How Can You Learn Microsoft Excel? By Channeling Your Inner Justin Bieber, Of Course

If more teachers taught through song, the world just might be a better place. Fortunately, we've got professors like the University of Texas' Clint Tuttle, who teaches at the McCombs School of Business. And his business is hammering home his lessons with delightful parodies.

Take this one, for instance, where he changes the words from the Justin Bieber song "Love Yourself" to a more Microsoft, family-friendly version called "Learn Excel." It's wonderful, and the whole class starts getting into it by the end. Well done, Professor Tuttle. Well done.

One Thousand Italians Perform "Learn To Fly" By The Foo Fighters

Music is a pretty wonderful thing. It's amazing how it can bring people from all walks of life together, and perhaps there's no better of example of that than in this video. One thousand people spent about a year practicing the Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly" to convince Dave Grohl and his band to come play in Cesena, Italy. If you don't get goosebumps watching this...well, I just don't know what to tell you.

For his part, Grohl loved the video, and even created a video response in Italian, saying (roughly): "Hi, Cesena! I am David, hello. I’m sorry, I don’t speak Italian. Only a little, a little. That video — but how beautiful! Very beautiful. Thank you very much [literally: a thousand thanks]. We are arriving [coming], I promise. We’ll see each other soon. Thank you very much. I love you. Bye."

Just amazing. Side note: I re-watched the original "Learn to Fly" music video this morning, and it is simply incredible, even though Grohl's long locks and facial hair are quite absent.

Random Oldie: "Sweet Pea" by Tommy Roe

I am an absolute sucker for some bubblegum pop. And here's a terrific example of the genre: Tommy Roe's "Sweet Pea." That drumbeat is killer, and the lyrics are saccharine and sweet. The music video is quote precious, too, with Tommy singing to some lucky fan who knows every single word. Enjoy!

Rock Icon Henry Rollins Narrates New Book About Rock And Roll

Today, Audible Studios is releasing The History of Rock 'N' Roll in Ten Songs by music critic Greil Marcus as an audiobook. As a bonus, the book is narrated by rock legend Henry Rollins.

In the book, Marcus has chosen 10 songs recorded between 1956 and 2008, ranging from Joy Davidson to Etta James, and explores how each shaped and influenced the best genre in music. 

As for the full list of songs? Well, you'll just have to check out the audiobook itself. Here's a clip for your enjoyment:

Actor Christopher Lee Releases Heavy Metal Christmas Album

This is a sign to never let age get in the way of your dreams, kids. Actor Christopher Lee, who's appeared in The Lord of the Rings, Dracula, Star Wars, and a host of other movies, is releasing Darkest Carols, Faithful Sing, a heavy metal album he recorded with Hedras Ramos. This is actually Lee's third heavy metal album; last year's "Jingle Hell" reached No. 18 on the Billboard charts.

Oh yes, Lee was 91 years old when that happened. NINETY-ONE! The oldest charting artist ever. Just incredible. Check out a sample of the new record below, from the now 92-year-old actor.

Weezer Drummer Catches Frisbee During Song, Crowd Goes Wild

Patrick Wilson of Weezer has been drumming for quite some time. He's probably most memorable for running around his drum kit in the "Undone (The Sweater Song)" video, as well as being Miss Piggy's love interest in the group's "Keep Fishin'" music video. Apparently he's also a professional badass. During a performance of "Beverly Hills," someone from the crowd tosses a frisbee at the drummer. He catches it without missing a beat. Incredible.

Your Daily Song: "Get Rhythm" by Ry Cooder

Apparently this is a Johnny Cash hit, but I first heard it about three days ago when my dad told me to listen to it on our plane ride home from Spain. And it was a DELIGHT. Toes, start tapping!

Your Daily Song: "This Is The World Calling" by Bob Geldof

This is one of the first songs I remember ever actually hearing. My dad had Bob Geldof's Deep in the Heart of Nowhere CD, and as this was the first track, it was the one I probably knew best. Plus the music video is fun, too. Love those background singers!

Your Daily Song: "No Regrets" by Gob

If I can play a song on guitar, chances are it'll end up on this blog. Here's Exhibit A. Or ZZE or however many times I've put a tune I can jam to on here. Enjoy!

Feeling 25

This weekend I turned 25. Quarterlife crisis aside, hopefully this year will find me as a more mature and wise man. After all, now I have a puppy to look after! Regardless, I thought of the song "24" by Switchfoot this weekend. Frontman Jon Foreman wrote the song when he was 24 years old, and I've heard it was the night before he turned 25, though who knows if that's actually true. Either way, it's awesome, and reflecting back on the first quarter-century of life seems appropriate right now. Enjoy!