And Anthony Kiedis does not disappoint.

Anthony’s autobiography begins right at the beginning: his birth in 1962. He chronicles his experiences as a child that lead to his excessive party lifestyle as an adult, many of which are with his father, Blackie, a drug dealer. He discusses all of his relationships and diligently reports on the formation of the original Red Hot Chili Peppers.

At some points the book becomes slightly redundant: drug abuse, rehab, clean, repeat. But that was his life and although this repetitiveness takes away from the severity of the issue of drug abuse, the stories that go along with this vicious cycle are amazing and can only be those of a rock-star.

And they stay with you. Even though I read this about 5 years ago, certain anecdotes have never left me and I still find myself thinking of them.

If you are a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, then you must read “Scar Tissue.” The band’s formation and progress alone will reel you in. However, any music or biography fan will enjoy the rich detail and frank honesty. I finished this book and did not doubt any of Kiedis’ statements for a second, as often happens with biographies (Remember James Frey?!). It’s a bit of a long read (almost 500 pages), but goes by quickly, as you will not be able to put it down.

The three weeks before I graduated from undergrad I was miserable. I was sad, and already dreading the day all my friends would leave our previously un-penetrated bubble of binge drinking, late nights, traveling, naps and academia.

I’m in grad school now but I realized the crummy days are coming back again. My fifth year friends are rounding the victory lap and getting ready to leave school. I’m excited for them to scatter across the country, but sad to see them go. I decided my sentiment was best expressed in two playlists; one for those dark, depressing days and one for the hopeful, bright ones.

We’ll start with the sad one. Sometimes the best way to get over a hurdle is to have a good cry. This should make you do just that.

1. Freshman – Verve Pipe

Achingly sad when I was a freshman in high school, still pretty tear-inducing now that I know what they’re talking about.

2. Forever Young – Alphaville

This song is most known for the 8 billion TV prom scenes its used in. Don’t hold that against it. If you want to hold those haircuts against them, be my guest.

3. Tear – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Best lyric? “Say it now because you never know.” It sounds so much easier when Anthony Kiedis is advising you.

4. The Good Times Are Killing Me – Modest Mouse

Ever smiled with tears in your eyes? This is the song for you.

5. Cannonball – Damien Rice

Pretty much everything on Damien Rice’s album, “O,” is pretty sad. This one takes the cake.

6. To Sir With Love – Lulu

The theme from the 1967 movie of the same name. An oldie but a definite goodie!

7. Everybody’s Changing – Keane

Proof that it’s hard to leave, but harder to be left.

8. Wheel – John Mayer

Mayer’s a great lyricist and he shows off in this track off of Heavier Things. “And if you never stop when you wave goodbye/You just might find if you give it time/You will wave hello again.”

9. Say Yes – Elliott Smith

No sad song playlist is complete without a song Elliott Smith.

10. Reservations – Wilco

Need a song to tell that person how you feel about them before they head out of town? Listen to this a few times, cry, then get out there and try it.

What songs did I miss? Anyone make a graduation list of their own before the big day? Check back in when I post the cheerful, upbeat, companion to this list.