Before I sat down to finish my paper tonight, I allowed myself to spend a few credits on my iTunes account to download some music for inspiration and incentive. Tonight, I purchased a few nostalgic favorites from David Lee Roth’s “Skyscraper” album, featuring the guitar prowess of one of my favorite guitarists of all time: Steve Vai.

Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of jazz: Acoustic Alchemy, Richard Elliot, the Rippingtons, Boney James, and John Tesh. I had nearly forgotten how much I love the sound of hammer-ons and harmonics skillfully executed on an electric guitar. Setting my iTunes to the “guitar gods” playlist, I was ready to tackle my assignment.

With a little help from Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen who graciously provided the mood music, I managed to finish my paper with only 17 words over the minimum content requirement. I have never been one to do just the bare minimum, but being afflicted with Senioritis, I’ll take what I can get. I’d like to think that the content qualified as quality over quantity. I can only hope that my prof will agree.

Oddly enough, the screaming guitars blaring out of the speakers helped to energize my tired brain cells. It was reminiscent of the good old days in high school when I used to listen to my favorite hair metal tunes, singing along, head-banging, playing air guitar and studying all at the same time. I believe this is when I truly learned how to multi-task, back when I had big hair and was dang proud of it. (See below)

Aqua Net Days, circa 1991
Me, Byron, Shari

Aside from being done with my paper, the best part is that I still have $15.78 left in my iTunes account for the next time I am in need of incentive and inspiration.

iTuned to: “Damn Good” by David Lee Roth from the 1988 album, Skyscraper