No matter how humble (or in my case embarrassing) your roots may be, you should always remember them. After some reflection, I’ve found that my musical roots go back quite a ways.

During grade school, I mostly listened to my dad’s music. It was pretty standard stuff: Clapton, CSNY, Dylan, the Eagles, the Doors, Dan Fogelberg, and Jimmy Buffett. There was also MC Hammer and Ace of Base. Sadly, I have no one to blame but myself for those two.

Then in 7th and 8th grade, I got swept up in the grunge movement. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and Nine Inch Nails dominated my small CD collection. Over time, my teenage angst subsided and so too did the noise from my speakers.

At the end of high school, I started listening to music again. This time mopey alt-rock by the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows, and Vertical Horizon. One of my friends recommended I listen to Radiohead, so I did. After quickly exhausting their catalog, I looked for something new.

That something was Coldplay, who I discovered freshmen year of college. Most people discover alcohol and drugs in college; for me it was Coldplay. I bought any and everything they released, tracking down rare imports and promos. They were my first true musical obsession and spawned my “British” phase (David Gray, Travis, Doves, Turin Brakes, etc).

And after all of that, I ended up where I am now. Looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at the school-girl crush I had on Coldplay. Embarrassing as it may be, that crush largely inspired my recent music renaissance. And for that, I pay homage.

• Coldplay – Yellow [piano version - live @ KCRW]