Influential albums from the last decade

I thought I'd start one of these things off with a video. People like videos. I like videos, especially good ones. And I thought his one particularly relevant.

And why, you ask, why oh why is such a video relevant? Well, I'm here to talk about my twenty most influential albums of the decade. So it's kinda relevant. But seriously, does it even matter if the video is relevant? You're right it doesn't. 0_o So let's get on with this, in no particular order.

This Side (2002) – Nickel Creek
This album is amazing. Nay, this band is amazing! If you want solid bluegrass that is interesting and still relatively young (LOLS), check these guys. This Side is a good starter, especially since it won a Grammy.

Speak for Yourself (2005) – Imogen Heap
This was my introduction to Imogen Heap and the world of harmonies she takes you to whenever you listen to any of her songs. She recently released Ellipse, which I definitely recommend listening to.

Far (2009) – Regina Spektor
Regina at her finest. She's cute and she plays piano. Regina introduced me to weird, eclectic music that isn't crappy and actually sounds quite lovely. :P

Wiretap Scars (2002) – Sparta
Everyone loves At the Drive-In but they were barely around last decade. It's true, Relationship in Command came out in 2000 and I'd definitely recommend listening to it, however Wiretap Scars is the album that really pushed the boundaries of what I was listening to at the time. I was also in a band that covered a few tunes from Sparta.

Also, I ♥ Jim Ward. That is all.

Chuck (2004)... – Sum 41
Ah yes, Sum 41. These guys are brilliant... and Canadian! This is the last album with Brown Sound and also my favorite because it's not as punky as their previous stuff. Does This Look Infected? was also a lot of fun. Oddly enough, Sum 41 never influenced me too heavily with their earlier stuff. :/ Weird, huh?

Boys & Girls in America (2006) – The Hold Steady
ZOMG, this album is great! This was shown to me right before I entered college and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I've also seen these guys live and they're famazing, so definitely go see them if you can.

Do You Feel (2007) – The Rocket Summer
Oddly enough, I was introduced to this band right before college as well but I didn't listen to the whole album until later in life. I enjoy this album for its wholesome messages and positive yet realistic attitude on life. It's kinda emo but in a good way. (Since I live in Illinois and Ohio is for lovers...)

Is That a Riot? (2006) – Youngblood Brass Band
I really don't remember when I ran into these guys... Anyway, this is great music for all you band geeks out there. I chose Is That a Riot? because it's perhaps the snarkiest. The vocals stand out in this one more than the others, but the earlier albums have virtuosic sousaphone work. Go check it out if you don't believe me.

Everything Went Numb (2003) – Streetlight Manifesto
Ah yes, my first ska album... While Reel Big Fish and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones may have carved out that place for ska in my heart, Streetlight Manifesto filled it full and then some. Both my ska band (Cap'n Crunch and the Cereal Killers) as well as my brainchild (New Squids on the Dock) have covered tunes from this record.

Music for Two (2004) – Edgar Meyer and Bela Fleck
I've seen Edgar Meyer perform three times and I know that that isn't even enough. The man is ridiculous! And don't forget Bela Fleck; it's not like he's a sucky musician by any means. :P This album is all live recordings from their tour and it's powerful stuff. Bach inventions and bluegrass musings and other random ditties. And if you buy the physical copy, you get a cool DVD too.

Chase This Light (2007) – Jimmy Eat World
Freshman year. These guys came to UofI but I didn't go because I was lame. ANYWAY, this album was my soundtrack for the 2008 election atmosphere and this band is hugely influential in my musical playings.

10,000 Days (2006) – Tool
Tool is kinda hard to describe. It's not indie. As my friend Tim would say, it's "intelligent music." So go listen to it and see for yourself.

De-Loused in the Comatorium (2003) – The Mars Volta
More "intelligent music." The Mars Volta keeps churning out albums like crazy so you'll never run out of music from these guys.

When Your Heart Stops Beating (2006) – (+44)
I like this album because it's more mature than Blink-182's music (in general) but it's still got two-thirds of the band. Plus, "Lycanthrope" is amazing.

Sounding a Mosaic (2004) – Bedouin Soundclash
Ah yes, a hidden gem I found through IMF one day. Also from Canadia. These guys are kinda reggae but not as mainstream as Marley. And you all know how I like to do things off the beaten path.

Vena Sera (2007) – Chevelle
This is an angry album. It's full of angry music. If you're into that sort of thing, go listen to this. Chevelle is also from Chicago so you know, I feel a connection to these guys. (not really, but whatever)

Meteora (2003) – Linkin Park
Less angry but that's because this isn't Hybrid Theory. Meteora was very well done and there was some sweet rapping. And to all of those folks out there who think that Linkin Park wasn't influential, then I'm sorry. If you grew up loving the music and then rejected it because you "grew up" then guess what, you're probably a very limited musician in terms of what kind of music you can play and what you can do.

…Until We Felt Red (2008) – Kaki King
Guitar music that is beautiful. Kaki King adds vocals to her later albums, including this one. If you play guitar or just love nice acoustic music, this is for you.

Funeral (2004) – Arcade Fire
Ah yes, indie music. :P If I needed to point to any kind of indie influence, this is it.

Fearless: Platinum Edition (2009) – Taylor Swift
Of course, any self-respecting artist needs some Taylor Swift. While she isn't exactly country, she does have influence and I feel her influence now will allow me to explore some other great music later. Besides, chicks dig Tay!