Samko’s favorite albums

Lastly (I think?) I wanna put Thick as a brick on here. I love the subtle humor and over all mood. Plus, this sound reminds me of childhood since my grandfather is really into Jethro Tull, and I remember hearing it as a kid.

I love the dynamics and subtle technicality that this album has. Aso, the entire atmosphere and mood is so interesting

This is my favorite type of math rock. Abrasive, noisey and dissonant. Such an interesting sound.

This is a more modern pick. But what an interesting sound Mei Semones has developed. Combining Bossa nova with Math rock is so cool. Definitely a big inspiration for me. Although some of her production feels a bit flat to me, I still love this album and can’t wait for the next album by her.

So originally my favorite Radiohead album was the bends. And I do like the bends still, but it definitely doesn’t quite compare to Hail To the Thief. I’ve just really grown to like this album. Its got that modern, experimental side of Radiohead, but still has that alt rock edge. 2 + 2 = 5 is one of my favorite tracks period and sail to the moon just has such a unique atmosphere.

This is an interesting one... I think this is sparkly math rock done right. Its so layered and atmospheric. The first lines of this album are some of the best first lyrics of any album I’ve heard.

Now here’s some classic sludge metal for you. I love how experimental this album is. Its got so much grit to it, despite also feeling kind of grounded. Also, its funny that Kurt got fired off of it lol.

This album is so harsh and heavy yet still very experimental and weirdly sophisticated. People often call this album too progressive compared to the other Death albums but that’s what I love about it. And you’ve gotta love Chuck’s vocals and just how easily you can understand it. They’ve also got this melodic hint to them.

This album displays my fear of whales and big ships better than any other piece of media. Leviathan by Mastodon is close, but this... this is way closer. Just the atmosphere here is weirdly beautiful, dissonant and just... huge.

King Crimson is such a special band. All their albums have their own sound, but what I love about Red is that its very melancholic and features that jagged, thick bass sound that I just love so much.

This album is all about subtle technicality. And the melodies are so memorable. I especially love the drumming. Its like it suggests where its going instead of actually going there.

This album is again... so 90s. But what sets it apart from a lot of grunge albums is just how dynamic and progressive it is. And I love the attention to timbre in this album. The clean tones are soooo clean and the harsh tones are so layered.

I would’ve loved to put their album Second on here, because tat is actually my favorite by them, but oh well... I thought I should add Midori no matter what. They have that perfect balance of melody and chaos to create this very cool atmosphere.

This record is weird... Everyone seems to absolutely hate it for its abrasive dissonant sound. But to me... This album almost immediately clicked... This album feels like its mirroring exactly how my brain acts. I love it

I absolutely love this record. Not only does it feel so... 90s. But its also very creative. They really nailed that spacey aesthetic. This album definitely satisfies my needs for dynamics and subtle technicality. Some of my absolute favorite lyrics come from this album.

This is an album that I always come back to. Although the lyrics are a bit too morbid for my liking, the thick sludgy riffs and creative acoustic blend make this one of my favorite albums ever.

This is a more recent album that I discovered. I just love how subtle it is. Although its only guitar and piano, it feels like so much more. Especially Jim Hall’s guitar work is incredible in this album.

I basically grew up listening to this on a CD that my dad had. But still, this album is one of the best examples of show don’t tell in music period.

This album will always sit in this special place in my heart for its melancholic aesthetic and beautifully tasteful instrumentals.

Now when it comes to Opeth’s heavier side, Still Life is probably my favorite. Its got both some of my favorite heavy moments and soft moments. Although I love Blackwater park, Deliverance and Ghost Reveries almost just as much, this one takes the cake just for how inventive it is.