The Top 10 Albums of This Decade...So Far...In My Opinion!

OK OK, I know there's still a year left before we reach the next decade so really I should wait until the end of '09 until I publish this list, but I have a general idea of what's coming out (new U2, Springsteen, new GnR hasn't been fully reviewed by me yet, etc) next year and I'll just make adjustments as necessary when we hit Dec of '09. In the meantime, there are a number of fantastic CD's that have been released since 2000, some by new bands and some by legends, but all worth taking a serious look at if you haven't already. I will also post some "honorable mentions" at the end, and I am sure there will be many that people feel I have forgotten on underrated, so please remember this is simply MY OPINION and nothing else. I don't proclaim to be an expert in all things music, but I know what's good, and in the last 9 years this is what I think is the best of what's good:

10. TOOL - 10,000 Days

Tool is a band that I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with over the years. I was one of the first people I know who listened to them, giving 1993's "Undertow" repeated playings and really becoming hypnotized by their odd sense of gloomy alterna-metal. However, the triumph that was Aenima in 1996 became so overplayed at pool halls and on the radio, that I actually grew to dislike the band rather feverishly. In the years since I have grown to enjoy that CD, along with their other releases, and no longer have the same indifference to their sound. However, when "10,000 Days" was released I not only became a big fan again but I was truly awestruck.

"Vicarious" alone, with it's too-long-really-for-regula

r-and-frequent-airplay length and heavy groove, coupled with the the metal-ish, in your face vibe just makes the whole CD for me. I have been waiting for a tune like this from Tool for a long time and was thoroughly impressed when I first heard it. "The Pot" is another favorite and one that did receive a decent amount of radio airplay."10,000 Days" and "Jambi" are other disk highlights from a band that is lacking very little talent. Danny Carey is one of the most inventive and hard working drummers in rock and guitarist Adam Jones, while not always real flashy, is always intriguing. Combine that with the vocal stylings of Maynard and the always inspired bass work of Justin Chancellor and you have a recipe for great things...and 10,000 Days is pretty great.

9. JOHN LEGEND - Once Again

John Legend (Stephens) was already a "legend" when his debut disk, "Get Lifted" came out in 2004. Having done session work for the likes of Lauryn Hill, Janet Jackson and Alicia Keys, among others; he was no stranger to the music world. His soulful voice and accomplished piano playing were a surefire recipe for a solo career and with Get Lifted he burst onto the R & B/Pop scene like a thunderclap. However, it was his follow up disk, "Once Again" that I feel truly began to elaborate on his talent and eloquence more so than his debut, which was chock full of cameos and more hip hop flavors. Once Again opens with "Save Room", a mellow jazzy number that's memorable, not just for it's beat but for the fact that Legend's vocal stylings are so infectious. "Heaven", though a tad overburdened by the vocal overdub often repeating within the track, is another stellar R & B number that doesn't lose power with that minor annoyance. "PDA" and "Coming Home" are two additional standouts from this wonderful CD, but it's the disk's first to last closer "Another Again" that makes this disk superior to Legend's debut. It's rich with smooth vocals but it moves along with a great vibe and the singing soars to textured highs and lows more so than on some of the other tracks. I haven't had a chance to thoroughly go through J.L.'s most recent release but I look forward to it, and there might be a chance it shows up on this list next year!


8. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - Magic

With "The Rising", Bruce showed his fans he could explore the emotions and after effects of a horrible American tragedy without sounding overly dramatic or preachy (though he's been known to do so at live shows). The songs from that CD are fantastic, and most fail to falter even after repeated listenings years later. However, with "Magic", I think Springsteen hit a stride that he caught during The Rising, and honestly crafted in some ways a better record than his 2007 effort, though not enough to surpass its place on this list.

The funny thing about the CD is that it took awhile, and only after my wife suggested to me how good it was, to get me to finally start listening to it months after it came out. Considering how much I liked "The Rising" it was a odd that I waited so long but the wait was certainly worth it. From the opening of "Radio Nowhere", an edgy rocker that blends well with current musical trends, it's clear that this CD had the potential to be something special. "You'll Be Coming Down" follows, and although it's not charting any real new ground, it's catchy and appealing nonetheless. "Your Own Worst Enemy" is a personal favorite and another example of how Springsteen can craft hooky, pop flavored rock songs that weave their way under your skin with repeated playings. "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" and "I'll Work For Your Love" are fine examples of this as well, and highlights of the CD, though my personal favorite on the disk is "Long Walk Home", possibly because I enjoyed the live version so much. Regardless, the disk is fantastic and will not only have pleased longtime fans but likely brought in a number of newer ones as well (which was certainly evident from the amount of sub-25 year old fans at this past tours shows).


7. THE STROKES - Is This It

The fact that the Strokes exist make me proud to be a music fan. For a long time as the nineties came to a close I started to worry that the universe of rock/pop would devolve into an annoying blend of bad alternametal blended with rap/hip hop. Thankfully, bands like the Strokes restored my faith in not only music, but of the buying public and critics who paid attention to the trends.

"Is This It" is so good it should be required listening for all fans of rock and roll. The Rolling Stones don't choose you as an opener for their tour(s) unless you piss vinegar and bleed attitude. These guys have it all, and combine that with some memorable if not simplistic riffing and a unique vocal styling/recording and you have a recipe for the kick ass debut from the Strokes. "Last Nite", the first single is almost a slower punk-ish tune, with a bouncy riff that just begs you not to bob your head. "Someday", a song I forced my first band to cover, and they eventually came to worship, is another jamming garage rock tune that's so infectious yet simple you just find yourself tapping your foot long after it's over. When the guitars ring out and the bass just plods along on the open E string at the end of each chorus you can feel yourself wishing you had long hair to just shake around like a crazed muppet! "Hard to Explain" is another uptempo bopper that recalls late 50's/early 60's music of the UK, a place where bands like the Strokes and Kings of Leon had always been in high favor. "Trying Your Luck" is a disk favorite for me, ripe with early 70's groove and style. A little more mellow and dark, it's a nice compliment to the more uptempo rockers on the disk. There really isn't a bad song on this brilliant debut CD and The Strokes continue to crank out great tunes, but this, for me, is just their masterpiece.

6. U2 - All That You Can't Leave Behind/ How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (Tie)

I really hate lists that include ties, but I really had no choice with these selections. I know, I know, seems like a cop out but I really spent some time re-listening to both CD's and I truly couldn't pick a favorite. So, with # 6 here we have the legends U2 and their two stellar efforts since 2000, ATYCLB and HTDAAB. Before both came out I recall having a discussion with another U2 fan who was severely depressed with the direction U2 had gone since the mid mid 90's/"Pop" era. I couldn't blame him, as it didn't fully represent what I feel is the best of U2, who are always amazing with their simple yet eloquent tunes and arena-busting rockers. I assured this friend that U2 would be back on their game soon, and with "All..." they certainly were.

Though "Walk On" and "Beautiful Day" probably got the most attention and airplay (and seemed to be most reminiscent of pre-90's U2), for me it was the hypnotic and beautiful "Kite", written about Bono's father. The bridge in that song, from "I'm a maaaannnnn, I'm not a child..." just gives me the chills with it's dramatic vulnerability and declaration. U2 have always been about drama and emotion but this tune, more so than any since the 80's, really swells with it and delivers to the listener, without being over the top. "Walk On" is a great U2 radio song as well, and "In a Little While" has always been another favorite, with it's bluesy/gritty feel and hooky vocal lines (slow down my beating heart...). Without question, ATYCLB was a great return from probably the best band in the world. The only reason this CD, and the next, didn't crack the Top 5 is that I have set such high standards for these guys I feel that they have even greater things to come.

With "How to Dismantle..." U2 basically stayed in the same place they were with ATYCLB, crafting another masterpiece of dramatic yet stylish pop rock that is layered with beautiful textured sounds. The Edge (David Evans) is rarely in the Top 20 on "best guitarist" lists but it's really unfair, as what he does stylistically with his extremely supple wrist, allowing for gorgeous strumming, can't be overlooked. he also knows when not to overplay and when to use effects. The same can be said of the bassist Adam Clayton. Although he lacks any real flash or speed with his playing, he often plays with a jazz-musician mentality, using the bass as not just a beat but a whole other entity within the song. Then, one track later he's just filling in the holes and laying behind the guitar and vocals. Bono's singing has always been impressive, and there's no question Larry Mullen, Jr. is a great drummer, but it's what these guys do as a cohesive unit that creates magic. "City of Blinding Light" is a favorite from this disk, with it's haunting guitar riff and ambient melody. "Vertigo" is an in your face, don't-forget-you-can-still-rock single that reminds older fans like me that these guys can still write great high energy rock and roll. "Miracle Drug" and "Yahweh" are two melloer tracks that move along familiar U2 lines, and are better than simple fillers, which a band with this much history and success could certainly be tempted to write at this point in their career. However, on this disk I think it's the single, "Sometimes You Can't make It On Your Own" that really makes this CD an example of exceptional U2. I don't know of any other band that writes better ballad-esque rock and roll. From the simple strumming by The Edge to the falsetto vocals, this is just a great example of what U2 does best and a reason that they have multiple disks in my Top 10.

5. IRON MAIDEN - A Matter of Life and Death

It's easy to understand how many music fans ignore or claim to dislike Heavy Metal. A lot of the music is very loud, overly distorted and somewhat angry. Many metal bands write lyrics dealing with death, the occult and general misery and most of the players look like guys who would rather stab you in the eye than say hello. However, with certain metal bands, if you can get by the volume and the lyrics and the looks, you'll find at their core a solid bunch of musicians, and this certainly the case with Iron Maiden.

These guys are dripping with talent...from the expansive and acrobatic vocal range of Bruce Dickinson to the furious but always interesting drumming of Nicko McBrain, to the mesmerizing riffing/solos of the tri-guitar attack of Smith/Murray and Gers and finally the galloping mayhem of Steve Harris' magical Fender P Bass. Iron Maiden have all the tools, but as is the case with many talented bands, that doesn't necessarily always result in great recorded music. Well, with "A Matter of Life and Death", Iron Maiden not only shamed much of their comrades in the "senior metal" genre, but they embarrassed most of their younger competition as well.

AMOLAD is a shining achievement on many levels. It opens with the strong but radio-friendly "Different World, complete with haunting vocal hook from Dickinson and plenty of multi-guitar harmonies, as is their trademark. Tracks like "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" and "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" certify that no one tops Maiden in the "slow building hard rocker". These guys have always been a phenomenal live band, but what they've done with this exceptional CD is found a way to convey that intense live sound/energy to a studio recording. "The Longest Day", "Out of the Shadows" and "Lord of Light" are three others that standout on this superb disk, but for me it's the stellar "For the Greater Good of God" and the closer "The Legacy" that make this disk a definitive Top 10. "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" off the brilliant 80's disk Powerslave showed that Maiden could write long, epic songs that were slow to build but always interesting and solidly metal. Well, FTGGOG and The Legacy are no exception to that rule, and in many ways trump previous efforts to top Rime. Everyone in the metal game should go back and listen to this superior disk and remember that it's made by a bunch of guys working their way into their 50's, and take some notes. There should be no doubt that Maiden are one of, if not the best, metal band in the world today.

4. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - The Rising

Although I grew up a hard rock/metal fan, during the late 80's I went through a pretty intense Springsteen phase. I had heard the classics like "Born to Run" and "Rosalita" a thousand times before and always respected the songs for what they were: great classic rock and roll tunes. However, it was tracks off "The River" like "Drive All Night", with it's almost pathetic longing and devotion to his lover, and "Jungleland", with it's haunting and melancholoy sax solo that truly hooked me in; there's never been any doubt that Bruce Springsteen is a great rock and roll artist, but songs like that just showed a more raw and vulnerable side that I preferred to his uptempo numbers. So, when 9/11 hit and the days that followed were filled with unease and mourning, there was never any doubt that the veteran songwriter from Jersey would be back with a great album that dealt with the emotions surrounding the tragic event.

"The Rising" was the first time Bruce had recorded a full album with the E Street Band in 18 years, and what a glorious reunion it was. From the fantastic first track, "Lonesome Day", which to this day is in my top 5 of live songs he performs, to the slow-building, neighborhood party atmosphere of "Mary's Place", this CD just fails to disappoint in any way. The album weaves it's way between moderate and up tempo numbers like the previously mentioned tracks, and wonderfully blends in slow, melancholy numbers like "Into the Fire" and "My City of Ruin", and the painfully beautiful "You're Missing". Springsteen certainly captured the emotions surrounding the days and months following 9/11 in a way that was genuine and not overly depressing, all the while seasoned with elements of rejuvenation and brotherhood. It was the right album at the right time, and whether you always agree with his politics or not, it can't be disputed that The Rising was a triumph.

3. INTERPOL - Antics

I started to really pay attention to Interpol around the same time I was listening to The Killers a lot, even though I had purchased this CD long before their debut had come out. I just remember having both CD's in the back seat of my car and only getting around to putting The Killers into the CD changer, until one day I finally decided to grab "Antics" and pop it in again. It would be my first listing since I skimmed through it in late 2004. HOLY F**KING S**T was I impressed!!

Although the opening track, "Next Exit" has never been a favorite, and possibly a reason why I failed to give this CD a thorough listen when I first got it, when I listened to it this time somehow it hooked me. Paul Banks, the lead vocalist/guitarist, has such a strangely hypnotic voice that it's hard to ignore and not be drawn in to. Couple that with the early 80's, British New Wave-esque guitar sounds and you have a band that has a formula for some inspired creations. "Evil", with it's simplistic yet hooky bass line and intensifying volume during the chorus is fantastic. "Take You On A Cruise" is darkly intriguing and mesmerizes with some of it's vocals and finishes like a great glass of wine. "C'mere" is as good as any up tempo New Wave/Alternative rock song has ever been, and "Slow Hands" is a gritty thumper that received a lot of rotation on alternative radio. The true majesty of this disk, however, lies within the brilliant "Narc", a slow building, intoxicating track that to me might be the best Alternative song written this decade. It's possible I have listened to this tune a thousand times since I first heard it, and there may be that many more plays before this decade is up. The simplistic guitar riff, mixed with the vocal building into the chorus is just stunning. Although I don't love where the song heads in the bridge, it pays the listener back by getting back on track and finishing strong ("You should be in my space..."). There haven't been that many CD's I can honestly say didn't leave my CD changer in my car for over a solid year, but this was one of them, and deserved every play it got, and still gets today.

2. KINGS OF LEON - Because of the Times

Wow, was this a hard one to write. Any of you that know me, or notice my Facebook posts regularly, know how big a fan of Kings of Leon I am. I have seen them live twice in less than two months, have tickets to their MSG show in January and am contemplating a trip to the UK in June to see them play Wembley! Ok, so I am obsessed, sue me! It would be hard not to love a band made up of three brothers and a cousin (The Followills) from Tennesse who like to drink and get in fights, but luckily these guys actually write great music to boot!

Anyway, my enjoyment of this band actually started awhile back with their debut "Youth and Young Manhood", in 2003. They actually released the EP "Holy Roller Novacaine" the same year and 4 of those songs ended up on that disk. They had such a dirty, backwoods, and edgy southern rock feel that I fell for them quickly. I listened to the disk a number of times and quickly bought the next two that followed but failed to ever give them the listening time I should have, though I recall loving "The Bucket" and "Four Kicks" and "Pistol of Fire", all from Aha Shake Heartbreak. Then, just 6 weeks before the release of their newest CD, "Only By the Night", another exceptional effort, I went back and listened to their third CD, "Because of the Times" in full on my Itunes while I played online chess of all things. Almost like I had just drank an entire bottle of Red Bull spiked with ecstasy, something came over me that just took control of my musical senses and just said "HOLY S**T" and awoke me to the brilliance that is KOL. I had the CD in a mixed order and the first track was "Arizona", a slow moving tune that's sonically pretty and has such a simple yet addictive bassline that I had to immediately learn and play it after hearing the song. "Fans" followed, and without hesitation this tune worked it's way into my senses like few others have and may be what I feel is their best song overall. Though it's written about experiences in London, it's always been a live favorite here as well and it may still have the record for most plays in a row of any one song when I played it 10 times in a row last month. That particular track has that quality, on an even more intense level, that many Dead songs have in that you almost can't listen to it and not be forced into a good mood. "Knocked Up" was next and just knocked me over with it's slow thumping intro and build. You can hear the fear and anxiety in this song about the possibility of new life between a volatile couple. I think the song would have been great if it had stayed mellow the whole way through, but it kicks it up a notch just long enough to make the song more interesting. "Charmer", "True Love Way, "Ragoo" and "My Party" are other tracks that make this a phenomenal disk, but for me it's the one-two punch of "McFearless" and "Black Thumbnail" that add just enough mojo to push this disk far up the list. McFearless is filled with brilliant drumming and stinging alternative rock guitar sounds but it's the vocals from Caleb in what you'd likely call the chorus that make this track so memorable. There's a desperation and fragility in his singing on this track that is so intriguing that I wish I could get in touch with whatever emotions he was feeling when it was recorded so I could channel them into my own writing. "Black Thumbnail", a no-frills killer rocker that was their choice to close the show I saw in Boston, is one of those tunes that just overcomes you after repeated plays. It's not breaking any new ground, it has no individual musical sections that are particularly impressive, and it's not filled with hooks...but it just f**king rips! If KOL ended every show with this track they'd be doing themselves no disservice. The live stage is really where Kings of Leon take control and dominate, but "Because of the Times" is such a stellar recording it deserves high praise, and a very high spot on my list. So why was this "hard to write", as I mentioned earlier? Well, their other three CD's are all fantastic and picking a favorite is nearly impossible for a devoted fan. Even the new CD "Only By the Night", though more pop-flavored and richly produced, is a triumph and worthy of high praise. However, in order to avoid stuffing this list with ties, BOTT needs to be the choice, and should be required listening for all rock and roll fans and be worshipped by all!. I guess when you're chosen to open shows for U2, Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan and called a "favorite" by Radiohead, however, it's high praise enough.

1. AUDIOSLAVE - Audioslave

I agonized for quite some time about which CD should be # 1 on my list and it essentially was between 2 bands and 3 CD's. The second 2 CD's from KOL and the first and from Audioslave, and the former's debut just kept coming out ahead, and for good reason.

I was always a casual fan of Rage Against the Machine, and a much larger fan of Soundgarden and Chris Cornell. So when you take arguably the best hard rock/alternative vocalists and add them to one of the most intense and successful hard rock/rap fusion bands out there, you're sure to have a finished product that's worth checking out. Well, "Audioslave" was better than just a great debut from a hybrid Supergroup, it was and still is an exceptional piece of rock and roll and will likely be timeless.

From the opening of "Cochise", the killer arena-busting first single, you know you're listening to something cool. It's not Radiohead, it's not Coldplay, it's not Opeth or Coheed and Cambria, this opening track is just kick-you-in-teeth-slam-you-to-the-ground modern hard rock that could get a quadraplegic up and jumping! Although the vocals are very different from Zack, whether you prefer that style or not, you can't deny that Cornell added something special and amazing to this 3/4 Rage project. You can also hear a depth in guitarist Tom Morello's playing that was not always there with Rage. There's also a warmness to Tim Commerford's bass lines, especially on mellower tracks like "Like A Stone". There are few weaknesses in this lineup, and there are few if any low points on this disk. My favorite on the disk, and featured in the great Michael Mann film "Collateral", "Shadow On the Sun" is particularly noteworthy and really shows the masterful range these guys covered in their songwriting and the insane power and depth that Cornell's vocals have. Although "Gasoline" and "Set it Off" are straightforward rockers, they are not filler tracks at all and are impossible to skip when listening to the disk. "I am the Highway" received a solid amount of Radio airplay and took the more folky/pop rock that often surfaces in their music to a beautiful place. "Hypnotize" does just that with it's Soundgarden-esque vibe and groovy build. "Bring 'Em Back Alive" is out of the Rage playbook a little more than some of the disk's tracks, but it's welcomed and filled with enough Cornell-ness that it can never be mistaken for anything other than an Audioslave track. Tom Morello has always been a heavy effects user, but I feel like it only mildly goes overboard on this disk and this tune might be a example of that.

I think a big part of me choosing this band as # 1 on the list, and more specifically this disk, is that I got a chance to see Audioslave when they toured and to this day it's probably the most impressive hard rock show I have ever seen. These guys were ON FIRE and tighter than any band I have ever seen. Tracks like Cochise and Shadow On the Sun were so impressive and so full of passion that I simply can't recall a hard rock or metal band topping what they pulled off that night, and that includes Iron Maiden, who are kings of the live stage as well. Also, when these guys released this disk, having been so bummed by the demise of Soundgarden, I wasn't expecting an earth shattering CD, I was just expecting something cool to listen to. What I got was a CD that just blew me, and a lot of other rock fans, away. Now, with Soundgarden and Audioslave gone, and persistent but varying rumors about Rage recording new material together again, it's one of a few from them I have to be content with. Although all three are great, and I strongly considered adding their last, "Revelations" to the list as well, in the end I had to go with their debut. It was a great CD that knocked me on my ass and continues to be played in heavy rotation by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of rock and roll fans. In my opinion, this decade has not seen or heard a better rock record.


Honorable Mentions:

Radiohead - "In Rainbows", Green Day - "American Idiot", David Gilmour - "On An Island", Weezer- "Weezer", Kings of Leon - "Youth and Young Manhood" & "Aha Shake Heartbreak", Metallica - "Death Magnetic, Fair to Midland - "Fables From A Mayfly", Black Crowes - "Warpaint", The Killers - "Hot Fuss"

Compassion...forgiveness

During a recent political argument with an ex girlfriend she mentioned to me, "You're the most compassionate person I know...how come you're not a liberal??!!" I laughed and offered some of my standard ideological explanations that I won't rehash now, but her "compliment" was taken to heart and it made me think a little about where I am as a person and where I may be headed as a parent (hopefully) someday soon. It also became even more relevant when a past event was brought back into light through this wonderful universe of Facebook...

As some of you know, there's a certain individual from the glorious days of Suffield High that I was pretty close buddies with who, on a couple occasions, did some financially disrespectful things to me. They were not life threatening, they didn't result in anyone being framed for murder or losing a limb or suffering any lifelong mental anguish; they were just disappointing. It was particularly upsetting considering this former pal and I, at least I thought, shared a pretty close kinship in the sense that we were both a little off the beaten path comedically (no, it's NOT Hodge!), we shared some sports and musical interests and there was just a general solidity to the friendly bond we had. I had learned of some earlier nefarious acts committed on his part but they were rather minor and not committed against any of his close friends, so I was never concerned about being buddies with the guy. As a young kid I did some pretty crazy things, tossing Pumpkins and logs at Mailboxes (Hey L.G, how are ya!) and spray painting odd things on people's barns and various other acts of juvenile mayhem, however I had never intentionally screwed over a friend. I suppose I was naive enough to think that because I lived my life that way, that those close to me would adhere to the same code...though sadly I was wrong.

So here it is many years later, everyone's older, starting families, growing more worldly and wise and I am certain many people, including this person, are not totally proud of everything they have ever done in their lives; I know I have made mistakes I wish I could go back and fix. In these specific instances though, a guy like me who has always agreed with "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me", finds it tough to just let it go and move forward, even if the situation is rectified/apologized for, etc. What certainty do I have that allowing this person back in, per se, will not result in another such indiscretion on their part; illicit or otherwise. I think the answer is that there can be no such certainty, and therein lies the dilemma.

Most that know me well have heard the stories of me transitioning from a very shy and quiet kid who was often picked on up through 7th grade, to a more outgoing and self-assured adolescent when I moved to Suffield. I certainly wasn't always the funniest or nicest or toughest kid, but I made a conscious decision to live my High School and later years as someone who made an effort to get along with everyone but who would also never back down from a fight if I was threatened or mistreated. As I got older and began various Martial Arts studies, I really tried to absorb the principles of these teachings, such as avoidance of conflict, not being an aggressor and even forgiveness. It's not always easy to do but I have managed to stay out of a lot of potential fights in the last 15 years because of these principles, and I try to apply them to non-physical conflict as well whenever I can.

Ok, so knowing that I wish to avoid conflict, physical or otherwise, what is the best path for dealing with this old "friend", twenty years later? Do I forgive and take the risk that forgiveness will lead me to place that only fosters deep anger should things unravel again? Do I have faith in the idea that people can and do change, and that everyone has a place inside them that longs to be good and decent and nurturing to those they know? As my ex had mentioned, I can be a very compassionate person. I give what I can to numerous charities, I offer my help to strangers whenever presented with the opportunity and I have a genuine love and affection for the potential of the human soul which I still feel, though often reluctantly, wants to be kind and honest. Do I extend this compassion and forgiveness to someone who's wronged me more than once, and put faith in what time and life lessons may have taught them, knowing I could be the beneficiary of another disappointment if nothing's changed?

These are hard questions to answer for most people, though some will always elect forgiveness and some will always seek vengeance. I don't like being an "all or nothing" kinda guy and I am at a place in life where seeking revenge for petty acts committed 20 years ago is not only useless and somewhat childish, but in many ways even pathetic. There was even a time many years ago when I did something I was not at all proud of and someone close to me chose to forgive me for that, though they had every right not to; that selfless and thoughtful act has made it hard for me to hold lifelong grudges against anyone.

I think what I need to do is what I would tell anyone I care for to do in the same situation. Something that's been said a million times in history and spells out a pretty decent plan for any similar scenario:

I will forgive, but I will never forget.

Obama, McCain and a # 9 Pocket...

I was at a local sandwich shop yesterday, waiting in line, and a political ad for a state senator came on the radio. It was typical over the top, sensationalized content bashing the guy's opponent. There was a little girl coloring behind the counter, the daughter of a woman who manages the place, and she heard the ad and decided she'd make a comment; "Is that Mo-bama, mom?" Her mom laughed, as did I and a guy standing in line with me. Apparently even the seven-year-olds of the world were absorbing some of the Obama-mania that has been saturating the radio and television airwaves, and she innocently confused this ad for a fellow Democrat with one for Obama. It was a very cute moment, from an adorable little girl.

The guy standing next to me, a early forties African American, laughed when he heard the girl ask the question and after her mom explained that it was an ad for someone else, the guy says, "So this is going to be one hell of an election, eh?" to which I replied, "I think so." He asked, "So who you going for, McCain or Obama?" Personally I am not bothered at all about revealing such things, but I know that the couple seated about 30 feet away looked rather shocked, as if he had asked me when the last time I pleasured myself was. Politics is a very personal thing, and I get that, but I have no problem answering such a simple question in public. The conversation, though paraphrased a bit, went as follows:

"I think I am going to have to go McCain, though it's not an enthusiastic vote," I reply.

"Yeah, I hear that. I have listened to both these guys speak on things and I don't know if anyone really represents me completely but I feel like I have to give my vote to Obama."

"Why is that?" I asked. The couple sitting in the booth nearby leaned in a little, eager to hear where this might be going.

"Well, to be honest because I think it might be a good thing to give a black man a chance. I think it might help heal some wounds and open some doors that have been closed for a lot of people, not just blacks or minorities either."

This is the kind of conversation that can make a lot of people, especially white folks, very nervous. These discussions have been going on ever since Obama became the nominee, and relation-discussions between blacks and whites have gone on forever, but in the current election climate it can seem like it's a dangerous road to venture down. I have never been a big fan of holding back or suppressing feelings, and my neighbor in line here didn't seem to be either, so I had no fears about engaging in this topic.

"You know, I don't dispute that, not at all. I think Obama represents a lot of things that are great about this country and I think that just having him in office will likely inspire/motivate a number of people who might not have otherwise been inclined to be. I worry about his tax policies and his ability to fund a lot of his programs, but who knows how many of those will get off the ground anyway. I am a little uneasy with the idea of people voting based solely on race, religion, hair color, etc etc, but I understand your point and I can't say that if I was a minority that I might not vote for someone I felt represented my community in a way that was positive and uplifting, even if I didn't believe in all of his platforms."

From this point on, after I placed my order and he did the same, we waited in line and discussed the political positions of Obama and McCain in pretty great detail. William, as I learned his name after we shook hands and left the restaurant awhile later, had a lot of insightful and thought provoking things to say about not only the election and politics in general, but also about the black community and the US population as a whole. It became increasingly clear to me that although I feel the opportunities for minorities in this country have never been better, the possibility of an Obama administration was not simply about "Look what a black man can do" but rather about "Let's support a leadership role that's not the status quo". As I explained my tepid support for McCain, and his ability to work with both parties effectively, William was in almost total agreement, and even complimented him on his military and foreign policy skills, and only really disagreed with his choice to initially support the Iraq War. We talked about inner city education, taxes, abortion, energy and even the Jeremiah Wright situation, which he brought up simply by saying "I think there is a general misconception by white people that black folks don't like them, which was intensified by that whole mess with Wright. I think if you ask most black folks to tell the truth, it's that some are cautious, not spiteful." Whether Jeremiah Wright represented a small fraction or a majority of their population is not really relevant in terms of an Obama administration because only an idiot would assume any bias his preacher had is going to spill over into any facet of his leadership.

As we wrapped up the conversation I told him that I would still likely be voting for McCain based solely on fiscal/defense policy but that if Obama won I would be be in support of him as a leader, and at least give him a chance to get things done in his first few years in office. Although many of Obama's positions are counter to what I feel the best way to improve an economy or defend a country are, I am not someone who is against the idea of trying things another way from time to time; I have been proven wrong before and I will admit defeat when my battles are lost. I think what I learned most from talking with William for those 20 minutes or so was that we live in a pretty amazing country and one that has had a somewhat checkered past, but one that has had some amazing triumphs as well. It's not all "black and white" out there, it's not one way or the other and it's not Obama or McCain that will cure the ails of any one individual. It's two people that live side by side, though from vastly different worlds, talking to one another about the real issues that affect everyone and how best to make things better for all of us going forward. I think William would agree that whether Obama or McCain gets elected, the only chance of the economy rebounding and the "mood of the country" improving is if we as a nation make that happen together.

What a glorious world it would be if we could get to that place...