Music Collection

So I got to thinking about my music collection one day after listening to a song that sparked a memory and a thought. I can't tell you what song that was, not that it's inappropriate or anything or embarrassing, I just can't remember. Since I have 9000+ items (50+ GB), I had to spend some time thinking about this...thought, before sharing it. I know there are others out there that have the same albums and the same categories (probably in your head) but maybe not the same albums in those categories. If you're not a music junkie like me you wouldn't understand. So here goes.


Sometimes one album is all I need:

Not that these artists aren't great or haven't put out more quality albums but for me I don't need any other albums. And it's not that I don't really like these artists. I just really love this one album from each of these guys and that's all I need. Some are epic albums, some are just by chance. I'm sure you'd disagree with me as well on some of these.

Wallflowers - Bringing Down the Horse
Radiohead - OK Computer
Indigo Girls - 1200 Curfews (Live)
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
Jimmy Eat World - Bleed America
Metallica - Black
Ginny Owens - Without Condition
Gretchen Wilson - Here For the Party
Big Head Todd & The Monsters - Sister Sweetly
Barenaked Ladies - Rock Spectacle (Live)

Sometimes Greatest Hits are all you need:
Again, I know these bands had great careers and that's why they were honored with a Greatest Hits collection but by the time I came around they were past their prime (or worse) and I just need the good stuff.

Journey
The Police
Hootie + The Blowfish*
Guns 'n Roses
The Beach Boys
Billy Joel (2 disc)
Bruce Springsteen
Huey Lewis + The News
Steve Miller Band
The Band
Queen
The Eagles (2 disc)

*I lived through Hootie and love him/them but I don't need anything but this collection of the greatest hits.

Epic Albums I can't live without:

Seriously, I might hurt someone if I had to give these up. Some I listen to more then others but each one has special significance to me.

Paul Simon - Graceland
Rich Mullins - The Jesus Record
Barenaked Ladies - Rock Spectacle (Live)
James Taylor - Live (2 cd set)
Coldplay - Parachutes
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
Big Head Todd & The Monsters - Sister Sweetly
Switchfoot - Beautiful Letdown
George Winston - December
Caedmon's Call - self-titled
Dave Matthews Band - Live at Red Rocks
dc Talk - Jesus Freak

New to me and loving them:

These artists are relatively new for me. I've been hooked though by their work. I hope there is even more to come from each.

Ray Lamontagne
Avett Bros.*
Mumford & Sons
Matt Maher
Local Natives
Gungor
The Civil Wars
Audry Assad
*Yes I already own 4 of their albums but they're still 'new' to me.

Artists that I keep going back for more:
For one reason or another every time these artists put out a new album I have to have it. I've been following most of these artists for years now and they seem to be getting better and better with age.

Jars of Clay
U2
Dave Matthews Band
Mat Kearney
Jack Johnson (at least for now)
TobyMac
Caedmon's Call
Avett Brothers
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder Band
John Mayer
Switchfoot