[CSSer]

This might seem like a cliché answer, at least because this is not what I typically listen to on a normal basis, but for an album I'd Pink Floyd's The Wall.

I think it has a certain degree of universal appeal. It has really aged extraordinarily well. If you are ever given the opportunity to listen to it on an any type of hifi system, do so. You'll find layers of eery texture and masterful use of stero dynamics. As a cherry on top, the album forms a perfect loop.

As for a song, Aphex Twin's Avril 14th. I love that you can hear the action of the piano in the track. It was recorded with a kind of player piano that makes it sound very mechanical, but it still has a somewhat organic feel to it. It's very quaint yet oddly contemporary.

[thorin]

Although I've listened to it a lot I wouldn't really describe the wall as beautiful, it's quite jarring in places. Comfortably numb is kind of beautiful. I'd choose dark side of the moon or wish you were here as beautiful though.

[CSSer]

That’s fair. I really like the contrast. Dark side of the moon is nice, but it’s always left me wanting more.

[thorin]

Not to sound condescending, I found I grew out of The Wall, I think because it deals a lot with issues from childhood and rebelliousness. The themes of Animals (politics and how we relate to each other), Dark Side of the Moon ( sanity, the meaning of life and life after death) and Wish You Were Here (sanity, conformity) seem more relevant at the moment. Roger water obviously has this rebellious energy and anger where as Dave Gilmour is more reflective and creates beautiful art but without the same kind of passion. At the right time and with Richard and Nick, they made such a perfect combination.