Top 7 Break-Up Albums

I will never forget the line in "High Fidelity" that asked the question, "am I miserable because I listen to pop music, or do I listen to pop music because I am miserable?" Rock history is a virtual pot-luck of songs about break-up's, failed relationships, significant others killed in various automobile accidents, and other morbid love stories. It's either the greatest form of emotional catharsis, or it's a modern form of torturing yourself...pining over that person you spent hours making mix tapes for ( I am dating myself because I said "mix-tape")...and drowning out the sadness with music. From my experience, those feelings have usually been summed up best by someone else; a poet, a band, or morrissey. So here it is...for all you miserable sacks out there who need something awesome to listen to during this winter of your discontent...

I give you my top 7 break-up albums:

1. Cursive - "Domestica": Apparently penned during the lead singers divorce, it's a scathing critique of the "ex"...and if you can't feel the pain through your speakers, you might want to check if you have a pulse.

2. Jawbreaker - "Dear You": Another punk rock gem that will soothe your aching heart. A blistering journey through the depths of human depression...with many-a-jab at the one who wreaked havoc on the heart.

3. Joy Division - "Closer": While not a classic "she broke my heart" record...this album is a blizzard of darkness. If a slab of concrete in a morgue could make sounds...it would sound like this record.

4. Marvin Gaye - "Here, My Dear": Not only did Mr. Gaye have an albums worth of lyrical dissing to give his ex-wife (Who also happened to be the daughter of Motown Records head Barry Gordy), he also was legally bound to record another record per their divorce. He recorded an entire record of songs describing, in detail, how their relationship crumbled. Here, my dear, enjoy the record I made for you...forever.

5. Morrissey - "Viva Hate": A nice trip down depression ave. with the amazing lyrics of the Moz. With songs like "Suedehead" and "I Don't Mind If You Forget Me" you can easily spend an enjoyable hour drowning your sorrows with one of the best vocalists, ever.

6. Park - "It Won't Snow Where You're Going": This album is not only a gem musically, but the lyrics are sure to remind you that somewhere, someone else has had it much worse than you could ever have it. Someone apparently dated the devil incarnate...

7. Ryan Adams - "Love Is Hell 1 & 2": An amazing snapshot of the life, and death, of a relationship. Drown your tears with this record...from start to finish. It isn't the darkest record...and it isn't the most depressing...but it is a perfect record for a rainy day.

Buy these records...thank me later.