Soundtrack of My Life

Song: Times Like These
Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: One by One (2002)

I absolutely hated Nirvana. I was one of those people who just didn't get it. In fact, I think I still don't. I can understand the cultural impact of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" but the song was named after a woman's deodorant and the band as a whole was wholly overrated in my books. That's why I had it in for Foo Fighters when they first appeared on the scene. Doesn't it feel like forever ago now?

Understandably, they were billed as that band Nirvana's old drummer is fronting and that made me a little leery. What no one knew, myself included, was that Dave Grohl was and still is totally awesome. We all knew he could pound the skins with the best of them, but who knew all the other talents that lay behind that boyish face and long hair?

While I enjoyed the first couple albums and the singles that everyone now knows, I didn't really really like the Foos until this album with a lot of credit for that belonging to this song.

I love that there are two versions of this track. The featured in the link above - the rock version - is trademark Foo Fighters rock without any of the silliness of a track like "Learn to Fly" and the acoustic version - find it yourself! - well, you know how I feel about really great acoustic tracks already.

Another of the things that really draws me to the song is the overall message and idea that it presents. Simply put, the chorus is a reminder of what can come from hard times, however they take shape in your life.

It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again

Then there is the irony of one of the uses of this song.

Back in 2004 when George W. Bush was running for re-election, he used this song in his campaign... without the consent of the band.

Note: that right there should tell you how dangerous it was having this guy in charge for eight years...
Once Grohl found out, it served as a call to be more politically aware and active for him and his bandmates and they took up the cause... of Democratic Candidate John Kerry.

With the political connection this song has and the fact that we're moving into a time right now of incredible change and opportunity, this song only seemed fitting.

Besides, the Foo Fighters kick ass and you can never have enough kick ass music in your life!