People ask us all the time, “What are your favorite records?” To which we respond: “How did you get this number?!” That’s why we’ve prepared our answer in handy list form. Don’t trust us? Well that’s why we decided to ask a few artists on our list to pick their faves as well.

Sufjan Stevens, Illinois
Exhibit “I” in the case that Sufjan’s 50 states project is more than just a goof, dude actually wrote an indie-rock opera that was silly, soaring and substantial (his song about John Wayne Gacy is more chilling than any NIN track). Compared to the fingerpainting naivete of most indie rock, Illinois took the Sistine Chapel route, wherein Superman’s outstretched fist touched the delicate tips of Sufjan’s fingers. (Steve Ciabattoni)