Ok quick disclaimer - Give me crap about my list please. I welcome the banter. But just know, this list is music I actually listen to regularly and will probably always enjoy. Puddle of Mudd, Led Zeppelin's stuff and Ace of Base were just phases to me. Sorry, I know I probably just committed a sin with the way I phrased that middle band.
The Beatles (White Album) - The Beatles
- There's a reason this is the first album mentioned. The Beatles were nothing less than iconic and masters of popular music for the ages past, present and future. My favorite song on this album is "Happiness is a Warm Gun;" but of course, there's "Helter Skelter," "Blackbird," "Revolution 1," and "Julia." If this album had a taste, it would be whatever was on mighty Zeus' plate on the day of his commencement as god of the gods. (See Across the Universe.)
Nevermind - Nirvana
- We all miss you Kurt; well most of us do. The rising generation seems to miss your brilliance. You did what we all wish we could have done at one point in our lives. Get on stage and shock the world. Track-by-track you fall into the Cobain dimension. My favorite is "On A Plain," but all-time classic is "Smells Like Teen Spirit." If this album was a bird, it'd be a dove. For two reasons: 1) Doves are beautiful and stand for something, and 2) they get shot by shotguns.
Stankonia - OutKast
- This is not #3 on my list. From here on out, the list is random. OutKast is great though. The push the card in the hip hop genre. They are legit. Too legit. Too legit to quit. The bottom line is they are fun to listen to because it's intelligent, humorous rap, but they can still do that scary, I'm-going-put-a-bullet-in-you rap as well. "Ms. Jackson" takes #1 on this album. If this album was a cleaning product, it'd have to be anything by Mr. Clean.
Weezer (Blue Album) - Weezer
- Rivers, lead singer of Weezer, could probably be a reasonable presidential candidate if enough people listened to this album enough times. It's that good. Weezer is wimpy; but for some reason, rock pretty "dece." (Slang term for decent) My favorite track has got to be "Say It Ain't So" because of that raging progression. Other track greats are "Buddy Holly," "My Name is Jonas," "Undone - The Sweater Song," and "No One Else." If Weezer was a T-Shirt, they woudl most definitely be a Threadless Tee.
Nasty Little Thoughts - Stroke 9
- Most of you are either wondering why this album is here, or wondering who the crap Stroke 9 is. Well they are one of my favorites and a lot of people don't know that about me. Stroke 9 is fun. Like 4 year old tricycle fun. They are most known for their hit single (arguably one-hit wonder) "Little Black Backpack," but I love all the tracks off this album. If you don't remember them, then it's time to take a stroll down memory lane. Stroke 9 is that old mit you just found after like 12 years of losing it.
Because of the Times - Kings of Leon
- Of all the albums on this list, if you don't check out any of them, PLEASE check this one out. Honestly, chances are you won't like it. Not at first. But one day, it'll be rainy, cloudy and you'll probably have a sniffly nose, and you'll learn to appreciate the creative Southern roots of this bend-it-like-never-before band. This band is three brothers and cousin that grew up following their preacher dad all over the country. They have this strange way of fusing Southern rock with garage, Strokes-like sound. Notwithstanding lead singer Caleb Followill's ridiciously flexible, skratchy voice. My favorite song is either "Fans" or "On Call." But like the others, they're all good. (Warning: Bold Statement) The Strokes, The Vines, The Hives, Arcade Fire, and all those other alike bands are no where near as good as Kings of Leon. Suck it. (Tip: I've learned that people will respect you more if you toss in a random "suck it" every now and again)
(See newest album Only By The Night)
Ok Computer - Radiohead
- Radiohead. Wow, what can I say? What can anyone say? With U2 aside, they are probably the most world famous band. They have a never-ending supply of creativity. Thom York a genius and risk taker with his latest In Rainbows name-your-price experiment. And that's why we like him. My favorite song is "Paranoid Android." If Radiohead was a book/movie adaptation, it might The Never Ending Story.
Ganging Up On the Sun - Guster
- I'm a big Guster fan. I'm also a big fan of the albums that you can put in and only use one button to enjoy. This album fits both descriptions. This Jewish group has a fun, rich sound that I just can't get tired of. They make me cry sometimes. My favorite song is "Demons" (Goldfly album), "Happier" (Lost and Gone Forever album), "Careful" (Keep It Together album), and "Lighting Rod" (Ganging Up on the Sun album). I couldn't choose; sue me. Guster is like the single photo that you actually like of yourself because you look somewhat photogenic.
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots - Flaming Lips
- Props to Jacob at The Only Needed Opinion; he de-virginized me with this album. Growing up in the South, I had the disadvantage of only being exposed to the accepted genres and bands. When my ears feasted on this albums, I saw music in an entire different light. The options became limitless. I finally began to grasp the enormity of sound. It is also consequently when I stopped writing my own music. My favorite track here is "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Part 1." This album is like that weird cousin of yours that you like being around even though he/she makes you feel constantly awkward.
No Name Face - Lifehouse
- Back when I listened to the radio, I heard Lifehouse and fell in love. I have since burned my old pictures and love notes from them. I feel like their talent is mis-marketed and their potential is missing its mark. Maybe I'm wrong, but No Name Face was incredible. It was the only album with songs on the radio 24/7 that I didn't grow to hate. I love "Sick Cycle Carousel." If Lifehouse was a item in this room right now, they'd be my empty box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
To Come: (Guess which albums I'll choose)
Dave Matthews Band, Dashboard Confessionals, Foo Fighters, The Shins, etc.
