(Discs I listen to regularly, am always in the mood for, and listen to all the way through every time because they’re short enough.)
Panic! at the Disco - A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out
Call them played out if you like, but Panic! knew how to make an album that is at once pop-tastic and self-aware of its approach to the terrible lyrics, themes, and tropes that get tossed around pop rock these days. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a concept album, but it was certainly well thought out. There’s a cohesive theme that draws upon the play between the synth/electronically inclined tracks and the piano/Vaudeville latter half of the album. The lyrics are as melodic as the instrumentation and I really enjoy Brandon Urie’s voice. There are plenty of haters out there who will criticize this disc to the grave and who won’t hear a single argument in its favor. But if you’ve never given it a shot, I highly recommend it. Make sure you don’t try to categorize it in some genre and just focus on the album as a whole. Pop in the disc or queue it up in your winamp or iTunes and listen to all 40 minutes straight through. Enjoy.
Deodato - 2
Mmmm. Delicious electro-Latin-jazz. Emuir Deodato’s 1973 album is eight tracks of instrumental bliss. You may recognize the tunes Super Strut and Latin Flute from the Radio Espantoso station in GTA: Vice City. He also has fantastic covers of Rhapsody in Blue, Nights in White Satin, and Do It Again. It’s perfect in nearly every way. This is the longest album on this list, clocking in at just under 50 minutes.
Alan Price - O Lucky Man!
I have to credit Kevin on this one. While I have not seen the film of the same name, O Lucky Man! is the best 25 minutes of music you can sit down with. This length, in combination with the super-catchy tracks, makes it appropriate for any time of the day. It’s the album you can put on when you don’t have time for anything else. It’s a happy-go-lucky soundtrack whose tune completely contradicts the lyrics.
When there’s a bluebird singing by your window pane / And the sun shines bright all day through / don’t forget boy / Look over your shoulder / ‘Cause there’s always someone coming after you!
Ratatat - Ratatat
An instrumental synth and guitar album that all gamers can appreciate. While it has obvious rock and hip-hop influences, many of the songs sound like they’re influenced by chiptunes and early game music. Short like the other discs on this list, Ratatat comes in at 45 minutes which increases its “replay value.” It suits a variety of moods as well. I’ll listening when I’m writing or reading, when I’m driving, when I’m at work, when I’m out on a run, or when I’m just hanging out. Plus it’s just damn good.
Starsailor - Love Is Here
I discovered this album because the song “Way To Fall” was featured in the ending credits of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. It really liked its sound and sought out the rest of the album. My search for the rest of their discography would soon follow. Still, Love Is Here sits atop. It’s a little depressing, yet I find comfort in its familiarity. It’s especially great as a nighttime album because most of the generally slow tempo. Instruments feature guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums. Lead singer James Walsh’s voice also has a very Jeff Buckley quality to it. Plus it’s 46 minutes long (45 if you exclude the minute and a half hidden track on the last track).
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