A year ago, our web editor Mike asked nine local musicians to "pick six." (It was almost literally that open ended.) The result of said request was an interesting window into the souls and iPods of local musicians we admire. And as a musician myself, I'm always intrigued by what others listen to. So I asked a bunch more to take part, and here's three of them:

Joe "Joey G" Gunderson
The Jim Pullman Band, The Jaggernauts

Led Zeppelin, The Song Remains The Same (Both the movie and the soundtrack. This changed my life in terms of music, and wanting to get involved with the creative process. If one ever wonders what exactly band chemistry is all about, you need not look further than Led Zeppelin.)

The Buddyrevelles, September/November (This amazing local/regional album came out in 1998, and, to this day, the songwriting of aron Grant continues to inspire me. As there have been so many talented and great bands to come from the Eau Claire area, The Buddyrevelles will always be my favorite.)

Ryan Adams, Rock N Roll (I was never a fan of his singer/songwriter type albums, but this album really spoke to me. Great songs, and a clever approach will always give you a head start, and on this album, Ryan Adams did just that. I still listen to it frequently.)

The Cure, Disintegration (This album, although depressing at times, just keeps you entranced in its emotional beauty. Fascination Street and Lullaby are wonderful songs.)

Kiss Alive 1 (As far as I'm concerned, this is the best live rock album I've ever heard. It's got it all: energy, songs, charisma, drive, desire, and KISS in their prime (1975). Paul Stanley's cheesy on stage banter always brings a smile to my face.)

The Killers, Hot Fuss (Of all The Killers albums, I think this is their best effort. The drumming is absolutely perfect for the songs, and it was fresh out of the gate. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine and On Top are my favorites. This album is great all the way through!)

Jamie Hansen
The Ronald Raygun, The Island of Dr. Lee, local recording master

Big Black (Ummm. There's no real way to classify them. Many people have tried and failed miserably. It’s Steve Albini's first band, St Vincent recently covered them, and they are hugely important and totally unique. Also very unsettling the first time you hear them. But stick with it. It will change your life for the worse and you'll thank them for it.)

The Pretenders (Chrissie Hynde. If there's anyone left still pondering that long-held sexist question, "Why can't girls play real rock?," this is why you're still wrong.)

Radiohead, Kid A (The most recent example of how much better Brits are at recording and producing music. The last record that completely blew my mind [other than Volcano Choir].)

Metallica, Master of Puppets (Yes! They used to be really, really good! Their bass player (who apparently had all the good ideas) died in a bus accident and then they degraded into what we have today. This is arguably the best example of them at their peak.)

Nina Nastasia, Run to Ruin (A perfect example of why I'm wrong about the "Brits" comment.)

Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon (An earlier example of why I'm right about the "Brits" comment.)

Nick Arnold
Do It Yourself Daisy

The Pixies, Bossanova (Probably their most melodic album, it has had a huge influence on my songwriting.)

The Walkmen, The Rat (I'm a little late to the party on this one, but this song really speaks to me.)

Charles Mingus, Moanin' (Absolutely amazing! I think this is what Yoko Kanno was channeling when she wrote the Cowboy Beebop soundtrack.)

Judas Priest, The Ripper (This song is just ridiculous. It is so over the top and cheesy, but Judas Priest seem completely unaware of this fact. A song you can laugh at and rock out to at the same time.)

The Beatles (w/ Billy Preston), Don't Let Me Down (The Beatles? I know. But in my opinion, the Greatest Song Ever Recorded.)

Talking Heads, This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (Beautiful. My girlfriend might be getting sick of this one, but I never will.)