Albums That Have Changed My Life.

Write down the albums that have had such a profound effect on you that they've changed your life or the way you look at it.

So, I hopped on the craze. At least it's not a "25 things...," right? This is a task that would take me days to fully think thru - and even then I would probably find more to add or feel that I'd cheated some out of their position. There are so many that could fit into this list for various reasons. So I'm looking at albums that made me sit back and truly listen as soon the first song started. I feel that it would be cheating to include entire discographies, so I'll choose my favorite album out of an artist's catalog. So it is more likely that I'm just stating my favorite artists and their best album in my opinion. (*** will be code for: "Check out their other albums too!")
There's no particular order to this list except for the first one.


Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism.
This is hands down my favorite album of all time. I think it is rare to find an album feels perfect from track one to the end. This is the most solid collection of songs I have come across. The tracks builds from one to the next, never missing a beat - From the explosion of "The New Year" to the simple waves of "A Lack of Color," it is a beautiful album. Their latest release, Narrow Stairs, does give this one a run for its money. Gibbard's writing is incredible and one of my biggest influences. ***

The Long Winters - When I Pretend To Fall.
At the sake of being redundant, great imagery and lyrics. I don't always understand what it means but it's amazing. I remember seeing them live at the Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC. He didn't bat an eye as a drunk guy got on the piano and tried to play along with them. As soon as I heard the first track - Blue Diamonds - I was hooked on this band.
If you don't have twitter, then I suggest joining just to follow along with John Roderick. It's indescribable. ***

Nada Surf - Let Go.
I've seen this band live four times - I think. The first time I saw them in Ohio and it blew me away. Probably the best concert experience I've had. I think this album is their point of ascension. Each album after it has been different and completely solid. But there's a feeling to this album that keeps me coming back. ***

John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolt.
This guy is amazing. Some of the best live shows I've been to. Again, wonderful writing and more inspiration. How anyone can write a song about a visit to a hooker and move your heart simultaneously is beyond me. ***

(Coincidentally, I purchased all of the above albums on the same day. Pixel Revolt may have been just a while after the others. It was a day that changed my music interests around. And I owe it all to TMBG's Indestructible Object EP and the Barsuk Treats sampler.)

Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood.
I think this was one of my first Indie Folk albums and I've fallen deep into that pool. I'd swim there forever if it didn't make my fingers prune.

Coconut Records - Nighttiming.
I found this album to be completely refreshing. It's so different from anything I've heard - in a long time.

Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days.
Again, beautiful songs that come from that part of us that is so hard to interpret. "Naked As We Came" is one of my favorite tracks.

Damien Jurado - Caught In The Trees.
An album that's all about heartache. I feel like he read my mind with some of these lyrics.

Bill Mallonee - Audible Sigh.
This guy is amazing. I've had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times. He knows the road for good and bad and I feel his soul in his words. He doesn't just write a story, he writes a little part of himself in each song. A true artist. I think it's safe to say that anytime I reference a train in a song my own, it is because of this man (So far I've got two.) "Resplendent" is one of my favorite songs ever.

Noah And The Whale - Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down.
This album got me thru some rough times. Wonderful songs about love and loss.

Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst.
This guy can pump out tons of lyrics for his songs. I'm a big fan of Bright Eyes' more recent works. But this feels so much more mature and honest. I also have to thank this album for getting me thru the longest drive of my life. Amazingly, the memory connected to this album doesn't keep me from listening to it. It is that good.

Pedro The Lion - Achilles Heel.
I hadn't really heard of David Bazan or heard him until I saw him open up for Ben Gibbard a few years ago. This album is awesome and has introduced me to one of my biggest influences. All of his songs are completely human and almost despicable at times. He knows how to say what the darkest parts of our hearts feel and make it sound not so bad. Listen to "I Do" or "Options" off the album Control to see what I mean.

Say Hi - The Wishes and The Glitch.
I saw these guys years ago - when they opened for Nada Surf at the show in Ohio. Back then they were called Say Hi To Your Mom. I bought it on vinyl on a whim and thank the Lord I did.

She & Him - Volume One.
Like Coconut Records, this album was and is very refreshing. That could be due to the fact that She sings on it. She steps back into the 50's and 60's and I wish I could go there too. Her voice is more beautiful in person, angelic even. You may have heard it in a little movie called Elf.

The Shins - Oh, Inverted World!
One of my favorite songs ever is on this album. I do love their other two albums and they are all pretty different. I'd have to say it's a tie between this and Wincing The Night Away. This one is just ahead because of "New Slang."

They Might Be Giants - John Henry.
There are so many albums in TMBG's catalog and all of them are completely different and amazing. This one sticks out more than the rest for some reason. It's a little darker and longer than most of their other ones. But it just barely overtakes Flood, Apollo 18, and Factory Showroom are right up there. It's odd to say, but I listen to all of the music I do today because of the musical path that this band has led me onto. So thanks goes to them and jared and Jim for introducing me to them.

M. Ward - Hold Time.
This album just came out last week but I already love it. If you turn on my iPod right now, it will most definitely be halfway thru the song "Jailbird." He's also the Him of She & Him.

Weezer - Pinkerton.
This album is amazing and would kick Blue's arse in a fight. Don't argue - just accept it.

**I'm tired of writing descriptions.**

Beulah - The Coast Is Never Clear.

Calexico - Carried To Dust.

The Decemberists - Castaways & Cutouts.
The Elected - Sun, Sun, Sun.
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes.
Jon Foreman - Season EPs.
Ben Kweller - Sha Sha.
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue.
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank.
The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema.
The Postal Service - Give Up.
Josh Ritter - Animal Years.
Rogue Wave - Descended Like Vultures.
Sea Wolf - Leaves In The River.
Sigur Ros - Takk...
Elliott Smith - Figure EIght.
The Snake The Cross The Crown - Cotton Teeth.
Spoon - Gimme Fiction.
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois.
The Thrills - Let's Bottle Bohemia.
Rocky Votolato - Makers.

The Walkmen - You + Me.

The Welcome Wagon - Welcome To The Welcome Wagon.
Denison Witmer - Are You A Dreamer?


If I go any further, I'll just number out all of the albums I own. What can I say, I love my music. Music is a huge part of my life. It feels so natural to express myself thru music more than any other way. I cherish the music I listen to: the lyrics, the music, the message. That is why I listen to the music I do, because it feels genuine - and not just for the sake of selling records. I've been inspired and have crafted my own voice by listening to what I do and I am thankful for it all.