CBC Radio has become obsessed with the making of lists; specifically, the cobbling-together of lists of the "Top Canadian Songs" or the "Top 50 Songs of All Time", and the like. Judging by the popularity of these programs, it's not just the old hippies at our national public radio who are list-obsessed. Everyone's jumping on this bandwagon.

I blame Nick Hornby. He penned the now classic "High Fidelity" and created the immature yet lovable list-making rogue Rob Fleming. After the traumatic break-up from his girlfriend, Rob takes comfort in the company of the clerks at his vintage vinyl store, whose bantering compilations of top-five lists (e.g., top five Elvis Costello songs; top-five films) typify the novel's ingratiating saturation in pop culture.

Ah, but I digress. Somewhat. Lists and pop culture, they go hand-in-hand. It all smacks of the broody seriousness of adolescence, this compiling of lists such as "Top-Ten Favourite Pop Albums of All Time". I'm well into adulthood now, with the big 40 looming on the not-too-distant horizon. I have no excuse. And I offer none. Here's my list, in no particular order:

1. Radiohead. OK Computer. Tough call. Doubtless, it's a brilliant, flawless album. It's just difficult for me to pick just one Radiohead album. Honourable Mention to both Kid A and Amnesiac.

2. The Smiths. Louder Than Bombs. Is this one actually an album, or another Smiths compilation? I can never tell, there are so many compilations out there. This one still lives in my 5-CD platter.

3. Ani Difranco. Dilate. Accept no substitutes, this woman's the real deal. The double-CD live album Living in Clip receives Honourable Mention. Ani is amazing in concert.

4. Underworld. Second Toughest in the Infants. I recently "acquired" this album again, after having lost the CD on a flight back from Amsterdam. Solid.

5. Led Zeppelin. Fourth Album. Ya know, the one without a title, just those four symbols. Yeah, that one. Again, tough to choose just one Zep album. Classic. I pick this album not so much for Stairway to Heaven (good song that became waaaaaay overplayed), but for the ultra sexy cover of the Memphis Minnie song When the Levee Breaks. Still gives me shivers.

6. Pink Floyd. Dark Side of the Moon. Yeah, first Zeppelin and now Floyd. Gettin' way old skool. Dark Side still remains a perfect gem of an album, though. Honourable Mention to Wish You Were Here and Meddle, which contains the gorgeous, scintillating, 26-minute-long Echoes. Ah, many an acid trip was embarked upon whilst listening to this song. (Don't try this at home, kids).

7. AC/DC. Back in Black. Kicks Ass. 'Nuff said.

8. Tom Waits. Nighthawks at the Diner. Tom Waits live and in top storytelling form.

9. Nick Drake. Time of No Reply. This one is a posthumous compilation, with unreleased material. Drake's voice is so soft and vulnerable that you'll be close to tears. Hauntingly beautiful.

10. Depeche Mode. Violator. What?! Hey, it can't all be moody doom-and-gloom. Mmm...yeah, actually it can, 'cause this DM album is moody and gloomy. But David Gahan's voice is sooooo sexy. And it's all very danceable.

There. Now you've learned so much about me. Glad we could share this moment ;-)