Nebraska gets my vote, too. The River's my favourite (my favourite album ever, in fact), but Nebraska's the perfect one, as we're discussing perfection. 
If you haven't already, get across to YouTube and find the outtakes: slow acoustic versions of Working On The Highway (known as Child Bride) and Pink Cadillac. Best…

I concur - experimentalism with stringent, three minute discipline. Even Yellow Submarine sounds great bracketed by Here, There and Everywhere and She Said, She Said.

Lots of room for Hemingway here, I would venture: My Old Man, The Killers, 50 Grand, A Clean Well-Lighted Place.

It is … but I always thought The Monocled Mutineer should get the gold star. Not as inventive, I know, but for sheer emotional heft, the scene where Percy has to sit through the night with the officer who'll be facing the firing squad at dawn is tough to beat in British TV.

Your book has a broken spine. Stewart Lee, particularly '90s Comedian', is what you're looking for.

'I Fought The Law' by The Clash - so good and true I refused to believe it was a cover version for a long time, despite all evidence. 
The 'Detroit Medley' on Springsteen's Hammersmith Live album - best crescendo ever performed. 
Manic Street Preachers' 'Bright Eyes', if you can find it. 
Neko Case, 'Christmas Card From…

Watch the video for Pump It Up and mimic his dancing. You'll end up hurt, but you'll enjoy yourself.

Some of the notes she hits on 'Running Out Of Fools' … couldn't be better.

Guy from The Verve: Richard Ashcroft. Sometimes 'Mad Richard'.