The ten albums in this list are all here because they came into my life exactly when they needed to. I really believe that these bits of music were just waiting for the right time to unveil themselves to me, and assist me in whatever struggles I may be dealing with. Below are the albums listed in the order in which they came into my life.
The Clash- London Calling:
This was one of the first albums I ever bought, way back when I was a 10-year old fetus. I had no idea when I got it that I now possessed one of rock's greatest albums; I just thought the title track was catchy. As I grew older and my musical tastes morphed with staggering rapidity,
London Calling remained the one constant. I soon began to appreciate the variety of influences (ska, rockabilly, etc.) that form the nineteen tracks on the record. It's also an album that grows up along with you. Younger me loved simple catchy tunes like "Hateful" and "Lost in the Supermarket", while my older and more emotional self was more attracted to fiery political anthems like "The Card Cheat" and "Revolution Rock".
London Calling changed my life not in any direct way, but by being there to witness all the changes I did go through, never managing to lose my interest. It allowed me to feel any negative emotions I had, while allowing me to grow more mature. I can't think of many other records with such a versatile range of emotions. It is a mixed bag of anarchic anger and whimsical playfulness.
Favorite track on album: "The Card Cheat"
Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues:
I already discussed my journey with this band in my Crack-Up review, but they are definitely worth reiterating. Up to 2011, I had always been a big fan of music, but had no desire to expand my horizons beyond the familiar realm of 80's metal. To me, all modern music consisted of either meaningless pop trash or rap, which I could not stand at the time. This album truly opened my eyes to what modern music could be. Although, there have been scores of bands that have tried imitating their sound, I have to find a single indie rock band that could match the beauty and musical complexity of Fleet Foxes. It definitely is one of those records with not a single bad song. Even deep cuts like "Someone You'd Admire" leave me with chills every time I listen to it.
Without a doubt, this blog, along with my burning passion for music, would not exist had I not listened to Helplessness Blues. It gave me this desire to constantly seek new amazing music that could replicate its mystical effects. Of all the records on this list, this one has had the biggest impact on my life so far.
Favorite track on album: "Helplessness Blues"
Frightened Rabbit- The Midnight Organ Fight:
Adolescence is a turbulent time for everybody, and many times one will find themselves overcome with emotion, in need of a release. The Midnight Organ Fight, the seminal record of Scottish band Frightened Rabbit, was that release for me. In the maddeningly confusing state of growing up, this album was there to comfort me. Lead singer Scott Hutchison paints a picture of an insecure and lovesick man, unable to find the happiness in relationships he so desperately desires. His cracking Scottish accent permeates every song, adding a layer of vulnerability that highlights the emotion behind the record.
Middle school and my early years in high school were a difficult period, and this record made it possible to get through the worst moments. The lyrics are some of the best I've heard on any album, dealing with painful topics such as loneliness, faith, and heartbreak. One of my favorite lines is from "Head Rolls Off", a reflection on the point of death:
Savages- Silence Yourself:
The first thing you'll notice about a Savages live show is their imposing lead singer, Jehnny Beth. She struts the stage with a certain kind of swagger that captures the audience's attention in the first minute, and never lets go. Even when the band dives into deeper and more vulnerable topics, they just ooze confidence. With songs consisting a dark and pummeling brand of post-punk, if you ever wondered what a noire film sounded like as an album, this is it.
I remember hearing this album for the first time, and absolutely hating it. It probably had something to do with George Clarke's screams, which were a bit too high-pitched for my tastes. However, seeing the massive hype that surrounded this LP, I figured there had to be something to it that I was missing. So I listened to it front to back multiple times to get a full picture of the record. I was stunned. The crescendos on this thing were unlike anything I had heard before. "Dream House" and "The Pecan Tree" were soon routinely belted out while I took a shower, each feeling an epic poem stuffed into one track. This record began my interest in a multitude of genres, including black metal and post-rock. This has led to me finding many more bands and albums that I adore.
I think what separates good punk bands from greats ones comes down to wit. Anyone can write about pissed off they are at the system, but your statement has a better chance of sticking when combined with some charisma. Dead Kennedys, one of the all-time great punk band, has charisma in spades. On their 1980 debut album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, the band uses their razor sharp wit to shed light on world issues like poverty, the use of chemical weapons, and governor Jerry Brown of California.
While not the first record I heard by the band (that would be Antics), this is the one that made Interpol my favorite group of all-time, instead of just another post-punk band I admired. Of all the groups to come out of the New York's indie-rock scene in the early 2000's, no one else comes close to Interpol, who managed to create their opus on their debut album. Every track here is a classic, from the soothing "NYC" to the more punchy "PDA", which features one of my favorite verses ever:
This record, with about 90 minutes of music spread across four tracks, feels like one gigantic song. Probably one of the greatest records of all-time, Lift Your Skinny Fists manages to feel both inspiring and terrifying at the same time. The band are experts at building up a song, slowly turning a single note into a thundering orchestra. Listening to this album from start to finish is a lot like backpacking around the world; you've experienced so much that it becomes difficult to contemplate the entire journey.
Is this the most technically gifted album? No. Does it have wonderfully inventive lyrics? No. Is it all that original? Definitely not. And yet, In the Lonely Hour, like all of these records, came to me at a time when I needed it most.
Favorite track on album: "The Card Cheat"
Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues:
I already discussed my journey with this band in my Crack-Up review, but they are definitely worth reiterating. Up to 2011, I had always been a big fan of music, but had no desire to expand my horizons beyond the familiar realm of 80's metal. To me, all modern music consisted of either meaningless pop trash or rap, which I could not stand at the time. This album truly opened my eyes to what modern music could be. Although, there have been scores of bands that have tried imitating their sound, I have to find a single indie rock band that could match the beauty and musical complexity of Fleet Foxes. It definitely is one of those records with not a single bad song. Even deep cuts like "Someone You'd Admire" leave me with chills every time I listen to it.Without a doubt, this blog, along with my burning passion for music, would not exist had I not listened to Helplessness Blues. It gave me this desire to constantly seek new amazing music that could replicate its mystical effects. Of all the records on this list, this one has had the biggest impact on my life so far.
Favorite track on album: "Helplessness Blues"
Frightened Rabbit- The Midnight Organ Fight:
Adolescence is a turbulent time for everybody, and many times one will find themselves overcome with emotion, in need of a release. The Midnight Organ Fight, the seminal record of Scottish band Frightened Rabbit, was that release for me. In the maddeningly confusing state of growing up, this album was there to comfort me. Lead singer Scott Hutchison paints a picture of an insecure and lovesick man, unable to find the happiness in relationships he so desperately desires. His cracking Scottish accent permeates every song, adding a layer of vulnerability that highlights the emotion behind the record. Middle school and my early years in high school were a difficult period, and this record made it possible to get through the worst moments. The lyrics are some of the best I've heard on any album, dealing with painful topics such as loneliness, faith, and heartbreak. One of my favorite lines is from "Head Rolls Off", a reflection on the point of death:
"When my blood stops
Someone else's will thaw
When my head rolls off
Someone else's will turn."
Like a good friend, this album was there when I needed it to be. Even today, I still find comfort in its folksy analyses on life and its various highs and lows.
Favorite track on album: "Head Rolls Off"
Savages- Silence Yourself:
The first thing you'll notice about a Savages live show is their imposing lead singer, Jehnny Beth. She struts the stage with a certain kind of swagger that captures the audience's attention in the first minute, and never lets go. Even when the band dives into deeper and more vulnerable topics, they just ooze confidence. With songs consisting a dark and pummeling brand of post-punk, if you ever wondered what a noire film sounded like as an album, this is it.
This has been my hype album for many albums now. If I ever need to make a public presentation of any kind, I always spend a couple hours jamming out this record beforehand. It gives me the energy and the confidence to go headfirst into any presentation I have, which normally terrifies me. On tracks like "Shut Up" and "Hit Me", Savages show how much they truly don't give a fuck about what anyone else has to say. They know their message, and are completely unafraid to scream it at the top of their lungs. In doing so, it gives others the confidence to express themselves in a carefree way. If my worries about someone's opinion gets in the way of what I'm creating, I play this album and realize that the only person your art should please is yourself.
Favorite track on album: "Shut Up"
Deafheaven- Sunbather:
I remember hearing this album for the first time, and absolutely hating it. It probably had something to do with George Clarke's screams, which were a bit too high-pitched for my tastes. However, seeing the massive hype that surrounded this LP, I figured there had to be something to it that I was missing. So I listened to it front to back multiple times to get a full picture of the record. I was stunned. The crescendos on this thing were unlike anything I had heard before. "Dream House" and "The Pecan Tree" were soon routinely belted out while I took a shower, each feeling an epic poem stuffed into one track. This record began my interest in a multitude of genres, including black metal and post-rock. This has led to me finding many more bands and albums that I adore.
You ever get that feeling when you're so upset you just want to punch a whole in the wall, hot tears streaming down your face? This emotion finds itself bubbling to surface on nearly every track, with angelic tremolo guitars playing alongside furious blast-beat drums. It's like the world's most depraved symphony. This album is an absolute vent for me. Life likes nothing more than to piss you off at random times, so it's good to have a piece of music that allows you to kick life's ass when need be.
Favorite track on album: Jesus, this is hard. I guess "The Pecan Tree", if I had to pick one.
Dead Kennedys- Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables:
I think what separates good punk bands from greats ones comes down to wit. Anyone can write about pissed off they are at the system, but your statement has a better chance of sticking when combined with some charisma. Dead Kennedys, one of the all-time great punk band, has charisma in spades. On their 1980 debut album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, the band uses their razor sharp wit to shed light on world issues like poverty, the use of chemical weapons, and governor Jerry Brown of California.
Before listening to this record, I knew next to nothing about politics and the big issues facing our country. I won't say that I bought into every idea the group espoused, but it at least encouraged me to research into the topics deeper. Even though many of these discussions took place in the late 70's and early 80's, they still remain hot-button issues today. It exposed to me to a whole side of the political spectrum that I wasn't exposed to in the cloistered world of suburban America. Also, if you get a chance, listen to lead singer Jello Biafra's spoken word albums, especially Hellburbia. Recorded not long after the Columbine Shooting, it amazes me how relevant it still is.
Favorite track on album: "Let's Lynch the Landlord"
Interpol- Turn on the Bright Lights:
While not the first record I heard by the band (that would be Antics), this is the one that made Interpol my favorite group of all-time, instead of just another post-punk band I admired. Of all the groups to come out of the New York's indie-rock scene in the early 2000's, no one else comes close to Interpol, who managed to create their opus on their debut album. Every track here is a classic, from the soothing "NYC" to the more punchy "PDA", which features one of my favorite verses ever:
"But you're so cute when you're frustrated, dear
Yeah, you're so cute when you're sedated."
This line is so tender yet sinister at the same time, a feeling which I think defines the band. Their cryptic lyrics will often leave you unsure how to feel, as you try to wrap your mind around what the hell lead singer Paul Banks is talking about. However, I believe these lyrics mean whatever you think they do. Their beauty lies in their ability to coincide with the feelings of any human being. As far as my life is concerned, this album showed me a band that challenged me like nothing before, in the end rewarding me with some of the most eerie and contemplative songs I have ever heard. This record serves as my basis for what happens when a band gets everything right.
Favorite track on album: "Leif Erikson"
Favorite track on album: "Leif Erikson"
Godspeed You! Black Emperor- Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven:
This record, with about 90 minutes of music spread across four tracks, feels like one gigantic song. Probably one of the greatest records of all-time, Lift Your Skinny Fists manages to feel both inspiring and terrifying at the same time. The band are experts at building up a song, slowly turning a single note into a thundering orchestra. Listening to this album from start to finish is a lot like backpacking around the world; you've experienced so much that it becomes difficult to contemplate the entire journey.
One of my greatest passions in life is writing, especially poetry. I re-read some of the first poems I wrote, and cringed as I realized they were just a bunch of miserable Ginsberg rip-offs. I had difficulty finding my own voice, as I endlessly just copied my favorite poets. Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and more specifically this album, inspired me to find my own voice, and write poems that were 100% mine. To this day, I still listen to this album regularly whenever I write any sort of fiction, as the instrumentals are so powerfully emotive that I never run out of inspiration. I wouldn't be nearly as good a writer were it not for this album, and the raw emotions that it creates.
Favorite track on album: It really is like one track, so the whole album is my favorite.
Favorite track on album: It really is like one track, so the whole album is my favorite.
Sam Smith- In the Lonely Hour:
Is this the most technically gifted album? No. Does it have wonderfully inventive lyrics? No. Is it all that original? Definitely not. And yet, In the Lonely Hour, like all of these records, came to me at a time when I needed it most.
Senior year of high school, I finally began to accept my being gay. It was something that I had been repressing within myself for years, but I could no longer handle the stress that hiding such a vital part of my life brought. At the same time that I was going through this, Sam Smith was ruling the pop charts with hit singles like "I'm Not the Only One" and "Stay With Me" (which does rip off the tune of "I Won't Back Down"). These songs were unavoidable, and while I would usually find such pop tracks revolting, Smith's songs struck a chord with me. Even before I knew he was gay, I could tell he wasn't singing about women. Listening to this album let me know that living life as an openly gay man would still have the moments of love, heartbreak, and affection that straight couples have. Even now, as soon as I hear the beginning notes of "Money On My Mine", I get this bubbly feeling that swells up inside me. It's difficult to describe, but it's a feeling that gives me an overwhelming sense of freedom. Almost like nothing is standing in my way.
So yeah, this album may be a collection of sultry pop tunes consisting of crooning vocals and corny rhyming couplets. However, I can not deny how wonderful In the Lonely Hour makes me feel every time I hear it. Sam Smith and his music taught me that it was ok to be gay; therefore, I don't really care how corny it may be.
Favorite track on album: "Life Support"
Car Seat Headrest- Teens of Denial:
For me, college has consisted of a near monthly existential crisis, in which I lay on my bed asking over and over, "Where the fuck is my life going?" I continuously find the world of adulthood creeping up on me, and I feel totally unprepared at times to deal with it. That's ok, because Will Toledo, lead singer and mastermind of Car Seat Headrest, doesn't appear to be ready either.
This album landed #13 on my Best Albums of 2016 list, but in retrospect it should have been higher. Much higher. It has such a classic sound, and yet sounds so different from any other current rock band. It's incredibly ambitious in its length with over an hour of music, at least half an hour more than most commercially successful rock albums. But what keeps bringing me back to this album are the lyrics, which Toledo sings with the energy of a student who just took his last final. The track "Fill in the Blank" perfectly captures this post-college malaise:
So yeah, this album may be a collection of sultry pop tunes consisting of crooning vocals and corny rhyming couplets. However, I can not deny how wonderful In the Lonely Hour makes me feel every time I hear it. Sam Smith and his music taught me that it was ok to be gay; therefore, I don't really care how corny it may be.
Favorite track on album: "Life Support"
Car Seat Headrest- Teens of Denial:
For me, college has consisted of a near monthly existential crisis, in which I lay on my bed asking over and over, "Where the fuck is my life going?" I continuously find the world of adulthood creeping up on me, and I feel totally unprepared at times to deal with it. That's ok, because Will Toledo, lead singer and mastermind of Car Seat Headrest, doesn't appear to be ready either.This album landed #13 on my Best Albums of 2016 list, but in retrospect it should have been higher. Much higher. It has such a classic sound, and yet sounds so different from any other current rock band. It's incredibly ambitious in its length with over an hour of music, at least half an hour more than most commercially successful rock albums. But what keeps bringing me back to this album are the lyrics, which Toledo sings with the energy of a student who just took his last final. The track "Fill in the Blank" perfectly captures this post-college malaise:
"I've known for a long time
I'm not getting what I want out of people
It took me a long time
To figure out I don't know what I want."
Whenever I go through these existential crises, I think I'm the only feeling this way, and that everyone else I know is going on to do grand things with their life. In reality, though, many of them, as this song illustrates, are going through the exact same thing. In fact, almost every song on the record deals with the life of a young person in their twenties, stuck at the crossroads of where they are and where they want to be. This record allows me to take a deep breath, and realize it'll be alright.
Favorite track on album: "Vincent"
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