My Top Ten Favorite Music Albums Of All Time

I know that this is probably a cliche' question by now, but remember the time before ipods and random party shuffles, when there was an art to music albums? When songs were arranged in a way that told a story, or brought you through a kind of emotional journey? When you'd pop in a CD or a put on a record and lay back on your bed -- just gazing at the ceiling for an hour or so while you took it all in?

Yeah, I don't either.

But anyway, here's a list of my top ten favorite albums of all-time.

1. The Velvet Underground & Nico - The Velvet Underground

This is probably the most influential album when it comes to my music taste -- and a lot of other people's music taste as well. A lot of bands I love list The Velvet Underground as one of their main influences. I think most indie rock sort of kneels at their altar. I love this album because the songs are so varied in tone and style, but it all works together really well. The broken violin sound on Venus in Furs always gives me goosebumps.

Fave Songs:

Venus in Furs, I'll Be Your Mirror, Lisa Says (Yes, the inspiration for my blog name, in case you are wondering! Hehe.)

2. The Queen is Dead - The Smiths

This is the album I listen to when I want to get my melancholy on. The Smiths are the masters of dry wit and awesome bass. Someone once complained to me that Morrissey only sings on one note. My reply was: "Well, it's a good one." And how can you argue with lyrics like these:

But sometimes I feel more fulfilled
making Christmas Cards for the mentally ill.
I want to live and I want to love.
I want to catch something that I might be ashamed of.

Hee!

Fave Songs:

Frankly Mr. Shankly, Cemetary Gates, Bigmouth Strikes Again

3. Disintegration - The Cure

This was the ultimate make-out album for disaffected high-schoolers (not that I'd know anything about that). There's a sense of innocence and sadness in Robert Smith's voice that is utterly timeless. Perfect for a gloomy afternoon.

Fave Songs:

Pictures of You, Fascination Street, Prayers For Rain

4. Rumours - Fleetwood Mac

I can't really explain why I love this band so much. I guess it's kind of like comfort food for the ears. (Wow, that's a sucky metaphor, huh?) I think the guitar on Never Going Back Again is pretty amazing. Oh yeah, and Stevie Nicks rocks.

Fave Songs:

Dreams, The Chain, You Make Loving Fun (I know, I'm a cheeseball.)

5. Hunky Dory - David Bowie

When I was about 12 years old, I joined one of those CD clubs, and received this album in the mail -- not knowing what it was. I completely fell in love with the album, and with David Bowie. (And no, I didn't grow up watching Labyrinth, so I had no clue who he was.)

Fave Songs:

Oh You Pretty Things, Life On Mars, Queen Bitch

6. Hounds of Love - Kate Bush

This album is kinda magical. I know that a lot of people are familiar with the remakes of her songs Running up that Hill and Hounds of Love, and if said people aren't familiar with Kate Bush before hearing the other versions they are likely to say they like the others better. It comes as no surprise really. Kate Bush is so different from any other artist that's out today. She was truly an artist -- never afraid to be different, to be truly eccentric (and not just pretentiously eccentric).

Fave Songs:

Running up that Hill, Hounds of Love, The Big Sky

7. At Folsom Prison - Johnny Cash

Real prisoners whooping it up in the background. 'Nuff Said.

Fave Songs:

Folsom Prison Blues, The Long Black Veil

8. 69 Love Songs - The Magnetic Fields

There are two types of people in this world: Those who love Stephin Merritt's voice, and those who don't. I'm of the former, obviously. It took me about a year to get through the whole three CDs that comprise this album, because I was so stuck on the first. I'm glad I eventually listened to the third -- otherwise I would have missed out on Meaningless and Queen of the Savages! And yes, there are actually 69 love songs on this three disc album. And though they mostly take on a rather cynical tone, there are a couple that are genuinely sweet.

Fave Songs:

All My Little Words, I Don't Want to Get Over You, Epitaph For My Heart

9. Radiohead - Ok Computer

Although I don't really listen to this band much these days, I have to say that this is a stellar album. I don't think there's a song on it that I don't like. I remember being completely blown away the first time I listened to it, especially the first song, Paranoid Android, and Karma Police. I love songs with crazy transitions, and this album is full of them.

Fave Songs:

Paranoid Android, Karma Police, No Surprises

10. Comic Strip - Serge Gainsbourg

This album wins as most fun to listen to. I first heard it while driving with a friend from LA to San Francisco. (Of course we listened to other stuff too, cause hello -- 6 hour drive.) It's perfect car music. And hey, you can work on your French while listening :)

Fave Songs:

Bonnie And Clyde, Ford Mustang, Docteur Jekyll et Monsieur Hyde