Sean McPherson of Heiruspecs: Favorite Albums of the Decade

Cannibal Ox The Cold Vein: This record reminded me that the world I was trying to make my way in, underground rap, had some real masters and my best bet would be to shut the fuck up and admire.

Why? Elephant Eyelash

Jay-Z The Blueprint: I listened to this record at a redhead from St. Paul named Chelsea’s house for the first time. At the time it was weird to have a Jay-Z record on because we thought that independent rap was all that mattered. That was before this record. Thanks Chelsea.

Low The Great Destroyer: Heiruspecs had the same manager as Low and when Vickie gave us this record I cried my little eyes out. On a way up to a show in Duluth my good friend Kevin Hunt said, “They should really get a bass drum.” Low is incredible and everyone knows it. Plus it would be some hater-ish shit to not have some localness on the list. Atmosphere and Love-cars are both real close to making this list. But Love-cars’ best record was in the 1990s, and actually so was Atmosphere’s.

Tegan and Sara So Jealous: Fuck it. This is fantastic pop. But, if I had seen my brother’s list before I submitted mine I would’ve put D’Angelo’s Voodoo on this list instead. Tegan and Sara make me feel young and excited.

Also: Black Blondie, Heiruspecs, Chooglin’ & Mark Mallman @ Red Stag Block Party