TechTV is running the '60s Supermarionation series daily. I had forgotten how great it was, for its time and format. When this intro sounds through the Swamp, both occupants have to scream along. It's easy to get creeped out by the show, but I choose to look at the pure camp value of it all.

All My Life, Foo Fighters

As David Letterman put it, this is the hardest-working band in the world -- "because, when they're not making rock 'n roll, they spend every waking moment fighting Foo!" Straight-ahead power rock shouldn't be difficult, and Grohl and company make it sound pretty damned easy.

The Rising, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

When this album came out, all of the critics hailed it as a fine artists' response to September 11. I like to look at it as something greater -- triumph of the spirit. No one sings about the re-emergence of the spirit like Bruce, and I hate that I missed him live this November.

The Good Life, Weezer

When people talk about Weezer, they usually point to 'Pinkerton' as the album they would most like to forget. That same album yielded this song, which remains my favorite. So, does that mean Rivers Cuomo is oversensitive? Likely. He should worry less.

Get Free, The Vines

Of all the "The" bands to hit the scene this year, I like the Vines the most. The lead singer is an absolute freak, and the band knows their role -- play the damned set, trash the hotel room later.

Prince of F'n Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne

Love Sharon, dig "JAAACK!" and think Kelly will be a footnote. Ozzy, however, is still the man.

I See Sound, Moth

This is one of several songs I heard on the way back from New York. I was there for a job interview (that I didn't get, thanks to inter-office politics -- whee!) and was just in a great place mentally. The in-flight station that played 'breakthrough music' was amazing. I was afraid I wouldn't find out who some of the artists were, because they don't backsell well on these planes. As the plane pulled into the gate, I heard the name of this band. I know damned near nothing about them, but Gods, I love this song.

Welcome, Heather Nova

I know next to nothing about this singer, except that she's got three albums out. I really dig this song. What else do I need to know?

Lost In Space, Aimee Mann

Bad news for me -- Aimee is still married to Michael Penn. They're very happy together. Dammit. Musically, Aimee's going the independent label route, and I hope she sticks it to the major labels.

Hardball With Chris Matthews, SNL Cast w/ Sen. John McCain

The finale from the best sketch Saturday Night Live has run in ten years. Had John McCain been the Republican presidential candidate in 2000, I would have had a hard time figuring out who to vote for. (No Florida jokes, please.) This bit just proves it.

The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Remix), Raven Maize

Another track heard on the plane. Supposedly there's a Simple Minds track sampled in here somewhere, but I couldn't find it. The Queen sample, however, is better than anything Sean Combs -- PUFF DADDY! -- ever did with the band's stuff.

Rock This Bitch, Ben Folds

Just more proof that Ben Folds is the god of punk piano. His live shows are huge sing-a-longs, and when he toured solo last year -- just him and a piano -- it was sensational.

Can't Find My Way Home, Blind Faith

I've loved this song since I heard it in the soundtrack to the early Kevin Costner flick 'Fandango.' It always resonates strongly for me. Something about the thought of being lost in your own skin.

Hideki Irabu HSO, Tom Grieve

Good news, Tommy: Hideki won't be serving up those kind of homers for us anymore. Neither will John Rocker. Bad news: With Kenny Rogers and Pudge Rodríguez gone, it won't matter much. Damned fathead John Hart!

Without Me, Eminem

When I was in New Orleans for my birthday, I must have heard this track a dozen times. I had no desire to like it, but dammit, it clamped down into my brain. I'm not ready to anoint him with oils yet, but I will admit he's a good writer.

Keep On Dancin,' No Doubt

Mixes perfectly with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." I wish I were in a position to try it.

Love/Hate, Betty Blowtorch

Another plane song (hey, I listened for the whole trip home, since I didn't have my iPod yet), and the one that had the most impact. I wanted to know everything about Betty Blowtorch when I got back, and I was heartbroken when I found out lead singer Bianca Butthole (nee Halstead) was killed in a car wreck early 2002. Fucking loser boyfriend was driving while blind.

Too Bad About Your Girl, The Donnas

The slick production wasn't always there for this bunch, but the chops and songwriting have always been top-notch. Hopefully this album -- and the heavy MTV rotation treatment -- will put them in the spotlight they deserve.

Contact, Citizen Cope

See? You don't need steel drums and dreadlocks to make good reggae.

She Hates Me, Puddle Of Mudd

I had no idea these guys were less clones of Disturbed or Tool, and more like... well, this. They'll make more mainstream stuff as they go on, if they know what's good for 'em.

You Know You're Right, Nirvana

The perfect Nirvana song. Too bad Courtney Love had to go and have Kurt killed.

Was It All Worth It?, Queen

Used to be, I couldn't make one of these mix compilations without putting on both Queen or Cheap Trick. This track, like many of the songs on here, screams my name. It was one of my favorites from 1989's 'The Miracle,' and I wish to God I could have seen it performed live.

Was it all worth it? Yes, it was a worthwhile experience! Indeed.