1. Lil’ Louis
From the Mind of Lil’ Louis

“A seminal album from a local pioneer, [it] stands out in Chicago’s house music history.”

2. Various Artists 
Quango Sport

“This compilation is the real-deal jungle music that emerged in the early 1990s.”

3. Depeche Mode
Catching Up with Depeche Mode
“They were so young and full of hopelessness and angst. Listening now, I still love these tunes.”

4. D’Angelo
Brown Sugar
“Sexy, sultry, sensuous sound sculptures.”

5. Cocteau Twins
Heaven or Las Vegas
“One of the most unforgettable concerts I’ve ever been. This album just takes me to a magical place.”

Photograph: (Jackson) Courtesy of Darlene Jackson