5 Albums You Probably Don't Own, But Should... (Vol. 3)

1. Junior Boys - "So This is Goodbye" (2006)



Canadian duo, Junior Boys, released this great sophomore effort in September of 2006. 'So This is Goodbye' sounds like the soundtrack to a commercial flight to Mars that hasn't happened yet. Heavy on the synth-pop and delicate vocals, the album is a perfect listen for this time of year. The album also features the Frank Sinatra cover "When No One Cares". 'So This is a Goodbye' received a 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 from Pitchforkmedia.com in a 2006 review.

Favorite Tracks:

"FM"
"Count Souvenirs"


2. Rainer Maria - "A Better Version of Me" (2001)



This was one of the first indie records (that was not released by Modest Mouse) that I truly fell in love with. Nine tracks, all perfect in their own little way. The heavenly vocals of Caithlin De Marrais coupled with the post-punk influences make 'A Better Version of Me' as good now as it was when it was released in 2001.

Favorite Tracks:

"The Contents of Lincoln's Pockets"
"Save My Skin"


3. Leonard Cohen - "Songs of Leonard Cohen" (1967)



'Songs of Leonard Cohen' wass the debut album of Canadian musician Leonard Cohen, which foreshadowed the future path of his career as the melancholy laureate. Cohen lead the post-folk movement of the late 60's along with the likes of Tim Buckley, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell. Many of the songs on this album are certainly void of cheer, yet the listener is left with a better feeling after they have absorbed these ten tracks.

Favorite Tracks:

"Suzanne"
"The Stranger Song"


4. Moby - "18" (2002)



'18' was the 2002 album released by electronic artist Moby. The album finds Moby following a similar direction to that of his previous album, the commercially successful 'Play', sampling old field recordings of negro spirituals and combining them with mellow dance beats. However, '18' features a far sadder tone than that of 'Play'. The album also saw Moby beginning to branch off into the world of alternative rock.

Favorite Tracks:

"At Least We Tried"
"Great Escape"


5. Damien Jurado - "Ghost of David" (2000)



'Ghost of David' is an album by the singer-songwriter Damien Jurado, released in September 2000. In tone, 'Ghost of David' is bleak, spare, and overall pretty depressing. Most of its thirteen songs concern deception, death or tell tragic stories of deception and death. I fell in love with the album during the fall and winter of 2000 and I managed to find the true beauty in its sadness.

Favorite Tracks:

"Johnny Go Riding"
"Walk With Me"
"Tonight I Will Retire"
"Rearview"