If you’ve ever taken one of Mrs. Dreiling’s classes, you’ll notice that there is always some music playing over the speakers. To honor her love of music, here is Mrs. Dreilings’ “Soundtrack of My Life.”
A song that defines your high school years?
A song that defines my high school years is “Black” by Pearl Jam. I discovered the album Ten my sophomore year of high school, and it was a musical turning point. Prior to that, most of the bands my friends and I listened to were New Kids on the Block, Tiffany, Roxette, and other pop bands like that. Ten was a revelation. “Black” has always been my favorite track, maybe my favorite Pearl Jam song of all time. In all my high school memories, from designing lights for dance shows to driving down Sheridan Road with my friends to eating lunch in the school courtyard, “Black” was always heavily featured.
A song that made you fall in love with music?
A song that made me fall in love with music is Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill,” in my opinion, is one of the most perfect songs ever written. The lyrics are an inspiration. The unexpected arrangement of instruments produces a fullness of music, and if I think about my favorite genres now, that fullness is a hallmark.
A song that represents where you are in life right now?
A song that represents where I am in life right now is “The Whole of the Moon” by the Waterboys. I’m the type of person who gets caught in the details, and this song is a reminder of the importance of seeing the whole picture.
A song that reminds you of your childhood?
A song that reminds me of my childhood is “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac. My parents always had Fleetwood Mac playing in the house as I was growing up. Really, any song from Rumors reminds me of my childhood. In elementary school, I don’t think I really paid much attention to music, other than what we played in orchestra. In middle school and high school, as my own music tastes evolved, I absolutely detested Fleetwood Mac. Somewhere along the lines though, as an adult, I’ve come around to them.
A song that instantly lifts your mood?
A song that instantly lifts my mood is “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. I think everyone should have a theme song, and this is mine. My brother is ten years older than me, and he was big into the Chicago industrial scene in the 80s. He would make me these incredible mix tapes with songs from bands like Ministry and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, but he always included “Walking on Sunshine” because he knew I loved it so much. It’s a complete contrast to his music and really to my musical tastes as well. But there’s something about the brass and the rhythm…it brings great energy.
A song you wish you could hear again for the first time?
A song I wish I could hear again for the first time is Beastie Boys “Sabotage.” It’s just a banger. In high school, my friends and I loved the Beastie Boys, so there was a lot of hype around the release of the single. We finally caught it on the radio, driving down Route 41 on a Taco Bell run, a quintessential high school experience.