A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory 1991 (essential hip-hop)
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - I See a Darkness 1999 (folk... indie? I guess. This is one of those albums I mentioned that I wouldn't expect you to love on your first album. It finally just clicked for me)
The Clash - London Calling 1979 (punk I guess, but the influences on this album are virtually endless)
Depeche Mode - Violator 1990 (alternative with electronic influence? Essential album)
Flipper - Generic 1982 (n/a >_> Seriously, wtf genre are they Joker? Like noise-alternative-post-punk or something?)
Gang of Four - Entertainment 1979 (seriously essential post-punk)
Guided By Voices - Bee Thousand 1994 (rock. Spectacular songwriting, awesome melodies, and vast quantities of talent on this album)
Leonard Cohen - Songs of Leonard Cohen 1966 (folk. Cohen possesses incredible lyrical and songwriting skill, this album is top 5 all time)
Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime 1984 (another personal favorite, punk, with tons of influences. 43 very diverse and short songs)
Nas - Illmatic 1994 (essential hip-hop again)
Nick Drake - Pink Moon 1972(folk, could probably be a Best Of... album, since it's got so many great songs)
Patti Smith - Horses 1975 (influential to rock in the same strata as The Stooges. After hearing this album, it's hard to not hear its influence everywhere)
Public Image Ltd. - Second Edition 1980 (aka Metal Box) (post-punk, I'm not even close to uncovering all the brilliance of this album)
Slint - Spiderland 1991 (I
<3<3 this album. Another that you won't fully "grasp" on your first listen, I see something new in this album every time I listen)
Talking Heads - Remain in Light 1980 (I suppose I'll say new wave. With African influence, along with a host of other styles. This album should be required a listen by law, although I understand not everyone will love it)
Television - Marquee Moon 1977 (Another one of the big influence albums. Just about perfect)
The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground 1969 (I've used the word "influence" a lot, but TVU truly define it in a way comparable to The Beatles. Their first album (banana) might have influenced more since it came first, but this one is definitely my favorite)
The Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat 1968 (see above. This album is more experimental though)
Whew, that was a doozie @_@