Brand New - The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me (2006)
Surprisingly stellar when its doing other things besides being yet another post-hardcore screamo tinged album, and not too bad even when the playing, vocals and general delivery falls into the trappings of said genre. In the context of myself, this is the equivalent of a musical baptism.
Mercury Magic - Mercury Magic (1980)
An insanely obscure mid-tempo rock n' roll album with sax, flute, some reggae bass and a prog. rock aesthetic dealing with themes of love, heartbreak and other tempestuous hormonal lyrical themes. Ideal for a late night drive with your GF/BF.
Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance (2003)
Although I got this mostly for middle school nostalgia reasons (which might as well be a century ago for me), it holds up surprisingly well to my current set of ears. Classic post-2000 melodic hardcore that proves to be infectious once you turn your brain off.