Electric Ladyland
What can I say? There isn't any other artist whose style appeals to me like Hendrix's and this is his greatest album, an ecstatic blend of blues rock, psychedelia and funk. Incendiary electric guitar as well as some pretty brilliant song writing, in particular Voodoo Chile and A Merman I Should Be. And then there's the ending duo of All Along the Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return). Just a masterpiece.
Madvillainy by Madvillain
MF Doom and Madlib deliver the pinnacle of quirky, intelligent hip hop. Doom's slightly slurred flow couples so well with Madlib's low key beats, pillowy bass and sample heavy production. The swirling accordion on the opening track is just blissful. It's rare that an album can be so sonically diverse and at the same time retain such a sense of stylistic unity. It's too light handed to be called a true concept album, but the theme is there, drawing everything together into a perfect whole.
Return to Cookie Mountain by TV on the Radio
Just an excellent band, I love their sound. Densely produced with an emphasis on distorted guitars and eccentric beats, very original in their arrangements and the chant-esque vocal style tops it all off. Wolf Like Me is one of the most instantly catchy tracks to will ever hear. I can honestly say there isn't a weak track on the entire album, and I'm glad that these guys are growing in popularity, a perfect major label debut.
Red by King Crimson
An album this forum introduced me to and I instantly fell in love. The opening riff is like kick in the face and it doesn't let up. The guitar/saxophone corabo works beautifully throughout, and when vocals come in they are used to great effect.