What a difficult project! At best I have a top 15. In no particular order, here are five:

Blonde Redhead Misery is a Butterfly
This album came out after Blonde Redhead’s popularity had quieted a bit. I disregarded it for a couple years, until I accidentally heard it in a quiet place, and on nice speakers. The arrangements and orchestration are surprising, sexy, and gorgeous, just like the band always was.

Glover Gill with the Tosca Tango Orchestra Waking Life Soundtrack
Way back at this time, I think this soundtrack, and the one from Amelie, by Yann Tiersen, had a huge secret influence on the punks. It became just as reasonable to say “I’m learning the violin” as it was to learn three chords on a guitar. For the sake of being brash, I’ll also credit these records with being the gateway into a whole international music interest that has devoured Klezmer and Eastern European music, and is currently working its way through India, Africa, and all sorts of islands with great musical traditions. I’m trying to refrain from mentioning Nick Cave’s Proposition soundtrack, and Philip Glass’ Fog of War soundtrack, but I can’t.

TV on the Radio Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
One of the dirtier productions we have from this band, and one that should blow most anyone’s mind, unless they hate fun, sex, dancing, innovation, soul, or anything else that makes up real life. Interesting in its ability to cross over to pop critics and audiences and eventually lead the band into being HUGE.

Antony and the Johnsons The Crying Light
Tough choice on which one to pick; I like things that demand very special quiet attention, and Antony’s legacy is a great one of hard work, persistence, and vision. When things like this become critically acclaimed and popular, there is still hope in the world.

Nico Muhly Mothertongues
Totally pretentious, gorgeous, and brilliant. Also requires headphones or nice speakers. Contains three movements of deconstructions and reconstructions. Informed by the important work of minimal composers in a time where Philip Glass could potentially get stuck making the same soundtrack over and over, and a fresh contribution.

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