10 Random Albums I Happen To Love

1. Ryan Adams, Easy Tiger

Standout tracks: “Two”, “Everybody Knows”

My roommate’s girlfriend can’t stand Ryan Adams, but she always adds a touch of class when she sings her version of the chorus at the top of her lungs: “It takes two when it used to take duuuuuumps!”

2. Air, Talkie Walkie

Standout tracks: “Run”, “Universal Traveler”

One of the great stoner albums of our time. Producer Nigel Godrich is a master at creating soundscapes so vivid you can almost reach out and touch them (see Beck’s Sea Change, every Radiohead album).

3. Badly Drawn Boy, About A Boy, Original Soundtrack

Standout tracks: “Something To Talk About”, “Silent Sigh”

A gloriously fun listen, this is one of my all-time favorite pop records. Great movie, too. And while we’re on the subject, Nick Hornby’s one of my favorite writers, even though I can’t stand top 10 lists.

4. A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, 1996 Broadway Cast

Standout tracks: “Everybody Ought To Have A Maid”, “Comedy Tonight”

I saw a tiny community theatre production of this in South Florida and immediately fell in love with the material. I had to go back to see it again during its two-week run, and even though I was one of 4 people in the audience, I was laughing my ass off. One of Sondheim’s liveliest scores, this recording features Nathan Lane hamming it up in the starring role.

5. David Gray, Life In Slow Motion

Standout tracks: “The One I Love”, “Slow Motion”

In my dreams I get to work with producer Marius de Vries, mastermind behind the beautiful orchestral arrangements heard here and on albums like Rufus Wainwright’s Want One and Björk’s Debut.

6. The Hives, The Black And White Album

Standout tracks: “Try It Again”, “Won’t Be Long”

I saw these guys open for Maroon 5 without knowing a song, and by the time they finished their half hour set, I was a believer. Their cocky/funny shtick is a riot, and their hard rock rips off Iggy Pop in the best way. I’ve always wondered how guys like Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist can scream all night long and still sing the next day.

7. Billy Joel, River of Dreams

Standout tracks: “A Minor Variation”, “Two Thousand Years”

Here your favorite neighborhood Piano Man gets pissed off about his manager fucking him out of 90 million dollars and churns out his most up-tempo tracks to date. The B-sides from this album are my most coveted surprise setlisters at his concerts.

8. Elliott Smith, XO

Standout tracks: “Tomorrow Tomorrow”, “Bottle Up And Explode!”

I suffered from a hardcore sophomore slump my second year at Stanford, and for about 3 months Elliott Smith was the only artist that seemed appropriate to listen to. Depressing as hell, but nothing else sounds so beautiful when you feel like shit.

9. Talking Heads, Stop Making Sense

Standout tracks: “What A Day That Was”, “This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody)”

Jonathan Demme’s groundbreaking concert film—best ever made?—showcases the manic stage antics of David Byrne, one of rock’s original weirdos. On early studio albums we get Talking Heads the experimental art-school punks, but here we get Talking Heads the rousing funk party band. A big thank you to my roommate Kenton for bringing out my inner Psycho Killer.

10. Ben Folds Five, Self-Titled

Standout tracks: “Philosophy”, “Underground”

Most people know Ben Folds Five from the radio hit “Brick” off their second album, but I prefer the attitude and gleeful pop sensibilities of their first record. Totally original and smarmy as hell.