Josh Dooley — Map's Most Influential Albums

Pet Shop Boys — Please

This was the first time I heard music on the radio and thought it could be special and for me. I was walking around the house singing "Love Comes Quickly," "Opportunities," "Suburbia," and "West End Girls." My dad bought me this on 12-inch vinyl. That was the first time I realized music could exist outside of the radio. You could actually just listen over and over to your favorite songs with headphones on in your bedroom.

The Smiths — The Queen Is Dead

This is the album that changed my life. I heard this being played in a creative writing class in junior high, and I was just blown away. What was Morrissey singing about? How was he singing? None of these songs were Top 40 or even Top 100. The idea that musicians made records that were not played on the radio and somehow found their audience just rocked my world.

Depeche Mode — Music for the Masses

My love for Depeche Mode comes down to the songwriting. Martin Gore could play any of his songs on an acoustic guitar or a piano, and they are brilliant. Add Dave Gahan's voice and Alan Wilder's sounds, and they owned the world with this album.

The Beatles — Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

I fell in love with music in the late 1980s, being turned on to new wave music. My dad then gave me a valuable education in music from the 1960s. Sgt. Pepper had emotion, depth, surrealness, rock and roll, and a sense of humor.

The Doors — Strange Days

I did not want to learn only one style. I liked how the Doors were very original and yet strangely Top 40-friendly. "You're Lost Little Girl."

The Velvet Underground & Nico — The Velvet Underground & Nico

This record taught me that great songwriting is what matters foremost. "Sunday Morning," "Femme Fatale," "I'll Be Your Mirror," and "There She Goes Again." With all due respect to Lou and the gang, this album made me realize you did not have to sing great, play guitar great, or have an amazing studio setup if you had great songs.

Cocteau Twins — Victorialand

This album taught me about atmosphere. I was focused on lyrics, chords, and melody, and then Victorialand showed me that a delay pedal and some overdubs can be epic. This album was a duet. Just Robin and Elizabeth.

Red House Painters — Red House Painters (Rollercoaster)

Low — I Could Live in Hope

Slowdive — Souvlaki