1. Nirvana - Nevermind 
Certainly my most obvious pick, but extremely important in my upbringing musically. This was my introduction to the notion of "alternative." One of the first records I owned. I think I shared it with my little brother. Really heavy and yet really melodic. That juxtaposition is part of my DNA now. 

2. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
I got into this album when I was a senior in high school, going into college. It opened my world up to Motown and soul. Smooth as hell. There's a beautiful darkness to it. The sequencing from "God Is Love" to "Mercy Mercy Me" is probably my favorite transition ever. Still gets me every time. 

3. J Dilla - Donuts 
This record is the last thing I've heard in a long time that really blew my mind. Like nothing else. I used to work at an awful pizza place that would stay open really late on the weekends. We would often party after we closed. I took the train home one summer night at like 4 am, drunk and high, and put this on. It floored me. I was so extremely happy taking that journey, listening to it for the first time. It's untouchable. 

4. Fiona Apple - When the Pawn...
Fiona Apple is a genius. Jon Brion is a genius. How can something be so raw and so lush at the same time? Fiona has taught me that it's okay to be vulnerable, and honest when it comes to your emotions. She bares it all. And her sensibility when it comes to songwriting is really badass. She's my favorite. 

5. Talking Heads - Fear of Music 
This was the first Talking Heads record that I really connected with. It's really dark and groovy, and heady as well. I also got into this in college. "Air" was always a standout. It came across to me as a really fucked up hit. Sort of drugged out disco sounding shit. And "I Zimbra" is one of the coolest openers to a record. This album balances light and dark really well.