All The Lonely People

So I know there are at least two people who are reading this countdown. And both of them have musical tastes I respect. This list will let them both down. They will both want a list full of quirky indie picks - but I'll tell you right now this list has no TV on the Radio, no Arcade Fire, no Fleet Foxes, no Sigur Ros. In fact, this list will only a small handful of CDs in the years since I lived with those two guys back in '97. Why? Its not that I dont like those bands (although for the most part, I dont), it is that I simply dont listen to as much music as I used to. I bought one CD this year (Death Cab For Cutie) - back in the day, I was buying 20 a year, and listening to a lot more. So the list is dominated by 1988 - 1997, the years between high school and getting a job, with some old classics that still hold up thrown in.

And Trevor, deep in your heart, I know you would rather hear Back in Black than Joanna Newsom. It's just gotta be true.

With that, I'll make a boring choice at #46 - Revolver: The Beatles. It's my favorite Beatles album - does anyone else out there think Sgt. Pepper is overrated?.

She Kept Her Motor Clean

#47 Back in Black: AC/DC. I always knew this album rocked. It certainly lit up every Sweet 16 and Bar Mitzvah I went to back in the day. But it wasnt until later in life that I realized this was the first album after their former lead singer overdosed. Oh, I get it! Back in Black! They're mourning, but they still kick butt. The guy dies, they go out and find someone who sounds just like him (but even more so), and bust out one of the greatest rock CDs ever. Nice job.

The True Meaning

#48 A Charlie Brown Christmas: Vince Guaraldi. I know, you hear it non-stop in the malls, and it drives you nuts. But nonetheless, it is beautiful music from a talented but unknown jazz musician who hit the big time when Charles Shulz decided to have him make the soundtrack to the best Christmas show of all time. Check out Vince's other stuff, espicially his trio.

Turnpikes and Jughandles

#49 - Garden State Soundtrack. How cool is Zack Braff? Almost makes me proud to live in New Jersey. Anyway, this movie was a little gem, and had a great soundtrack. I like when the soundtrack is actually a relevant part of the movie, and this movie turned me onto the Shins when Natalie Portman described it as music that will change your life. Well, not exactly, but this is an album with a mood, and I like that. Plus there is a song by the guy who used to sing for Men At Work (you know - Who Can It Be Now and Down Under). How cool is that?

Why Can't I Get Just One

#50: Violent Femmes/Violent Femmes. This CD gave a voice to my angst. It was one of the first things I heard when I got to college that made me think - hey, there is more to life than classic rock! Not a great overall CD, but some absolutely classic tunes: Blister in the Sun, Add it Up, Gimme the Car, Kiss Off, and the song with the best xylophone solo of all time: Gone Daddy Gone.

It's all about me

Is there anything more self indulgent than a blog? Hey, look at me! What I say is important! Interestingly, some of the least self indulgent folks have the most interesting blogs. My ex-housemates, two very humble guys, both have blogs that spout braggadocio but underneath it all show a sweet tenderness and respect for humanity. Go figure.

So yes, there is something more self-indugent than a blog, and that is a Best-Of List. Hey, here is my opinion! And you should care! I'll tell you what is worthwhile, not that other stuff! And so, in the spirit of blogs and self-indulgence, I will blog about my Top 50 albums of all time. And, to make it even more maudlin, I will start with number 50 and only release one album every few days, just to generate suspense.

So stay tuned.....I'm sure you cannot wait!