Music is an essential part of my life, no debate. I find it is the easiest way to connect with people. Music is a capsule of emotion, philosophy, energy, love. Here are some of my favorite bits.

Songs

A lyrically cynical take on martrydom. The crunch of Adam Jones's guitar really inspires me to crush some bench press with two 45s on each side (rarely am I operating at this level).

Albums

Ann and Nancy Wilson's 1976 debut doesn't ease you in — "Crazy on You" opens with Nancy's acoustic fingerpicking before detonating into one of the great rock riffs, and Ann's voice on "Magic Man" is unsettlingly good. Forty minutes of two sisters who could out-shred and out-sing most of their contemporaries.

Live Sets