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
Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha (2007)  if easy listening had a different name, it would be called Armchair Apocrypha, but it would be cool...and never played on 2WD
They Might Be Giants - Apollo 18 (1992) The best part about this album is the surprise 21 bonus tracks
The B-52's - The B-52's (1979) Prior to losing the ' in the 's - Rock Lobster was a classic at my Sadie Hawkin's Dance in high school - good times.
Beastie Boys - Hello Nasty (1998) enough to keep anyone moving
The Beautiful South - Welcome to the Beautiful South (1989 ) this was the first release after the breakup of the Housemartins and the best one of their dozen plus albums.  Who else could write such a beautiful song about killing someone and then burying them in the wall.  If you weren't paying attention, you would think it was a love song - or maybe is actually is...
Beck - Sea Change (2002) not the most uplifting album ever - but certainly the most beautiful
Bjork - Debut (1993) she came out of no where with this album and hasn't looked back, except to maybe punch out that photographer in 1996 and again that other one in 2008. 
Bob Mould - Workbook (1989) certainly the most laid back of all of his albums, but an awesome mix of calm and rock
Cake - Motorcade of Generosity (1994) Rock'n'Roll Lifestyle says it all - or is it Mr. Mastodon Farm - either way, both very interesting and thought-provoking songs
Chris Isaak - Forever Blue (1995) even for a lesbian, his songs are all sexy as hell!
Concrete Blond - Bloodletting (1990) Napolitano makes dark and sad sexy and interesting
Crowded House - Temple of Low Men (1998) they make cheating sound ok - very complex and interesting album all around!
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry (1980) Classic Cure
David Bowie - Golden Years (1976) Could be a hit even today
Joni MItchell - Dreamland (2004) this album gives you the best of Joni - remastered!
Emmylou Harris - Red Dirt Girl (2002) this album makes folk cool
The English Beat - I Just Can't Stop It (1980) Have to admit, I probably wouldn't have even thought about EB for this, but I did just see them and man, they were awesome.  This album has resurfaced and is a happy addition to my shuffle.
Everything But The Girl - Acoustic (1992) even though this is mostly a cover album of great songs, it was my first introduction to the band and one I would suggest for any EBTG beginner.  Their later stuff is all great, but the acoustic element is really amazing and really allows you to appreciate the talent of this great duo.
Squeeze - Singles 45's and Under (1982) classic, classic, classic
Huffamoose - Huffamoose (1997) This is the greatest album that no one has ever heard of..but me. 
Jonatha Brooke - Steady Pull (2001)  you know she is awesome when she makes the Austin KGSR Broadcast... not once, but twice!
Kate Bush - The Sensual World (1989) Haunting...Timeless...Sensual
Lily Allen - Alright, Still (2007) with her say-anything attitude and amazingly curt lyrics, no wonder she is Britain's Bad-Girl
Live - Mental Jewelry (1991) Rockin - that's all I can say
Lyle Lovett - Live in Texas (1999) I typically won't listen to live albums (concert purist), but Live in Texas is as good as it was when I saw him in Providence.
Modest Mouse - Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004) An album full of horns and fun
Nick Drake - Made to Love Magic (2004) - As my mother-in-law says, "I love songs when i can understand the words."  Doesn't get much clearer.
OK Go - OK Go (2005) awesome album chock full of attitude
Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block (2006)  weird name...funky songs..love it
Poi Dog Pondering - Volo Volo (1992) pop never got so poppy
Pomplamoose - Pomplamoose VideoSongs (2009) ok - so this album totally illustrates that I am a product of the internet and modern media - i found them on line and I'm oh so happy!
Pretenders - The Singles (1997) i know, i am cheating with a compilation, but why make more work for myself.  This is an awesome representation of the band.
Real Big Fish - Turn the Radio Off (1990) - I admit it, i was drawn in because of "She has a girlfriend now", but it's Ska at its finest.
Reverend Horton Heat - It's Martini Time (1996) makes me really want to pick up the piano again...or maybe the guitar...
Roxy Music - Avalon (1982) Brain Ferry sets a mood
Shawn Colvin - Fat City (1992) - classic vagina music.