Acid Test

I stumbled upon this band a number of years ago while still checking out music from the library. It fit into my tastes then and I sought out my own personal copy. With only one album to their name, it's difficult to form an opinion on them based upon the one release.

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Drop The sole release from the group. I recall really liking it when I found it (I bought a copy, after all) but my musical tastes have shifted and I find myself not listening to this as much as I once did. Still, a nice stroll down memory lane for me. Recommended Tracks: Mr. Skin, Touch Me

Adam Ant

I came across Adam Ant later in his career when "Room at the Top" was playing on the radio. Being a fan of new wave at the time, this fit well into my repertoire. Going back to his earlier releases I found myself enjoying the quirkiness of some of the songs. He is one artist who I've tried collecting in vinyl and on CD. Very fun to listen to with great imagination.

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Friend or Foe (1982) Classic Ant. Very fun to listen to with a number of hits on here. If you've never listened to Adam Ant, this would be a good album to start with. It was not my first album of his but it is one I play more often. Recommended Tracks: Friend or Foe, Something Girls, Here Comes the Grump, Goody Two Shoes, Crackpot History and the Right to Lie, Man Called Marco

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Manners & Physique (1989) This is my very first Adam Ant album. I bought this specifically because I was hearing "Room at the Top" on the radio and decided to buy it from Columbia House Record Club (remember that?). I always enjoy pulling this out and reliving a bit of my childhood. Recommended Tracks: Room at the Top, Can't Set Rules About Love, U.S.S.A, Bright Lights Black Leather, Anger Inc.

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Antics in the Forbidden Zone (1990) Though not explicitly stated, this is 'Best of' album and contains previously released material from 1980-1985. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it is missing some of my more favourite tracks. Nevertheless, if you want a good place to start with Adam Ant then is might be the one for you. Recommended Tracks: Zerox, Car Trouble, Kings of the Wild Frontier, Stand and Deliver, Prince Charming, Friend or Foe, Goody Two Shoes, Puss 'n Boots, Apollo 9

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Wonderful (1995) After so long, I was very happy to find this album. I picked it up without listening to a track and was glad to find familiar territory. This does not mean it sounds like everthing released previously, just that he didn't go crazy trying to reinvent the wheel. It has a much more mature feel to it, fitting as it came out sixteen years after his debut. Recommended Tracks: Won't Take That Talk, Beautiful Dream, Wonderful, Yin & Yang, Vampires, Angel

Adamski

Another artist I stumbled upon at the library (they seemed to have quite an electic collection back in the day). I enjoyed what I heard enough to pick up the second album at some point. Later on, I picked up a single and, while it was a slightly different sound, much of what I enjoyed was still there. I've since added other releases to my collection and enjoying throwing them on shuffle for a nice mix.

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Liveandirect (1989) Chronologically, the first Adamski album I own despite it being the most recent I've purchased. It showcases his musical talents instead of his vocals and one can see where Musical Pharmacy has its roots. Like one and you'll like the other. That said, most songs sound like variation on the same theme and I have a difficult time singling out any particular track as my favourite. All around nice house music to listen to but I would recommend one of his later albums first.

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Doctor Adamski's Musical Pharmacy (1990) The first Adamski album I came upon. Without this one, I never would have looked up any of the rest of his work. I'm a sucker for synths, samples, and electronic music from the time-period so this was a natural fit. This is an album I would recommend. Recommended Tracks: Eighth House, Future Freak, Killer

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Adamski's Thing (1998) It's nice to hear how his sound has evolved yet stayed consistent with his core beginnings. I find the range in this album to be more varied, making for a more solid listening experience. This is one album where I find bits of songs getting stuck in my head long after listening to them. If you're new to Adamski, I would recommend this album and work your way back. Recommended Tracks: Sparklin', One of the People, Existential Boredom, Intravenous Venus, God's Teeth, Picadilly Circus, Champagne or Real Pain?

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One of the People (EP) (1998) There used to be an outlet store which sold imported CD singles for really good prices. I could spend an hour looking through the selections, finding hidden treasures. This was one I stumbled upon, much to my wife's dismay when I left it in the CD player, on disc-repeat nonetheless, and she was busy doing something else and couldn't stop it. I, (un)fortunately, was not home at the time. Recommended Tracks: One of the People (Radio Edit), One of the People (Love From San Francisco Vocal Mix)

Adele

I'm sure like many people, I listened to Adele before I listened to Adele. I'm certain I heard one or two songs from her first album, though I couldn't begin to tell you which ones, before I went out and bought her second. I have a weakness for female vocalists, especially ones with strong voices. In this, Adele does not disappoint. I find more than one of her songs popping into my head at strange moments and have to exorcise it by actually popping a disc in the player.

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21 (2011) This is her second album, but the only one I own. I've listened to her first album, 19, and, while it wasn't bad, I find this album to be much stronger. Her emotion carries through very well and I can find myself sympathizing, if not empathizing, with her. Recommended Tracks: Rolling in the Deep, Turning Tables, Set Fire to the Rain, Lovesong

All Saints

Continuing on a theme (but preceding the above, timewise), All Saints came to me just after I graduated. I was becoming displeased with radio and would constantly flip through stations to find something tolerable to listen to. A catchy tune with lovely lyrics were all it took.

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Never Ever (EP) (1998) A single or an EP, I'm not one to judge. Three songs are all that're contained on this disc and, after being burned by purchasing a few albums which didn't live up to their initial hype, I opted for the single of "Never Ever" so as not to become disappointed later. Even now, I still have not heard the complete album, nor do I want to lest I ruin my like for this song. Recommended Tracks: Never Ever

And One

And One is a group I came upon while listening to internet radio (and, okay, I downloaded a song of thiers via file-sharing). EBM and futurepop are two of my more favourite genres and these guys fit right in. Catchy tunes and lyrics (in German, even!) make And One a pleasure to listen to.

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Krieger (EP) (2003) I'm a sucker for singles and I couldn't pass this one up. I'd never heard "Krieger" before but knew I wouldn't be disappointed. All mixes of the song are catchy and, though obviously based off the same song, have a great amount of variation. Recommended Tracks: Krieger (Supersoft Mischung von Oomph!), Krieger (Radio Fassung)

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Bodypop (2006) Continuing a style all their own, Bodypop feels similar but fresh. Catchy music and ironically humourous lyrics, this album is always a treat to listen to. If you're wanting to try out And One, this would be a good album with which to cut your teeth. Recommended Tracks: Military Fashion Show, So Klingt Liebe, Body Company, Love You to the End

Anthrax

I discovered Anthrax while viewing one of their music videos (do we even have those any more?) on broadcast television. We had a local, low-power station which would broadcast Much Music - the Canadian variant of MTV. Prior to this, I was aware of the name but had never heard anything they played. But, based upon the one video, I went out and bought the album. While I may not listen to them as much now as I used to, I am in no hurry to get rid of the CD's.

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Persistence Of Time (1990) Not their first album, but it was my first album. Based upon the "Got the Time" video, I bought this on CD. This is notable because this is one of the first CD's I ever purchased (hey, I was 13 at the time!). I remember listening to this with my huge headphones on (Beats by Dre ain't got nothin' on those) and just letting the time pass by. I love the memories this album brings back. Recommended Tracks: In My World, Intro to Reality, Got the Time, Discharge

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Sound of White Noise (1993) This is the only other Anthrax album I own, and I'm content with that. This simply built upon my fondness for the band and I find I like this album more, as a whole, than Persistence of Time, though I feel the songs I like from the former are stronger. Make sense? No, I didn't think so. Nevermind. Just get this album. Recommended Tracks: Potters Field, Only, Hy Pro Glo, Black Lodge, C11 H17 N2 O2 S Na, This Is Not An Exit

Aphex Twin

I don't recall exactly how I came upon Aphex Twin, other than it was while flipping through MTV or VH1 when they still played music. One thing led to another and I ended up with an album.

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Come to Daddy (1997) The only Aphex Twin album I own, and likely will own. The title song is as awesome as the video is creepy. Richard D. James makes a wonderful album I love to listen to, though his other stuff is not up my alley. That said, if you have the chance to get your mitts on this, do so. Recommended Tracks: All of them

Apoptygma Berzerk

I came across APB like I came across most of my electronic music - via music sharing service like Napster (remember that?). Most of the time, the APB songs I came across were either 1) remixes or 2) misattributed to them. As the file sharing services "grew up", I was able to find actual, correct releases by APB. Springboarding of this, I was able to actually go out and make legitimate purchases and can now say I own a number of their albums.

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7 (1996) While not their first release, this is their first release I was able to find. To me, this album established how APB would sound on later releases. This, this have managed to well while evolving into something more mature. I would recommend this album to anyone thinking of getting into APB as I don't believe you'd be disappointed. Recommended Tracks: Mourn, Non-Stop Violence, Rebel, Deep Red, Untitled Too

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The Apopcalyptic Manifesto (1998) Their first compilation album I found, this release primarily has songs off their first album plus a couple songs from an early promo and 7. It's nice to own this album as European electronic music can be difficult to find here in the States and, when you do, it tends to never be priced less than it was new. Metropolis has done us a favour with this one and I'm very happy to have added this to my collection. Recommended Tracks: Deep Red, Bitch, Stitch, Burnin Heretic (Album Version), Wrack 'em to Pieces

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Welcome to Earth (2000) Without radio stations to play electronic music here, it can be difficult to find new material. From the other outlets I procured my music, I would have to say that would be APB's best known album. It features a number of great songs and would probably be my suggestion for an introduction to the band. It also continues their tradition of putting a hidden song at the end of the last track. Recommended Tracks: Starsign, Help Me!, Kathy's Song (Come Lie Next to Me), Paranoia

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Kathy's Song (Come Lie Next To Me) (EP) (2001) Probably one of my most favourite songs from the band, I was glad to see they released an EP with remixes from other groups. In more than once case, knowing who the remixers were had led me to increase my music collection. I am not complaining. If you enjoy this song from their previous album, you will not be disappointed. Recommended Tracks: Kathy's Song (Ferry Corsten RMX) (Radio Edit), Kathy's Song (Victoria Mix By VNV Nation), Kathy's Song (Beborn Beton Remix)

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Harmonizer (2002) Excellent follow-up to Welcome to Earth, this album contains more of the introspective and melodic electronica I expected from the group. Honestly, I probably listen to this album more than the others simply because the whole album is good, with a few stand-outs. You would not be disappointed owning this one, either. Recommended Tracks: Suffer in Silence, Unicorn, Until the End of the World, Rollergirl, Pikachu, Something I Should Know

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Until The End Of The World (EP) (2002) One of more favourite tracks off Harmonizer, I was happy to see an EP released for this. I gladly scooped it up when I had the chance. Recommended Tracks: Until The End Of The World (Single Version), Until The End Of The World (Schiller Remix)

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Suffer In Silence (EP) (2002) Tied for my most favourite song from Harmonizer, I found this the same time I did the Until the End of the World EP. Of course, I grabbed it, too. As an extra bonus, on it there is the bonus video for Until the End of the World. Recommended Tracks: Suffer In Silence (Single Edit), Suffer In Silence (Icon Of Coil Remix)

Assemblage 23

This is one time where file sharing definitely paid off. While finding songs by my other favourite artists, I found a few had made remixes of A23 songs which I liked. I took the chance and bought and album. Then I proceeded to download more A23 stuff, buy more albums, and now I have the complete discography through 2012. I can also say this is one artist whom I've seen in concert and sounds just like you'd expect him to. He was also a nice enough guy to sign all my CD covers afterwards. Very, very cool. This is one artist I highly endorse.

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Contempt (1999) A23's first album, this pretty much set the stage for what would later follow. One of my favourite albums he released, I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to sample a little Assemblage 23. I doubt you'll be disappointed. Recommended Tracks: Anthem, Surface, Skyquake

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Failure (2001) Most likely my most favourite A23 album, I was unable to pick this up until I finally saw Tom in concert. Once this hit my CD player it took a long time in coming back out. Highly, highly recommended. Recommended Tracks: I Am The Rain, House On Fire, Disappoint, Divide

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Addendum (2001) A remix album of A23's first two albums, along with a couple new songs, this was the first album I was able to find locally. Most of the remixes are good but I think I prefer the original songs, for the most part. Not a bad album to pick up by any means, just...not quite the same. Recommended Tracks: Let Me Be Your Armor, Divide (Tidal Mix), Breath of Ghosts, The Drowning Season, Silence (Lo-fi Quietude Remix)

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Defiance (2002) The third album shows A23 evolving while staying true to its roots. Some very good tracks on here. This is another one I picked up at the concert even though I'd already downloaded much of it. So glad I had the chance to snag this. Recommended Tracks: Drive, Blindhammer, Document, Fallen Down, Lullaby

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Let The Wind Erase Me (EP) (2004) The first single from the upcoming 'Storm', this was also the first single I bought. A couple nice remixes of the titual song and a couple new tunes to boot. Good addition to the collection. Recommended Tracks: Let The Wind Erase Me, Let The Wind Erase Me (Club Version), Let The Wind Erase Me (Hard Version)

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Storm (2004) Vying for the top spot in this discography, Storm is an excellent album I heartily endorse. It is evident Tom is finding his stride and his music excels because of it. Buy this and you won't be disappointed. Recommended Tracks: Skin, Ground, Let The Wind Erase Me, You Haven't Earned It, 30KFT

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Ground (EP) (2004) One of my favourite songs from 'Storm', I was glad to find this EP. All songs are very good (this includes two non-album tracks) and this is worthy of a collection. I especially enjoy the acoustic version of Ground as it is very well done and unexpected on an EBM album. A healthy EP to grab if you can find it. Recommended Tracks: Ground, Consequence, Lament, Ground (Acoustic Version)

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Binary (EP) (2007) An EP from A23's next album 'Meta', Binary has a more electronic element than Tom's previous work. The beat is excellent and the lyrics as introspective as always. It is not my favourite release from A23, but I do listen to it occasionally. This EP includes two unreleased songs which are worthwhile in themselves. Recommended Tracks: Dirt, Binary (Club Mix)

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Meta (2007) Alas, it had to happen at some point. This is probably my least favourite of A23's releases. Ironically, this happens to be some other people's favourite. Different strokes, and all that, I guess. Not hateful by any means, this one just doesn't have the feel of Tom's other albums. Most of the songs are okay, a couple really good, but nothing that wows me. I prefer to listen to this album when mixed in with other A23 songs. Recommended Tracks: Decades (V2), Sorry, Damaged, Madman's Dream, Crush

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Spark (EP) (2009) After the disappointment (for me) that was 'Meta', I was hungry for something better...and given a taste of things to come. I love this EP - even the remixes. If you come across this, buy it. It promises what 'Compass' eventually delivers and restored my faith in A23. Recommended Tracks: ALL OF THEM

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Compass (2009) Without a doubt, my favourite A23 album. This is one which hits my CD player and takes a week to come back out. I can honestly say there is not one song on here I dislike. I was lucky enough to buy this two-disc version when I saw Tom in concert and, unlike other limited editions, even the bonus disc is excellent. If you were to buy one album from A23, this would be it. Recommended Tracks: Collapse, Impermanence, Spark, Leave This All Behind, Alive, Angels & Demons, The Cruelest Year, Grind, Alone Again

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Bruise (2012) A good album overall, and solid like his past records. I enjoy this album but it just doesn't capture me like Compass did. There are some very catchy songs on here which I really enjoy and none which make me regret buying this album. I saw Tom on tour in support of this release, which was an excellent show, BTW, and this is the last of my A23 discs he was kind enough to sign. If you like what you heard on his other albums, this will be a worthy addition to your collection. Recommended Tracks: Crosstalk, Over & Out, Darkflow, Talk Me Down

The Azoic

I came across The Azoic in my past file-sharing wanderings and was eventually able to score an album. It was only later I learned they started out in my home town, which makes them a bit more special. I have a fondness for female vocalists, and Kristy Venrick is no different. If you're looking for some really decent EBM, you might give these guys a listen.

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Illuminate (2004) While I don't listen to this all the time, when I do I greatly enjoy it. Good beat, good vocals - everything a good EBM album should be. Based upon this release, if I come across another album from them, I will buy it. Recommended Tracks: The One, Conflict, Obsession, Passage