Music that inspired the Java binding

This is not really of any relevance to anything, but just in case someone cares (and there were people who found perl.z3950.org/docs/Albums interesting), here is a list of the music that I was listening to as I wrote the initial version of the Java binding specification, and started work on my implementation of it:

• Coldplay - Parachutes
  There are people who'll tell you that this is bland or monotonous, but I'm going to tell you that it just gorgeous, laid-back rock music that might even have a point. Bland? Not at all. Those who disagree are clearly just not Getting It.
   -  [amazon.com] [amazon.co.uk]

• A.C.T - Today's Report
  What a tragedy that this Swedish progressive rock band are so obscure, and their albums so hard to get hold of. The music is intricate, exuberant and exhilarating, even though (I must admit) the singer does sound a bit like he's breathing helium. I love the sheer, raw ambition of this kind of music. It's the sort of thing that Yes fans of the 70s would have been wishing, back then, that their heroes would be doing in the 21st century.
   -  [amazon.com]

• Pulp - This Is Hardcore
  Pulp are a hard band to characterise. Even when their music is superficially cheerful (which it mostly isn't on this album) it's still relentlessly grimy. Utterly brilliant, but not necessarily very pleasant, Pulp albums often leave me feeling like I need a bath. But if you want an insight into what it's like to be someone living a very different life from yours - and a much nastier one - then this is vivid and profound.
   -  [amazon.com] [amazon.co.uk]

• CCK - In Christ Alone
  An excellent worship album recorded live at a biggish church on the south coast of England. It's inexplicably hard to get hold of, though.
   -  [not available from amazon]

• Blur - The Great Escape
  If anyone remembers a band called Madness in the 80s, then you'll know what I mean when I say that Blur are their natural heirs. They effortlessly address the most fundamental and profound issues in catchy, likeable, melodic songs. A unique and wonderful band.
   -  [amazon.com] [amazon.co.uk]

• Delirious? - Cutting Edge 3 & 4
  Ah, the blessed relief of hearing Christian music that doesn't sound like it's been diluted with sugar-water! Muscular, and texturally dense, this is as good as anything I've heard in its genre (whatever that may be).
   -  [amazon.com] [amazon.co.uk]

• Dream Theater - Images and Words
  Along with A.C.T, another band who are struggling valiantly against the prevailing musical fashion towards simplification. If anything, this is even more vibrant and agressive than Today's Report, though perhaps not so melodic. I know this style of music is struggling to eke out a living in the modern ecosystem; but then so are mountain gorillas, and they're gorgeous too.
   -  [amazon.com]

• Joni Mitchell - Ladies of the Canyon
  The top singer-songwriter there's ever been, end of.
   -  [amazon.com] [amazon.co.uk]

• Phatfish - Heavenbound
  You'll struggle to find this (though you can get hold of their earlier Purple through the Fishtank), but it's a wonderful insight into all that is awesome - especially the final track, There is a Day. I have to admit an interest here - the Phatfish keyboard player is a friend of mine - but I'd be listening to it anyway.
   -  [not available from amazon]

• Radiohead - OK Computer
  The top semi-progressive semi-britpop album out there, and if that sounds like a weird description, it's because it's a weird album. Took me several listens to get into it, but it's absolutely fascinating: packed with cryptic allusions, provocative imagery and perfect melodies. Not to mention aural textures that will make you rethink everything you think you know about music.
   -  [amazon.com] [amazon.co.uk]

• Suzanne Vega - Solitude Standing
  The next-best singer-songwriter there's ever been :-)
   -  [amazon.com] [amazon.co.uk]

You should listen to these albums too.