Songs of Leonard Cohen- Leonard Cohen. I listened to this on cassette for years. It traveled (and the songs still travel) with me over so many years and experiences.

Live in London - Leonard Cohen. I finally had a chance to see him live in 2009 in Cleveland. It was a religious experience. This album so beautifully captured the show- so many songs that I’ve listened to and carried with me for so long.

I See A Darkness- Bonnie Prince Billy. This was my introduction to Will Oldham. It’s such a beautifully dark, basement recording-feel album that set me down a long musical path.

I Ain’t Marching Anymore- Phil Ochs. I first started listening to this album as a kid. My dad would play it and listen with his eyes closed. A beautiful album of defiance.

Closing Time- Tom Waits. It’s a live album. Perfect storytelling. A perfect drinking companion. Elegant and lonely.