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There was an article on the AOL news page that named ten albums I should listen to at least once in my lifetime. I was familiar with all of them, even if I can't force myself to listen to Madonna's True Blue in its entirety. ::not a Madonna fan::
So, I thought it would be interesting to post the ten albums I believe everyone should listen to at least once. I love each and every one of these albums, and I believe they all bring something a bit different to the table. I'm not about trying to be eclectic and schooling you on the best music. These are just the albums that induced a reaction in me, be it emotionally or mentally.
I'd love to hear from people on the flist. Tell me what your ten albums are in a comment, or post them in your journal.
01. Black Love (Afghan Whigs)
I'm not a religious or spiritual person, but I take solace in this album. Whenever I feel like I need support or a helping hand, I put this record on. I tell everyone that it is my 'church'. Sample: Faded
02. O (Damien Rice)
Without a question, the single most beautiful album I've ever heard. Everything--his voice, the lyrics, the instrumentation--comes together to create this gorgeous whole that will make your heart swell. Sample: The Blower's Daughter
03. Clarity (Jimmy Eat World)
This one holds a special place in my heart because I first listened to it during a very tumultuous and exciting part of my life. The emotional content just spills out of the CD and through your speakers. Sample: Just Watch the Fireworks
04. Homogenic (Bjork)
I would say this is one album that every female on this planet needs to listen to, but I believe it would do men just as much good. It's strong and assertive without giving up Bjork's softness and wonder. Sample: Bachelorette
05. My Aim is True (Elvis Costello)
This one is included for sentimental reasons, though that should in no way downplay its musical contributions. Elvis Costello is my favorite musician, and this was the album that introduced me to his work, allowing me to find my musical soulmate. Sample: Watching the Detectives
06. The Ugly Organ (Cursive)
One of the most emotionally raw concept albums you'll ever hear. It details the downfall of a relationship, dealing heavily with infidelity and where the place the blame. Some of it reads like a play, even the insert booklet with lyrics has stage directions printed in it. Sample: A Gentleman Caller
07. The Bends (Radiohead)
Modern rock music owns this album so much that words cannot express. I know Muse has a huge following, but each time I try to listen to one of their songs, all I hear is a second-rate Radiohead from The Bends era. And the original is so much more preferable. Sample: High and Dry
08. Outside (David Bowie)
This is a rather obscure album to chose from the Bowie discography, but it is my favorite. I'm a sucker for concept albums, and this is one through-and-through. It never fails to creep me out and make me feel uneasy. Sample: The Heart's Filthy Lesson
09. Let Love In (Nick Cave)
Probably the most accessible Nick Cave album and, I think, one of the best. Nick's voice and lyrics are haunting and sensual, bordering on downright sexual in some of the tracks. This is one of those albums that captures me. I sit down to listen to one or two songs, and end up listening to the entire thing. Sample: Do You Love Me
10. De-Loused in the Comatorium (The Mars Volta)
I hate to be a sheep, but I couldn't not put this one on my list. It's progressive and hypnotic with visuals that astound me. Not for the faint of heart, but for the more musically adventurous soul. Sample: Drunkship of Lanterns
And, because I couldn't bear to leave this one off the list, an honorable mention goes out to:
This is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About (Modest Mouse)
Before Modest Mouse were the critics' darlings, they released this beautiful album. It was refreshing, new, innovative, and it spoke to that person in all of us who longs to break free from their 'boring' world. Just listen to the sample song, and you'll see what I mean. Sample: Talking Shit About a Pretty Sunset
So, I thought it would be interesting to post the ten albums I believe everyone should listen to at least once. I love each and every one of these albums, and I believe they all bring something a bit different to the table. I'm not about trying to be eclectic and schooling you on the best music. These are just the albums that induced a reaction in me, be it emotionally or mentally.
I'd love to hear from people on the flist. Tell me what your ten albums are in a comment, or post them in your journal.
01. Black Love (Afghan Whigs)
I'm not a religious or spiritual person, but I take solace in this album. Whenever I feel like I need support or a helping hand, I put this record on. I tell everyone that it is my 'church'. Sample: Faded
02. O (Damien Rice)
Without a question, the single most beautiful album I've ever heard. Everything--his voice, the lyrics, the instrumentation--comes together to create this gorgeous whole that will make your heart swell. Sample: The Blower's Daughter
03. Clarity (Jimmy Eat World)
This one holds a special place in my heart because I first listened to it during a very tumultuous and exciting part of my life. The emotional content just spills out of the CD and through your speakers. Sample: Just Watch the Fireworks
04. Homogenic (Bjork)
I would say this is one album that every female on this planet needs to listen to, but I believe it would do men just as much good. It's strong and assertive without giving up Bjork's softness and wonder. Sample: Bachelorette
05. My Aim is True (Elvis Costello)
This one is included for sentimental reasons, though that should in no way downplay its musical contributions. Elvis Costello is my favorite musician, and this was the album that introduced me to his work, allowing me to find my musical soulmate. Sample: Watching the Detectives
06. The Ugly Organ (Cursive)
One of the most emotionally raw concept albums you'll ever hear. It details the downfall of a relationship, dealing heavily with infidelity and where the place the blame. Some of it reads like a play, even the insert booklet with lyrics has stage directions printed in it. Sample: A Gentleman Caller
07. The Bends (Radiohead)
Modern rock music owns this album so much that words cannot express. I know Muse has a huge following, but each time I try to listen to one of their songs, all I hear is a second-rate Radiohead from The Bends era. And the original is so much more preferable. Sample: High and Dry
08. Outside (David Bowie)
This is a rather obscure album to chose from the Bowie discography, but it is my favorite. I'm a sucker for concept albums, and this is one through-and-through. It never fails to creep me out and make me feel uneasy. Sample: The Heart's Filthy Lesson
09. Let Love In (Nick Cave)
Probably the most accessible Nick Cave album and, I think, one of the best. Nick's voice and lyrics are haunting and sensual, bordering on downright sexual in some of the tracks. This is one of those albums that captures me. I sit down to listen to one or two songs, and end up listening to the entire thing. Sample: Do You Love Me
10. De-Loused in the Comatorium (The Mars Volta)
I hate to be a sheep, but I couldn't not put this one on my list. It's progressive and hypnotic with visuals that astound me. Not for the faint of heart, but for the more musically adventurous soul. Sample: Drunkship of Lanterns
And, because I couldn't bear to leave this one off the list, an honorable mention goes out to:
This is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About (Modest Mouse)
Before Modest Mouse were the critics' darlings, they released this beautiful album. It was refreshing, new, innovative, and it spoke to that person in all of us who longs to break free from their 'boring' world. Just listen to the sample song, and you'll see what I mean. Sample: Talking Shit About a Pretty Sunset
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