Tag: Green Day

Welcome to another installment of All Work and No Playlist. This week’s victim (we really do feel bad stealing all these iPods) is Taking Back Sunday drummer Mark O’Connell (far left, kneeling, in photo below), whose band has reformed with the lineup from their Tell All Your Friends days and will release a new self-titled album June 28. Says Mark: “We couldn’t be more excited about it.” Perhaps these 10 songs will provide some insight into the sound of the new record. Or perhaps not. He did put a Billy Joel song on here, after all, and we don’t see the band making the next “Tell Her About It” anytime soon.

“Battery,” Metallica

I remember the first time I heard this song, I couldn’t believe what was happening. I had no idea music like that existed. They are the pioneers of thrash metal.

“The Downeaster – Alexa,” Billy Joel

I am from Long Island — Billy Joel is from Long Island. He has Long Island pride — I also have long island pride. I want to meet that guy so badly, it hurts.

“Choices Made,” CIV

This reminds me of when I was in high school, and I was constantly pissed off at my mom. Every time I listened to this, I had that ‘Fuck you mom, I’m gonna do whatever I want to’ mentality.

“Long as I Can See the Light,” Creedence Clearwater Revival

This is the perfect ‘sit on the porch while the stars are shining’ kind of song. It reminds me of my dad, because he loves Creedence Clearwater Revival, and because of him, so do I.

“Forever,” Dropkick Murphys

This song makes me think of people that were close to me who died. Even though no one close to me has ever died. But when they do, I’ll definitely listen to this song. It makes me cry.

“J.A.R.,” Green Day

This song came out on the “Angus” soundtrack. I loved that movie and Green Day so much, and still love them to this day. It kind of hits close to home, because the kid was fat, just like how I was…

“The Science of Myth,” Screeching Weasel

Ben Weasel is an idol to me. It kind of bummed me out when he punched two girls in their faces (Ed. Note: Yikes), but the lyrics and music to this song are unbelievable.

“Reach for the Sky,” Social Distortion

It kind of sounds corny, but anytime I feel shitty or down, I put this fucker on, and reminds me to stop being such a pussy, and live life to the fullest.

“My Name is Jonas,” Weezer

I was on my way to visit my brother at Scranton University when I convinced my parents to buy this album for me. When this song came on, I was instantly in love. It reminds me when I started rebelling at 13.

“I Won’t Back Down,” Tom Petty

The album, Full Moon Fever, came out when I was eight years old. I’ve loved Tom Petty ever since. I’ve dealt with a lot of bullshit in my life, just like everybody else, and this is one of those songs that helps me get through to this day. Thank you, Thomas.