Finally, a non-bootleg live recording from the White Stripes. Some bootlegs out there are good quality, but this is crystal clear and works like a best-of compilation as well. A great listen, bursting with Jack White's expected fervor and electricity.

This is likely my favorite Ryan Adams recording (along with his Suicide Handbook sessions). Simple and catchy with good lyrics and melodies. Many lovely moments.

This is a really fun album for singing along with on a long drive with the windows down. Or for smashing guitars. Or for working. Anything, really.

Also, overflowing with references. Example: "The Right Profile" is about Montgomery Clift.

This is a much different sound than her previous two albums. Perhaps the same level of instrumentation as Ys, but more subtly arranged; it feels more organic. Two solid hours of Newsom may sound daunting (and it can be), but I find it well worth the effort and concentration. Truly demonstrates she's in a class of her own.

A monumental triple album, each disc thematically mapping to morning, day and night. Growing on me with each subsequent listen.

Closely followed the equally fantastic Face to Face. The Kinks had a great streak of superb albums and this was one of the best. So many classic tunes; home to many of their most popular hits.

Maybe the catchiest Kinks album (no small feat); part of their golden period - late 60s to early 70s. One of their best.

Sandwiched between the explosive self-titled debut and the masterful London Calling, it'd be easy to overlook this gem. However, that would be a shame; it's a perfect display of their progression as well as just great music that'll make you want to burn down the town.

Unfortunately, this is the closest I'll get to hearing The Clash live. Fortunately, it's an incredible recording that captures their trademark vitality and fervor. Great, great stuff.

Ambitious and sprawling. 36 tracks with various vocalists, exploring several genres at once, and enough of the usual Clash sound. Definitely worthy listening.

This gets a bad rap as being The Clash's "sell-out" record, but despite some of the songs' popularity, I don't see why. It's just as musically diverse and enjoyable a listen (even if not quite as great) as some of their earlier stuff.

An interesting mix of acoustic melancholy and epic rockers, all with a strong focus on the guitar. Essentially a Mark Kozelek solo album, there's a lot to like. Cohesive.

Pleasant surprise that there was more than American V (which I could've sworn was then touted as the last recordings). These are no throwaways though. Strong stuff, emotionally potent and stripped down musically. As if you needed more reason to listen than Cash himself.

Didn't expect much from this album, but it pleasantly surprised. The intro is a great track and a prime example of what appeals about the band: catchy beats, minimal arrangements and hints at the breathy vocals. A solid, consistent album. Not sure it will stand the test of time for me, but that's alright.

Woefully neglected album by the man, Marvin.

Playing most instruments himself, Elliott shows he is not just another flash-in-the-pan, lo-fi wonderboy. An enduring work. See beyond the melancholy.

Lush, airy album. Seems to have benefited greatly from Chris Coady as producer. Guessing it will hold up well to repeat listens.

Excellent, fluid album from Lou Reed that features his classic tune "Walk on the Wild Side". Though not as ambitious as Berlin, this is a very strong, deceptively simple album.

A lot of great stuff here. His voice turns a lot of people away, but stick around and give it a try. The music and lyrics are strong.

Full of what would become Elliott standards (material others cover). Not a huge leap forward from his self-titled, but a transition to XO.

The range of this album is incredible. Regardless of whether or not he was finished, it illustrates his growth, and the now lost potential.

Not sure I would agree with all the best-of-the-decade declarations, but this did get a lot of playing time from me.

An impressive debut. Obvious comparisons to Elvis Costello are to be expected, but also only focus on the surface. A very diverse sound.

After seeing 'Once', I was hooked into at least giving their albums a listen. Glad I did. This newest is a step forward musically/lyrically. The deluxe edition is particularly worth it for all of the live versions of songs from the movie.

Don't know why I've stayed away from Cat Stevens for so long, but this album is quickly changing that. Great stuff, especially the Deluxe Edition with the extra disc of live versions.

As the title implies, listening to this is a spiritual experience.

This is strong for many reasons, one of which being that it is their most consistent album I've heard. Unified in its quiet, rhythmic style.

A good compilation and entry point for the casual fan, but not sure how you can resist getting their entire discography (especially seeing as how easily available it now is).

Can listen to this front-to-back on repeat. Great to walk around with. Such vitality and force.

A great debut album with a little bit of something for everyone. I love the multi-instrumentation and layers.

As far as electronic pop goes (not far in my opinion), this is pretty good stuff. Only an EP though, so we'll see how a feature length from them holds up.

The wacky beginning of it all. Still sounds fresh today, or maybe it is impossible to get stale when it is so out there.

More understated than Pet Sounds, but just as lush and layered in parts. A consistent, melodic album. Stands up well to repeat listenings.

The beginning of the clean, concise sound they would develop further on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. If you like one, you'll like the other.

If I were forced to own one album of Christmas songs, this would certainly be it. No one can bring the same bizarre, metamorphic influence these classics demand. A lot of fun to hear.

Do. It. Yourself. Further proof from Ounsworth to just get out there and pave the way. Different from CYHSY or his solo effort; still good.

Debut from Ounsworth, lead of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. This album is much more diverse and interesting music-wise than CYHSY but with the familiar howling vocalist (which I like).

Great album. Gave it a few listens and it continues to grow on me the more I hear it.

Interesting shift from Diary (due to a few factors), but still just as strong and enjoyable.

Incredible mish-mash collection of Beatles singles over the years. Lots of hidden gems, plus a few German tunes.