Skeleton Key - Fantastic Spikes Through Balloon, 1997

From its inception, Skeleton Key stood out as a band that didn't care what people thought. Coming from New York's art punk scene, they take us to places not often explored. Erik Sanko's brilliance opens doors, and gives us insights we may not want. A nightmare reality, with "The World's Most Famous Undertaker," a song steeped in what becomes obvious metaphor, "Only Useful Word," and my personal favorite, and also the last track on the album, "Needle Never Ends." Musically, they feature a junk kit player as well as a drummer, something that sets the tracks apart from anything else that came out at the time. But it's not so far out that its confusing. It's centered, honest, and worthwhile listening. If I had to compile a list of the best albums of the 90's, it would be there somewhere, and not too far from the top.