Steve Lynch

Photo by Jeanne Rice> The Replacements, Tim, Pleased to Meet Me and Let It Be. "These three albums are my picks, but if you're a no-risk-taking, greatest-hits-only music buyer, then there's always their All for Nothing, Nothing for All. If I had to pick one favorite band, the Replacements would be it. These guys were one-of-a-kind, with their not-too-tight, sometimes raunchy, sometimes slurred I'm-too-drunk-to-care style. Give them a spin, and feel the spirit of a real rock & roll band."

> Jason & the Scorchers. "Anything you can find. You might come close to the recipe if you put Dwight Yoakam, Duane Eddy, Angus Young and the Clash together in a blender and sewed it straight up with a shot of tequila."

> The Commitments. "A must-see film for anyone in a band or anyone thinking about starting one. The action takes place in early 1990s Ireland and follows the path of a band from inception to local phenomenon to ego-fueled self-destruction just before they get their big break. I think I liked it so much because I've seen this happen many times right here in OC."

> Frank Sinatra in The Way You Wear Your Hat. "I think when Frank was being interviewed for this book (less than a year before his death), he knew he wasn't going to be around much longer and he wanted to pass on his wisdom, philosophies and hard lessons. Chock-full of stories from back in the day, it's like an instruction manual on how to live life, swagger and be a man, told by the man himself."

> Letters to Cleo, Go! "It's a crime that Revolution Records could never break this band, especially with this record. Reminiscent of No Doubt with an '80s-influenced, female-fronted sound, they're more guitar-driven and less sugary-sweet. If you like good, memorable songs, this record is for you."

> Tom Waits, Beautiful Maladies: The Island Years. "This is a collection of bizarre songs from a bizarre and mysterious singer/songwriter. Taken from his body of work between the early 1980s and early '90s, these songs feature primal drum rhythms layered with dark, moody overtones. A great soundtrack for an evening of sex!"

> Social Distortion, Mommy's Little Monster. "I know this is a no-brainer, but I had to mention it because of original Social Distortion drummer Derrick O'Brien's influence on my playing. I was about 14 when this record came out, so I was very impressionable. The way he played on those songs was the way I wanted to be able to play. Seventeen years later, I still use some things I picked up from Derrick. Mike Ness, if you're reading this, you should think about calling Derrick next time you need a drummer."