100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Slipknot's "Surfacing" from their debut record with the producer of that album, Ross Robinson, and Zach Johnson from the band The Ghost Inside. As always, Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/9EI8pSP6mRM Follow Ross Robinson on Instagram @Ross_Robinson Follow Zach Johnson on Instagram @zachjayjohnson Follow Brian Slagel on Instagram and X @Brian Slagel Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SONG -Black Sabbath : "N.I.B" Released Friday February 13, 1970 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Black Sabbath's "N.I.B." with the bands longtime manager, and wife of Geezer Butler. They also discuss the different eras of Sabbath, Halestorm, Ghost and even some of the best things to do in Las Vegas, where they both live. Producer Mark Lewis also discusses the production of the song and Martin Popoff provides all sorts of useful information and historical context. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/mQzYAlHWsKg Follow Gloria Butler on Instagram and X @GloriaDeeButler Follow Mark Lewis on Instagram @MarkLewis720 Follow Brian Slagel on Instagram and X @Brian Slagel Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SONG - Mercyful Fate : "The Oath" Released September 7, 1984 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the Mercyful Fate song "The Oath", the quasi-title track from 1984's "Don't Break The Oath" with actor-musician-host Elliott Fullam. They also discuss his heavy metal upbringing, his Little Punk People interviews, current musical endeavors and his role in both "Terrifier 2" and "Terrifier 3". Producer Mark Lewis also discusses the production of the song and Martin Popoff provides all sorts of useful information and historical context for the song. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/V8is6iutE4M Follow Elliott Fullam on Instagram @ElliottFullam and on X @LittlePunkPPL Follow Mark Lewis on Instagram @MarkLewis720 Follow Brian Slagel on Instagram and X @Brian Slagel Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SONG - Coheed and Cambria "Welcome Home" Release Date - September 20, 2005 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria about their song "Welcome Home", his writing process, his career, the other forms of media he uses for storytelling and much more. Ryan Williams also discusses the production of the song with Brian and author Martin Popoff shares a wealth of information about the song. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/oAbDnzxxpNk Follow Claudio on X and Instagram @ClaudioPSanchez Follow Ryan Williams on X and Instagram @augmentedRyan Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ozzy Osbourne - "Bark at the Moon" Released November 15, 1983 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses his favorite Ozzy Osbourne song, "Bark at the Moon" with Adam Rank from the NFL Network and The Jim Rome After Hour. Brian also discusses the production of the song with Bill Metoyer, and as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical context as to why this is one of the 100 songs that define heavy metal. Watch the complete, unedited interview on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5kjrRi75_c Bill Metoyer is on Instagram and X @Bill_Metoyer Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Adam Rank is on X @AdamRank and Instagram @AdamRankNFL Bill Metoyer is on Instagram and X @Bill_Metoyer Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dio - "Holy Diver" Released May 25, 1983 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the life and legacy of Ronnie James Dio and the song "Holy Diver" with Ronnie's wife and manager, Wendy Dio. Wendy also discusses her ongoing work as part of the Dio Cancer Fund, including an event coming up this Spring in Southern California. Ryan Williams returns to discuss the production on "Holy Diver" and Martin Popoff has his usually wealth of information about the song. To watch the complete, unedited video of the interview, go to our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/VcR9SB7fpcA Website: DioCancerFund.Org @OfficialRJDio on X @_ronniejamesdio on Instagram Ryan Williams is on Instagram @AugmentedRyan Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deep Purple - "Highway Star" Released March 30, 1972 on the album "Machine Head" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the former host of MTV's Headbanger's Ball Riki Rachtman to discuss the first really heavy song either of them ever heard as kids: Deep Purple's "Highway Star". They discuss the importance of that song, the greatness of the album and the band, plus some other musical firsts, including first album and first rock poster on their walls. Brian also discusses the production on this song with producer Jay Ruston As always, we get facts, figures and education from author Martin Popoff. Follow Riki Rachtman @RikiRachtman on Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Facebook Jay Ruston is on Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Facebook @JayRuston Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slayer - "Chemical Warfare" Released August 4, 1984 on the EP Haunting the Chapel Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the man known on Tik Tok as Metal Horror Madman, who has built a reputation for being passionate for metal, a defender of Slayer who goes so far as to scream about it. They discuss his discovery of Slayer, his love of the band and what stands out about "Chemical Warfare". Brian also discusses Slayer's production and specifically this track with Bill Metoyer who was part of the production of this EP along with Brian. As always, we get facts, figures and education from author Martin Popoff. Follow Metal Horror Madman @MetalHorrorMadman on TikTok and Instagram Bill Metoyer is on Instagram and X @Bill_Metoyer Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the Executive Producer and Co-Creator of "Dark Side of the Ring" and the recent series of heavy metal documentaries, "Into the Void" about the song that he chose as the theme music for that series, Cirith Ungol's "Into the Void". Brian also talks about the production on this record with Bill Metoyer, whom Brian worked with on the production of Cirith Ungol's follow-up record, 1986's "One Foot In Hell". Author Martin Popoff provides his usual expertise in discussing the song, with many facts and even more opinions about Cirith Ungol's career. The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Evan Husney can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/RF4lOsgH3lk Evan Husney is on Instagram @EvanHusney Bill Metoyer is on Instagram and X @Bill_Metoyer Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Accept - "Fast As A Shark" Released in November of 1982, on their album "Restless and Wild" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is reunited with his former co-host for the "Metal Misconduct" podcast for the NHL, Shawn Roarke, who is the director of editorial for NHL.com. They discuss some of their memories of doing that podcast, and how easily the episodes can still be found. They primary focus for the interview the importance of Accept's "Fast As A Shark", and how the case can be made that it was the first speed metal song, but it's undeniable that the song is a classic and inspiration to many hard rock and heavy metal artists who followed Brian also discusses the production of "Fast As A Shark" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams, who talks about just how abnormal it was for Accept to have a song (and a record) this fast, and how they were never quite this fast again. As always, author Martin Popoff provides historical context, facts and his expert opinions about Accept's "Fast As A Shark". The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Shawn Roarke can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/iZgs9OdlrsY Shawn Roarke is on X @sroarke_nhl Ryan Williams is on Instagram @AugmentedRyan Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ministry - "Just One Fix" Released on June 14, 1992 on their album commonly known as "Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs" In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO talks about the importance of the industrial sound to the legacy of heavy metal by focusing on Ministry's "Just One Fix". Current Ministry guitarist Monte Pittman talks about the song and how much fun it is to play it in their live shows. Monte also talks about starting his career and his long collaboration with Madonna. Brian also discusses the production of "Just One Fix" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams, who breaks down the unique sound and the technology that was available to produce it back in 1992. As always, author Martin Popoff provides historical context, facts and his expert opinions about Ministry's "Just One Fix". The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Monte Pittman can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fvS0n5HFpY Monte Pittman is on social media @MontePittman Ryan Williams is on Instagram @AugmentedRyan Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metallica - "Hit The Lights" Originally Released as part of the first Metal Massacre compilation (6/14/82) In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO takes us all the way back to the beginning, with one of the songs featured on the original Metal Massacre compilation, Metallica's "Hit The Lights", which is the first song the band ever recorded. Joining him for his walk down memory lane is Associate Producer on the album, John Kornarens. Brian and John talk about how they befriended a young Lars Ulrich, whose determination to start a band led to Metallica being included on the record. John talks about his role in making sure the song was able to be included on the record, and he and Brian discuss their trip to London to promote the record, including spending a day with Uli John Roth. Legendary producer Bill Metoyer discusses the production on the song, while contrasting and comparing the different versions. He also explains why he never got to see Metallica when they were starting out in LA. John Kornarens can be found on Instagram @JHKLA59 For decades, John Kornarens has been a sought-after director and stage manager on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, The Talk, Dr. Phil, The Insider, Murphy Brown, and Rachael Ray. He also directed music videos for legendary Danish metal band Mercyful Fate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to longtime Billy Idol collaborator, guitarist Steve Stevens about Scorpions "Catch Your Train", the band's Uli Jon Roth era, the 70's rock scene in and around New York, what he thinks of Yungblud and much more. Producer Jay Ruston discusses the production on this song and Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song. Visit our YouTube Channel for a longer, uncut version of this interview: https://youtu.be/wLRcx04o_jA?si=l2UctRurR27GQmG6 You can follow Steve on Instagram and X @SteveStevens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Cannibal Corpse bassist and songwriter Alex Webster. They discuss the song "Scourge of Iron" from the band's 2012 album "Torture", Alex's musical background and influence, the extreme vocals of death metal and the evolution of the band's sound throughout their career. There's also focus on the production of the song, which Mark Lewis provides some unique insight, as he produced the follow-up album. As always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into historical context. Watch the complete unedited version of the interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/tm18aZ7x-e8 Cannibal Corpse's website: CannibalCorpse.Net Follow Alex Webster on Instagram @AlexWebsterBass and he's on X @AlexCannibal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by King's X bassist and singer Dug Pinnick. They discuss the band's career, how the band feels about their early collaboration with Sam Taylor and what it was like making the 1992 self-titled album that was their last with Sam. The primary focus is on one the band's most-streamed songs, "Black Flag". There's also focus on the production of the song, which Jay Ruston joins Brian to discuss, and as always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into historical context. Watch the complete unedited version of the interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/BqCH_0hHTUI Watch the official video for "Black Flag" by King's X: https://youtu.be/RR0G9XKuHdE?si=ukX8Ef9u7DP7MtUi King's X's website: KingsXRocks.com King's X's are on both Instagram and X @KingsXOfficial Dug Pinnick is on Instagram @DugPinnick and on X @dUgpinnick_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, producer Jay Ruston has been promoted to the primary guest, talking to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about Rush's "Anthem", a song that was suggested by fellow Canadian and fellow contributor to this show, author Martin Popoff. Producer Mark Lewis also talks about the production of this song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Iron Maiden's epic "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" with Vaughn Lewis of Unchained Management, who represent Killswitch Engage, Canninbal Corpse, Queensryche and White Chapel among others. Vaughn is a huge Maiden fan, and he and Brian have a conversation of an appropriate length for a song that is nearly 14 minutes long. Brian also talks about the production with Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff provides enough facts and figures to put the song in its appropriate historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Anthrax's Charlie Benante to talk about "Deuce" by Kiss -- both the studio version on their debut album and the version that kicks off "Kiss Alive!" Jay Ruston talks about the production and Martin Popoff puts the song in its historical context with some great information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Megadeth's "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due" with longtime bassist for the band David Ellefson. Jay Ruston discusses the production and our friend Martin Popoff provides not only his longest segment ever for this show, but his most fiery . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brendan Brown from the band Wheatus joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the AC/DC classic "Let There Be Rock". Brian also talks about the production of the song with Bill Metoyer and, as always, author Martin Popoff gives us all the facts and figures you'll need to put this song in its historical perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Foghat's Roger Earl to talk about their song "Easy Money". Jay Ruston talks about the production of the song and author Martin Popoff provides facts, figures and historical context for the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katon De Pena of Hirax joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discss the iconic Judas Priest song "Exciter", which some people consider to be the first-ever speed metal song. Brian also discusses the production of the song with Jay Ruston and, as always, we get some facts and historical context from Canada's own Martin Popoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musician-comedian Dave Hill talks to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about the song "Angel Witch" by the band Angel Witch, from their debut album, Angel Witch. Bill Metoyer also discusses the production on the song, and why it sounds so good for that era, and author Martin Popoff puts the song into historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel starts off the show with a remembrance of the great Ace Frehley. Then, he discusses Six Feet Under's "Lycanthropy" with author Martin Popoff, producer Bill Metoyer and the singer for the band, and founding member of Cannibal Corpse, Chris Barnes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Aerosmith's "Rats in the Cellar" with the producer and co-creator of this show, Christian Bladt, who hosts his own show, The Bladtcast. Producer Jay Ruston also discusses the song, as does author Martin Popoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by guitarist Stoney Curtis to discuss Kiss's "Detroit Rock City" from their landmark album "Destroyer". Brian also talks about the production of the song and the album with producer Jay Ruston, and, as always, author Martin Popoff gives some historical perspective to the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Sirius XM personality and former co-host of That Metal Show Eddie Trunk to discuss UFO's "Love to Love" (both the studio and live versions). Brian also talks about the production of both versions with Jay Ruston, and, as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical context for the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about Deicide's "Dead By Dawn" with Monte Conner, the former senior vice president of A&R for Roadrunner Records and current head of A&R at Nuclear Blast Records. Producer Mark Lewis also talks about why this song was so important to him, and, as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical context to the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Chef Curtis Duffy about Danzig, particularly the song "Twist of Cain". He also discusses his restaurant in Chicago, Ever, his new book "Fireproof", some of his favorite concerts of all time, and what it was like to be at Black Sabbath's "Back to the Beginning" show. Producer Jay Ruston also discusses this song and the first Danzig solo album it was featured on, and, as always, we get some historical context from author Martin Popoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Sirius XM host Jose Mangin to talk about the importance of Sepultura's "Dead Embryonic Cells", the current incarnation of Pantera, Jose's charity Headbang for Science and an incredible story about backstage at a Sepultura-Pantera-Prong show in the 90's. Also: Producer Mark Lewis takes a look at the production on the song and author Martin Popoff gives us some historical perspective on the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO discusses the production on Metallica's "Spit Out The Bone" from the album "Hardwired to Self-Destruct" with that album's producer, Greg Fidleman. Then, chef Chris Santos returns to the show to talk about the song, the likelihood of a Metallica residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas and whether or not they will ever get the opportunity to perform at halftime during the Super Bowl. As always, author Martin Popoff also joins in to give some historical context for the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined in The Space studio in Las Vegas by In Flames guitarist Chris Broderick to discuss King Diamond's "Welcome Home". Producer Mark Lewis and author Martin Popoff also share their thoughts on the song, and this era of King Diamond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO talks to Scott Ian of Anthrax about AC/DC's "Sin City". He also talks about the production of the song with producer Mark Lewis and, as always, author Martin Popoff checks in to give us some historical context for the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NHRA Funny Car Driver Ron Capps joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss both the studio and live versions of Judas Priest's "Victim of Changes". Brian also discusses the production of the song with producer Jay Ruston, and author Martin Popoff helps put the song into historical perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about UFO's "Rock Bottom" with guitarist Phil Demmel, producer Jay Ruston and as always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical perspective with facts and opinion from the song's release. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel breaks the format of the show to commemorate the passing of The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. He discusses Black Sabbath, Ozzy's solo work, the reality show and everything in between with returning guests comedian Don Jamieson and producers Bill Metoyer and Mark Lewis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we break format: our weekly one-man encyclopedia of rock and metal (and the author of 138 books) Martin Popoff spends time in the guest chair talking to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about Rainbow's "Gates of Babylon". Producer Jay Ruston also talks about the production on this song by the great Martin Birch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this extended episode, Wrestling Champion / Actor / Musician / Podcaster CHRIS JERICHO joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the Iron Maiden song "The Wicker Man" and its importance in the history of the band, establishing the "comeback era" after Bruce and Adrian returned to the band. Brian also talks about the production of the song with Mark Lewis and author Martin Popoff provides some historical context to the release of the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Blue Oyster Cult founding member Albert Bouchard to discuss working with producer Martin Birch, their song "Fire of Unknown Origin" and the record of the same name, which includes the mega-hit "Burnin' for You". Brian also discusses production with Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff puts the song into the historical context of its release in 1981. For more on Albert Bouchard, be sure to go to albertbouchard.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and the bassist in the original Alice Cooper group, Dennis Dunaway, to discuss past and present collaborations with Alice, especially the band's epic song "Halo of Flies". Jay Ruston talks about the production on the song and author Martin Popoff puts it in its historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Riot's "Swords & Tequilia" with television and film writer-producer Brian Koppelman and music producer Mark Lewis. As always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into its historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing our conversations recorded at the Rock N Pod Expo in Nashville, comedian Courtney Cronin joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the Kiss song "War Machine". Brian also discusses the song with producer Jay Ruston, and as always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into context of its release in 1982. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian Don Jaimeson is back to discuss Motorhead's "Overkill" with Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, who also discusses the production of the song with producer Mark Lewis. As always, author Martin Popoff gives us some historical perspective on the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final installment recorded at the 2025 Rock n Pod Expo in Nashville, comedian Craig Gass returns to the show to talk to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about a somewhat controversial Anthrax song, "Only", which was their first single released with John Busch on vocals. Jay Ruston discusses the production of the song, and, as always, author Martin Popoff provides historical analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In another of our interviews from the RockNPod Expo in Nashville, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talked to Ron Keel about Steeler's "Cold Day in Hell", the first song on the first-ever Metal Blade release, the original "Metal Massacre". Producer Bill Metoyer also discusses the production on this recording of the song and how it compared to the version on the first Steeler record. Martin Popoff also provides background on the song, which is the first US recording featuring Yngwie Malmsteen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices