You might have seen the Facebook meme “Post the artwork of one of your favourite albums that you still listen to every day for ten days”. I was tagged by my buddy Derek, but as I’d inevitably forget to post something for ten days in a row, I’ll whack ’em all in one blog.

The Facebook post also says “No explanation required” but GUESS WHAT we’re not on Facebook.

Automatic For The People – R.E.M.

I waxed lyrical about this album here. Still has the same effect on me as it did seventeen years ago.

Oregon – Broadway Calls

I discovered Broadway Calls when they were supporting Alkaline Trio in Glasgow. It’s the first time I’ve genuinely really enjoyed a support band. Their debut album is still one of my favourite pop-punk records ever.

The Sickness – Disturbed

“Shout 2000” was playing on repeat when I got my first tattoo and it led me to the rest of the album. There’s not a bad track on it.

Take This To Your Grave – Fall Out Boy

Call me a purist, but I really don’t like Fall Out Boy’s new stuff. I’m a pre-hiatus person. TTTYG is the absolute pinnacle of Fall Out Boy for me. If you want my high school aesthetic on one album, this is it. I love it.

Good Mourning – Alkaline Trio

One of the soundtracks of my high school life. It’s dark and creepy and sinister and somehow really sweet in parts. Lyrically glorious.

 

Nevermind – Nirvana

I was a classic disaffected, miserable teenager, and I discovered Nirvana at pretty much the right time. First Teen Spirit, then “Come As You Are”, but my favourite was and still is “Breed”.

Peter Bradley Adams

I stumbled across Peter Bradley Adams on one of my first forays into World of Warcraft. It was autumn, the sun was going down, and I was sitting in my bedroom listening to Leavetaking. You know how some songs slam you back into the moment? “I’ll Forget You”, running around a cornfield saving things.

After the Party – The Menzingers

The Menzingers are one of the best bands around at the moment, and this is a genuinely flawless album. It covers the awkward period around turning thirty, when you’re not young or old and feel lost, and includes “Lookers” –  probably my most listened to song on Spotify.

Heartland – Runrig

I found this on vinyl in my house and it had an effect on me that very few albums ever had. Listening to “The Wire” on a cold, midwinter evening made all of my hair stand on end. Plus “Cnoc Na Feille” is THE creepiest song ever written. I accept no substitute.

Stunt – Barenaked Ladies

My mum really started my love for Barenaked Ladies. Stunt is my favourite of their albums – it starts with the classic “One Week” and includes my favourite track, “Light Up My Room”. Everything in between is sweet and irreverent and pretty good fun.

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There you go Derek! If anyone else wants to do this, consider yourself tagged.