I can't help it.

I'm a child of the 80s.

I watched in awe as Madonna, clad in net stockings and dripping with cruzifixes, cavorted to "Like A Virgin". I was there when Billy Idol pumped his fist in the air, arches his upper lip, and raspily cried "Rebel Yell". When George Michael whispered "I Want your Sex", the world cringed and feared for the pure minds of their children. When Prince set dance floors across the world on fire with "Let's go crazy". And yes, I was even there when Michael Jackson "moonwalked", turned the music world upside down with "Thriller", and later made grabbing your crotch a dance move.

I went to their concerts (Billy Idol was raw and awesome; Michael Jackson is an incredibly performer; and Prince is, and will always be, the one and only Rhythm Master), bought their CDs, and spent endless Saturday night burning up the dance floors to their tunes.

Never mind the sad outcome of some of those performer's careers. What stays on forever is simple, pure, great music. Their songs are the soundtrack to my teenage years - and as such, an intricate part of the fabric of my memories of those years.

So when I want to take a mental stroll into my past, all's I have to do is put on some of their music and - POW! - I'm transported right back to the tender age of 15 or so, to school dances and rock star infatuations. How great is that?

So when I was ripping some new music to CD last weekend, I surprised myself that one of them ended up including Duran Duran, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, Banarama, and even Frank'n Furter's "Sweet Transvestite" - all wrapped into one neat, happy package.

I just love how the past can bring the present alive.

I have Madonna's latest album. I just can't quit her even though I'm now a big fan of Indie rock.

I'll need a copy of that CD. You named every artist I've ever loved in High School.

You got it Brenda - I'll make ya a copy.

Thanks for not making me feel so alone and pathetic in my choice of music ... ;-)