What song best matches the energy of today?

I recently got to see Javier Ruíz, a good ol' friend of mine who lives in California. He was visiting the city, and while we were in the car, I happened to have some Alexisonfire on the playlist. My friend asked what we were listening to, and I told him it was Alexisonfire. He said he never really got into them back in the day but that he really dug their song “Pulmonary Archery.”

It had been a while since I’d actively listened to Alexisonfire, but ever since that day, I’ve been hooked again.

Today’s post is this song, in your honor, Javier.

What song best captures your current phase of life?

I’d say “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day. Now it feels like one of those moments where you look back, try to accept change, and move forward with a mix of nostalgia and calm.

Your favorite live version of a song.

There's a video out there of a live performance of "1979" by The Smashing Pumpkins in Brussels back in the '90s. I love the change in speed, dynamics, and the guitar effects. It completely changes the original spirit of the song, which is more melancholic.

A song from the 2010s that you like or means something to you.

When I think of the 2010s, I can’t help but think of CHVRCHES . I discovered them through their single “The Mother We Share.”

A song from your teenage years.

Oh, there are so many! They say the music you discover as a teenager sticks with you forever. 😂 Today, I feel like sharing "Anchor" by Cave In from 2003. Yeeeez! 🥵

If you were a professional athlete, what is your walk up or intro song?

I'm gonna have to pick "Them Bones" by Alice in Chains. 😜 It would definitely make me seem way more badass than I actually am 😂, but honestly, it’s just such a cool song. It sounds aggressive and so good.

What's a song that you like but most of your friends don't.

I'm not a ska connoisseur, but I do enjoy listening to ska every once in a while. Most of my friends don’t really like it. Sure, a few of them do, but it’s not exactly a popular choice.

Let's go with "Drinking for 11" by the Mad Caddies.

What is a song that makes you think of your first job?

If I recall correctly, I had my first “job” around 2002 or 2003. I put it in quotes because it wasn’t really a real job — my parents were just trying to keep me busy. 😂

MTV was shaping me, and I was obsessed with Blink-182; a gateway band for me!

What's a song that instantly makes you smile?

None other than “All Star” by Smash Mouth.

“La de Shrek” like they say here where I live. 😂

A song that reminds you of somewhere you lived.

I lived briefly in Arizona, and I remember very fondly going to the Projekt Revolution tour and seeing Taking Back Sunday along with a bunch of other cool bands (the lineup was actually very varied).

TBS aren’t known for being particularly great live, but their song “MakeDamnSure” was all the rage back then.