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11 Albums That Define Me
11 Albums That Define Me
People sometimes ask: "what kind of music do you listen to?" I'm very careful about answering this because we are often defined by our music choices. While some people happily create their identity around their favorite music, I worry about doing that.
But it's a fair question. And music is very important to me. I always have a song in my head (often from one of the albums below). Music reminds me of important times in my life. Music allows me to retreat into solitude.
Because it is so important, I took this question seriously: what are the albums that are most important to me? The criteria: I love listening to them over and over; I consider them incredibly well done; they put me in a good place (mentally, spiritually); and I never skip a song.
It's hard for me to pick just one Wilco album, but I think this is one of the best albums ever by anyone. The run from "Jesus, etc." (track 5) to "Poor Places" (track 10) is one of the great runs in album history.
I'm not alone in considering OK Computer historically significant and really good to listen to. I love the social criticism behind it, but I also love how Radiohead has since said they wish they hadn't taken themselves so seriously!
Ani DiFranco was really important to me at a time in my life when I was branching out, taking risks, and learning a lot. This album was a turning point for her and it's generally the last of her studio work that I like.
I had friends who loved REM much more than I did, but this album really hit me. It reminds me of a pivotal summer, when Rachael and I were moving to Connecticut for grad school.
I could have listed several other Neil Young albums but this live album stands alone for me; maybe it's because "Thrasher" is one of my favorite songs ever.
Please don't label me a Deadhead, even though I love them. I had to choose something live, of course. I hate to be cliche in choosing their most heavily traded concert...but it really is good.
You may be noticing a theme that I like guitar-heavy, simple rock with good lyrics. Dawes fits that mold. I could be caught singing from this album any day.
I try to branch out from dad rock. I love Moby because it's electronic but still lyrical and melodic. This album reminds me of summer on the coast. I also like the ethics Moby stands for!
This album is complex, ambitious, fun, sad, and totally original. Sometimes it's a little too much. But Sufjan is so cool and I love how original he is.
Earl Scruggs is the first music I remember loving. My dad listened to him on vinyl in the 70s and I loved it--it still reminds me of dad, being a kid, and innocence. Earl is still one of my heroes.
This is a late entry to the list. I love this one because it reminds me of Rachael, and the kids. I find it innovative and I love Musgraves' voice. I have included the video of her singing "Rainbow" on Austin City Limits. It kinda makes me cry.
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