charlatantric (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} charlatantric) wrote,@ 2006-06-28 15:22:00 |
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My Current Top 50 Favorite Albums of All Time
Superb, lengthy pieces of rock harmonic bliss. The intricate, repetitive instrumentation will send your mind reeling towards great heights. Them (Pop Song #3333) is one of the most surreal, hypnotizing songs you'll ever hear.
Quintessential dream pop. As you listen, everything will seem to drift by in a slow daze, almost like you're in a virtual dream. Melancholy, yet thriving with optimism, this is the perfect record to shake those bad-tempered thoughts and just escape for 40 minutes.
This album marks a change in the way many of us have grown to appreciate instrumental rock music. These guys embark on tearing the listener's ears to shreds while maintaining a sense of balance and awe in their delivery. The new Gods of post-rock.
Some found the transition with this album to be the beginning of the decline, but I view it as a rebirth of one of the most powerful bands to grace the scene. Adding a layer of pop and delivering a wallop of sound along the way, these Icelanders have created a masterpiece of size and scope.
No one has ever heard of them, but in terms of solid delivery, these guys churn out some undeniably marvelous hits. Basking in the tradition of 90s emo, this comet's tail has dusted off some beautiful compositions.
Did the hype live up to the guarantee? Undoubtedly. The Strokes helped spark a good-feelin' rock revival that's now been done to death. But props go to the forerunners, right? Even if those forerunners happen to be emulators. I happen to think they improved upon their influences.
Please refrain from sharing this album with simple minds. They'll scoff and wonder, "Why is someone talking during the song?" (personal experience) Some people just weren't meant to appreciate the finer talents of such profound masters of sampling. This trip-hop treat will have you bouncing with glee.
In one word? EPIC. If there was a potluck at your house tomorrow, these are the guys that would BRING IT. With lengthy song titles as pretentious as this few-sentence review, these masters hit every note of every aesthetic you'll ever carry. The #1 band I've yet to see in concert.
Songs about drinking and quirky titles hide the underlying genius of songcraft and instrumentation. A mellow mix of flailing guitars and keyboards will keep you hammered without pouring a drink. Kick your legs up on your desk and just stop giving a shit.
The undisputed kings of post-rock, this album should put to rest any questions about the extent of instrumental guitar music. This is a living, breathing piece of work, pulsating with enough of a heartbeat to pass on the torch of influence to any unsuspecting ears.
The apex of Radiohead's discography. In forcing themselves to be different and experimental, they happened upon their most masterful work. A band fraught with a high dose of electro-pop fusion and consistency. Carries a nostalgic element to the music even if you've never heard it before.
One of the biggest tragedies is Port-Royal's decision to lay off the guitars with their next release. In the meantime, we can all cuddle up in the warmth of this album's shimmering, high-fret guitars and transcend into their world for an hour.
It was upon hearing this album that sparked the musician in me to try my hand at creating music. Beautiful landscapes of melody driven by pianos and synths. This is the kind of stuff that will stop you in your tracks and re-examine your life.
A group that's transformed through many a metamorphosis, this band's appeal will always be noteworthy for paving the way of many. The best live show I ever attended, and sure to bring the house down in whatever chamber you decide to blast it.
The godfathers of neo post-rock. And they don't know even know it. Concise instrumental songs that deliver the goods without the redundancy or autofellating notion of slow bits for the sake of having slow bits.
What happens to my body when I listen to the best of the best? My eyes glaze over, my body goes limp and loses all tension, and my mind wanders and cycles through a panorama of vivid images and sounds. This album should do the same for you.
Another example of a band reviving a genre by pumping new energy into it. Joy Division would never be prouder if it wasn't so envious. This is the darker side of pop, ready to catch you off-guard at moment's notice.
Every track on this monster is emphatically beautiful. Amazing how a band so young as this in its evolution can create such mind-blowing pop bliss with off-kilter time signatures and a barrage of polyphonic melodies.
"Waahhhnnn!" cry a chorus of scenester misfits, "they're too popular!" So? This is a group of accomplished musicians who've earned every penny they could ever make. Ben Gibbard's voice alone could soothe me for hours, but with a backing of such tight instrumentation, this band is platinum in my book.
This is the most exciting band you'll probably ever hear. I was getting ready to go somewhere when I first started listening to this. It took me less than a minute to cancel my plans. Neo post-rock/electro/glitch has never sounded so good. Oh wait, they're the only ones!
The most underrated band in all of rock history. Yup. Listening to this album will take every emotion you've experienced and grind it through a gauntlet of rich instrumentation that will eclipse anything you've ever felt.
My latest, greatest discovery, Gregor Samsa hit every corner of every nook and cranny that makes music beautiful with this release. I look forward to the day a band can match this effort at a full 70-80 minutes.
Yes, there's a method to my madness. Easily the most underheard, misunderstood, and underappreciated album in the King's arsenal. It's also the point at which MJ dropped Quincy from the production to make room for more of his own artistic expressions. It's a very interesting album from a social psychological standpoint as well, if you're into such things.
The Music is a volcano of music, with every orifice of the earth's surface bleeding with raw energy. The best, most pure form of anthem rock you'll ever want to listen to. Being able to put acts like U2 to shame is a proud badge to wear.
Seriously, both albums are just this good. Aggressive drum-guitar-bass-vocals combinations can't hold a candle to the power behind these dudes. Don't bring these guys up with me at a cocktail party or I won't stop talking about them.
Remember back when this little band out of Anaheim was beginning to make their mark? This is a classic by every standard and would most definitely stand the test of time were it released today. A masterpiece that brings me back to middle school.
This album is definitely a grower. And on the subject of penises, this album makes me hard. Ditching their emo roots to pursue something greater, this cross between prog and psychedelia will surely give you morning wood as well.
The best intro of any album on this list. Seriously, try to listen to track 1 and not get sucked in for the rest of the album. Interpol's ugly, alt-rock-tinged, red-headed step-child rocks even harder.
This album taught geeks the world over that even them, too, could get laid. Even if it was to the counter librarian, you were still getting ass. The evolution of great rock music like this lead to such atrocities as pop-punk, but you can't diss the maestro for the underlings' dissent.
Remember when you started cooking and decided to experiment with different foods? Remember that secret you keep about those two things that go so well together? Yeah, that's Asobi Seksu with shoegaze and pop. So far my favorite album of 2006.
I tried my hardest to hate this because of all the hype surrounding it. But just like when girls meet me for the first time, there's just too much overwhelming charm that you're forced to give in. This album is pure magic.
This album contains the best song to ever make love to: Always. Alongside that, every song amounts to the greatest ear candy your buds are willing to munch on. The end of a breed of music, this is the best trip-hop album that will probably ever be released.
Especially if you grew up in the 70s or 80s, this album will carry you and your feet through every memory of your childhood. It's artists like this that demonstrate the poison that is the prosecution of copyright law. Sampling is key to some of the most engrossing production you'll ever hear.
This is one of those albums where every track sounds great--and different. There's a song for every mood on here, and this is MM's finest work. Float On is perhaps the most undervalued pop song in history.
This one's a relic from back in the day when I thought I had distaste for electric guitars and synths (turns out I was just listening to the wrong music). Even still, this album sticks with me and is a great for any chance I feel like a grass-roots vibe.
I'm so happy I discovered these chaps back in 2004, else I probably would have ended up lumping them in with Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, and all those other crap bands. This album is a hit-a-minute, encapsulated by some amazing musicianship. A legend was born last year.
The album ASC decided to stop sounding like a Sunny Day Real Estate clone. And thank God. There's a reason these guys are my favorite band, and just a listen through this album will win your heart in the same fashion. Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets was my favorite song of all time for three years straight.
This album is originally what got me into shoegaze. Beyond the quirky Dutch accents and God-worshipping lyrics lies the belly of one of the most intense, amazing, and emotive-inducing beasts. The best obscure find I've ever come across.
The album everyone loves to hate. They're wrong; this is one of the most incredible albums ever produced. Every song hits a new level of electronica pop perfection, cemented by the combo of Recycled Air and Clark Gable.
One of the best and most interesting albums of last year, the precision and patience of their craft is immeasurable (well, to a degree--say, 11th on a list of favorite albums). Earnest vocals, airy guitars, and pacing drums lead this march on Rome.
This right here is some of the most cathartic, histrionic music you can ever hope to hear. This stuff will wash over you like a soaring force of steam. Emo doesn't even begin to touch on how dramatic this dream pop will carry you.
This album made synths my favorite hombre. If you seriously believe the emotional capacity elicited from non-analog instruments is limited, you obviously have not listened to this album. Extremely moving and powerful stuff.
Moya is the song I use to end every post-rock mix-tape I've ever made. The sheer brilliance of crescendos and full orchestration is a real bang to behold. Possibly the most important album in the development of my tastes.
The album I've listened to most in my life. This thing still sends shivers down my spine. An incredible amount of talent geared towards the perfect concept album. There's not one moment of letdown on this beauty.
This album is the crazy next door neighbor from Montana that scares you almost as much as his stories interest you. You just can't look away. For as kooky as everything comes off, there's a magical sense of security and benevolence.
80 minutes of minimalist perfection. The collaboration of post-rock heroes and a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for everything else under the sun, these musicians from the land of the rising sun know how to make the best album for a setting sun. Son.
If this album ditched all the annoying bridges and concentrated on only making songs, there's no doubt this would be my number 1. Despite that, of the seven actual songs on here, each is an immaculate, perfectly-composed selection ripe for the pickin.
This is the perfect album. Hands down. There's nary a flaw, and each song will take its turn being your favorite. This is the pot of gold at the other end of the rainbow, and each song is your lucky charm. Go for broke.
....
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50 K.C. Accidental Anthems for the Could've Bin Pills [2000] - download |
Superb, lengthy pieces of rock harmonic bliss. The intricate, repetitive instrumentation will send your mind reeling towards great heights. Them (Pop Song #3333) is one of the most surreal, hypnotizing songs you'll ever hear.
 |
49 The Radio Dept. Pet Grief [2006] - download |
Quintessential dream pop. As you listen, everything will seem to drift by in a slow daze, almost like you're in a virtual dream. Melancholy, yet thriving with optimism, this is the perfect record to shake those bad-tempered thoughts and just escape for 40 minutes.
 |
48 Caspian You Are the Conductor EP [2005] - download |
This album marks a change in the way many of us have grown to appreciate instrumental rock music. These guys embark on tearing the listener's ears to shreds while maintaining a sense of balance and awe in their delivery. The new Gods of post-rock.
 |
47 Sigur Rós Takk... [2005] - download |
Some found the transition with this album to be the beginning of the decline, but I view it as a rebirth of one of the most powerful bands to grace the scene. Adding a layer of pop and delivering a wallop of sound along the way, these Icelanders have created a masterpiece of size and scope.
 |
46 Penfold Our First Taste of Escape [2002] - download |
No one has ever heard of them, but in terms of solid delivery, these guys churn out some undeniably marvelous hits. Basking in the tradition of 90s emo, this comet's tail has dusted off some beautiful compositions.
 |
45 The Strokes Is This It [2001] - download |
Did the hype live up to the guarantee? Undoubtedly. The Strokes helped spark a good-feelin' rock revival that's now been done to death. But props go to the forerunners, right? Even if those forerunners happen to be emulators. I happen to think they improved upon their influences.
 |
44 Lemon Jelly Lost Horizons [2002] - download |
Please refrain from sharing this album with simple minds. They'll scoff and wonder, "Why is someone talking during the song?" (personal experience) Some people just weren't meant to appreciate the finer talents of such profound masters of sampling. This trip-hop treat will have you bouncing with glee.
 |
43 Red Sparowes At the Soundless Dawn [2005] - download |
In one word? EPIC. If there was a potluck at your house tomorrow, these are the guys that would BRING IT. With lengthy song titles as pretentious as this few-sentence review, these masters hit every note of every aesthetic you'll ever carry. The #1 band I've yet to see in concert.
 |
42 Minus the Bear Highly Refined Pirates [2002] - download |
Songs about drinking and quirky titles hide the underlying genius of songcraft and instrumentation. A mellow mix of flailing guitars and keyboards will keep you hammered without pouring a drink. Kick your legs up on your desk and just stop giving a shit.
 |
41 Explosions in the Sky The Earth is Not a Dead Cold Place [2003] - download |
The undisputed kings of post-rock, this album should put to rest any questions about the extent of instrumental guitar music. This is a living, breathing piece of work, pulsating with enough of a heartbeat to pass on the torch of influence to any unsuspecting ears.
 |
40 Radiohead Amnesiac [2001] - download |
The apex of Radiohead's discography. In forcing themselves to be different and experimental, they happened upon their most masterful work. A band fraught with a high dose of electro-pop fusion and consistency. Carries a nostalgic element to the music even if you've never heard it before.
 |
39 Port-Royal Flares [2005] - download |
One of the biggest tragedies is Port-Royal's decision to lay off the guitars with their next release. In the meantime, we can all cuddle up in the warmth of this album's shimmering, high-fret guitars and transcend into their world for an hour.
 |
38 French Teen Idol self-titled [2005] - download |
It was upon hearing this album that sparked the musician in me to try my hand at creating music. Beautiful landscapes of melody driven by pianos and synths. This is the kind of stuff that will stop you in your tracks and re-examine your life.
 |
37 Mogwai Rock Action [2001] - download |
A group that's transformed through many a metamorphosis, this band's appeal will always be noteworthy for paving the way of many. The best live show I ever attended, and sure to bring the house down in whatever chamber you decide to blast it.
 |
36 The Exploits of Elaine Happy the Sky EP [2004] - download |
The godfathers of neo post-rock. And they don't know even know it. Concise instrumental songs that deliver the goods without the redundancy or autofellating notion of slow bits for the sake of having slow bits.
 |
35 Destroyalldreamers A Coeur Léger Sommeil Sanglant [2004] - download |
What happens to my body when I listen to the best of the best? My eyes glaze over, my body goes limp and loses all tension, and my mind wanders and cycles through a panorama of vivid images and sounds. This album should do the same for you.
 |
34 Interpol Turn on the Bright Lights [2002] - download |
Another example of a band reviving a genre by pumping new energy into it. Joy Division would never be prouder if it wasn't so envious. This is the darker side of pop, ready to catch you off-guard at moment's notice.
 |
33 The Most Serene Republic Phages [2006] - download |
Every track on this monster is emphatically beautiful. Amazing how a band so young as this in its evolution can create such mind-blowing pop bliss with off-kilter time signatures and a barrage of polyphonic melodies.
 |
32 Death Cab for Cutie Transatlanticism [2003] - download |
"Waahhhnnn!" cry a chorus of scenester misfits, "they're too popular!" So? This is a group of accomplished musicians who've earned every penny they could ever make. Ben Gibbard's voice alone could soothe me for hours, but with a backing of such tight instrumentation, this band is platinum in my book.
 |
31 65daysofstatic The Fall of Math [2004] - download |
This is the most exciting band you'll probably ever hear. I was getting ready to go somewhere when I first started listening to this. It took me less than a minute to cancel my plans. Neo post-rock/electro/glitch has never sounded so good. Oh wait, they're the only ones!
 |
30 The Gloria Record Start Here [2002] - download |
The most underrated band in all of rock history. Yup. Listening to this album will take every emotion you've experienced and grind it through a gauntlet of rich instrumentation that will eclipse anything you've ever felt.
 |
29 Gregor Samsa 27:36 EP [2003] - download |
My latest, greatest discovery, Gregor Samsa hit every corner of every nook and cranny that makes music beautiful with this release. I look forward to the day a band can match this effort at a full 70-80 minutes.
 |
28 Michael Jackson HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1 [1995] - download |
Yes, there's a method to my madness. Easily the most underheard, misunderstood, and underappreciated album in the King's arsenal. It's also the point at which MJ dropped Quincy from the production to make room for more of his own artistic expressions. It's a very interesting album from a social psychological standpoint as well, if you're into such things.
 |
27 The Music Welcome to the North [2004] - download |
The Music is a volcano of music, with every orifice of the earth's surface bleeding with raw energy. The best, most pure form of anthem rock you'll ever want to listen to. Being able to put acts like U2 to shame is a proud badge to wear.
 |
26 The Music self-titled [2002] - download |
Seriously, both albums are just this good. Aggressive drum-guitar-bass-vocals combinations can't hold a candle to the power behind these dudes. Don't bring these guys up with me at a cocktail party or I won't stop talking about them.
 |
25 No Doubt Tragic Kingdom [1995] - download |
Remember back when this little band out of Anaheim was beginning to make their mark? This is a classic by every standard and would most definitely stand the test of time were it released today. A masterpiece that brings me back to middle school.
 |
24 The Mars Volta De-Loused in the Comatorium [2003] - download |
This album is definitely a grower. And on the subject of penises, this album makes me hard. Ditching their emo roots to pursue something greater, this cross between prog and psychedelia will surely give you morning wood as well.
 |
23 Longwave The Strangest Things [2003] - download |
The best intro of any album on this list. Seriously, try to listen to track 1 and not get sucked in for the rest of the album. Interpol's ugly, alt-rock-tinged, red-headed step-child rocks even harder.
 |
22 Weezer untitled blue [1994] - download |
This album taught geeks the world over that even them, too, could get laid. Even if it was to the counter librarian, you were still getting ass. The evolution of great rock music like this lead to such atrocities as pop-punk, but you can't diss the maestro for the underlings' dissent.
 |
21 Asobi Seksu Citrus [2006] - download |
Remember when you started cooking and decided to experiment with different foods? Remember that secret you keep about those two things that go so well together? Yeah, that's Asobi Seksu with shoegaze and pop. So far my favorite album of 2006.
 |
20 The Arcade Fire Funeral [2004] - download |
I tried my hardest to hate this because of all the hype surrounding it. But just like when girls meet me for the first time, there's just too much overwhelming charm that you're forced to give in. This album is pure magic.
 |
19 Bent Programmed to Love [2001] - download |
This album contains the best song to ever make love to: Always. Alongside that, every song amounts to the greatest ear candy your buds are willing to munch on. The end of a breed of music, this is the best trip-hop album that will probably ever be released.
 |
18 The Go! Team Thunder Lightning Strike [2004] - download |
Especially if you grew up in the 70s or 80s, this album will carry you and your feet through every memory of your childhood. It's artists like this that demonstrate the poison that is the prosecution of copyright law. Sampling is key to some of the most engrossing production you'll ever hear.
 |
17 Modest Mouse Good News for People Who Love Bad News [2004] - download |
This is one of those albums where every track sounds great--and different. There's a song for every mood on here, and this is MM's finest work. Float On is perhaps the most undervalued pop song in history.
 |
16 Béla Fleck & the Flecktones Left of Cool [1998] - download |
This one's a relic from back in the day when I thought I had distaste for electric guitars and synths (turns out I was just listening to the wrong music). Even still, this album sticks with me and is a great for any chance I feel like a grass-roots vibe.
 |
15 Bloc Party Silent Alarm [2005] - download |
I'm so happy I discovered these chaps back in 2004, else I probably would have ended up lumping them in with Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, and all those other crap bands. This album is a hit-a-minute, encapsulated by some amazing musicianship. A legend was born last year.
 |
14 The Appleseed Cast Mare Vitalis [2000] - download |
The album ASC decided to stop sounding like a Sunny Day Real Estate clone. And thank God. There's a reason these guys are my favorite band, and just a listen through this album will win your heart in the same fashion. Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets was my favorite song of all time for three years straight.
 |
13 This Beautiful Mess Falling on Deaf Ears [2001] - download |
This album is originally what got me into shoegaze. Beyond the quirky Dutch accents and God-worshipping lyrics lies the belly of one of the most intense, amazing, and emotive-inducing beasts. The best obscure find I've ever come across.
 |
12 The Postal Service Give Up [2003] - download |
The album everyone loves to hate. They're wrong; this is one of the most incredible albums ever produced. Every song hits a new level of electronica pop perfection, cemented by the combo of Recycled Air and Clark Gable.
 |
11 Wilderness self-titled [2005] - download |
One of the best and most interesting albums of last year, the precision and patience of their craft is immeasurable (well, to a degree--say, 11th on a list of favorite albums). Earnest vocals, airy guitars, and pacing drums lead this march on Rome.
 |
10 The Gloria Record A Lull in Traffic EP [2000] - download |
This right here is some of the most cathartic, histrionic music you can ever hope to hear. This stuff will wash over you like a soaring force of steam. Emo doesn't even begin to touch on how dramatic this dream pop will carry you.
 |
9 M83 Dead Cities, Red Seas, & Lost Ghosts [2003] - download |
This album made synths my favorite hombre. If you seriously believe the emotional capacity elicited from non-analog instruments is limited, you obviously have not listened to this album. Extremely moving and powerful stuff.
 |
8 Godspeed You! Black Emperor Slow Riot for Zero Kanada EP [1999] - download |
Moya is the song I use to end every post-rock mix-tape I've ever made. The sheer brilliance of crescendos and full orchestration is a real bang to behold. Possibly the most important album in the development of my tastes.
 |
7 Dave Matthews Band Before These Crowded Streets [1998] - download |
The album I've listened to most in my life. This thing still sends shivers down my spine. An incredible amount of talent geared towards the perfect concept album. There's not one moment of letdown on this beauty.
 |
6 Cursive The Ugly Organ [2003] - download |
This album is the crazy next door neighbor from Montana that scares you almost as much as his stories interest you. You just can't look away. For as kooky as everything comes off, there's a magical sense of security and benevolence.
 |
5 Mono & World's End Girlfriend Palmless Prayer, Mass Murder Refrain [2005] - download |
80 minutes of minimalist perfection. The collaboration of post-rock heroes and a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for everything else under the sun, these musicians from the land of the rising sun know how to make the best album for a setting sun. Son.
 |
4 The Appleseed Cast Low Level Owl Volume 1 [2001] - download |
If this album ditched all the annoying bridges and concentrated on only making songs, there's no doubt this would be my number 1. Despite that, of the seven actual songs on here, each is an immaculate, perfectly-composed selection ripe for the pickin.
 |
3 Broken Social Scene You Forgot It in People [2002] - download |
This is the perfect album. Hands down. There's nary a flaw, and each song will take its turn being your favorite. This is the pot of gold at the other end of the rainbow, and each song is your lucky charm. Go for broke.
 |
2 Smashing Pumpkins Adore [1998] - download |
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1 A Silver Mt. Zion He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corners of Our Rooms [2000] - download |
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