My four faves aren't recent releases but damn if they're not great albums. 1st on that list would have to be In Flames' Colony; this is my first Gothenburg metal album (though I've sampled some other stuff from the scene, like At The Gates and Arch Enemy), and while it's not my favorite metal record of all time I can't stop playing it. Just great Iron Maiden-inspired metal with harsh vocals (though not growly) and addictive melodies. I definitely look forward to buying Clayman.

2nd is Portishead's Dummy. I owned a burned copy of this disc a while back but somehow managed to lose it (along with, ironically enough, an In Flames comp and a few other things). I liked what I heard enough to buy the real thing. It's really effective at establishing that moody "noir" atmosphere, probably better than any other trip-hop album out there. "Strangers" really fits for those long, dark city nights.

3rd is Kyuss' Blues For The Red Sun. I bought this album when I was on a Queens Of The Stone Age trip (I bought both Songs For The Deaf and R) and liked it at first, but now I'm spinning this album relentlessly. Great psychedelic stoner metal that evokes the feel of being stranded in the middle of Death Valley. It made me go out and buy Welcome To Sky Valley, which I also love but I enjoy Blues For The Red Sun more for some reason.

4th on my list would be Talk Talk's Laughing Stock. One of the most unique albums I've ever heard anywhere. It predates the current trend of "post-rock" bands like Tortoise, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and Sigur Ros by over a decade. Very beautiful, spiritual, sad yet also uplifting music with fascinating use of instrumentation.

On a more recent note, I recently received Slosh's McClusky/Les Savy Fav split and Alternative To What? two-disc comp. I love the McClusky/Les Savy Fav split--in fact last night I listened to it four times in a row. Can't remember the last time I've ever dug a comp so much (including my own). The McClusky songs are freakin' awesome. Hilarious fuck-all lyrics ("My band is better than your band/we take more drugs than a touring funk band, sing it!"), great scream-along vocals, guitarwork that is like Joey Santiago on amphetamines, and catchy melodies hidden under lots of abrasion. Sweet. I also love the Les Savy Fav songs--highly quirky post-punk, kind of a cross between Fugazi and At The Drive-In (good thing I dig both bands). "Asleeper's Union," "Meet Me In The Dollar Bin," "The Sweat Descends".. oh man is this awesome. Thanks Sloshy for sending me both comps.

Also got Troy's Garage Band II: The Van Allen Belt. I dig this. It's more cohesive than the first one. Lots of neat sounds and the structures and odd time signatures remind me of Zappa. I can't remember any song titles right now, but I think track 5 (the one with the ocean sounds) is my fave right now. Thanks Troy. BTW, could you give me some details on the Garage Band program? I'd like to try composing my own stuff.