Sometimes there's no accounting for taste. And sometimes there's no other way to drown out the sounds of ringing phones, text message alerts in pockets, and reminder chimes, but to put on some headphones and a pre-selected tracklist. Here are the albums which have been in heavy circulation on my ipod for the past several weeks.

Mirage – Armin Van Buuren

One of my favorite electronic artists, his latest trance album combines his talent for merging melody with solid grooves. I've been kind of let down by recent rock records and AVB fills the gap at least until the next Justin Bieber album comes out.

Rumors – Fleetwood Mac

If I had a time machine, I would use it to marry meet Stevie Nicks. I first heard this album when I was 14 and haven't stopped listening to it since. Vh1's Storyteller's exists because of this album (not really), and the quality of songwriting is superb.

Brighter than Creation's Dark – Drive By Truckers

The dirty south doesn't get dirtier than these guys. With songs about alcoholism, depression, and cheating women, this album will put you in a good mood no matter how large the boulder in front of you is.

Old Crows / Young Cardinals – Alexisonfire

When I hit my creative zone and ideas start flowing, this album is one of the first to start playing. Fast adrenaline-driven riffs and drumlines combined with an adaquate level of screaming, puts me into zen mode.

Remains- Alkaline Trio

By rule, I'm generally not a fan of greatest hit albums, but this one has so many amazing consecutive songs I can't help but add it to my list. 3 chords never sounded so good.

What albums make you creative? This blog has too many lurkers – tell me the albums that inspire you or even why my musical taste is suspect. All responses welcome.