…and I’m still laughing at what happens in this video at about the 1:58 mark.

It’s almost like he pulls it out of thin air…

Nice catch, Sebastian!

Yes, after 15 years, the new Guns N Roses CD has finally arrived!

I have to say I’ve been really enjoying it, my favorite songs so far are:

• There Was A Time
• Better, and of course,
• Chinese Democracy!

Although, I really like Sorry, IRS, and Madagascar as well!   (Sebastian sings backup on Sorry, too, by the way!)

If you’re looking to enjoy some new music by Axl & Company, you can get it on iTunes & in Best Buy!

Let me know what songs you like (or dislike) below!

…done listening to it, you blink your eyes, quickly shake your head, and have to come back into the present moment?

One song that has always done it to me is Alice in Chains – Down in a Hole.

Like my favorite song of all time, Estranged — I can really relate to it.

Alice in Chains always had a knack for riffs and rhythms that would “suck me in”, but “Down in a Hole” is one of their best.

I’ve also always enjoyed Alice in Chains songs these as well:

How about you? What song, or songs, take you away?

…I’d say, without a doubt, it’s Estranged by Guns N Roses (found on the Use Your Illusion – Volume II CD).

So, what makes this song such a long term favorite?

First: It stands the test of time, and it gives me chills every time I hear it.

The first time I heard it in 1991, it was a stand-out track, to me, on the Use Your Illusion CDs.  Not necessarily because it was better than the rest — but, because it spoke directly to me (what a killer opener!)  I’ve lived a pretty interesting life, and lived many times way out of my comfort zone (especially when I went out on own by starting my own business in 1994!) — these lyrics, and their delivery, have always meant something to me:

“No one ever told us how it was going to be — what’ll happen to us — guess we’ll have to wait and see…”

Believe it or not, in 2005, those lyrics really helped me cope with the reality of my feelings before, during and after my divorce.   And these, really kicked it up a notch for me as well:

“With all of the changing seasons in my life, maybe I’ll get it right next time.”

Since it seems I’m always on a ‘quest to do my best’, it rings true almost all of the time.

Second: It’s moody.

From beginning to end (9 minutes and 24 seconds!), it really explores the ups and downs of my consciousness.

Finally: It’s Guns N Roses, musical tastes aside, their passion was unparalleled.  The intense passion the original line-up had through their early career (be sure to read about it) carried straight through to their music.  They didn’t let producers & executives alter their message — and put everything on the table when pushed.

So, what’s your ‘go to’ song — that stands the test of time, helping you cope with things in your life?