The Best Albums I've Ever Heard, Volume 1 [Feature]

Music is is one of my passions in life.  Evolutionary Psychologists and other professionals who study music call it "auditory cheesecake".  They believe that the brain just naturally loves music, the sounds, the mathematics behind it, solving it's intricate complexities.  Music is also one of the most relaxing things in the world.  The song "Weightless" by Marconi Union has been studied by scientists at the Mindlab instutition.  Listening to this song "induces a 65% reduction in overall anxiety".  This is the equivalent to a day at the spa and a cup of tea.

Anyway, where was I?  Oh, yes.  I've listened to enough music now that I believe I can make a sound judgement on what the best albums are.  In my library, at least.  And I can't write about all of these albums in one article, and who knows what amazing masterpieces I've missed?  So, this is The Best Albums I've Ever Heard, Volume 1.

LOVE by Angels & Airwaves
This double album has been rated one of the best produced in the world.  It's concept?  The connections we make in life are what define us.  It's beautiful, powerful, fun, and feel-good.  The music may not be complicated at it's core, but it's multi-layer instrumentation is masterfully executed in a way that makes this album fun to listen to time and time again.

Any Man in America by Blue October
I won't take too much time reviewing this rollercoaster of emotion, considering I already have in this publication: <http://thespandrel.blogspot.com/2011/09/any-man-in-america-blue-october.html>
But what I will say is that his divorce made the lead singer really take a step back and get some real perspective on his life, and all of his emotion was poured into this album.

CANINES by CANINES
This acoustic experiment from Joel P West is charming to say the least.  He explores everything from homelessness to post-breakup depression, honesty and lies.  Even though most songs are sad, they are so beautiful I cannot help but smile every time I listen to the album.  It is an emotional ride that I am happy to experience over and over again.

Well, I think that's enough emotion for any one person to experience.  If you want more amazing albums before I post Volume 2, feel free to shoot me an email.  I'm always happy to share the magical work of others.  And as a bonus, in each volume I think I'm going to include a few albums that are a bit happier, and are still some of my favorites.

Monster Monster/Monster EP by The Almost - Mostly fun albums, and I find it is amazing summertime music.

Let's Build Something to Break by After Midnight Project - A great and original rock album, strong and fun.

Aranda by Aranda - This self-title has a classic bluesy feel, amazing rock, the kind of music you don't really hear anymore.  It helps that they have a sense of humor.

Homesick by A Day To Remember - While it's not my favorite post-hardcore album, this one is definitely hard to beat.