It may seem irrelevant (and a bit narcissistic) to list my most-listened-to albums from the past five years, but when you work solo and listen to an average of 8 hours of music a day, some albums become more than just filler … they become a support system.
1. Neutral Milk Hotel — In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998)Ol’ reliable. This lo-fi indie-rock album is as powerful as it is catchy … and perhaps the best sing-along album of all time. When this one comes on it’s a damn good thing I work alone.
2. Sleigh Bells – Treats (2010)Even though this one is still less than a year old, it has already climbed it’s way up the list. The Brooklyn-based duo has redefined musical fusion with their debut release. With hints of electro, metal, hip-hop, thrash and even radio-pop, this one always seems to satisfy. You’re sure to hear this one (from across the street) on deadline day.
3. Death From Above 1979 – You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine (2004)When I first started working solo I took on a lot of long hours and late nights … and I don’t think I could have got through it without this (now defunct) dance-punk group’s coup de grâce. Works just like caffeine without the jitters.
4. LCD Soundsystem — Sound of Silver (2007)I’ve listened to a lot of electronic music in my day, but this album seems to be one of the few with any significant lasting power. The simplicity of this progressive, post-punk album is what does it for me. I’ve listened to this 9-song album on repeat for a full work day more than a few times.
5. The Black Angels — Passover (2006)When I first came across this psych-rock album I must have listened to it a dozen times in the first week. It buzzes and hisses in a receptive drone of distortion telling the story of “wartime terror” so convincingly it’s like watching a movie. I still throw it on for concept development inspiration; chances are it’s been done before, so just do it again with a perfect execution.
Honourable Mention: Beck — Mellow Gold (1994)Yea, I’m a Loser baby; part of that special breed that’ll never be able to let go. I don’t like to take things too seriously and love my nostalgia, so I’m sure I’ll keep coming back on this one as long as I hunch over a computer.