by Keith Staines

Created on: January 09, 2009

The music of the 90s is near and dear to my heart since it is what I mostly grew up on. I'm going to list my favorite albums of the 90s, which many people will disagree with. I could list for hours all of the albums I really liked, but I'm going to stick with the 5 or 6 that really stand out and still live on my iPod today. So without further ado...

Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream

This was the beginning of a decades long love story between a young boy and a band from Chicago. Siamese Dream was my introduction to the Pumpkins and my obsession continues until this very day. I remember owning the cassette and basically wearing it out in my Walkman. The day it snapped is still one of the saddest days of my life.

This is one of the strangest bands in the world. Billy Corgan's voice is ridiculous and there is absolutely no way people should like it. But for some strange reason, it just works with the roaring guitars that accompany it. I remember hearing "Today" for the first time and wondering what the hell was this song I was hearing. It made no sense and I just shook my head. Then I heard it again. And again. Then I heard "Rocket" and it was starting to grow on me. The first time I heard "Disarm", it was all over. I ran out and bought it, the first album I'd bought for myself. And I haven't looked back since.

I can still throw the album on today and listen to it from start to finish. That is my basic judge of a fantastic album. Not just a few great singles, but a full album that you never hit the fast forward on. Add in "Cherub Rock", "Silverf-k", "Mayonaise", and "Geek USA" and you're good to go. "Spaceboy" is probably one of my favorite songs of all time, with Corgan's haunting lyrics.

Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral

Another good start to finish album, Trent Reznor's masterpiece pounded out of my speakers many a night. More on the industrial side, a little bit harder than a lot of what will wind up on this list, but fine listening nonetheless. You start with "Mr. Self Destruct" and follow it all the way through to "Hurt" and you will have passed the entire gauntlet of Reznor's genius. It will tear at your soul and pound your ears and you will walk away begging for more.

Most people are familiar with "Closer", in which Reznor declares what animal-like action he wishes to conduct upon you. I remember anytime you were at the bars in the mid to late 90s, anytime that pounding bass came out the dance floor exploded. It's a really good song, but probably middle of

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