They’re two bands that aren’t really things I like . . . they’re things I LOVE. Both have been around forever, but they’re huge influences on me. Pretty much every action scene I write is, in my mind, soundtracked by one of these bands. They’re on every single one of my playlists, so whenever you come over to my house you’ll hear them, off and on, throughout your visit. In other words, they’re my most beloved background noise.

This first band is pretty much always on in my house. It’s what I work out to, work to, and absolutely adore. I love this band because I associate them with my brother (who is a huge fan) and because I went to undergrad in Boston and it is like nostalgia in a lyric. It is, of course, the Dropkick Murphys. Here’s one of my favorite songs:

And this little ditty always gets me going at the gym:

I may also have a wee crush on the guitarist. And the piper. His KNEES are tattooed! Le sigh.

The second band is also from Boston, and they also make me very, very happy. Again, they’ve been around forever and they will often open for the Murphys. Heaven! No doubt you’ve already guessed . . . it’s The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Here’s one taste . . .

This video is AMAZING. And for your second taste, here’s a song I am slightly obsessed with at the moment:

So here are two of my major musical influences. Not what you expected? Or just what the Doctor ordered?