1) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars * David Bowie- junior high- I think this was the first album I ever played until it disintegrated. I lived for this album.
2) The Joshua Tree * U2 - high school - I think I listened to this album every day for at least two years. Even though I still can't figure out what he's saying on half the songs, I LOVED this album. This was also the start of my being embarrassed because my musical tastes weren't wierd enough.
3) The Real Ramonas * Throwing Muses - college - This lived in my tape deck in my car until I could sing every single song by memory, complete with random octave changes when I really got rockin'.
4) Where you been * Dinosaur Jr - College - This was the tape I worked to. I don't think I could have written most of the papers I wrote without this in the background, egging me on.
5) Double Nickels on the Dime * The Minutemen - Although there never was a period when this album just persisted through my every thought, the lyrics "Punk rock saved my life" make this album notable for this list.
6) Blue * Joni Mitchell - college/post- college. There was a period when I was hoping I could learn guitar and sing Joni Mitchell songs in the subway and make a million dollars being a famous artist.
7) Crash * Dave Matthews Band - post college. It seems there is a particular moment in my life for every song on this album. Dave Matthews writes so well about love and passion and living each moment. This album got me through a horrible break-up and buoyed me up through some hard times.
10) The Soft Bulletin * Flaming Lips - post-college. Although there are a few other important albums, this one was the one I go to when I like to think of those days in the bay area when I fell in love with sweets.
9) Rabbit Songs * Hem - Reezee gave me this album, and I've loved it ever since. Another disc that lived in my car forever. I bet sweets feels like gagging whenever he hears it, just from sheer overexposure.
10) Buzz Buzz * Laurie Berkner - now- sadly, all I can think about related to music are the sweet sounds of toddler tunes. It's not so bad. But I wish that I didn't get stuck with an earworm from these songs. sigh.
*Honorable Mention*
Nevermind * Nirvana - This was the anthem of my freshman year in college.
Crimpshrine/Cringer/Monsula 45's- all beloved, all worn out.
Violent Femmes - Ah... When I'm out walking, I strut my stuff, and I'm so strung out.
Everything else by Dave Matthews
The Be Good Tanyas
Rufus Wainright * want two- this was playing on the car stereo when we drove to the hospital to give birth to the lentil. It will always be on my list of memorable albums.
