| Sitting five feet from me is a rack of about 200 CD's.
Maybe not that many compared to some collections, but when you consider
all of them have been bought in the last two-and-a-half years you have
to admit that's somewhat impressive.
I'm the first to admit that my taste in music is somewhat eclectic, and much of it isn't particularly mainstream (well... a lot of it was mainstream 20 years ago), but there are some albums that are so good that everyone should own them. I'm working on a complete list of my collection that you're welcome to look at if you're curious, but below are a sampled few albums that I consider to be some of the best in my collection. Clicking on the album picture will (eventually) take you to more about that band. Clicking on the album name will take you to that bands web site (if they have one). |
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Radiohead
- OK Computer (1997)
Radiohead's third album, following "Pablo Honey" (1993) and "The Bends" (1995). One of the biggest albums of 1997, supporting the concept that your music doesn't need to sound like every other band's in order to sell. Includes: Airbag, Paranoid Android and Karma Police. |
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R.E.M. -
Automatic for the People (1992)
Not my favourite R.E.M. album, but one of their best and probably the most well known. Keeps the same mellow tone for much of the album, with great string arrangements by John Paul Jones (formerly of Led Zeppelin). Includes: Drive, Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon, and Nightswimming. |
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Dave Matthews
Band - Crash (1996)
The first DMB album to really sell. Rather than the usual guitar/bass/drums/vocals, DMB consists of the unique combination of vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, violin, and flute/sax. Dave's an excellent guitarist, and the drummer (Carter Beauford) is phenominal. Includes: Two Step, Crash Into Me, Drive In Drive Out, and Cry Freedom. |
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The Tragically
Hip - Day For Night (1994)
It was a toss up between this one and "Fully Completely" (1992), but I think this was my first Hip album, so it wins. Essentially the same style as previous albums, but still retains its own individuality. Includes: Grace, too, Nautical Disaster, Thugs, Inevitability of Death, and Scared. |
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Crash
Test Dummies - The Ghosts that Haunt Me (1991)
CTD's first album, and my favourite. The band makes great use of cello, mandolin, and pipes, and Brad Robert's baritone voice is great, especially since he sings in a range I can easily sing along to. "Superman's Song" is one of my all-time favourite songs. Includes: Superman's Song, The Ghosts that Haunt Me, and At My Funeral. |
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Violent Femmes
- Add It Up (1981-1993)
The VF's best of album. Contains some lyrics that will offend some, but ignoring those the album demonstrates the large amount of instrumental talent the band possesses. Gordon Gano's vocals are definitely unique, and Brian Ritchie's bass playing is excellent. Includes: Blister in the Sun, American Music, Kiss Off, and Add It Up. |
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Crowded House - Together Alone (1993)
Crowded House's fourth and final album (after which lead singer Niel Finn left to pursue a solo career). A great album when you want something mellow, and the harmonies are always great to listen to. "Private Universe" is another of my favourite songs. Includes: Locked Out, Private Universe, and Together Alone. |
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Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (1975)
Perhaps its blasphemy to say so, but I think "Wish You Were Here" is a much better album than "Dark Side of the Moon". Dark Side was definitely a technical accomplishment for its time, but from a purely listening point of view, I much prefer this album. Includes: Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Welcome to the Machine, and Wish You Were Here |
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Marillion - Radiation (1998)
I actually just got this album, and haven't listened to it very much yet. I just thought it was worth an honourable mention as being one of the coolest covers I've seen in a while. I'll get a bigger and better scan up soon (hopefully). |
