Michigan by Sufjan Stevens
We remember when Sufjan broke onto the scene with his unique multi-instrument blend and amazing melodies, creating a rich and enchanting sound unlike anything anyone had ever heard.  An amazingly talented individual, his live shows remain legendary.

69 Love Songs Volumes 1 by The Magnetic Fields  

This ambitious project by frontman Steve Merritt is a collage of 69 different songs about love, and each one is vastly different from one another encompassing many different styles.  Vol 1 is still a favorite.

Kill the Moonlight by Spoon
Their fresh, percussive style of songwriting created a brand of indie music that many try to emulate, but most fall short.  Britt Daniel’s distinctive voice matched with innovative changes made this album stand out from the pack.

Diary by Sunny Day Real Estate
I can call up these beautiful melodies in my head at a moment’s notice.  They will live forever.

Rage Against the Machine by Rage Against the Machine
When it was released this rap metal album spread like wildfire, and Tom Morello’s guitar riffs combined with Zach de la Rocha’s intense lyrics and delivery, made for a politically charged album aimed at disrupting what they saw as an imperfect system.