20 Albums that Changed My Life

1. Pinkerton - Weezer
Say what you will about their music now (it fucking blows), Pinkerton made Weezer my favorite band. Following up their great debut (see that below), this album was more raw, better written, and just fucking rocked. I also helped that it came out right after I got dumped, which helped with my bitterness. Sounds cheesy but I felt this was MY album. I could relate to everything he was saying. I still listen to this album on a regular basis, and in my opinion, this is the final Weezer album. Matt Sharp needs to kick River's ass and then get the original line-up back together.

2. OK Computer - Radiohead
Since Weezer went belly-up, Radiohead is now my favorite band. I heard "Paranoid Android" once and immediately bought this album, The Bends and (regrettably) Pablo Honey. "Flawless" is the word I would use to describe this album. There is not a single bad song on here. I am going to listen to this right now.

3. Keep It Like a Secret - Built to Spill
This was a staple at parties I went to my junior/senior year. At some point a bunch of us would be drunk and rocking out to this album. "Carry the Zero" is still one of the best songs I have ever heard, and is even better live. Listening to this album makes me relaxed and reminiscent about simpler times. If you do not own it, stop reading this and buy it now.

4. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel
Jeff Magnum is a genius. Unfortunately, he is now a hermit. This is the last thing he has done, and it blew my mind when I heard it. Buy/download/steal this and listen to the first track ("King of Carrot Flowers, Part 1"), and you will hear simple but immediately catchy acoustic guitar and Jeff's nasally I-don't-need-a-damn-microphone-because-I-sing-really-loud voice. If you are not hooked after the first song, you are dead to me.

5. Bossanova - The Pixies
While many people I know like Doolittle better, this album was my introduction and is still my favorite. "Hang Wire" kicks my ass every time I hear it. Joey Santiago has to be one of the best guitarists in rock history.

6. Entertainment! - Gang of Four
The first (and best) album by a great post-punk band. Politically charged and somewhat relevant today, this album is best listened to when you are in a foul mood, and just want to rock out. I do have to say that the fall in line with my opinion about punk bands. I like punk, but if you are going to get some of the classic, gorundbreaking albums, you have to look at the line-up. As long as you have the original line-up, the album is probably going to be good. This is not always the case, but it is my opinion so fuck you.

7. Weezer (Blue Album) - Weezer
Great album. That is all I can say. Reminds me of the good times in high school. Probably the third album that had a profound effect on me in my life.

8. Flood - They Might Be Giants
When I was a kid, I do not think I listened to any album more than this. Flood is still great and TMBG are still one of my favorites.

9. Life's Rich Pageant - R.E.M.
Still my favorite R.E.M. album. "Begin the Begin", "Cuyahoga", "Swan Swan H". What is not to love about this.

10. Paul's Boutique - Beastie Boys
This was a staple of McKinney Hall. I think owning this album was a requirement, actually. It is pathetic, but I think I quote this album in everyday conversation more than an other. That and (for those who know him) hearing Brian Talley sing along to this album always puts a smile on my face.

11. xo - Elliott Smith
One of the many musicians/bands I can thank my brother for introducing me to. It makes me sad every time I listen to one of his albums that there will be no more Elliott Smith music. That is all I am going to write, because I am getting depressed.

12. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain - Pavement
Pavement is awesome. This album is fantastic. I would like "Gold Soundz" to be my theme song. Buy all of their albums. !Viva el Pavemento!

13. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco
Still one of the best bands to see live, this album really got me hooked on Wilco. This album is viral in a good way. It gets into your system and makes you feel awesomeness. The opposite can be said about the Eagles.

14. Navy Blues - Sloan
Again, thank you Phil for introducing me to these guys. I have been a loyal Sloan fan ever since I heard this album. Sloan creates almost perfect pop and this album is the prime example of what they can do when they are on it. I secretly wish I was Chris Murphy.

15. Orange - The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I found this album at Lincoln Library when I worked in the AV section. I liked the name of the band and the simple yet flashy cover. I thought what the hell, I'll give it a try. "Bell Bottoms" ricked my socks off and "Ditch" is an ass kicker. I wish I could see these guys live some time. You might be confused or find yourself saying "What the fuck?!" a lot while listening to them, but never in a bad way.

16. Complete Discography - Minor Threat
This album has everything Minor Threat has ever done. Get it immediately, listen to it while you work, drink, read about politics, or any time you need to releave some stress. Ian MacKaye is a god.

17. Raw Power - Iggy & the Stooges
This album is best served with whiskey and a beating.

18. Alligator - The National
This band is getting better with time. Their most recent release, The Boxer, is great, but pales in comparison with Alligator. One of a few bands witha baritone lead singer, it goes great with the sarcastic lyrics and melancholy tone. And it is great hearing him yell "I won't fuck us over," over and over again during "Mr. November".

19. It's a Shame About Ray - The Lemonheads
Great/sad album about drug use. Evan Dando is killer on this album and I had a huge crush on Julianna Hatfield after listening to this.

20. Blood and Chocolate - Elvis Costello & the Attractions
In my opinion, it is still his best album, has his best lyrics, and is him at his most bitter. The album's title track and "Tokyo Storm Warning" still floor me with their brilliance every time