Albums 70 thru 61

70. TV On The Radio – “Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes” The first thing I think of when I turn on this album and that first saxophone plays is The Stooges. The Stooges stretched what people called rock music by adding different types of music to their sound. Now am not saying TVOTR sounds anything like The Stooges, but in the same spirit they changed rock with this album. And only time will show how right I am.

Key Tracks – “Staring At The Sun”, “The Wrong Way” and “Dreams”




69. The Avett Brothers – “I And Love And You” The first time I saw this album cover I was a little creeped out. But then I heard a song on KEXP (probably one of the greatest radio stations to find new music... stream it on you computer you’ll understand.) I knew I had to buy their album. So the next time I went to Easy Street there was a used copy, so it was my lucky day. They’re produced by the amazing Rick Rubin, and their sound is southern indie rock.

Key Tracks – “I And Love And You”, “January Wedding” and “Kick Drum Heart”



68. Incubus – “Morning View” Another album from early senior year. Incubus is great because instead of being a rap-rock band, they stick to rocking and then give you a little taste of hip-hop without going crazy. If you have this album go to track 13. This is how I know artistic beautiful music is still being made. Who needs the 60’s? We have our own great time for music.

Key Tracks – “Wish You Were Here”, “Nice To Know You” and “Aqueous Transmission”




67. “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” This is one of only two soundtracks I have on the list. The only reason I put it on the list is because it feels more like a concept album rather than a traditional soundtrack with a gathering of many artists. When you listen to this album you feel like you are going back in time. If you never tasted the sweet sound of bluegrass, gospel or blue, this album is a great place to start.

Key Tracks – “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow”, “Down To The River To Pray” and “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”




66. Rilo Kiley – “Under The Blacklight” If you ever need to find an album you can play from beginning to end, this is the one. It felt like this album flew under the radar. The sound has a touch of country twang among an alternative rock sound.

Key Tracks – “Silver Lining”, “Close Call”, “15” and “Give A Little Love”

65. Erykah Badu – “New Amerykah: Part 1” This is a hip-hop soul masterpiece. Just listen to the track J-Dilla produced, “The Healer/Hip Hop”, and you will understand what I’m talking about. Erykah Badu is an amazing and unwilling to conform to the mainstream and thats what makes her so important to music.

Key Tracks – “The Healer/Hip Hop”, “Soldier” and “My People”





64. Dungen – “Ta Det Lugnt” These guys are from Sweden and best fit into “Psychedelic Rock”. But don’t let that scare you away. This album is a lot of fun. And none of it is in English.

Key Tracks – “Panda”, “Festival” and “Ta Det Lugnt”








63. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Stadium Arcadium” Who doesn’t like the Chili Peppers? You are lying if you say you don’t. I always say the Chili Peppers are our generations Rolling Stones. I got to see them live twice when they were touring this album. They performed the best stadium rock concert I’ve seen (I am swearing off any more stadium shows after being disappointed with seeing Pearl Jam at The Key). Live music is supposed to be interment.

Key Tracks – “Dani California”, “Snow (Hey Oh)” and “Slow Cheetah”



62. The Shins – “Oh, Inverted World” I will never forget the time I saw these guys live. It was in Baltimore and they where opening for The White Stripes. This ship I was stationed on was to be leaving the day of the show so I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to go, but it had engine problems and we had to stay another night so I was able to go. I had no ride, so I had to pay eighty dollars in taxi fees to get to the other side of Baltimore. I had no ticket, so I went to the sales counter and asked for one ticket and it was the third row. I was stoked to see two of my favorite bands and M. Ward was the first act as a bonus. The show was amazing.

Key Tracks – “Caring Is Creepy”, “New Slang” and “Know Your Onions”

61. Nas – “Untitled” To any true Nas fan this album will always be known as the “Ni**er” album because he was convinced to change the name before it was released. Regardless this is his most socially aware album, and his third best behind Illmatic and Stillmatic. “Hero” is one of those songs that will give you goosebumps- just listen to the lyrics.

Key Tracks – “Hero”, “Testify” and “Sly Fox”