The Countdown and Ben Folds' Under 40 Minute Theory

There truly were some incredibly significant, singular works of art on today's selections from the countdown. Ben Folds once espoused to me a theory he had about albums that he thought were some of the greatest ever made. His theory is that the greatest albums are all less than 40 minutes long. From today's albums played on the countdown, some of the best of these hold true to Ben's theory.

The Zombies - Odyssey & Oracle - At barely 30 minutes long, this chamber-pop psychedelic classic reminds us that bands at their best don't have to take 70 minutes to make their point.

Talking Heads - Talking Heads: 77 - Starting with this, their minimalist, nervous, new-wave/art-rock landmark debut, the Heads' entire body of work still sounds 20 years ahead of its time. The album was 39 minutes long.

John Coltrane - Giant Steps - For me, and millions of others, this is pure spiritual bliss; the art of the jazz solo redefined and the craft of collaboration brought to a new high. Original seven tunes clock in under 38 minutes.

Little Feat - Sailin' Shoes - A complete synthesis of various styles of American music with a unheralded level of musicianship. An underrated masterpiece that comes in at a little over 37 minutes.

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Rastaman Vibration - Not my favorite Bob Marley album - but still an excellent one - this album is best known for "Roots, Rock, Reggae," and "Positive Vibration," and also includes one of Marley's most potent songs, "War," and the bouyant "Jonny Was." I'm still always amazed that nothing from this album was included on Legend, but that doesn't dismiss the greatness of this album, which has a running time of just over 34 minutes.

So keep listening to the countdown. And if you have some time, dig out those old classics, time them out and see if Ben Folds' theory holds for your favorites.