#36 - On Fire

#36
Artist: Galaxie 500
Album: On Fire
Year of Release: 1989
Label: Rough Trade

On Fire is not actually the origin of the last 30 years of indie rock, but boy does it feel like it.  The slow build of "Blue Thunder," the over-earnestness of "Strange," the divergent breakdowns in "When Will You Come Home" and "Decomposing Trees."  Every aspect of the genre that has since become cliche has some sort of analogy to at least part of this album.  And in most every case it's done better here.  One of the easiest recommendations on this list... you will like this no matter who you are.