Music: Top 10 Favorite Albums (Part 1)

10. “American IV: The Man Comes Around” — Johnny Cash (2002)

“The Man Comes Around” was the Man in Black’s last studio album before his death in 2003. The amount of emotion in this album has always been amazing to me. The album is a compilation of remixes of Cash originals and covers of famous songs from bands such as The Beatles, Depeche Mode, and Nine Inch Nails

Favorite track: “The Man Comes Around”

– You might recognize this song from the remarkable opening sequence of the 2004 remake of “The Dawn of the Dead”. Full of biblical references about the end of the world, this song never fails to give me chills. Here it is:

9. “War Elephant” — Deer Tick (2007)

Ever since I first heard Deer Tick’s music, I was hooked; the music was so unique. It is hard to pin down exactly what genre they even belong to with styles ranging from folk, country, and rock coming to mind. Lead singer John McCauley’s voice is one I will never get sick of.

Fun Fact: McCauley got the idea for the name “Deer Tick” when he found a deer tick attached to him hiking in Monroe-Morgan State Forest, near my neck of the woods in Bloomington, Indiana.

Favorite Track: “Baltimore Blues, №1”

– This song epitomizes the greatness of the entire album. McCauley’s voice really shines through. If I was to forced to listen to a song on repeat for eternity on a desert island, this song would be in the running (pardon the hyperbole).

8. “The White Album” — The Beatles (1968)

No favorite album list should be without at least one Beatles offering. “The White Album” was recorded after visiting India and learning Transcendental Meditation from spiritual guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The difference in musical style in this album compared to The Beatles’ earlier work is mind-blowing.

Favorite Track: “Blackbird”

– “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is the definitive song of this album, but my favorite has always been the low-key “Blackbird”. Written to symbolize the racial tensions of the late 60s, it showcases McCartney’s voice with tremendous effectiveness.

7. “Any Time Now” — O.A.R. (2002)

“Any Time Now” is a live album that was performed at the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. and contains a sampling of songs from the band’s first three studio albums. This album always reminds me of the summers I spent working on Chambers Island in Door County, Wisconsin during high school and the first year of college. Listening to this CD brings back memories of campfires on the beach, long nights hanging out in the Johnson cabin screen porch and that lonesome feeling of heading back to school after another amazing summer.

Favorite Track: “Black Rock”

– This is one of those songs that I can’t listen to and not smile. For some reason, this song will always have an emotional effect on me. I love songs that immediately bring you back to certain periods in your life and the idea that every person has a different song that does the same thing for them.

5. “Rockin’ the Suburbs” — Ben Folds (2001)

I have been a huge Ben Folds fan since my now fiancé introduced his music to me in high school. My admiration for his incredible talent further increased when I saw him perform live at the Overture Center in Madison, WI in the Fall of 2009. This album has a great mix of fast-paced, uplifting songs and slower, contemplative ballads. Great album for any low-key gathering.

Fun Fact: Folds performs the vocals, piano, drums and the guitar for most of his work. The layers are then combined post-production.

Favorite Track: “The Ascent of Stan”

• The opening piano riff in this song is to die for. I am a sucker for great piano music, so this piece really hits the sweet spot. The piano combined with Folds’s great vocals about the drawbacks being at the top really make this song stand out.

My favorite albums #1–5 will be out soon. Stay tuned at Culture Glaze.