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Last summer, I saw AVClub run a list where you pick an album for every year you’ve been alive. I created a list and sent it out to some of my friends.

I found the e-mail I sent out and I’ve made a few adjustments to it. Previously, I was unable to find something for 1985 & 1990. Now, I have everything filled out, from 1983 – 2008. Enjoy.

1983:  Speaking in Tongues – Talking Heads
1984:  Purple Rain – Prince
1985:  Rain Dogs – Tom Waits
1986:  Master of Puppets – Metallica
1987:  Sign O the Times – Prince
1988:  Daydream Nation – Sonic Youth
1989:  Doolittle – Pixies
1990:  Fear of a Black Planet – Public Enemy
1991:  Nevermind – Nirvana
1992:  Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine
1993:  Siamese Dream – The Smashing Pumpkins
1994:  Weezer – Weezer
1995:  The Bends – Radiohead
1996:  This is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About – Modest Mouse
1997:  OK Computer – Radiohead
1998:  Electro-Shock Blues – Eels
1999:  Summerteeth – Wilco
2000:  The Hour of Bewilderbeast – Badly Drawn Boy
2001:  Is this it – The Strokes
2002:  Turn on the Bright Lights – Interpol
2003:  Chutes Too Narrow – The Shins
2004:  Funeral – Arcade Fire
2005:  I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning – Bright Eyes
2006:  Destroyer’s Rubies – Destroyer
2007:  Sound of Silver – LCD Soundsystem
2008:  For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver

A little over 6 months ago, Molly and I had our wedding. Previously, I posted wedding pictures. While Molly was behind the majority of the preparation and planning of our wedding reception, I was responsible for the music.

I hired my friend, Dan, to DJ and gave him two Macs to use for the music. I created a playlist in iTunes that he selected music from, and he used his Rhapsody subscription for requests. Below, you will find the playlist that was used during the Wedding Reception. This list does not include requests.

First Day of My Life was our first official dance song, and Forever Young was the father/bride song.  I had requested Foreplay Long Time as the closing song and I thought that worked out pretty well.  I was also shocked at how well Dancing in the Dark went over.  I think that was probably the biggest hit on the dance floor.

I’m about to buy Bruce Springsteen’s Working on a Dream from iTunes. This will be my first purchase of 2009 music, so I thought it would be a good time to list out my favorite albums from 2008.

1. For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver

   This is an album that I have loved from the beginning. It’s a breakup album that makes me wish I had gone thru a messy breakup. It’s refreshing to hear an acoustic guitar album that sounds this exciting. It was also recorded in a cabin in northwestern Wisconsin last winter, which gives it an interesting backstory and a little character. I was lucky enough to see Bon Iver live last month in Madison.

   Best Song: Skinny Love

2. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes

   Another album with a wintery feel to it. The Fleet Foxes sound like a folksy version of the Shins. It’s pure pop, but they sound more genuine than the Shins. I’ve had a few arguments with friends who feel the Fleet Foxes are overrated. This is an example of those friends being wrong.

   Best Song – White Winter Hymnal

3. Everything that Happens will Happen Today – David Byrne & Brian Eno

   While the first two albums on this list were no-brainers, the rest of the top 5 was more difficult for me to figure out. I’m a Talking Heads fan, so I was excited about the new Byrne/Eno collaboration. While Everything that Happens isn’t as good as their Talking Heads albums, it’s still a very enjoyable album (and honestly, probably not fair to hold it up to that standard). It’s probably the most optimistic album I’ve heard this year and makes getting older seem ok. I was lucky enough to see David Byrne live in Milwaukee this fall.

   Best Song: Strange Overtones

4. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
   

   This is the 3rd Debut album on this list, but it’s much different than Bon Iver & the Fleet Foxes. Whereas those are perfect Winter albums, Vampire Weekend is already one of my favorite summer listens. I find their music difficult to explain, but they sound like how you feel watching a Wes Anderson film.

   Best Song: M79

5. Dear Science – TV on the Radio
   

   When this album came out, most were saying it was probably the best album of 2008. While this is an enjoyable listen, I still don’t think they have came out with a great album yet. All three of their releases are very good, but lack the emotional punch needed for greatness. Still, if you aren’t familiar with TV on the Radio, this is a great place to start.

   Best Song: Family Tree

Just Missed: 808s & Heartbreak – Kanye West, Shallow Grave – The Tallest Man on Earth, Saturdays=Youth – M83