An Essential Guide to Music (a list of musicians and albums I like)

The List of Artists and Albums
TOOL - Lateralus. Simply put, the greatest release of the millennium. A landmark album from the best band of our generation. There are only certain bands of each genre, whose music lives forever; through the stains of time and changes/revolutions of culture. And whose music will always have relevance and emotional impact. For example, the relevant musicians that come to my mind are Rush, King Crimson, John Coletrane, Billie Holliday, David Bowie, and today Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Tricky, Portishead and Soundgarden.
Massive Attack - 100th Window. The New Release from Massive Attack. A much needed breath of fresh air from what has been coming out the past few years. Innovative sounds, harmonies layered with mechanic percussion and string arrangements. The vocals are memorizing.
Dillinger Escape Plan - Calculating Infinity. "New Jersey's DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN unveil 'Calculating Infinity,' an unprecedented hybrid of metal and hardcore unlike anything you've ever experienced. A colossal cacophony of soul-searing vocals, pile-driving rills, unorthodox percussive punishment and scattershot speed!" Intricate compositions, witty changes, all with a band with utmost talent.
Nine Inch Nails - The Fragile. This is a mature album. I first heard Nine Inch Nails in my early teens, and I don't think I understood the music at that time; but now, years later, Nine Inch Nails has come to be one of my favorite bands today. The music is dark, visceral, sonic, noisy, yet cohesive and composed. Trent Reznor's lyrics explore many dark emotional dimensions, and leaves the listener with a impressionable impact.
John Coletrane - My Favorite Things. One of the greatest Jazz recordings made. This recording is with drummer Elvin Jones (a major influence on my playing) and pianist McCoy Tyner. Just a listen to the first track ("My Favorite Things") will show you how magical this group really is.
Miles Davis - Cookin' At The Plugged Nickel. A Jazz classic. Drummer Tony Williams delivers a indelible performance that changed drumming forever. An extraordinary line up of musicians: Tony Williamis, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, and Herbie Hancock.
King Crimson - The Power To Believe. It only took me to witness one show of King Crimson in 2001 with their tour with Tool for me to delve into their music and become a fan. Their focus on what's most important, which is the music, is most inspiring...I think The Power To Believe showcases the musicians' adroit mastery of their instruments and yields innovative, complex, impressionable compositions.
Portishead - Portishead. A group to live forever... phenomenal music. Beth Gibbons voice, is inexplicably evocative and electrifying. One of the greatest albums of my generation.
VAST - Visual Audio Sensory Theater. A very commendable album. Innovative, original, but so under looked. The best release of that year (1998). A must have for sure.