I have to admit, when asked to compile my top 40 albums in recognition of the Woodstock anniversary, I was super excited as music is a huge passion of mine.  I thought, "Wow, i know a ton about modern music - this will be a snap!"

When I found out I was being put in the company of Tom Robotham, Jim Newsom and Jeff Masiey - all writers and all musicians, my excitement went to a place I call "panic when trying to figure out who to sit with on the first day of school for lunch."  And after reviewing their lists, I think the question Tom and I have been asking ourselves will be answered soon enough:  Who are our readers?  Do we have any Gen-X'ers out there?  (I think I may have just heard a cricket).  Also as the representative lesbian on staff, I had to throw in some vagina music or someone would come and take my toaster away.  So, here is my list:

Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (2005) - best of the albums representing a state by far. Sufjan Stevens' goal is to write an album titled and detailing all the states in the union.  I think he is stuck in the Dakotas right now.
The Polyphonic Sprees - The Beginning Stages Of ...(UK) (2002) - this band will change your life if you see them live - go!  And if you can't go see them live - get this album.  Your life may not change, but it will be affected.
Ben Folds - Rockin' the Suburbs (2001) any Ben Folds is a necessity in any respectable music library, but this one rocks throughout.
Ani DiFranco - Dilate (1996) staple for any self-respecting lesbian