No particular order:
Fair to Midland -- inter.funda.stifle
Such an atmospheric album. It allowed me to dive into Fair to Midland's music, and appreciate their roots, and come to enjoy their "organic" sound much more than their newer refined sound. Not to mention, the community of people that I met through this band have led me to get interested in the music that I love today, so I can pretty much thank this band for leading me to where I am today.
Bright Eyes -- Fevers & Mirrors
Easily my favorite Bright Eyes album. Such honest, impassioned lyrics/vocals. Conor's depression makes for great music, and this album is about as depressing as you can get without making you wanting to kill yourself. Maybe.
The Decemberists -- Picaresque
My favorite album by The Decemberists is probably their "weirdest". This is the album that introduced me to The Decemberists, and I have fallen in love with them since then. Colin Meloy is such a poetic vocalist with as unique a voice as you will ever find. Definitely one of my all-time favorites.
the pAper chAse -- Now You Are One Of Us
Probably their second most "accessible" album, NYAOOU isn't necessarily my FAVORITE pAper chAse album, but it was definitely the album that adjusted me to their style of music. The chaos is masked by the beauty found within the strings and melodies of this album, and it allowed me to become acquainted to their style of music. So yes, they were an acquired taste at first, but they have grown to become one of my absolute favorite bands all because of this album. Truly a genius album.
Cursive -- The Ugly Organ
Easily my favorite album of all-time (as of now), The Ugly Organ is a true masterpiece to me. From beginning to end, Tim Kasher's passion for his music shines through in this genius piece of work. It introduced me to Cursive, and it was a frequently played album whenever I was kind of down in the dumps for a bit (i.e. The Recluse, A Gentleman Caller). Such a great album, front and back.
Porcupine Tree -- Deadwing
Along with The Ugly Organ, Deadwing is one of the two albums I would rate a 10/10. A TRUE masterpiece. It wasn't my first Porcupine Tree album, but it was definitely the album that solidified them as one of my favorite bands. Deadwing creates such an atmosphere and is as musically near-perfect as I can imagine any album ever being. Steven Wilson's musical genius shines out to me on this record.
System of a Down -- Mezmerize
I've since "outgrown" System of a Down, but I still absolutely love them. This was my first "rock" album, and it was my gateway into the music that I listen to today...oddly enough. Often considered "not as good" as their older stuff, I think this album (as well as Hypnotize) display their musicianship much better than their older material. They matured with this album and wrote some of the best music they've ever written. This album holds a place in my heart, being my first rock album and all.
Neutral Milk Hotel -- In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
This album was in heavy rotation for the longest time. I listened to it countless times over such a long period of time. And I never really got tired of it. It's amazing how Mangum was able to write a concept album seemingly based around Anne Frank, and still have it turn out as incredible as it did. Obviously a staple of "lo-fi indie rock", this album has definitely earned its place as one of my favorite albums of all time.
Xiu Xiu -- Fabulous Muscles
The first song I ever heard by them was "I Luv the Valley OH!", which is a great way to be introduced to them. So, after a long time, I finally decided to get a hold of the rest of their music. Sure enough, the very next night, they were playing nearby, so I had to go check them out. During my Xiu Xiu binge, Fabulous Muscles definitely stood out. Jamie Stewart's portrayal of his sexual orientation is an unintentional bit of comic relief in meant-to-be serious moments of the album. This album truly stands out and shows what kind of musician he is. Such dark and beautiful moments on this album.
Iron & Wine -- The Shepherd's Dog
This album was the album that introduced me to "softer" music. Definitely a beautiful album with great songwriting by Sam Beam. The whispery vocals create such a soothing atmosphere. Not really sure what else to say about this album, but it is definitely a jewel.
Last edited by Eggman; 08-10-2010 at 10:41 AM.
Reason: Addition
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