Update: I posted this originally to the MS social listserv, but I thought it would be good for the blog too. Ignore the moving boxes part, it’s another story

Alright, I’m out of moving boxes, so here we go, top 5 albums of all time (inspired by High Fidelity of course, if you haven’t seen it, do it), and just for fun, I’ll list a bit as to why

1. Abbey Road, The Beatles

   

   The meaning of life, in the last track, of the last album, of the best band in the history of music. And it has the only Ringo drum solo. And a genius album cover, if you never knew this, the album cover is a funeral procession: John is in front, he’s the angel, Ringo behind him is the priest, Paul is the deceased (“Paul is dead”, remember?), and George is the gravedigger.

2. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Neutral Milk Hotel

   

   This album is about Anne Frank (kind of), which sounds like a pretty boring topic, but the music is amazing – the horns coming in on Holland, 1945 get me every time, and the last second of the album where you hear him get up and put away the guitar is absolutely perfect.

3. The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan

   

   All of Dylan’s early records are good, but this is my favourite to listen to – the line “All you five and 10 cent women with nothin’ in your heads, I’ve got a real gal I’m lovin’, and lord I’ll love her ‘till I’m dead. Go away from my door, and my window too, right now” is such an awesome indictment of the frivolous lifestyles that society and advertising says women should be like back then, but still is appreciative of those who step up above it, all while still fitting the language and simplicity of folk music. This is why Bob Dylan is important.

4. OK Computer, Radiohead

   

   Radiohead’s most accessible album, but still has the themes of the band – Exit Music (for a film) is the perfect summary to Romeo & Juliet (it was written for the movie adaptation) and one of the best songs on the album

5. Emergency and I, The Dismemberment Plan

   

   This band made two really good albums then disappeared – this is their earlier one. The music on this album is really interesting, lots of electronic sounds backed by guitars and a drummer who is amazing, and the lyrics relate to a 20-something who has no idea what he’s doing, but in a strange way

6. Grace, Jeff Buckley (I know I said five, but too bad)

   

   This album is flawless. ignore the visual part of the movie and just listen to the sound. Buckley is an awesome guitarist and a hell of a singer.