Favourite Albums

The Crystal Ships - The Tide

Yes, my number one favourite album of all time is the one I wrote. The Tide tells the story of travellers sailing into an unknown world, hoping that, despite the dangers faced, they will find a fulfilling life. The album speaks to the importance of having the courage to act when it would be so much easier to merely be acted upon. Each song plays out much like a chapter in a book, advancing the story, presenting new ideas while expanding on the ideas set forth in previous tracks. The Tide is an upbeat electronic dance pop album, but looking beyond the hooks the listener finds unique chord progressions and song forms, as well as an intriguing lyrical depth. The mixture of strong lyrics, provocative songwriting, and easily accessible dance grooves makes The Tide an album that can be enjoyed by music listeners of all varieties.

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Chris Martin has said that he hopes to look back on this album and think "that's when... we started to become really good." I expect that one day he will. Why? Because Coldplay did something with Mylo Xyloto they have not done with any previous album. They started with an idea ("a bright red rose... bursting the concrete"), and used that idea to inform all their artistic decisions. The result is an upbeat, fun pop album with a clear, cohesive, consistent message. Then, they took it one step further and carried that message to their tour. The Mylo Xyloto tour was bold, bright and beautiful, and an extenuation of the message of the album. This album became a red rose of brilliant pop in a concrete jungle of trashy top 40 music.

The Postal Service - Give Up

Ben Gibbard has stated that he wrote the album Give Up as he walked the streets of the Seattle, with the beats of Jimmy Tamborello playing in his headphones. Whatever the songwriting technique used, listening to Give Up is one of the most pleasing auditory experiences of my existence. Interestingly, the album did not gain much traction with its original release. However, over the course of the eleven years since its original release, Give Up has sold well over one million copies. That this was done with almost no marketing or touring, is a testament to how much this album is loved.

Ra Ra Riot - Beta Love

Ra Ra Riot entered the electronic music scene in a big way with Beta Love. The band's infectious melodies rest atop an intricate mixture of electric guitar, synth, cello, violin, and some exceptional bass lines.