see real big things from this guy in the next few years before we lose him as a Jr to the NFL.

If you can get close enough into the third pic you will see a huge missed opportunity. The DB falls down and a nice throw is made but our WR (luckily can't see number) has a pretty bad drop. The crowd let him hear it after this one. We gotta correct the bad hands, as even with this many receivers, I would rather have one Andre Johnson and his hands of glue.

Another example of Harris having a bit too much arm. This pass to Shields really never had a chance although it got us all up on our feet. It seemed like more of a prayer than a planned route. Funny thing is we came back the next play and did the same exact thing, with the same exact result. We then sent Bosher in for the field goal, which he missed! Ugh please none of that wide right stuff as there was little wind and no excuses.

Here is that Bosher miss. The coach at the bottom left doesn't seem too happy.

Here are some pics from half time. Harris 12 on bottom and Marve 9 top left were displaying there ability to throw a laser.

Here is Marve throwing way to low, and missing Aldarius Johnson pretty badly. We got a few months to shake off these nerves, but they better be gone by the time we head into the swamp.

OK I don't want to just share bad news, but there was some. Khalil drops another one that definitely should have been caught. In the hands and right through into the sidelines. UGH

When you are not feeling good about your WRs there is always JJ to dump off to and let him run. Here he picks up some nice yardage in the 3rd quarter, on their way to a field goal.

T Johnson gets some credit for this incompletion although I still gotta believe A Johnson makes this catch. Is it too much to ask that our WRs catch everything thrown to them!?

I like this set, with JJ and Cooper on the same formation. Here Coop takes it to his left, but is held up short of the first down.

Alot in this sequence. First is the formation with Marve in shotgun and Coop and JJ lined up on either side. Then JJ gets jacked on his route. Kayne makes a nice catch and move, but T Johnson makes an even nicer tackle.

So when you are in doubt, dump it off to Coop. He gets to the few feet line, but the next play, a false start, only nets a field goal.

What do we do after the false start call? You get three guesses and the first two don't count. Of course, a dump off. Always seemed like a check down call, and if that was the case, our QBs checked down a lot today. Thing is the down field coverage was not that tight, so our guys need to start seeing the field and not bailing out. Course if this was a planned call, then ignore me.

OK, here Aldarius lives up to his ranking with a superb catch on the sideline, strangely similar to the drop from earlier.

Finally Ryan Hill gets in the action with a nice catch, only to get jacked by Bruce Johnson. Bruce had a huge following today as there must have been 20 people in front of me with his Jersey on, and waving to him everytime he looked our way.

Glen Cook makes a spectucular knock down, looking more like a DB than a LB.

Very pretty pose, and very close to being caught by Khalil. He must do yoga, cause that doesn't look natural.

Great sequence of Coop breaking a 50 yard TD run. DVD looks like he has cement in his boots, as he is frozen and then burned by a quick coop juke. Awesome run!

So check out the stud Joel Figueroa. He loses his helmet, and even though the play is pretty much over, dives into the pile with no helmet. Now that is an O-lineman, and he is my new favorite anchor on the line.

OK hope I didn't screw up too many times, but I hope that gives all you Canes across the nation not lucky enough to be at Spring game, a taste of what we have to look forward to over the next few years. Very exciting time to be a Cane. Havn't felt like this since the 99 season, when we had such an awesome team ahead. It is great to be a Miami Hurricane!

Motivation to get you through

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:57:00 +0000

I have always liked those large posters that emphasize a motivational point and illustrate that point with a pretty picture. Ran across these pics below, and hadn't seen this for sale before. Probably won't anytime soon, but if so, I would buy them. Hope they give you some motivation or at least make you smile

Survival takes wisdom

Confidence is key, yet too much may not be healthy

And remember it could always be worse

Med school update

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:27:00 +0000

Two bits of info for anyone interested...

Bad news is I finally got the ole reject from Yale...at least I didn't get an interview and had to have flown up to the arctic pole in the winter spending a fortune on the plane ticket, just to then get rejected.

Good news is I got waitlisted at UM Boca campus. Waitlisting means I am put on an alternate list and when enough people move on to others schools, I get my offer. No idea how far down that list I am, or if I will ever be offerred a spot, but at this point in the year a waitlist is the best possible option. Hey, I interviewed and they didn't reject me, so that is at least something.

Next Wednesday, March 26th, my case comes up to the committee at UM Jackson campus, so will let you all know something else then.

Update 4 years later: Got into UM miami campus and am a few short weeks away from graduating with my m.d.

Is China ready for the Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Reihm MSN MD) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:02:00 +0000

Received this email the other day, and for the first time in years, forwarded it on (yes I did this subtle virus' sharing practice) to a few of my friends and family. Alas it didn't go through, and I thought it too good to let it succumb to the fate of all my past emails...slipping down into mailbox obscurity, only to be deleted in one mass execution during a late night OCD attack.

So here it is...actually just some pretty funny pics of how NOT ready the chinese are for the upcoming olympics. I have no guilt in sharing this, as I just recently read another of those all too common reports on Chinese products killing people, and this is my shot back. (by the way that story is appalling, being a company that sold cough syrup to South America, knowing it was actually Ethylene Glycol, a poison commonly used in antifreeze. Yes it has killed 100s and no, nothing has or will ever be done to stop it...so, uh, don't by chinese...and starve I guess)

Are they ready? Me thinks not