"Rock 'n' Roll Star" Oasis

This song was the first song on side A of a cassette tape my brother Chad gave me. That side of the cassette was titled "This is rock 'n' roll". That tape was a big deal for me at the tender age of 14 I believe. That tape introduced me to several artists that would stick with me for years (to this day in most cases), including Jimmy Eat World, Travis, Jeff Buckley, and Elliott Smith. It also included songs that I have since considered my favorite songs (see: Shower Your Love, Hallelujah). I would refer to the music on it often in those days to show how mature my musical taste was (which was far from the truth). I was just really hungry for music at that time, and this gave me a lot to chew on.

More mixes came from Chad in the future. I even talked him into buying me CDs on a couple of occasions. I think Chad liked having someone to share it with and I wonder if he felt a small obligation to raise my music taste in the way he thought it should be. So I might avoid the pitfalls of rap-metal or pop-punk that was prevalent at the time.

Over the years I've actually wondered a lot what my music taste would be like without this guidance. It really was that significant. And I wonder if I would've taken such an interest in music, which would lead to an interest in writing music.