Let’s Make Things A Little Personal

Yeah, I don’t ever update. I get it. I’m a procrastinating loser. Big deal. Get over it. Now, onto this post. I’ve decided it would be fun to do a little Top Ten List of my favorite albums ever conceived in hopes it would rejuvenate my passion to write. Let’s see if she works. Keep in mind this list was difficult to compile and reflects albums I’ve spent a lot of time with. So if there is a newer, for example, White Stripes album that just happens to be balls-to-the-wall bitchin’, then I’m more than likely going to go with a previous released that has touched me so. Just for the mere fact that it had an impact on my life. Who knows, in a few years, some of these albums may be bumped off in favor of others. It would actually be pretty interesting to update this once a year and reflect on how I still feel. There will be some obvious choices to anyone who knows me well enough, but also some surprises as well. Without further ado, clicky the linky:

10: The Arcade Fire Funeral

This is one of those albums that grows on you over time. I truly enjoyed it on my first couple of spins, but it wasn’t until I sat down and committed myself to this gorgeous, orchestral masterpiece that I found the beauty inside. The lyrics are delivered bilingually between English and French and explore themes of death and introspection. Several family members of the group passed away during the recording, which inspired them to write about death and its effects. There’s violins, organs, and wonderful vocals by Win Butler and Regine Chassagne. Definitely give this classic a chance.

Standout Track: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

9. Tori Amos Boys For Pele

Everyone knows that I’m a Tori fanatic and her first few releases were very accessible to a lot of people, and this album marked a turning point. This album is for the die hard only fans. It rarely resembles her first two efforts and manages to mix things up with harpsichords, dancey, and a capella tracks. The album is massive and doesn’t have much of a central theme to latch onto, but it’s easily her best and most original work.

Standout Track: ‘Mr. Zebra’

8. Beck Midnite Vultures

This album is mind blowingly original. Beck captures so many landscapes and packs them onto single songs throughout the whole of this record. This is his most completely out there album and easily his most comfortable. He sounds so natural with this weird jazz/r&b infusion he explores here, and I can only hope he decides to explore it again. He is currently working with Danger Mouse and I have high hopes that whatever they’re coming up with can rival this, as they are both insane. This is also the greatest ‘headphone album’ ever created. Listen to “Get Real Paid” with a nice pair of headphones (or any at all.) Trust me.

Standout Track: “Get Real Paid”

7. The Cure Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me

The most poetic album ever made. I cannot say enough good things about this record, nor can I put into words how truly beautiful it is. Just listen to it. Now.

Standout Track: “One More Time”

6. Modest Mouse Good News For People Who Love Bad News

This was probably the hardest album to pick on the list. I love every Modest Mouse album equally, but ultimately went with this. This came out the summer of ‘04 and was the soundtrack to my entire summer. I have fond memories of just cruising around blaring “Float On” with no particular destination. The record is insane, to say the least. Every song offers something different, be it horns or the incredible vocals by Isaac Brock. It’s one of the most feel good records I’ve ever heard.

Standout Track: “The Devil’s Workday”

5. The White Stripes Elephant

Another perfect album by The White Stripes. It was the beginning of The White Stripes experimentation by implementing a mock bass sound and having Meg sing front and center. It also features one of the most amazing guitar songs in recent memory, if not EVAR, “Ball and Biscuit.” I was lucky enough to see them in support of this album, along with the aforementioned song. Out of all their records, this will be the one people look back on most. It’s truly a modern day classic.

Standout Track: “Ball and Biscuit”

4. Radiohead Kid A

Yeah, fuck all of you, Kid A>Ok Computer. I said it. And I stand by that statement. While OK Computer influenced what you hear here, this album ran with it and created a soundscape of music that doesn’t even sound human. The album feels like a dream from beginning to end. The album showcases just how truly brilliant Thom Yorke can write lyrics. Another great record to get ‘not sober’ to and put some head phones on.

Standout Track: “Idioteque”

3.  Flaming Lips  Soft Bulletin

Another album that is absolutely indescribable. There is nothing out there that sounds like this. This is a great release of 5.1 surround, as you can hear the full brilliance of the drums. Every song is a masterpiece.

Standout Track: “What Is the Light?” (“An Untested Hypothesis Suggesting That the Chemical (In Our Brains) by Which We Are Able to Experience the Sensation of Being in Love Is the Same Chemical That Caused the “Big Bang” That Was the Birth of the Accelerating Universe”)

2. Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

This album is that of legend. The studios turned it down because it wasn’t commercial enough. Wilco put it up on their site, and people went nuts. Why? Because it’s brilliant. Every song offers something unique and classic. Believe me, this album will be on Top 10 lists forever. It’s experimental yet traditional at once. Buy this one NOW.

Standout Track: “Pot Kettle Black”

1. Bright Eyes I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning

Connor Oberst goes folk! Wait…what?! This should not have worked, but it did on every level imaginable. The ‘concept’ of this album is that of a few nights in New York. Oberst’s ‘lo-fi’ voice proves a perfect fit for this country/folk tinged release. Emmylou Harris harmonizes on a few songs as well. This album is perfect in every way. The songs are memorable and instant classics. The lyrics are his best yet (and still.) This is another album that you must buy. Don’t worry about listening to it first. Just do it. I never get tired of it and it’s likely I never will.

Standout Track: “First Day of My Life”

Well, that concludes my Top 10. I may do this with some of the other media I cover here. I also urge anyone who wants to contribute to post their Top 10 as well. It kind of gives the reader a little insight as to how I am.

I hope to be updating more consistently. I would like to do a review of Weezer’s Red Album in the coming days/weeks. And also want to get my fucking columns running again. I’ll try my hardest. I’m not as stressed as I used to be, and I have a spare computer at my disposal now. Thanks for reading. Again, anyone who wants to contribute, get a hold of me through email: azeke799@yahoo.com; AIM: blueitbaby2233; or in person: talk to me. Bye!