RE: Listen to These Albums Before You Die (Or Else) -

This is a response to Ian's blog, Listen to These Albums Before You Die (Or Else). I'm really devoted to introducing interesting, and sometimes strange music to everyone I meet, on and off-line. The following albums are definite favorites of mine that, like the title states, everyone should listen to before they die (OR ELSE!).

Album: "Daydream Nation"
Artist: Sonic Youth
Genre(s): Experimental Rock (n' Roll), Alternative
Key Tracks: 'Teen Age Riot', 'Silver Rocket', 'Trilogy: The Wonder, Hyperstation, Eliminator Jr.'

With complete confidence and artistry, Sonic Youth penned the most amazing rock anthems on their 4th album, "Daydream Nation". While not being their most accessible album (this title would go to their 5th album, "Goo" ), "Daydream Nation" was beyond any work Sonic Youth had done previously. It takes the listener to other, more free-thought worlds with its perfect blend of noise-scapes, punk, experimentation, and pure rock n' roll.

Album: "Strawberry Jam"
Artist: Animal Collective
Genre(s): Experimental
Key Tracks: 'Peacebone', 'Chores', 'Fireworks', 'Cuckoo Cuckoo'

Animal Collective is the manifestation of insanity taken to a higher level. Their most recent album, "Strawberry Jam" is smothered with beautiful tunes that will staple to your mind and make you, that's right, insane (the good type of insanity!) The [Animal] Collective use shimmering samples, tribal drumming, noise and gorgeous vocal lines to create a sound so close and so far from psychedelic folk that you won't even know what you're listening to exactly. The album is definitely a tough listen for people new to experimental music, but don't take that as a bad thing! Be patient and let "Strawberry Jam" sweeten your soul.

Album: "Yellow House"
Artist: Grizzly Bear
Genre(s): Folk
Key Tracks: 'Lullabye', 'Knife', 'On a Neck, On a Spit'

Grizzly Bear are the modern Simon & Garfunkel; if Simon & Garfunkel decided to express their emotion with their music more than with their lyrics. Such a comparison might seem a little too much to a lot of people (especially huge huge fans of Simon & Garfunkel), but a simple sit down with "Yellow House' playing would explain everything. On "Yellow House" chords sparkle and voices intertwine perfectly with each other, at times to the point where strings and vocals become one. Unlike my previous selections, this album is a much easier listen thanks to it's delicate nature. Immerse yourself into the gentle sounds of Grizzly Bear.

Album: "Neveroddoreven"
Artist: I Monster
Genre(s): Electronic
Key Tracks: 'Daydream In Blue', 'Hey Mrs. (Glamour Puss Mix)', 'Heaven'

A quick listen of their single, Hey Mrs. (Glamour Puss Mix) explains the intelligence behind I Monster's music. At moments the music can come off as spooky and maybe even 'weird', but behind it all are catchy riffs that can please anyone that takes the time to listen. The album is essential to fans of Portishead and Massive Attack.

Album: "Loveless"
Artist: My Bloody Valentine
Genre(s): Shoegaze
Key Tracks: 'Only Shallow', 'Loomer', 'Soon'

The album is so critically acclaimed that anything I write about it would sound pretentious and absurd. All I can do is tell you what to do.

Step 1: Put aside an hour with no one around.
Step 2: Steal/buy/borrow this album.
Step 3: Upload it to your MP3 player.
Step 4: Blast it.

Just be ready to rock, dance, sing, hum, everything.