We'll burn this city down

Today I would like to discuss some records that I own that I believe are flawless and that I think are essential to any true music lover's collection.

The Beach Boys - "Pet Sounds"
This is on my list for several reasons. First it's been nearly 20 years since I first heard this record and it was only about 5 years ago that I fully understood what really happened to make this record perfect. Most people will tell you that there is a fine line between genious and insanity. I feel in this instance, however, that there was no distinction between the two. Brian Wilson lost his head making this a perfect recording. He almost lost his band in the process as well. Every note, every tone and every word on this record is so precisely placed and many long nights, arguments and drugs were all part of making this happen.

John Coltrane - "A Love Supreme"
This record is one of Coltrane's most loved. It is not only a musical masterpiece, but also a religious experience. Coltrane used his deep love for God as his inspiration for this recording. Sometimes jazz can sound like a beautiful mess, but in the case of "A Love Supreme" there is no mess, just beauty and a deep love. Mr. Coltrane knew exaclty what he was doing when he wrote these four songs and he did so with a passion that perfectly combines the musical with the spiritual.

U2 - "Achtung Baby"
All I can really say about this record is that it is simply a masterpiece. They're U2 and they make it all seem so simple.

Radiohead - "Ok Computer"
Another fine line between genious and insanity album. But like the Beach Boys, Radiohead did a fine job of creating perfect insanity. Their sounds may have been different and a bit off the wall, but they combined these sounds and vocal patterns with music rooted so deep in traditional rock that the greatness of this album is undeniable.

Pedro the Lion - "Control"
This concept album follows a man through his struggles with greed, pride, lust, adultry, and death. It reaches deep into the dark soul of a fictional man whose stuggles define what most men deal with today. The songs are beautifully made, the guitars completely drive this album and the drums bring beats that are so original to the indie rock sound. Much like the other records listed, these 10 songs all had a purpose to be perfect and were brought to fruition by the creative genious of David Bazan.

Elliott - "False Cathedrals"
I mention this other "indie" record, simply because it would have been a worldwide success if had been on a major label. Revalation Records was a decent fit at best for a band like Elliott. Each song on the record has so many layers that were so strategic in forming the songs and making each track true art. I really can't say much more about this record. I just know that it is simply amazing.