On the opening track of Phish’s most recent studio album Joy, singer Trey Anastasio assures us that “all my friends come backwards down the number line.” Using this refrain as a prompt, I decided to buddy up with the band and dive headlong into the Library’s catalog, seeking out numerically titled albums to arrange in a sort of countdown.
Nine Types of Light – TV on the Radio 
Released in April of last year, TV on the Radio’s fourth studio album is a wonderfully unique assemblage of post-punk, electro-soul tunes. Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe’s dynamic vocal range is on full display as he effortlessly swings between baritone and falsetto, hitting all points in between, sometimes, even on the same song. The album is punctuated with driving bass lines, spacey synths and heavy guitars reminiscent of the Phil Spector “wall of sound” recording technique.
Highlights: “Will Do” and “Caffeinated Consciousness”
Figure 8 – Elliott Smith
Drawing heavy influence from the Beatles, Smith takes his listeners along for an emotional ride with another set of wistful, dream-pop-infused songs recorded in part at Abbey Road Studios. The last studio album completed before his untimely death in 2003, “Figure 8” found the singer-songwriter simultaneously on a creative high and at a personal low as he battled addiction and depression. As in his prior works, Smith’s dark and haunted lyrics are at times delivered so sweetly and melodically that it is hard not to lose track of their meaning and just get lost in his voice.
Highlights: “Junk Bond Trader,” “Everything Reminds Me of Her” and “Can’t Make a Sound”
Seven’s Travels – Atmosphere
In this powerful collection of songs it seems that nothing is off limits for MC Slug as he raps about seemingly any and everything going on in his life. With personal demons to spare, “Seven’s Travels” plays out as if Slug were lying on a couch as we listeners quietly nod and jot down notes before asking him about his relationship with his mother. Despite the seemingly dour subject matter (failed relationships, addiction, etc.), the combination of producer Ant’s groove-heavy beats and Slug’s manic flows provides for a very entertaining listen.
Highlights: “Gotta Lotta Walls,” “Shoes” and “National Disgrace”
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