Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - Cold Roses
What I've declared, up until this point, to be my favorite album of all time. My first RA album. While I love Casal and Spacewolf (rip), this lineup was wonderful. J.P. Bowersock created what are easily my favorite guitar tones on any album and, I must admit, I dug Ms. Cashdollar's tone above that of the Cardinals' own Jon Graboff. The mix sounds incredibly natural and all aspects of the recording are very organic. Cannot recommend it highly enough.
The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Ocean and the Sun
I understand the general consensus about this album is that it was below par compared to the other albums. I believe that while it does sound completely different from Tiger and the Duke, it was, in fact, a step above the others. From beginning to end, this album screams musical genius. The Lynx made it for me -- perhaps to usurp Jon Theodore's position as god?? I'm sure every groove on the album has been stuck in my head for at least one week each. Invest an hour or two to sit and listen to this masterpiece all the way through and you will be generously rewarded.
The Mars Volta - De-loused in the Comatorium
This year, I listened to the Mars Volta almost everyday. Putting my favorite TMV work on here is simply to represent their whole discography. Jon Theodore is absolutely incredible on this album and while I would not be so bold to say TMV should bring him back, I would love to see him play with them again. How refreshing to see passion in music. Ultimately, the introduction to my revelation.
BT - This Binary Universe
Lets just get this straight: I loathe everything else I have heard from him. If this album doesn't give levity to the word "exception", I don't know what does. This album absolutely blew my mind. The kind of things he does, how he glitches samples, how drops a beat so hard on something that is relaxed and chill only to completely enforce the mood -- its simply incredible. The animations are a whole different story. A wonderful work of art in which "even the [DVD] menu shows such attention to detail."
Sonic Youth - Dirty
So. Punk. Rock. Sonic Youth has been an incredible influence in my playing. How such massive soundscapes were created by such limited means. It's inspired every single one of my instrumental creations/tangents. Again, this just represents their whole library.
The Nels Cline Singers - The Giant Pin
Basically, everything Nels Cline touches is gold. Even things that are relatively average, he finds a way to make admirable (ahem, wilco). These instrumentals are the best I've ever heard: all feature unbelievable dynamic, crazy musical talent, and amazing production. Everything is recorded in one small room with all of them playing together. Mind you, most of these songs are no shorter than 7 min. long. Try nailing that in 1-2 takes.
The Chariot - The Fiancée
The album that put the nail in the coffin. The Chariot live was incredible and I was dying for some more after I got home. The Wolf just makes everything better, I'd imagine. Great songs, beginning to end. Words aren't exactly working for me at the moment -- especially to describe how awesome the Chariot is. Go buy the album!
Alright. Thats what I've got for now. There were so many other albums that have influenced me greatly, I'm sure I left out something vital. Alas, I feel this accurately represents where I've been heading as a musician.
