Sometimes in life, we seem to exhaust our supply of books, music and movies. This is a great shame, as these are things which most people find important. So, in an attempt to help you out of that rut you may find yourself in, this column is dedicated to Recommended Reading/Watching/Listening.

I will do my best to bring you great books, movies, TV shows and music for your personal enjoyment!

Recommended Reading

Books by H.P Lovecraft

• The Alchemist (1908)
• The Call of Cthulhu (1926)

Books by Steven Erikson

• Gardens of the Moon (1999)
• Deadhouse Gates (2000)

I don’t want to overload you with books to read just yet, so I will leave it there for now! The reasons for my recommendations here are simple. H.P Lovecraft was an author before his time. His grasp of modern horror is what sparked Steven King to become a modern horror writer, and Lovecraft’s work is simply amazing, when considering the time he was writing in. He creates a spin on the modern pathos of evil that has survived to this day.

Now, Steven Erikson… I cannot say enough good things about this man. The character rich world this man creates will always leave you satisfied. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, never able to put his books down. With plot twists in what is already a masterfully planned work will see you rooting for a wide range of characters, both good and evil.

Recommended Watching

Television Series

• Bones
• House
• Dexter
• Sons of Anarchy
• One Tree Hill (My wife insists that this be added…)
• SG:Universe

Movies

• Avatar
• The Boondock Saints
• Shooter
• 300
• V for Vendetta
• The Last Samurai

Anime Series (For You Anime Lovers!)

• Vampire Knight
• Rurouni Kenshin
• RahXephon
• Witchblade
• Darker Than Black
• Code Geass

Well, that should give you quite a bit to watch for now. Believe me, this is by no means a complete list of what I would recommend. These are simply shows and movies off the top of my head. Hopefully, you will enjoy them. If it’s not to your taste, well, be sure you check out next month’s column and you may just find something you’ll enjoy!

Recommended Listening

Now then, music is always a touchy subject, as there is a very wide range of genres out there. My musical taste is pretty varied, but I will tell you this straight out… the chances of you finding any rap, hip hop and such on these lists… is extremely slim. It’s not a genre I personally enjoy. Except for old school hip hop. That stuff just has rhythm anyone can enjoy.

Now, just so you know, my band lists will include some classics, which you should already know.. if not though, have no fear! You are about to get a taste of greatness! Also, as a point, I will try to include some lesser known bands which I think you should take a chance on. This is the point in your life where you can break free of the mainstream, corporate trash that being fed to the masses.

So, on to the list!

Metal Bands

• Metallica
• Iron Maiden
• Slayer
• Pantera
• 36 Crazyfists
• Fireball Ministry

This list could go on and on. I am a big metal fan, and there are many metal genres, so make sure you check out next month’s list for metal, as I will have more metal bands for your enjoyment. These metal bands have hard hitting hooks and riffs, combined with lyrics that you’ll love.

Now then, let us continue!

Rock/Alternative

• Flyleaf
• Jack’s Mannequin
• 12 Stones
• Halestorm
• Dropping Daylight
• Story of the Year
• Theory of a Deadman
• Nazareth
• Eddie and the Cruisers

I could list a hundred more bands, but this will get you started. You no doubt see some band names in there you’ve never heard of before. Give them a chance. You may not like them, but then again, they just may change your life. I like these bands not only for their instrumental greatness, but their lyrics are simply something I can identify with, whatever my mood happens to be.

Punk Rock

• Dead Kennedys
• Bad Religion
• The Clash
• Dropkick Murphys
• Flogging Molly
• Stiff Little Fingers
• Streetlight Manifesto

More than enough for your listening pleasure. All are great bands if you like Punk Rock or Ska. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Now, I am gong to drop a final list under Blues. If you don’t like Blues, you just haven’t been listening to the right stuff! As a guitarist, I simply love the Blues. I always figured when I picked up a guitar for the first time, that once I got real good, I would shred. Metal solo’s all day, every day! Face melting, ear murdering awesome. Was I ever wrong. When I am sitting around and I start playing for myself, I always end up playing Blues. I chalk this up to a good friend of mine who I’ve known for about 19 years now. He was my inspiration, and when he played the Blues, he did it from the heart and soul.

On to the list.

Blues

• Robert Johnson
• B.B King
• Albert King
• John William Coltrane
• Muddy Waters

I’ll not create a huge list here for Blues, as not many people are fans of this genre.

Ladies and gentlemen, this will conclude this month’s Recommended Reading/Watching/Listening column! I encourage you all to expand your taste in music, movies and tv shows. Try something new once in a while. Who knows, you make be thankful you did!