Is there a future for aging rock stars besides bingo on Sunday? Who should hang it up? Who still has the moves?

Reunion tours are all the rage anymore – just ask the artists-formerly-known-as-bands raking in the cash each summer from fans willing to fork it over to relive the glory of days gone by. The Police, The Who, Van Halen, Stone Temple Pilots and New Kids on the Block are just some of the most recent groups to bury the hatchet and climb back into the old tour bus (or several personal tour buses, as the case may be).

Minnesota is arguably as melodious as any state in the union. Over the years, it has produced almost as many great musicians and bands as it has lakes – and the variety is as diverse as the weather.

Have you ever heard of giving yourself a theme song? I remember seeing an episode of Ally McBeal where her therapist suggests that she give herself a theme song. She was to play that song in her head when she felt down or her self-confidence dipped (I think Ally's was "Tell Him" by The Exciters). Your theme song should be a song that gives you a lift as you walk down the street, a song that makes you feel happy, confident and in control. This all got me to thinking: If I had a theme song, what would it be?

Band names are like the oft-quoted line from Shakespeare: Some are as sweet as a rose, but some just plain stink. Whether a group’s name aptly represents its image and sound or simply serves as a way to alphabetize their discs in a record store, all bands must come up with one – for better or worse.

What are some of your favorite band names? Which ones should have been left on drawing board?

To get the ball rolling, here are just a few for each column from this blogger’s perspective:

Everyone has an album or a song (a guilty pleasure, so to speak) that you wouldn't want your friends to find out you enjoy listening to. One example for me is Stripped by Christina Aguilera. A perfectly good album, but to some of my acquaintances a purchase I should be very ashamed of. I'll also admit to groovin' to Bon Jovi, The Outfield, Night Ranger and Britney Spears in my van when I come across them on the radio. I've admitted my shameful music moments - now it's your turn. What music do you secretly love?

Do you ever get goose bumps when listening to music?

Music has many devices that can draw your ear in for a listen, but I think the most subtle way is through the lyrics. While a great guitar riff or a pounding beat can catch your interest immediately, it takes time to draw you in with lyrics. If lyrics are really great, they can pull you in with their imagery, their story, their statement about our world, and sometimes with their wit and humor.

If I were a jingle writer for TV ads, I’d be a little worried about my job security. You may have noticed more and more bands and artists gracing TV ads with their songs over the last few years, and they’re not just shilling for iPods. There are lots of car ads and other products that seem to be stacking up rocks’ heavy hitters like records in a jukebox.

I got an iPod for Christmas! I’m excited about all of my new listening options, but does having an iPod mean no longer buying albums? I’m not sure what sort of downloader I’ll become. Will I download entire albums, or will I just grab singles?

In the recent school-budget cuts story in the Savage Pacer, it is obvious that the proposed cuts to the fifth-grade