It's been [will be] a long few days. I passed an unexpectedly rough weekend, and the next few days of the semester loom ominously on the horizon. So, rather than start one of the two enormous papers due in the next four days (the starting of which almost induced a panic attack earlier today), I decided to unwind via blogosphere.I spent a good portion of my day today reading Mondegreen, Middlebury's music magazine, which is essentially WRMC in paper form. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with the overall production quality and the depth of the writing; it could put The Middlebury Campus to shame any day (which may or may not be saying much). Admittedly, I think I'm just smitten because one feature -- a mix tape for getting through the winter -- ended with one of my all-time favorite songs: "She Sends Kisses," by The Wrens. I pondered laboring over an eloquent email complimenting Mondegreen on an impressive final product while shamelessly plugging myself as a fellow music aficionado, but I decided against it. These are hipsters, after all, and my attempts at friendship would surely be derided as hopelessly pathetic.
So here's the next best thing in terms of expressing myself musically: My All-Time Favorite Albums. Of All Time. And songs, to follow.
10. Interpol - Turn On The Bright Lights
9. Pete Yorn - Musicforthemorningafter
8. Arcade Fire - Funeral
7. Grizzly Bear - Yellow House
6. Broken Social Scene - Feel Good Lost
5. Zwan - Mary Star Of The Sea
4. Brand New - Deja Entendu
3. Sigur Ros - Takk...
2. The Wrens - The Meadowlands
1. Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism
As a electronically leafed through my music collection, the thought dawned on me that perhaps my musical tastes are not as well-developed as I thought, for my Top 10 neglects anything electronic or the requisite Beatles cop-out album. Mark my words, I do not like The Beatles. Blasphemy! I probably also lose points for including all albums made within the last five years or so, which means my musical tastes must not have percolated long enough. And to include some artists bordering on pop, others bordering on teenage cliche, and to top my list with Death Cab for Cutie -- how mainstream can I get? The horror.
The reality of it is, these albums have all made a legitimate impression on my life. Listening to them evokes memories, and I find it impossible to listen to any one song without automatically assuming I'll hear its logical continuation next. These albums read like novels, and the progression from one song to the next is smooth and comfortable. So, slay me as you will, my [nonexistent] critical readers, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it.
Transatlanticism is a phenomenal album.
