Car Drives (Windows Down): Favorite Records

Come one and all. I've archived my favorite albums of all time below (in no particular order). Get ready, there's a lot of 'em. There's something for everyone. And I'm sure there will be more in the years to come. Warning: I like over-italicizing. 


I. A Seat At The Table, Solange Knowles, 2016

Summary: I feel like this fave goes without saying... Solange is a sonic goddess. The progression of this album cannot be ignored - she took such care to make sure each song flows into the other, the way a proper album should (never, ever shuffle for optimal experience). By the end, one feels as if they've been a part of something big. In all honesty, these songs feel like more than just songs because they reach levels beyond the audible. There are themes of female empowerment, race, and intersectionality. There are bits of spoken word throughout. This is not background music! 

Ideal For: Getting dressed/ready in the morning

Favorite Moment: "Do you belong?" I do, I do

Favorite Tracks: Rise, Weary, Cranes in the Sky, Don't Touch My Hair, F.U.B.U.


II. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, 2005

Summary: This is one of the first records I purchased and it was on a total whim, mostly because I was obsessed with its cover and sleeve (plus the actual vinyl is bright, translucent orange!). Admittedly, this is a strange little number. It's lesser-known and quite the elusive group. It's definitely not for everyone. The singer, Alec Ounsworth, has a voice that is pretty unconventional - it's on the verge of screechy and I'm sure some critics have called it whiny. I love it. The songs are not too in-your-face. They bounce without being total bangers - almost-beachy vibes. The instrumentals are comforting, like coming home to something. I suppose because I bought this when I was 14 or 15 there is some biased nostalgia wrapped up in it as well. The jammy music and Alec's voice in "Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood" has a sound comparable to Morrissey and The Smiths. 

Ideal For: Aimlessly surfing the web

Favorite Moment: Time has gotten by on alibis and wine

Favorite Tracks: Over and over Again (Lost and Found), Details of the War, The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth, Blue Turning Gray, Gimmie Some Salt, Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood

III. Parachutes, Coldplay, 2000

Summary: I can't express in words how this album makes me feel and the atmosphere it brings me back to. Much like "Clap Your Hands Say Yeah", there's so much nostalgia here. I'm aware that having a Coldplay album in my all-time favorites warrants a "basic bitch" label. Hear me out. "Parachutes" is their first album, before Coldplay hit it big. The songs feel much more stripped down and raw in comparison to their recent music. The progression is perfection. I am not a die-hard Coldplay fan by any means but I am when it comes to this record. Of course, this kind of music isn't everyone's cup of tea and I wonder if I heard it for the first time today, if I would love it so much?

Ideal For: Laying in bed feelin' angsty

Favorite Moment: Here I am and I'll wait in line always

Favorite Tracks: Don't Panic, Shiver, Sparks, Parachutes, High Speed, We Never Change

IV. Our Day Will Come, Ruby & the Romantics, 1963

Summary: I first heard this album while fishing through my grandparent's old records in their living room at the age of 12 or 13. I fell in love instantly. This album came towards the end of doo-wop-y soul-filled music, which is one of my favorite genres to jam to. Ruby's voice is endlessly lovely, each song dreamier than the last. The songs carry you like a river. Although I was nowhere near alive during this era, it has time traveling powers. I can imagine my aunt playing this record back in the day, belting along as she got ready for school while my father listened on - he knows every word. 

Ideal For: Car drives (windows down)

Favorite Moment: I wake up in the morning and I wonder (wonder! wonder! wonder!)

Favorite Tracks: Our Day Will Come, Stranger On The Shore, The End of the World, By The Way, Heartaches

V. Another Self Portrait, Bob Dylan, 1969-1971

Summary: Bob Dylan has an insane amount of music so choosing one album is difficult for two reasons: one, there are so many great albums of his and two, I've not heard all of his music because it would take at least a year of straight listening. He has so many bootleg, unreleased tracks, so many collections. But, based on the listening I've done thus far, this is the best one. It brings me back to discovering him in the winter of my sophomore year. It's classic 70s - steady, boat-like beats, soft acoustic guitar strums, folksy melodies, Dylan-style croons. This record is probably ideal for someone who hasn't begun to listen to him yet. The songs are softer and sweeter. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Dylan's faster-paced, country-ish music so this album is perfect if that's not your thing either. If it is, Self Portrait is the album for you. Both Self Portrait albums in general are fantastic, both at the peak of Dylan's best. The sadness in "Pretty Saro" is a heartbreaker, the violin in "If Not For You" brings me to the verge of tears. (Sidenote: in the interview with my best friend, I said "Belle Isle" was my favorite Dylan song. After a re-listen of this album, "Pretty Saro" is hands-down my favorite.) 

Ideal For: Either dead of winter or dead of summer

Favorite Moment: I'd write my love a letter that she'd understand and write it by the river where the waters overflow

Favorite Tracks: Went to See the Gypsy - Demo, Pretty Saro, Time Passes Slowly #1, This Evening So Soon, If Not For You, Belle Isle, When I Paint My Masterpiece

VI. Teen Dream, Beach House, 2010

Summary: This is Beach House's best in my opinion, the height of their career. I used to be a die-hard fan but there's a level to this album that the band hasn't returned to since. Although Depression Cherry is pretty good too, there's some unexplainable rule that a sequel no longer holds the same shine. These songs are soft, dreamy, and summer-y. Of course, Victoria's voice is stunning. To me, this album is the epitome of dream pop. There isn't much to say about this album except that there's unexplainable magic happening. It makes my chest hurt with memories of people and places, especially "Silver Soul". 

Ideal For: Taking walks - earphone/headphone action

Favorite Moment: It gathers heat without you, whether or not you're turned from it

Favorite Tracks: Silver Soul, Walk in the Park, Used to Be, 10 Mile Stereo, Take Care

VII. Green Twins, Nick Hakim, 2017

Summary: After hearing Hakim's "Pour Another" about a year or so ago, I knew I needed to keep up with his releases. I was right. This album was just released in May of this year. And it is so damn good. The genre is definitely more on the electronic side. The melodies are crazy groovy, Hakim's voice is sweet and boyish, and the lyrics concerning a pregnancy (ie green twins) make it all even better. Each song seems to have a different kind of unique beat (take the pipe-tapping sound of "Roller Skates" or the sudden change in "TYAF"). Perfect progression from one song to the next. It's simply a beautifully constructed, beautifully written album. 

Ideal For: Showers

Favorite Moment: (the *pause* and *scream* in "Farmissplease")

Favorite Tracks: Green Twins, Bet She Looks Like You, Roller Skates, TYAF, Farmissplease

VIII. Rubber Soul, The Beatles, 1965

Summary: Many have argued that this is The Beatle's best album. I'm sure many Beatles fans will hate me for it, but I much prefer their earlier sound to their later music. Although I appreciate and deeply respect the changes in their music as the 70s brought with it a harder sound, I've always dug their 60s vibe, the stuff written to appeal to the fangirls (I would've been in the front row screaming and fainting with the rest of them). Rubber Soul was right at the transition from their touring years to their non-touring years, so this album has a great mix of radio hits and experimentation - notice the difference between the more early-sounding, clap-happy "I'm Looking Through You" versus George's sitar playing in "Norwegian Wood". Although I was very tempted to instead include Please Please Me, their earliest which includes individual hits like "Love Me Do" and "Twist and Shout" (FAVES), the artistry and change in sound in Rubber Soul cannot be ignored. Their songs took on darker themes and less joyful harmonies. As a full, whole album, this takes the cake. 

Ideal For: Doing art/work to

Favorite Moment: I need to, I need to, I NEED to

Favorite Tracks: Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown), The Word, Michelle, I'm Looking Through You, In My Life

IX. Halcyon Digest, Deerhunter, 2010

Summary: This is such an interesting album. To be honest, I have no clue what Bradford Cox was going for as I haven't done much research about these tracks. I do know that Cox is a really, really fascinating artist and cool guy. This album came at time when I was just discovering good, alternative music. It's definitely one of those albums that can be appreciated by a wide audience. Each song has so many layers and sublayers to it. It impresses me how much goes into each one. 

Ideal For: A record or vintage shop to play

Favorite Moment: Could you pray for us? We know He loves you the best

Favorite Tracks: Don't Cry, Revival, Basement Scene, Helicopter, He Would Have Laughed

X. Mr. Soul, Sam Cooke, 1963

Summary: Back in the winter, I fell back into a love affair with old-school music. "These Foolish Things" was one song that I was jamming out to. Then, just two days ago, I found the album it was from, listened to it in full, and have become obsessed. Cooke's voice is freaking amazing. I want to dance all night to this album. If you're into piano-tinged, jazzy, soul-filled love songs like I am, this is for you.

Ideal For: Cooking to

Favorite Moment: Oh, how the ghost of you clings, clings, clings

Favorite Tracks: I Wish You Love, Willow Weep for Me, Chains of Love, Nothing Can Change This Love, These Foolish Things

XI. Little Girl Blue, Nina Simone, 1958

Summary: May was my Nina Simone month. After reading a Pitchfork article, I began to listen to her and was so moved by its power (listen to "Why (The King of Love is Dead)" and you'll see why immediately). I then stumbled upon her first album. This album - Simone's debut - is incredible. It's peaceful and solemn. Simone could play the piano like nobody's business and could hit the craziest notes with her voice (perfect pitch, of course). Whenever I listen to her music I think of the documentary, "What Happened, Miss Simone?" which casts sad, dark tones over the listening experience. She was a talented but troubled young black woman growing up in the most difficult time to be a talented young black woman. Major creds. Highly recommend also Pitchfork's Spotify playlist, "Nina Simone: Her Art and Life in 33 Songs". 

Ideal For: Autumn

Favorite Moment: I want to stay here with you forever

Favorite Tracks: He Needs Me, Little Girl Blue, My Baby Just Cares for Me, Plain Gold Ring, You'll Never Walk Alone, I Loves You Porgy

XII. Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys, 1966

Summary: It's not unknown that Brian Wilson was a bona fide genius. Pet Sounds is the proof. The lyrics, music, and overall atmosphere in this album are undeniably good. At this point in The Beach Boys' career, Wilson was sick and tired of writing "let's go to the beach and surf" songs. I think a foreshadow of this transition appears in "In My Room", which came out in 1963 and is the one song on their Surfer Girl album that doesn't deal with surfing - it deals with life and loneliness. So he came up with the tracks on this album, which explored everything life brings, both good and bad ("I Know There's An Answer" is about Wilson tripping on acid). Because of that, this album is pivotal. Kind of like Rubber Soul, The Beach Boys expanded out of their sugary pop phase and began to write substantive, grown-up material, appealing not just to teenage girls exclusively, but the human race (see "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times"). 

Ideal For: Weekend mornings

Favorite Moment: You never need to doubt it, I'll make you so sure about it

Favorite Tracks: Wouldn't It Be Nice, That's Not Me, Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder), Let's Go Away For Awhile, God Only Knows, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, Why Can't We Live Together

Byeee,

L