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Whoo. Party time. HUGE LIST INCOMING CAPTAIN.
[200] The Killers - Hot Fuss
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The first time I heard the Killers was a few weeks after they had that single out called "Somebody Told Me". I hadn't hear it yet, or anything from them. I was at my local record shop and there was an album with seriously sweet cover art. I tend to do one of those purchases every time I go there, and about 50% of the time it works out well enough, so I picked it up and it was the first thing on when I got home. The first impression was solid with a new wave sound that I could dig my claws into. Raised on Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and Toto(I saw the rains down in aaaaaaafricaaaaaa) whenever I was allowed to put on the 80s radio station in the car, this appealed to me in a more modern sense as well. It was nostalgic, yet new. It's strange that "Somebody Told Me" and "Mr Brightside" were among the worst tracks on the album, but whatever. I preferred the blazing "Midnight Show", and the erotically synthesized "On Top" much, much more. If anything, this album was fun for new wave freaks like me. It's still their best album, and I'll still keep coming back to it for my fix.
[199] Jeremy Enigk - Return of the Frog Queen
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Jeremy Enigk has a voice and sound that solely belongs to him. It's always straining, mourning, and exaggerating, but it's a beautiful aural spectacle. When he left SDRE to do a solo album, I'm sure a lot of people were pretty iffy on the idea. It turned out very well, though. I was first turned onto this album by his song "Shade and the Black Hat", which I had gotten off of insound's free MP3 directory a ways back during my musical soulsearching. It was like a giant bomb fell on my lap. At the time I was big into Genesis, King Crimson, an Gentle Giant, and here this guy was with a song that had such character, and depth, and that VOICE. Honestly, the rest of the album doesn't live up to "Shade..."(it IS the climax of the album, afterall) but it's solid, and I don't think I've ever skipped through the album once. Each song brings something to the table, from the title track's twangy folk-rock feel to the atmospheric semi-dirge "Call me Steam", there's not a lacking track. That counts for a lot.
[198] Stars - Set Yourself on Fire
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This album is a dream. I don't know what else to say about it. The first three songs are so incredibly good, that they just force me to kick back and soak the rest of the album in. Sure the middle lacks a bit with "The Reunion" and "He Lied About Death"(although it DID try to be something special, but it lacked oomph) lagging behind, but the rest are so...soo good. It's like eating a cloud made of delicious. The way both vocalists feed off each other, and compliment each other...man.
[197] Depeche Mode - Black Celebration
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Where Depeche Mode turned into the Sleepy Hollow forest, is how I put it. Dark, brooding synths plagued the album...although that's nothing all too bad. In fact, it gave the album some character. The change in sound from the previous albums is instantaneous though. You know something's incredibly different within the first few seconds, and it's like one of those creepy cart rides that you can't exactly escape from. There's a couple of turns you get anxious over, but the rest is pretty incredible. The title track opener is about as solid a track as any on the album, and "Stripped" is one of my favourite songs from the 80s, with it's minimal sty|e accompanied with gahan's slightly over-produced vocals. As solid as a "house", pardon the pun.
[196] Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills
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The album I should have picked up in 2007: Example A. Seriously, what was I thinking? After a few months of careful listening, this album has truly made an impression. There are a lot of people who consider "Tonight I have To leave it", "Parent's Livingroom", "you Are Dreaming", "Impossible", and 'Time Left For Love" as the gems on the album. They may be right, but the track that has grown on me is "South America". It has this worldly feel to it, that's down to earth, fun, and joyous...yet it's spilling at the brim with something that I can't put my finger on. From the strings to the...glockenspiel(?) it's just so complete. Yes, the first three tracks are incredible, much like how Stars' first three are incredible. This is different though. This track, like Lebowski's rug, really brings the room(read: album) together. There's not a bad track on the album, although "Meat is Murder" seems a tad misplaced.
[195] Gentle Giant - S/T
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You know what happens when I giant sees a regular person and wants to pick that person up? Well, the giant, not wanting to kill the feeble little thing, tries to be gentle and puts as little pressure as possible on the object of their attention. Still, you have to know some bones are getting broken, or something's getting sprained.
That's how it is with this album. It's surprisingly rabid, yet all the while it's saying "Don't worry, I'll treat you fine". It's a prog rock record that embraces everything it is, and what it's made of. Each track is a labour of love, and even with sustained bruises and a punctured lung from it taking your breath away, you can't help but admire it.
[194] Ikara Colt - Chat & Business
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Thank you Insound for hooking me on these bad boys(and girls) from the UK. Unfortunately, the day I got their free MP3 was their last day as a band. It makes me sad, really. They knew how to make really catchy punk-ish rock. "At The Lodge", at the time when I heard it, was like a new Joy Division. The album's minimalist texture and its punk styling really shine through in the overall picture, but it's looking into each track and finding those subtle bits that really shows that this group knew what they were doing, and were having one hell of a time. Those feeling passed down to me, and I can't stifle the grin on my face each time I pop the album in.
[193] The Decemberists - Picaresque
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The Decemberists remind me of a group of bards. They just have this earthy feel to their music, and this album truly emphasizes it with c|assics like "The mariner's Revenge Song" (which is an incredibly epic song that everyone should hear), "We Both Go Down Together" and "The Infanta". Sure, there are songs that are out of that spectrum, like 16 Military Wives, but it doesn't matter. It's already made an impression. Colin Meloy's voice has never been better than in this album, and the rest of the band seemingly followed suit.
[192] Blood Brothers - Young Machetes
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This is for you Indie. The Blood Brothers are one of the most abrasive, annoying, destructive bands I've ever heard. Their music occasionally lacks structure, and one of the vocalists sounds like that idiot who did that "Ultimate Showdown(of Ultimate Destiny)".
Yet, somehow, they're appealing. Somehow, they make it work, and "Young Machetes" is living(wait, it's a freaking CD, it's not alive) proof of it. Much like the Test icicles, they carry a very raw sound, and the Blood Brothers show their stripes with "Johnny Ripper", the impeccable "Lazer Life"(best song on the album), and "We Ride Skeletal Lightning" which is no slouch either. It's noisy, screechy rock at its best. There are hooks, and interesting backing tracks, but it's all compiled in a nasty, unethical conglomeration of a song in the end of it. I wouldn't have it any other way.
[191] Rogue Wave - Asleep at Heaven's Gate
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There are people out there who disliked this album. A fair number of Rogue Wave fans, Pitchfork's blind followers, and a couple of idiots on 4th avenue in Brooklyn. This album is excellent.
Let me re-iterate that.
This album is their best to date. I love me some Rogue Wave, but this album was just superb. It's too bad I got my hands on it a tad too late for it to kick in last year. There are no tracks that are weak. I've said that about other albums so far, but it's true. I really like my list, and this getting top 200 is a testament to how incredible it is. Harmonium loads this album up on the right note, and "Like i Needed" is just what Ineeded as a second track. I don't care if none of this is low-fi. They transitioned their sound to decent equipment. I'll say it again, they kept their sound, except they made it clearer. If people have an issue with that, then they can suck on some cherry tomatoes. Chicago X 12 is a hell of a song, and the album's strongest track 'Lake Michigan" follows it up. That's 4 insanely good tracks. FOUR. "Lullaby" is really good, but it stops the momentum, and would be better in the backend of the album. "Christians in Black" recovers completley and it's back on track. For the rest of the album. It's one of the best albums last year and better than "Out of the Shadow", even if by a little bit (Kicking the Heart Out is still my favourite Rogue Wave track).
Are they as honest, or innocent sounding? Maybe not. But they've proven with this album that they refuse to pidgeonhole themselves with a set musical sound, like they seemed to be on track to after "Descended Like Vultures". They were looking like they'd be a band with a great debut, which would just fade due to a lack of musical variety. Well, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Unless you're Jandek. What a mofo.
[190] The Jesus And Mary Chain - Darklands
One of the best 80s bands, and IMHO their best album. The Reid brothers showed once again why they will be remembered decades from now as a crucial keystone if their generation with tracks like "Darklands", "Happy When It Rains" and "Fall". It was a sizeable change in their sound, and it was this album that showed they had variety. I just fell in love with the atmosphere here in this album.
[189] Aesop Rock - Labor Days
Rap. It can be good. This is an example. If you've never heard the song "No Regrets", you're missing out. Easily the best song on the album, although it's also filled with diamonds in the rough like "Flashflood", "Daylight", and the interesting "9-5ers Anthem". Hardlya weak track...maybe "Battery", but this was my first real enjoyable experience with rap, and it's a sentimental choice for me.
[188] RJD2 - Deadringer
It's too bad RJD2's such a prick now, because what he did with Deadringer was pretty amazing. I almost feel like my opinion on the album has fallen since he talked down his work before his most recent(and pretty terrible) album. Still, this album has a lot of incredible tracks like "Ghostwriter"(a real funky track), "The Proxy" and "Smoke & Mirrors". The album is a soothing presence that's different than ambient. It's calming, but it's also more active sounding and plain fun. An odd combo, but it works really well, and it's a great rainy day album.
[187] New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies
New Order is one of my personal influences. They reminded me in an offhand way recently how much they really inspire me. Remember that incredible Ford Fusion commercial with the car turning everything to ice, and that INCREDIBLY AWESOME track in the background? Yeah. New order. Sure, it's remixed, but the song is the same. Of course, that song is on this album's follow-up "Low Life". This is the one with "Blue Monday".
Honestly, the synths in this album are excellent. I've spent nights just recreating the sounds and failing to play along. 
it's fun, and it's still exciting for me. Timeless. For an 80's album, that's one hell of a statement.
[186] Duke Ellington - Money Jungle
My intro to jazz. I found this record in my grandpa's basement and popped it on the LP player the day after christmas 1999. I don't know how to describe this well. Jazz is hard to pin down, and this album doubly so, with it's fun-yet-complex song progressions and transitions. "Caravan" is probably my third favourite jazz song ever, with Miles Davis taking the top two spots(noted on later). An insanely well done album that you should check out if you're thinking of picking up jazz.
[185] Brand New - Deja Entendu
You might be thinking "Ok, so far so good with the list. Some pretty notable bands. let's see who's nex....what the hell? What's Lockedge doing, listening to a terrible nu-emo band like Brand new, let alone listing them above legends like Miles Davis and New Order?"
My response would simply be "They made good with this album." It IS quite a good album. They have intelligently written lyrics that can be stylishly blunt, and incredibly effective. Their hooks are great. The production isn't overwhelming. Their song progressions are pretty rad at times. Their close, though, is ONE HELL of a song. It truly is. Their song names are hideously taking advantage of the english language and the space on the back of the CD, but other than that, this is an incredible, emotional album. People writing it off as a "crappy emo album" are missing out on one of the better albums of the decade.
[184] The Beach Boys - Smiley Smile
Oh Beach Boys. You tease me so. This album was a giant tease. People expected "Smile" and Brian Wilson was told to scrap it, basically, and they released this. *sigh* it's not so say this is a bad album. It's a terrific album. Everything on it is good. Even today, I can just sense the potential. "Heroes & Villains", "Good Vibrations", "Vegetables" and "Wonderful" are the standouts that really oozed quality. It's still a very enjoyable listen, and a phenomenal album, but they had to add 'Smiley" to the smile in an attempt to cheer people up. Didn't work.
[183] Sunny Day Real Estate - How It Feels To Be Something On
Their masterpiece. Some say it was their final album, I say it's this. "Every Shining Time You Arrive" is probably their best song. "Pillars" is a close second throughout their discography. Enigk's voice is superb in this album, achieving a quality that's subtly fierce(if that's possible) and still remains sincere. Their hooks continue to improve from previous albums, their percussion's slightly better, their overall sound in this album is just breathtaking. It's too bad they didn't last much longer as a band.
[182] Ghosts and Vodka - Precious Blood
Surprising where this fell. I got a lot of plays out of this album over the past year. It's simply incredible math rock that brings everything along with the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, that bottle of windex under the sink, and that greasy towel too. It's raw at times, melodic at times. It strikes an impeccable balance between the two, and carries a tad bit of post rock with it as well. It's incredible driving music. Seriously.
[181] Death From Above 1979 - You Are A Woman I'm A Machine
Oh DFA1979, you tease me so...with your simple yet agonizingly catchy riffs, your violently simple percussion, your sheer energy. I'll miss you so, and will cherish your parting gift. There will never be abother "Little Sister" or "You're a Woman, I'm a Machine". Ever. These guys knew how to craft a punk rock song. Not technically talented by any means, these guys were just fun, and this album reeked of the sort. One of the most enjoyable albums I've heard. It deserves this spot.[180] The Mae Shi - Terrorbird
Hypnotically absurd. Frantic and spastic, yet oh so catchy. I guess it's like a rabid bird on acid taking a crap on your head that filters the acid into your system and turns everything crazy. Everything on this album is so out of control, it's really hard to focus. Heck, the title track is a loop that's reminiscient of the rush of birds' feathers, if they were percussion. But yeah, 5 of the 33 tracks are longer than 2 minutes. The rest are under, and it makes for an incredible "wake me up" album.
[179] Mono - You Are There
Post rock from Japan? No wae! Yes Wae!
Seriously, these guys know the game. "The Flames Beyond the Cold Mountain" has one of the more memorable progressions of all the post rock music I've heard. "Yearning" charges through the gates, continuing the mood of the previous two songs. Meanwhile, 'Are You There' sports delightful intimacy, and their finisher "Moonlight" is incredibly beautiful. It's a sharp contrast here, but smoothed out through clever composition and mixing. An essential post-rock album.
[178] Pixies - Bossanova
What is there to say about the pixies? Most people prefer Surfer Rosa or Trompe la Monde, but I feel this is their best outing. With gems like "Velouria", "is She Weird", "Stormy Weather", and "Rock Music", you can't really go wrong. Kim didn't contribute any of her songs to the album, which is odd since I tended to prefer her stuff in the band's previous albums. Whatever. Excellent stuff here.
[177] Silver Apples - Contact
Holy crap. I shat bricks when I saw a compilation of the Silver Apples' self titled/contact compilation cd in a record store when I visited New York. Out of fairness, I split it up into the original albums, and Contact ekes out the self titled in terms of quality(still, both are quite great). The song "I Have Known Love" is a jumpy little number that just sticks in your mind. "A pox on You" is a fun song too, which is weird. These guys aren't all that fun, yet here they are making pop songs that really really work. An incredibly influential album, from an incredibly influential band. Important, yet oh so enjoyable.
[176] The Tragically Hip - In Violet Light
From "Are You Ready" to "The Darkest One", to the one-two punch of "It's a Good Life If you Don't Weaken" and "Silver Jet", the Hip are pulling all the stops in this album. Woefully underrated and underappreciated, it didn't have any huge hits like "New Orleans is Sinking", "Bobcaygeon" or "Courage", but the songwriting is easily as good in every track on the album. In Violet Light? Here's hoping it's seen in a new light in a few years. Until then I'll be enjoying my "It's a good life if you don't weaken". Freaking incredible song.
[175] Neutral Milk Hotel - On Avery island
Another woefully underappreciated album is Neutral Milk Hotel's 'On Avery Island' . It's no "Aeroplane", but it's solid andstill a very very notable outing. The opener, 'Song Against Sex" is incredibly enjoyable, and I can't get enough of "Three Peaches". The album sometimes seems about to collapse from the fragility of the lyrics and the hollow sound, but it survives, and in a way thrives. It's a misery loves company album that has a special place in my music collection.
[174] Flaming Lips - Yoshimi battles the pink robots
A sentimental/nostalgic choice. In all honesty, I'm sure I would have enjoyed this thoroughly if I hadn't done a project about it in high school(due to the girl fighting large pink robots part), large in part because of the playful nature the album exudes. It's a fun listen that takes a long time to get anywhere near old. It sure hasn't over the last 6 or so years. "Do You Realize" is still as joyfully potent as ever, and the album all in all is sre to be a classic.
[173] Blue Rodeo - Five Days in July
So you're listening to the (semi)title track(Five Days in MAY, which is odd) and Jim Cuddy's folk-y croon going on about two people with an incredible love, and it's going on and it's a really fantastic song, and suddenly, there's a guitar solo. And it's really good(and two mintues, ten seconds long). Sets a nice tone for the album. And it continues with the classic(in canada at least) "Hasn't hit me Yet"(sung by the guitarist Greg keelor), and moves to another classic: the country song "Bad Timing". This is one of the best folk-rock albums I've ever heard. Such high quality consistently spread through eleven tracks. "What is this Love" is one of the more breathtaking songs I've heard(especially with the inclusion of Sarah mcLaughlin on vocals). Like the tragically hip, they aren't popular in the states, but they both should be.
[172] Bruce Cockburn - Night Vision
If you've heard this album, I shouldn't need to describe how good it is. It was hard to choose this album over "Humans", one of his oter excellent albums, but I like this album's atmosphere and overall tone here. "You Don't have To Play The Horses" is an acoustic juggernaut. "Mama Just Wants To Barrelhouse All Night Long" is a jazz-house number that's pretty relaxing and smooth. "Islands in a Black Sky" and "Lightstorm" are phenomenal works. Night Vision indeed.
[171] Hood - Cold House
Largely considered their best work, this album is more like a ghost house. It's chilling, yes, but barren and isolated all the same. "The River Curls Around the Town" is almost unbearably lonely. Something draws me to this album though. Hood's previous works are more appealing to my ear, yet this just sticks. It was my first 'Hood" album, and it's yet another sentimental album. Not to downplay the quality of the work here. it's excellent stuff. It's just I'm not so sure I like it because of the quality so much as the feeling I get from it.
[170] Pink Floyd - Piper At The Gates of Dawn
Legend has it that I'm not a huge Syd Barrett fan. To be honest, I'm really not. The dude was cool, and this album was supposedly steered around by him, but...man the guy was all up on drugs. Rough drugs. He was a really creative dude and played music in crazy ways that made new interesting sounds, but LSD is one hell of a drug.
Anyways, this album is, IMHO one of the better prog rock albums out there. It's a journey, from beginning to end. I don't think I've ever listened to individual tracks, even though I'm quite certain it's not some concept album. Like most other Pink Floyd albums, it's a journey. This one's the twisted first child that ends up raw, but is loveable anyways.
[169] At The Drive In - Relationship of Command
ATD-I is a band I was introduced to by a gamespot forumite by the name of IsThisIt. He was a pretty big elitist in the heyday, and I think now he listens solely to Hyphy style rap. Not too sure anymore though. Cool dude, nonetheless. Anyways, this was the first album I really got into. It holds all of my favourite songs by them except "Hourglass"(my favourite of theirs). I just remember the raw energy I felt through my first listening and I can still get that today. Rocking.
[168] Fugazi - The Argument
Indie probably won't like how low this one is What an incredible punky record. "Cashout" and "Epic Problem" are fan-****ing-tastic. "Strangelight" is probably my favourite out of all Fugazi's library of songs. This album's just a really, really complete bunch of songs that are very, very great.
[167] Regina Spektor - Begin to Hope
Regina Spektor oozes charm. She's like that crazy little girl down the road that's always doing those strange things that make you laugh. Except Spektor does it in song form. I shudder to think how many B-sides she has in her collection now. It seems everything she musically thinks of turns into a full fledged song. This album is filled wil some of her best stuff. Soviet Kitsch was a weaker album overall, but it had 2 of her best tracks(Us, Somedays). This album, the quality is spread out, and just under that of those 2 excellent songs that kept Soviet Kitsch afloat. Without a weak song to the tracklist, it's an incredible listen.
[166] All Natural Lemon & Lime Flavors - S/T
I love my lemon lime drinks, and sherbet, and ....candies. And the actual fruit. So I figured I'd like this band. And I did. It's a kind of music I have a hard time categorizing, but it's quality stuff. I wish they were still doing their thing, but alas they're disbanded. From the great opener 'Muffin 57" through to the one-two finishing KO "Bue Balloons" and 'Wondered Why", it's a wonder why I don't know anyone else who holds this album high.
[165] Low - The Great Destroyer
Low's rock out album, and they almost do just that. Kind of. It's the closest they'll probably ever get. I'm almost glad, but this is also a great album that can stand on its own. Seriously, take a listen to "California", "Death of a Salesman" and "Silver Rider" and tell me this album's anywhere near a misstep for Low, as I constantly seem to hear. Seriously. Excellent album.
[164] The Mars Volta - De-loused in the Comatorium
A step or two better than "Relationship of Command", it's a more melodic, yet 'psychaotic' version of the old ATD-I stuff. It was a concept album, and it was quite an experience. "Televators" still gives me shivers, and "Eria Tarka" is still my favourite TMV song. I remember the hype leading up to this album, and the demos(of which sounded better than the album versions...which wasinitially disappointing. Still, in the end, it doesn't matter. This album is still the standard of quality for The mars Volta, and easily my favourite. Though I do need to listen to "Bedlam" more often.
[163] Rush - Moving Pictures
Enough Prog-rock albums already! Jeez. Who does lockedge think she is, anyways?
A prog-rock loving music fanatic, that's who. 
"Moving pictures" is my favourite Rush album, and carries the famous synth lines of "Tom Sawyer"; "YYZ", the instrumental of genius quality.....and an incredible closer in "Vital Signs". An easy choice for "Prog Album To Rock Out With".
[162] Sonic Youth - Dirty
What a crazy album. I remember I first heard "100%" and thought to myself "What is this sh!t?". It was terrible. But like a dirty mold, it grew on me, and I grew to love it. My love for dirges never ceases, so my obvious favourite track here is "Theresa's Sound World", but it's just stunning. The entire album is a great piece of work. Noisy stability throughout the album. Not the best lyrics, but come on. It's Sonic Youth. It's rock.
[161] Islands - Return to the Sea
I sure as hell loved The Unicorns, but they were really inconsistent. Amazing bass and synthlines, but they were too inconsistent for my poor ears. "Jellybones" will always hold a special place in my heart, though.
So When Islands came out with 'Return to Sea", I had actually bought it for the cover art, not knowing who was behind it. When I listened to it, it was immediately clear that this could very well be what I was hoping for.
"Swans(Life After Death)" is one of the best opening songs ever. Ever. I'm not even kidding. It even makes me forget about the Busdriver rap-esque song "Where There's a Will, there's a Whalebone". I don't enjoy Busdriver's stuff, so that's a statement to how good that opener is. While none of the other tracks are as good, "Volcanoes" and "Don't Call me Whitney, Bobby" are absolutely, genuinely excellent. The finisher(or secret song, called 'Renaud') is pretty fantastic. It's really old school jingly sounding that made unicorns seem so special, except it's 100% pulled off. Insane album. So fun. (seriously, go listen to "Swans(Life After Death)" right now).
Aw jumping jack f*ck! Firefox lost my post. Just as I was working on the last comment. They'll be brief this time around, sorry. I don't feel like typing them out again.
[160] New York Dolls - New York Dolls
Classic punk album that's still as fun today as it probably was then. One of the only punk albums I like a lot.
[159] Pedro the Lion - Control
Dense and morose, this album is everything depressing. I've fond memories of it, although it's quite an album on its own legs.
[158] William Basinski - The Disintegration Loops
Destruction. Simple erosion and weathering. This album, of all things in life, helped me understand and cope with the thought of death. It also helped me understand existentialism and gave insight to the mindless loops so many people's lives are, and how it can wither one's sense of self down, but that's neither here or there.
[157] Liars - S/T
Really like this album. Mystical at times and energetic at others. They took traditional songwriting and made it fun again.
[156] Mercury Rev- Deserter's Songs
Space rock for reals.A nice soothing album I frequently listen to when I'm gazing at the stars from my window.
[155] Bjork - Vespertine
Bjork has always been a wildcard for me. I love her to death, but some of her stuff is putrid. Vespertine isn't though. This is IMHO her best, even ahead of Medulla. A "tour de force" if I may.
[154] Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
Bloc Party will always have a special place in my heart. I don't know why, but they will. This album was just so overbearingly solid. So complete. Mixed so incredibly well. "This Modern Love", "Compliments" and "Banquet" are crazy good tracks.
[153] Yes - Relayer
Gates of Delirium. I'm a prog rock fan. This track would signal to my brain that drool was absolutely necessary. The other two tracks (To be over, and Sound Chaser) are works I don't think I'll ever forget. Timeless stuff here.
[152] Band of Horses - Everything All the Time
There was something about this release. It was nostalgic at the first listen, but it wasn't like anything I'd really actively listened to before. It had an essence of country and root, and lad it all out with some great songwriting. "Monsters" is a great, great track.
[151] Muse - Black Holes & Revelations
I like Muse's energy in this album. They've enhanced it to be more epic, and theatric. Almost like a mix between a hard rock band and Queen. Excellent arena rock and driving music, and while it's not the least bit deep, it's entertaining as all hell.
[150] Mr. Bungle - California
What is there to say about this album? It has MPD(Multiple Personality Disorder). On one hand it's this pseudo-vintage, 50's rockabilly kind of feel. I think rockabilly would be a good term for it. Anyways, on the other hand it's a manic electronic schizophrenic. Combined, it's a fun package that's incredibly entertaining, while not being too tacky. It's just tacky enough though, with "Pink Cigarette", "The Air Conditioned Nightmare" and "Vanity Fair". Tongue in cheek, if you may.
[149] R.E.M - Monster
One of my favourite R.E.M. albums. Heavy, dirty guitars. "Crush With eyeliner" is a fantastic little ditty(well, I think it's like, the third longest on the album) that would get my mind moving in the mornings, and stick in my head at work. Most of the songs are of that quality, and it makes it a fun album to go back to.
[148] Interpol - Turn On The Bright Lights
Whoo. Interpol, you crazy group of kids. You made an incredible album here. I love it. I admire it. The first three songs are insane. Blew my mind initially. Songs 5-8 are equally as excellent(even the mainly instrumental "Hands Away"). Ridiculous stuff here. Unfairly compared to Joy Division because the singer has a deep voice. I mean, there are comparisons to be drawn, but there are better, closer matchups for a Joy Division comparison. 'Roland" and "The New" are pretty rad, but not spectacular, but "Leif Erikson" makes up for it. Seriously. Ridiculously solid album full of depressed exuberance.
[147] Of Montreal -The Gay parade
Oh Of Montreal. This was my first full CD I heard from you. So fun and blissful! Seriously, if you've heard a happier, more exuberant album by a band that isn't "I'm From Barcelona, please ....don't tell me because I'm probably exagerrating a tad bit here and I know it. Seriously, The Gay Parade is a high action, high turnover, insane concept album that makes me happy when I'm not, and makes me really happy when I'm simply happy. "The miniature Philosopher" and "Fun Lovjng Nun" are ridiculous. "A Cellection of poems about Water" is also an awesome pick me up.
[146] PJ Harvey - White Chalk
PJ Harvey? No Wae.
What an inspirational album. Not only does she play awesome piano while being incredibly new to it, she makes some of the best songs she's ever made. if she keeps up her progression(from the great 'uh Huh her" from 2004, to this, and on) her next album will be crazy delicious. Red Vines material. But White Chalk is sincerely creepy, but in a very beautiful way. It opens with a one two punch(The Devil, Dear Darkness) and Polly carries that momentum until the waning seconds of the final track. It's one of those albums I put on in the summer nights when I can't sleep, or during foggy fall mornings and evenings. Timeless stuff.
[145] The National - Boxer
What an album. From astoundingly sharp lyrics, to strong thematic instrumentals, there's no real weakness to this album. It's simply what's strong, and what's stronger. "Green Gloves" was one of my favourite tracks last year because of how chillingly accurate it is, and how well the music coincides with the lyrics. Yet, nearly each track is strong that way, music and meaning sautered together. This album's all about "growing up" and I guess it hit me hard since I'm in that stage at the moment, but as time goes by the songs are getting more dear to me than before. That counts for something.
[144] Eluvium - Talk Amongst The Trees
Eluvium started me in ambient. This wasn't the first album of his Iheard, but it's a very, very good one. The trio of "Calm of the Cast-Light Cloud", "Taken" and "We Say goodbye to Ourselves" is literally breathtaking, which is odd to say about ambient. Yet it's true. I wish I had more to say about this album. It's fantastic ambient. Go get some.
[143] Black Lipstick - Sincerely, Black Lipstick
It all started with "Grandma Airplane". Seriously. I downloaded an mp3 of it off of Insound's site, and it blew me away. It was steady rock that was just...it had something to it. I don't know what it even is, to this day. A charm. It's like Yo La Tengo decided to make something fun. (just kidding YLT, I love you)
So I was surprised when I got this album, that the rest of the songs were close to as good. This s a good two eyars after I firstheard the song, mind you, so "grandma Airplane" was already nostalgic on top of being super awesome. "The bad Catholic" and "All Night Long Forever" are pretty amazing stabdout tracks on the album. Just watch out for the vocals on some songs. They're sketchy. XD
[142] The Mountain Goats - Tallahassee
Clean and yet so much dirt and blood on his hands. That's how the album feels, really. Angry. Agonizing. Intense.
This album is full of lyrical genius that acts like a ragged donkey carrying 17 bales of hay on its back up mount everest. You can bet your life it gets up there. it's a donkey, it knows the deal. They're dependable. So is this album. Based off of a collapsing relationship, it's full of zingers, and anthems, and songs that simply make you think hard. "No Children" is a pot of gold in this, with an entire song of amazing lyrics, while probably grabbing the title of "Most Hateful Relationship Song" award. Buckle yourself in for this one. It gets rough.
[141] Love - Forever Changes
Ladies And Gentlemen I Give You Burt Bacharach!
Burt: "What the world needs now.....is Love, sweet Love. It's the only thing, that there's just too little of."
So true, Burt Bacharach. So true. Too many people don't know about 'Love'. The band, that is. Hopefully there will be yet another re-issue that will forever change who people recognize in c|assical pop and rock. Namely, inducting these dudes.
This album starts off well, and continues onto the awesome "A House is not a Motel". "Old man" is a nice diversion, and really makes example of the depth of songwriting ability in the band. "Live and Let Live" is probably my favourite 'Love' song, and it's still as enjoyable and 'new' as ever. Awesome album.
[140] Final Fantasy - He Poos Clouds
This album is quite enjoyable for many reasons, but mainly because the strings are phenomenal. "The Arctic Circle"'s intro really blew me away the first time I heard it, and it's still a very impressive listen after a hundred times over. The album is a joyous listen, even during the slow, tiptoeing tracks. An incredible album that built on the decent debut album, and then some.
[139] Depeche Mode - Violator
I have a soft spot in my heart for Depeche Mode, and this album is definitely on my my favourites of theirs. It's their "hit" album, I guess, with classics like 'personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence", as well as the startling opener "The World In my Eyes". Of course, that's all it ever seems to be remembered for, while personal classics like "Halo" go unnoticed. A really strong, expertly mixed album that I don;t find boring in the least, even after the years of listens.
[138] Bob Dylan - Modern Times
Bob Dylan is a legend. It's kind of awe-inspiring that he can put out albums like this at his age, but then again, it's Bob freaking Dylan. From the opener "Thunder on the Mountain" where he absurdly name-drops Alicia Keys, to the creeping finale "Ain't Talkin'", it's a classic album through and through. It just kind of sucks that he doesn't get proper exposure anymore. When Dylan's releasing this, an, say, Panic at the Disco's releasing an album, why don't kids pickup a Bob Dylan CD? Makes no sense. Oh well. This album is quite a number.
[137] Beirut - The Flying Cub Cup
I was a skeptic. No way Zach Condon could follow up the masterful Gulag Orkestar. I don't think I'll ever doubt that guy again, because this album is definitely a worthy successor. Perhaps less darkly atmospheric, and more billowy, this album really takes off immediately. "Cliquot" was one of the best songs last year, and after a few extra listens, I uncovered treasures in "The penalty", "Cherbourg", and "St. Apollonia". An album that rewards with repeated listens, andcontinues to offer music that differs from the norm. An excellent album
[136] Animal Collective - Feels
Oh Animal Collective. You're all so crazy. Going from album to album changing your sound. This album's quite a ways harder than Sung Tongs was, and it kind of caught me off guard, in a good way. "Purple Bottle" was a refreshing love song number that was lke two lovers singing while peering through kaleidoscopes. "Grass" is a kicking song that has a pretty infectious(yet simple) beat. It slims down on the power with some songs, but the quality sticks. AC are inconsistent in sound, which annoys me at times, but I can't really deny they're consistent with the quality of work.
[135] Burial - Untrue
Haunting. Gloomy. Depressing. Dark. This kind of music makes me giddy. I'm not huge into the grime/dubstep scene, but this is a great release nonetheless. If anyone heard a more terrifyingly bleak song from 2007 that's not off this album, please tell me. But I don't think there is. Burial sticks to the theme and masters it as if he had lived out every moment of this album beforehand.
[134] Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
Hay it's Animal Collective again. Except it's their new album. These were originally going to be 136 and 135, side by side, but I like "fireworks" too much. It's by the width of a split hair, but I enjoy Strawberry Jam a tiny miniscule bit more than Untrue. The songs on this album are pretty amazing. From the amazing 'Peacebone' to the fun, exuberant 'Reverend Green' to the joyfully nostalgic 'Fireworks' to the Beach Boys on acid "Derek"...this album really wholly works. It works incredibly well, and while I'm still warming up to the spasticness of "Cuckoo Cuckoo", I think it's already the best Animal Collective album.
[133] Peter Gabriel - Melt
My obsession with Genesis and Gabriel is somewhat well documented. This is a ridiculously good album from the man with two first names himself, Peter Gabriel. It's somewhat sinister and bleak at times, and at other simply morose, but all the while it's carrying this attention grabbing character(in terms of the sound that is) with it that really. "Family Snapshot", "Games Without Frontiers", "Biko", "Intruder" and "I Don't Remember" are unforgettable.
[132] R.E.M - Automatic For The People
The intro to the first song "Drive" is attention grabbing. The echo-ing first song creeps along at a "tick tock" pace, into the brighter "Try Not To Breathe". Which goes into the fun, organ filled "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite". Three different sounds, three songs in. Yet they still keep THEIR sound, all the while. And then it adds 'Everybody Hurts", a weeping willow of a song. Each song on the album does its own thing, and does it well. Each song makes sense where it's laid, and each song is pretty much even quality with the rest. The epitome of solid.
[131] Starflyer 59 - Leave Here A Stranger
I originally had no idea SF59 was a christian band. Then again, it certainly doesn't sound like one. More like the dude is Christian, and his music is his music. This album is further along in his line of releases, and it's probably the album where he perfected his dreamy-shoegazey-pop sound to a tee. Of course, over time he's left the shoegaze elements to sit in the back, but they're still audible. Each song seems to slip into each other, but each brings its own purpose. Rock solid pop-rock kind of album.[130] U2 - The unforgettable Fire
I don't particularly mind U2. They have 2 albums or so that I enjoy. This is one of them, because it has Brian Eno and Langois's fingerprints all over it. The songsare incredibly well mixed and sequenced, the vocals and instrumentals are fantastic, and the songs themselves aren't half bad THis is U2 back when they were good.
[129] Modest Mouse - This is a Long Drive For Someone With Nothing to Think About
Hoo boy. Modest Mouse. Isaac Brock and the boys. Albums with really long titles. In all honesty, this album is one of their more creative and fun pieces. By fun, I mean fun to listen to. Maybe not the intention of the music. There's the stellar standout track "Dramamine", but this album also offers a lot more than that exceptional song. "Ohio" is a pretty rad song as well.
[128] Do Make Say Think - You, You're A History in Rust
Atmospherically nostalgic, much? Seriously, this is all up in my childhood's wazoo. Beautiful, beautiful work from these guys. Each song is a spellbinding tale of horns, percussion and strings. It all meshes into the finest quilt your grandmother ever knit. Truly an album with a distinct western feel, rocking the 1800s mid-west to california vibe. Enough imagery for you. These songs are excellent, and this album continues to grow on me. It's no tumbleweed. It's a showdown at high noon, with a full band playing in a tavern and a real life drama playing out.
[127] Placebo - Without You I'm Nothing
Placebo is a guilty pleasure of mine. I don't think they make bad music. I think they make excellent music, but they're generally singular in terms of their sound, and I tend to knock rock bands for that. Still, these guys know how to rock, and they know how to produce their albums without necessarily overproducing it. The vocals are as whiny and angsty as I can take in at one time, yet they're endearing in an odd way. The riffs are college-student hot-plate level. Catchy-arse stuff on this CD.
[126] The Velvet Underground - The velvet Underground & Nico
The velvet Underground is a band I respect a lot. I didn't enjoy a whole tonne of their stuff, but this album really worked out for them. I'm no fan of Nico, but she really did a decent job here. Added an element of depth. From "All Tomorrow's Parties" to "Femme Fatale" to "Heroin", the album is sheer quality stuff that easily rivals the british wave going on at the time.
[125] Jesca Hoop - Kismet
Tom Waits' former nanny's album. Released last year and shocked the hell out of me. My opinion on the album is high, and I'm not sure it'll fall much at all in the future. it's just so solid with it's inconsistent yet spectacular sound. "Dreams in the Hollow", "Love and Love Again", "Silverscreen", "Money", "Havoc in Heaven" and the haunting "Enemy" should all be heard. Insane debut. Absolutely insane.
[124] Yes - Close to the Edge
Usually argued as their best album, I really enjoyed this Yes album. A lot. It was on my CD player in grade 11 for a good 2 weeks straight once. "And You and I" is an incredible prog song, and along with the rest of this album almost made me dish out a few hundred bucks for an amp and a guitar so I could learn. But I was too cheap and lazy. Too bad, music world. No modern-day Jimmy Page for you. XD
[123] LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
Anither of last year's phenoms. I've talked a lot about it and I really don't have much more to say. Listen to "All My Friends" and tell me this album isn't deserving of a spot on this list(maybe not necessarily this spot, as that CAN be argued, but man...that song gives this album instant cred). The rest of the album is stellar, but it's still got a shining star.
[122] The Fiery Furnaces - Blueberry Boat
The title track is so infectious, it's silly. It was my song of the summer after my final year of high school. The song that follows it, is about 3/4 as good, which is still quite excellent. The most consistently excellent Fiery Furnaces album out there, even moreso than Widow City. NME can shove it.
[121] The Strokes - Is This It?
Shocked? I liked this album a lot. Not a huge fan of the best of their albums so much,but to be fair I never gave the rest much of a chance. Couldn't tell you why. It's a little "Hard To Explain". I kid, I kid. Honestly, there aren't a whole lot more albums that are as fun and rocked out as this album. Maybe an Andrew WK album(Party Hard!), but I find the dude annoying as dockey gonads. Anyways, the Strokes' debut LP here is pretty rad. From "Last Night" to 'Hard to Explain" to "Someday" to "The Modern Age" it's just a blast. So much fun it's barely legal, but try your luck with it.[120] The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America
Straight out rock with smart lyrics, a rugged swagger, and a heart of gold. "First Night", 'Chips Ahoy!" and "Party Pit" are standouts, for sure. Too bad my friend hasn't given the album back. It's been, like, a year.
[119] Sam Cooke - Live at the Harlem Square 1963
A sincerely good time. I challenge anyone to listen to this album and not feel something positive afterwards. Dude's got some killer pipes, and this is one of my favourite older records. Seriously, take a listen. I got a copy for $8 at my local music store, and it's one of the best $8 I've ever spent.
[118] Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Oh Wilco. How you frustrate me. You release this stellar album, then a while later, make Sky Blue Sky? What happened? This album may be a fluke, it may not, but it's sure as hell amazing. The musicianship presented throughout this album is worth the price of admission. Everything else is like golden popcorn.
[117] Sleater-Kinney - The Woods
Sleater - Kinney are a fabulous band that made equally fabulous music. This is the only album I can ever find of theirs, locally, so I figured I'd pick it up. Let me tell you, I quickly got to harassing the local shop to get more albums in. Different ones, at least. Nothing's come of it(yet), but man. Killer opening track 'The Fox", and it has a great two punch combo with "Steep Air" and "Rollercoaster". Of course, "Let's Call it Love"(whch follows Steep Air) isn't too shabby itself. XD Excellent send-off album that makes me wonder what their other stuff is like.
[116] Eluvium - Copia
When I heard this material live, everything else disappeared. I wasn't surrounded by a few hundred people. There wasn't a bunch of talking idiots around me with no respect for the music or the musician. I wasn't in a concert venue. I was listening to an amazing performance, and that was all I could care about at the time. I hadn't yet picked up the album, so it was all so new to me(with the exception of two songs from previous albums, which just so gleeflly happened to be my 2 favourite songs of his prior to this album). To my surprise, the show would somehow get better, and when I got home(with his CD in hand) and heard his new material, it was equally as stunning as it was live. Maybe not as sonically powerful(as my speakers suck bad), but musically powerful.
[115] Cap'n Jazz - Analphabetapolothology
Cap'n Jazz is a lot healthier(and safer) than Cap'n Crunch. No gushing wounds on the roof of your mouth with these guys. Just some happy eardrums. Sure, I bucked the "No Compilations" trend here, but whatever. I can't find ANYTHING in relation to Cap'n Jazz stuff prior to this album. Even the Silver Apples had a vinyl or two nearby. Excellent punkish emo music here.
[114] Michael Jackson - Thriller
Nostalgic pick here, but can anyone deny this is a great pop album? It's got everything! Even the 'weak' songs are excellent. Man, I remember when I learned the moonwalk because of this album. Now my form sucks crap and my moonwalk is wonky, but this album has held up with its age. It's still enjoyable as ever.
[113] Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Peter Gabriel was such a ridiculous man, that he dressed up in crazy costumes at live shows. Some were so crazy he could barely sing in them(the infamous slipperman costume). Still, an excellent double album. Initially depressing, as it had been hyped to all corners of the world before i spent the $40 to buy it, it quickly redeemed itself with repeated listens, and then some.
[112] Molasses - A Slow Messe
GYBE spinoff that made great, trudging music. Actually, it's a double album, much like how "The lamb" above was. This is some space rock-y stuff. Not too much post-rock feel to it like I had hoped, but there are vocals here and they're pretty great. "Whitey Blues" starts all sorrowful vocals until a powerful western twang-y guitar breaks in, and the strings envelop your ears. And then all of a sudden, it's just the vocals again. And at that moment, it seems so much more severe and weathered. This album has insane craftmanship. If you've never given it a listen, you're missing out(unless you're not up to hearing space rock, or slow semi-experimental stuff like this, then I point you back towards Sam Cooke).
[111] Funkadelic - Maggot Brain
The opening solo is all I really need to point out here. The rest of the album is awesome(and sometimes nearing the quality of the title track), but the opening song is just stellar. Anyone who claims Hazel isn't one of the best guitarist of all time(or even, of the era) should listen to this.
[110] Interpol - Antics
As much as I loved the debut album, and as much asit's still rising up the charts inmy opinion, I prefer Antics. It's not as sincere. Antics has a worse opener. In fact, a lot of the songs are weaker than "Turn off the bright lights", but as a whole, it's just so much more COMPLETE. It's not as downcast, but in the same manner it's much more involving and energetically dark instead of brooding. "Take You On A Cruise" and 'Slow hands" is one of the best 1-2 punches in the last decade. Equally as good as anything "bright Lights" could toss.
[109] The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Given a bad rap because Funeral was impossible to follow-up. This is still an incredible album. Surprisingly, the song they hyped to death(Intervention) is probably the weakest song on the album. It's not a weak song, so to say, but it could have been better placed on the tracklist. This album has equally as well written lyrics. Equally as good musicianship. it's just Funeral flows with a lively concept from start to finish where Neon bible has inconsistent sequencing and isn't as....riveting and energetic as Funeral. Not necessarily a hashmark on the album(as I like gloomy albums too), but just not a cohesive album.
[108] Dead Can Dance - The Serpent's Egg
Dead Can Dance is an amazing band. Not music for everyone, to be sure, but their music is intense and spirited. From Gerrard's wailing, wordless vocals, to Perry's smooth, reassuring baritone, the vocals are otherworldly. The backing music is equally as brilliant. Listen to "The Host Of Seraphim"(headed by Gerrard) and "In The Kingdom of The Blind The One Eyed Are Kings"(lead by Perry). It'll give you a taste of how their music can sound. This album reeks power in every sense. In every sense.
[107] The North Sea & Rameses III - Night Of The Ankou
Who the sh!t? Exactly. No, I'm not being some elitist jerk. If you like post-rockish ambient, you'll love this. "Death of the Ankou" is a brilliant piece of music. Absolutely brilliant. This collab is just brilliant work. I listened to this last summer in Cape Cod one night while watching the swampy meadow behind the house. I don't know how long it looped, but it was immensely natural. I don't know how else to explain this album. It's just one of those things you get or you don't, but I hope that you DO "get it". Because i do, and it's blissful.
[106] Black Mountain - S/T
A rocksteady psych-rock album that's mountainous in sound. Doesn't reach a "stormy high" by any means, but it explores the winding paths and the cavernous ridges quite well. From 'Druganaut" to "heart of Snow", this album exceeded my expectations at the time and it's risen to become a favourite of mine during long car rides.
[105] As Tall As Lions - Lafcadio
And emo band of worth. It was hard to admit to myself that I enjoyed this more than the previously mentioned Sunny Day Real Estate album(although that one has been making headway up my list for years now), but I sincerely do. Is it a guilty pleasure? Of a sort. It's incredibly well crafted emo-rock music that caters exceptionally well to the audience. Am i the traditional audience member? Nah. But I do enjoy it a heck of a lot. They're primarily honest, even through the production. "Why We Cry At Movies" and "Goodnite, Noises Everywhere" are the pinnacles of the album(also among the sadder, slower songs on the album) and...I don't know. They strike a chord. They say there was a secret chord that david played and it pleased the lord.....but ATAL probably didn't play that one. XD Probably G minor or something.
[104] Starflyer 59 - Gold
Starflyer 59 when they were space-rock slash Shoegaze. "A Housewife Love Song" is one of the better opening songs out there. This album's a bit more raw. A bit more honest, a bit sonically better, and it carries itself like a determined horse galloping away through the night. Great album I almost can't believe is from the mid-nineties. Just doesn't sound it.
[103] Mogwai - Mr. Beast
I've never really gotten Mogwai. I mean, I've heard their stuff, but this is the only album that's clicked for me. It clicked really, really well,, but I can't help bu feel a little sad when I think about how I can't appreciate their other stuff as much as I'd like to. This album has a lot of things going for it; a lot of sounds and elements. It has a lot of musical depth, and the sequencing is fantastic. Start to finish one of the best post rock albums out there.
[102] The Smiths - Strangeways, Here We Come
This album took a while to catch on, but when it did, it wouldn't let go. "Paint A Vulgar Picture" and "A Rush and a Push And the land is Ours" are two tracks that caught on immediately. 'Death of a Disco Dancer", "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" and "I Started Somethign I Couldn't Finish" took a wee bit longer to latch onto me. Heck, "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" took FOREVER. Yet in the end, I consider each track on the album as a significantly good addition to the world of music.
[101] Jeff Buckley - Grace
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