An Exercise in Self

So, I gave this SHaRTicle a much fancier title than it deserves, seeing as how this is simply a Top 5 Favorite Music Albums list. The title is truer than it is fancy, however, because I really do believe that it is quite an exercise in understanding your tastes when you attempt to compile a list of your favorites. It's more difficult than you might realize. Cuts are made that you just can't stand. In this case I had to cut some music that I listen to incessantly, such as Led Zeppelin and The Who, because, on an individual album basis, it was either too difficult to choose between selections or just not worth all of the tears and convulsions. So, they were cut completely.

Also, most songs on these albums would not make my top song lists. However, due to the way in which they cooperate with each other in a clear, concise, and joyous way on each respective album, I view the albums as masterpieces.

So, here goes:

Number 1:

Eat a Peach - The Allman Brothers Band

From the opening piano on Ain't Wastin' Time No More to the closing string harmonics on Little Martha, this album is a fantastic journey of aural satisfaction. Greg Allman's voice has never been better, quietly crooning on Melissa and wailing out in ways that the microphone can't handle on Ain't Wastin' Time No More. The rest of the band is brilliant throughout, from the tight arrangement of Stand Back to the meandering instrumentals of Les Brers in A Minor. Mountain Jam, the 33-minute opus that fills the middle of the album, and Blue Sky highlight Duane Allman and Dickey Betts' guitar chops, with quietly melodic and soaring solos. An incredible album of jazz, southern rock, and folk.

Number 2

Nia - Blackalicious

I came across this album because of an EA Sports Boxing video game. Emcee Gift of Gab and DJ Chief Xcel both shine on this album of groovy instrumentals and imaginative lyrics. Gift of Gab shines with blazing speed and hypnotic rhymes, while Chief Xcel finds just the right mix of old school, new school, and funk. This album was straight up rocking my Cutlass Ciera in high school, my Thunderbird in college, and now my Focus. The right mix of swagger and consciousness are boiled down to perfection. Best tracks: Fabulous Ones, Deception, If I May, Dream Seasons, but every track is phenomenal.

Number 3

Blinking Lights and Other Revelations - Eels

This double album is for those of us who are loved, lonely, joyous, sad, enamored, depressed, introspective, extroverted, quiet, loud, male, female, human, and otherwise. An array of home-brewed tracks by E that are infused with personality and honest lyrics. Fantastic album, with a few songs that I consider missteps. Not enough to ruin the sum of the parts, however.

Number 4

Lola Versus Powerman Versus Moneygoround - The Kinks

The best album by The Kinks. The most balanced. Not too strange, not a mix of half-baked ideas, not an exercise in excess or simplicity, just a good balanced album of touching songs, fun ideas, and well-crafted lyrics. Get Back in Line gets me every time. I wanted to use Powerman in a movie with Bill Murray, but Wes Anderson beat me to it.

Number 5

...Is Dating Your Sister - Pigeon John

The most weird and endearing selection on the list, Pigeon John throws everything into this album. His heart, his soul, his inner demons, his insecurity, his humor, his faith, his everything, and it all comes out beautifully. The razor thin edge of self deprecation and ego is a tricky one that John walks without a cut. It's not a typical hip-hop album and he's definitely not a typical rapper, but he still brings the skills, honesty, and rawness that make music worthwhile.

So that's my list.

Check out some of this music, it's definitely worth it.