This Playlist was compiled according to a painstaking methodology I've developed over the years.

Seeing Hansard perform Astral Weeks is to experience the power of music; how it shines a purifying light on the darkest internal recesses.

A gym playlist for classic rock fans guaranteed to get you through your workout — guaranteed.

I know a band rocks when it inspires a bald fifty-something to stage dive — thrice. And my wife to skip the gym in favor of drinking.

The Stone Foxes have a polished grittiness that features great structure and arrangements while also channeling the rawness of rock.

If you're heading to the mountains and don’t have any Barry Manilow on hand, try this mix for inspiration.

My dad loved Barry Manilow. I remember thinking there’s got to be better music than this as he caterwauled to “Mandy.” I’ve evolved--some.

To immunize your child against pop, play this mix late at night while the infant is nursing. For best results, repeat often.

The first gift I gave my son was music. He was a few weeks old when my wife asked me to burn some CDs for her late night feeding sessions.

Heartless Bastards is a unique blend of many roots and classic rock influences. There's a lot going on with this band, all of it good.