…according to the music geek pictured on the right.

I haven’t really discussed my love of music here. I am obsessed with music in the same way I am with books. I still buy CD’s (I find vinyl exciting, but also a physical burden once you reach a certain number). My office is full of CD’s. My iTouch (the 64mb vesion) has 30mb free. I have close to 200gb of music on my desktop hard drives (the computer I’m typing  this post on). I participate on the fantastic website Rate Your Music, where you can see ranking charts for “All Time” and each specific year. The albums are rated by those who register with the site, where much hilarity and discussion ensues.

When I write fiction (or anything, really) I’m listening to music. I have specific iTunes playlists for novels. The opening chords to a song can put me into the mindset I need to be in, even more so than green tea or chocolate.

Please note that this list is simply what I’ve been listening to the most the past several years. It can change at any time, for a variety of reasons. However, many of the same players will be in any list I produce. A list stretching beyond fifty albums would surely have a Stooges album, a Stones album or two, and a Zeppelin album or two. The Rate Your Music ranking is for “all time” unless noted otherwise (such as “Album X was ranked #50 for 2011”). Also, you’ll find repeat artists on the list. There are three kinds of list-making realms a music nerd can fall into. The first kind is the “IYF” list (Impress Your Friends). You’ll find a lot of obscure items thrown in that the list maker probably never listens to. The second kind is the Canon List, one that mirrors Rolling Stone or some of the modern online magazines. The third kind is the Honest List. I hope that’s what this is.

Rather than bloviate about how awesome each record is, I’ll allow for only a sentence or two. After all describing music endlessly is pointless when you can just listen to it. It’s like exiting the grocery store and having a stranger ask if he can take your quarter and purchase that shiny orange gumball for you. Why do you need a guy between you and the gumball machine?

50. In Rainbows – Radiohead (#71 at RYM) 2007

A fine mix of intriguing sonics and emotional resonance. A welcome return to form.

49. Sebastopol – Jay Farrar (#703 for 2001 at RYM)

I’m sure a few will give me shit for choosing this over Trace, which many consider Son Volt’s masterpiece. True, Trace is quite good. But I prefer the spryness of Sebastopol to Trace’s occasional sluggishness. And even better, Steven Drozd and Gillian Welch are on board, too.

48. Espers II – Espers (#124 for 2006 at RYM)

I imagine this is what it sounds like to listen in on a deep woods witch society as they gather around the bonfire. At first I wasn’t going to include Espers II in the top fifty. Then I realized I I often select this piece for the reading-to-sleep transition. If that doesn’t sound like a compliment, it is.

47. Songs III Bird on the Water – Marissa Nadler (#129 for 2007 at RYM)

“Diamond Heart” might be the best ballad of the 2k’s. Those looking for acoustic singer/songwriter with an edge of darkness will do well to check out Marissa.

46. Kid A – Radiohead (#8 at RYM) 2000

I was in line at the record store the day this came out. I don’t listen to it as much as I used to, but it’s still a beautiful alien.

45. Sea Change – Beck (#1304 at RYM) 2002

Beck’s chill-out album. He never sounded better. “The Golden Age” is the grandest of road trip songs.

44. Merriweather Post Pavilion – Animal Collective (#715 at RYM) 2009

Animal Collective has always reminded me of a cross between Barrett era Pink Floyd and the Beach Boys. when you think about it, that’s an intriguing combination. They don’t disappoint on Pavilion. You have to respect the unique sound they created for themselves. Much like the better art rock bands, you always know when you are listening to Animal Collective. Try that with your local pop station and let me know how it works out for you.

43. Ragged Wood – Fleet Foxes (#1107 at RYM)

A few summers back I had the pleasure of camping in the Gallatin National Forest, right in the middle of two million acres. I fell asleep on the banks of a blue ribbon trout stream, birdsong soft in my ear. I woke up sunburned and thirsty. I did not think about who I was or what particular set of problems I had to face that day.

42. Paranoid– Black Sabbath (#17 at RYM) 1970

The start of heavy metal and still the best example. The soundtrack for the last of the heshers. And that’s cool. We need them to balance out the corporate tentacles that have slimed our society since the 80’s.

41. My Own Jo Ellen – Mark Olson (#956 for 2000 at RYM)

Mark Olson, co-founder of the Jayhawks left the band in 1995 for the California desert. Somewhere along the way, he churned out this wonderfully off-kilter rumination. At the time, Jo Ellen was quite the contrast with the slick, go-for-it sounds of the post-Olson Jayhawks.

40. Days of Future Passed – The Moody Blues (#1443 at RYM) 1967

One of the first concept albums and perhaps the start of art rock. “Nights in White Satin” closes out the album with elegance. This record struck home with me several years ago while driving across Glacier National Park. It hasn’t lost my attention since.

39. Christina Vantzou – No. 1 (#887 for 2011 at RYM)

I found No. 1 while searching Bandcamp. Then I listened to the piece obsessively while crafting Prairie’s Lament (currently with my agent). Ambient modern classical with an uplifting nougat goodness.

38. A Winged Victory for the Sullen – A Winged Victory for the Sullen (#32 for 2011 at RYM)

A delicate, heartwarming modern classical work. While there’s not a ton going on here, the parts in play are expertly taken away, returned, and taken away again. The album releases the listener gently with  “All Farewells are Sudden”.

37. To Be Still – Alela Diane (#581 for 2009 at RYM).

Alela comes from the same gold rush country as Joanna Newsom, although the similarities stop there. “To Be Still” and “Take Us Back” will have you daydreaming.

36. The Courage of Others – Midlake (#421 for 2010 at RYM)

Crafted as if from another time, when in order to travel you either needed a good pair of boots or a good pair of shoes for your horse. The record immediately takes me to a different place. “Fortune” is haunting.

35. Transmissions From the Satellite Heart – The Flaming Lips (#3022 at RYM) 1993

In your face. The jarring guitar intro on “Slow Nerve Action” might be the greatest moment in 90’s rock.

34. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming – M83 (#113 for 2011 at RYM)

Dreaming was impossible to wrap my head around for months. When I finally was able to digest each track, it was clear Gonzalez produced another masterpiece. “Midnight City” is the anthem of the decade. There’s a lot to chew on here for your music money.

33. If You’re Feeling Sinister – Belle and Sebastian (#110 at RYM) 1996

A lot of the twee indie championed by online music magazines since the 90’s has not held up. If You’re Feeling Sinister is not one of those. If you’re not convinced after hearing “Stars of Track and Field”,  it may be lost on you.

32. You Are There – Mono (#4918 at RYM) 2006

There are many, many post-rock bands out there. But Mono understands that less is often more, that the silence between notes is often as important as the note you choose.

31. Tomorrow the Green Grass – The Jayhawks (#1112 at RYM) 1995

The Jayhawks do it again. The songwriting quality here is impeachable, the harmonies completely original. Choosing between this and Hollywood Town Hall is always tough, but Hollywood usually gets the nod due to a bit more cohesiveness. “I’d Run Away” is goose bump-inducing.

30. The Felice Brothers – The Felice Brothers (#109 for 2008 at RYM)

A certain joy exists in the Felice Brother’s rambling self-titled. Sure, we may all die, but our skeleton’s will be smiling.

29. Southern Rock Opera – The Drive By Truckers  (#3513 at RYM) 2001

A monster southern rock double album. The Drive By Truckers are the most consistent rock band of the last fifteen years.  You know you’re in for a treat with the striking opening chords to “Days of Graduation”.

28. At San Quentin – Johnny Cash (#191 all time at RYM) 1969

I know many prefer At Folsom Prison, but the setlist and performance are superior here.

27. Admiral Fell Promises – Sun Kil Moon (#197 for 2010 at RYM)

It took awhile for Admiral Fell Promises grow on me. The trick? Playing it while camping across California, especially Northern California. I think, above all else, this album is the sound of NorCal.

26. Ys – Joanna Newsom (#408 at RYM) 2006

Cosmic, wistful folk. Popular music is often phony, with standard (or sub-standard) performances over weary arrangements. This is none of those things. Those who enjoy solid lyrical imagery will like this, too. The intricate harp playing is a bonus.

25. Animals – Pink Floyd (#32 at RYM) 1977

Of all the great rock bands of the 60’s and 70’s, Pink Floyd’s material has aged the best (other than the Beatles). I can’t quite pin it down, but it’s a certain oh-wow production combined with a band that  truly knew what it was doing with every aspect of being a rock artist, from artwork to live show to listening experience. And with 5 albums in the top 100 all time, the posters at Rate Your Music seem to agree.

24. Memoryhouse – Max Richter (#2112 at RYM) 2002

Wonderful post-minimalism. I’m not sure if this is a concept record or not, but there seems to be a thread. “November” is stunning. I feel like I need to strap myself in with a seatbelt when I start this one. The ominous opening whispers might have something to do with it.

23. Time (The Revelator) – Gillian Welch (#1629  at RYM) 2001

Whatever Gillian was eating/drinking/doing when she created this, I’d like to have, too. Perhaps the best distillation of romantic and hopeless rural America outside of the Jayhawk’s Hollywood Town Hall.

22. It’s a Wonderful Life – Sparklehorse (#2561 at RYM) 2001

Mark Linkous broke my heart on record, and in his final act. I hope he’s in a place where dogs eat birthday cakes. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is the sweetest lullaby.

21. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – Ennio Moriconne (#147 at RYM) 1966

The greatest soundtrack ever for the greatest film ever. The world received an incredible treat when Ennio and Sergio Leone teamed up for this work of art.

20. Blood on the Tracks – Bob Dylan (#30 at RYM) 1975

The best ballads by the best balladeer. I’m hard pressed to come up with a more talented solo artist than Bob Dylan. I’ve heard people slag “Lily Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts”, but it’s my favorite song here, especially after too much green tea.

19. The Sophtware Slump – Grandaddy (#2036 at RYM) 2000

The first time I ever heard Grandaddy was on the Sound Opinions radio show (I believe it was on 93.1 WXRT at the time). The hosts (Jim DeroGatis and Greg Kotz) had played “The Crystal Lake”. It was love at first listen.

18. Townes Van Zandt – Townes Van Zandt (#303 at RYM) 1969

Another masterpiece from the great Townes Van Zandt, released the same year as the majestic Our Mother the Mountain, but with slighter production. Either way, the imagery and melodies are all over this record. If at first you don’t quite get it, keep trying. Townes was a sly songwriter, much more subtle than Young and Dylan. “Don’t Take it Too Bad” and “Quicksilver Daydreams of Maria” will have your mouth agape.

17. Blonde on Blonde – Bob Dylan (#24 at RYM) 1966

“Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” is my favorite Dylan song, and the perfect way to close out this masterpiece.

16. Meddle – Pink Floyd (#89 at RYM) 1971

I could put six Pink Floyd albums in this list, but I wont, lol. Meddle might be their best. No grand concepts here, just experimental song craft with astonishing production. The trip record. “Echoes” might be the best thing anyone has ever done. And I do mean everyone.

15. The Beatles – The Beatles (#22 at RYM) 1968

“Rocky Racoon” is probably my favorite Beatles song. I love that The Beatles has flaws. People often rip double albums for “filler”, but I’ve always considered that a weak argument. Double albums are about adventure. And you can’t have adventure without quirkiness, flaws, or a bit of pretentiousness.

14. The Soft Bulletin – The Flaming Lips (#105 at RYM) 1999

The Soft Bulletin is all that is possible, and all that ever will be. Thanks to Jim Derogatis and his radio show “Sound Opinions” for turning me onto this one with “Waiting for a Superman”. But the truth is, I didn’t care for the album at first. I found it kooky and  too colorful. It was only a year later that I played the disc and was blown away by those unique attributes. They were precisely what I needed in my collection.

13. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (#2 at RYM) 1974

There’s not much one can say about this record that hasn’t already been said.

12. And Their Refinement of the Decline – Stars of the Lid (#1586 at RYM) 2007

Stars of the Lid figured out what Anthony Gonzalez of M83 did. It’s all about texture and tone. Ambient/electronica doesn’t need to sound like mic’ed toaster circuitry. These are not merely songs, but unique states of mind. You can almost feel your thoughts shifting with the textures like tectonic plates.

11. Time Out of Mind – Bob Dylan (#1070 at RYM) 1997

The return of Bob Dylan. His best since Blood on the Tracks.  I’ve heard people say “I don’t like his voice on this!” That’s their right, of course. But vocal perfection has no relevance to the truly great records. And often, it is the idiosyncrasies that make the vocals. Fortunately, this isn’t American Idol, or a sporting event where everyone over-sings to the point that it’s not so much art as flatulence.

10. In the Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson (#7 at RYM) 1967

Sung and played by a wizard atop a volcanic mountain while thunderstorms surge, recede, and surge again. It’s hard to believe this was made in 1967. “Epitaph” is the kind of song you want when testing out your new stereo system.

09. The Dirty South – The Drive By Truckers (#3031 at RYM) 2004

The most intelligent and consistent southern rock band of all time. This is the music that should be played on the embarrassing country radio stations that curse the U.S. airwaves. In fact, I should start a petition. On September 1, 2014, every  nu-country radio station across the country should play “Where the Devil Don’t Stay” for 24 hours.

08. The Trials of Van Occupanther – Midlake (#86 for 2006 at RYM)

The songwriting here is exceptional. If you’re not humming the melody to “Van Occupanther” or the McCartney-esque “Branches”, you may not have  a soul.

07. Hollywood Town Hall – The Jayhawks (#2009 at RYM) 1992

Fuzz pedals, half-filled ashtrays, and the slow sag of vacated rural homes. Hollywood Town Hall is the greatest musical distillation of fading rural America, and our very youth. “Nevada California” is perhaps the finest alternative country song I’ve had the pleasure to hear.

06. Sumday – Grandaddy (#281 for 2003 at RYM) 2003

You first car pieced back together with duct tape, analog synthesizers, and tape decks. I could’ve had The Sophtware Slump here, but Sumday has aged a bit better, I think. The last few songs on Sumday are devastating.

05. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots – The Flaming Lips (#317 at RYM) 2002

I first heard Yoshimi while driving a winding road into the heart of the Gallatin National Forest. Lupine and glacier lily bloomed in meadows. Birds zipped across the road as pronghorn pranced on the slopes. It took me forty-seven minutes to get to the campground, which is just about the 47:52 run time of the album. I remember pulling into the campground, jaw slack, listening to the quiet, mind shattered.

04. Our Mother the Mountain – Townes Van Zandt (#358 at RYM) 1969

I wonder what Townes would think about the market-meeting nu-country on the radio these days. We can all help push back that horror by listening to this graceful piece of work. There’s an otherworldly quality to Our Mother the Mountain. Some have complained that it’s overproduced, that the ultimate Townes record is Live at the Old Quarter. I’d disagree. Mountain exudes a weird-western feel. I’ve not heard that before in music save for some of Lee Hazelwood’s work (“Some Velvet Morning”).

03. Abbey Road – The Beatles (#5 at RYM) 1969

A final triumph. All of the Beatles have worthwhile contributions here, making Abbey Road the signature Beatles album. If I had to pick one track, it would have to be “Golden Slumbers”.

02. Dead Cities, Red Seas, and Lost Ghosts – M83 (#4068 at RYM) 2004

Apparently Anthony Gonzalez is one of the few electronic artists to figure out synth music doesn’t have to be cold and sterile. I love the organicism on Dead Cities, Red Seas, and Lost Ghosts. Although his newer records have received more favorable reviews, I find Dead Cities to be the best example of the M83 sound.

01. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd (#4 at RYM) 1975

Record exec: What’s that you say? You’re going to follow Dark Side of the Moon with an album that doesn’t have a song under five minutes? And two of the songs are well over ten minutes? Are you crazy? What about the radio? We need to play as a team here, guys.

Pink Floyd: Fuck off.