Mitski Picks Five Albums Everyone Needs To Own

Charles Mingus: 'Ah Um'

I've never even listened to this record on vinyl, haha! But jazz generally sounds better on vinyl, and right now this is my favorite jazz album.

Chet Baker: 'Chet Baker Sings'

I get it, Chet Baker's "My Funny Valentine" is like Jazz Lite for Teenage Romantics. But Chet's soft grainy voice was made for the warmth of vinyl. Just sit back and feel it.

Thelonious Monk: 'Monk in Tokyo'

I've got to be honest, I hate how a lot of live jazz recordings are panned, including this one. I get it, the piano was stage right. But I was born in the '90s, I need to hear everything in one earbud. Anyway, I love Monk and I have a soft spot for live jazz recorded in Japan. You can find the footage on YouTube, too.

Arnold Schoenberg: 'Verklarte Nacht'

Because strings sound soooo good on vinyl, in my opinion, and Transfigured Night is the best string piece, IN MY OPINION. I hope this list doesn't have a comment section, I don't want the college composition majors tearing me apart. I love the Chicago Symphony Orchestra version because I love the melodrama of full orchestras, but purists might insist on the quartet version.

Steve Reich: 'Music for 18 Musicians'

Fun fact: Music for 18 Musicians is the best, most tender sex soundtrack in the world.