Music. One of the most important parts of my life. I love music. All types of music. Each genre/style/language fits my various moods. I like it all. I love everything from Tupac to Talib Kweli to Missy Elliot. I listen to Norah Jones, Diana Krall, The Tragically Hip, Dave Matthews Band and Nirvana.

Music makes me connect with myself. I start thinking when I hear lyrics by Mos Def. I think about my life and relationships when I hear something by the Dave Matthews Band or by Eric Clapton. I think about love lost, found and yet ungained when I hear U2 playing "With or Without You".

I think it's fair to say that I live for music. A smile creeps over my face when a song I know and like comes on the radio at work. I can barely hold the urge to start singing out loud and if the song dictates it, start dancing (Michael Jackson anyone?). It is true when they say that music is the way to a person's soul. Anything that is melodious is good enough for me. One the most amazing pieces of music I have every heard is called "Nigerian Afro Beat" by an artist called Fela Kuti. Amazing! It is just a band jamming. That's all. There might not be any lyrics but the message is soulful, full of love.

Another symphony piece I love is "Fur Elise" by Bethoven. I prefer that 3 minute symphony over many things in life. Music has that power over me. When I need to get to psyched up about something I listen to Pharoahe Monch, Biggie and The Roots. When I need to calm down I listen to Five For Fighting and Counting Crows. When I need to sleep, Ron Sexsmith and Norah Jones are in order. When I feel the urge to scream into oblivion and take out my frustration I turn to Nirvana and Metallica. When I just wanna listen to some good tunes I put on AC/DC or the Rolling Stones or the Beatles.

My tastes have changes since I was a kid. That is to be expected. What I am sure of though, is that I will never be able to live without music. It is the fuel that I run on everyday.

Over the next few days, I will be thinking hard about and then posting my top ten list of favourite songs from various genres such as Concious Hip Hop, Party Jams, Love Songs, Good Tunes, Rock, Soul, Sumphony etc etc. I think I will start with concious Hip Hip. This will make the major part of our Uzi's Musical Tastes 101 course. See you all tomorrow. Bright and early!