8. PH.D
Those who have relocated to Los Angeles can instantly relate to the introduction of Clive Piercy’s book: “As we drove around our glamorous new town, I began to notice a certain type of apartment building that I’d not seen anywhere before.” Like soap stars, the ubiquitous boxes called “dingbats” can be found on every street in L.A., precariously balancing multifamily dwellings above their beloved automobiles.

Pretty Vacant is described by Piercy as “500 ugly buildings badly photographed,” and as the bastard love child of Ed Ruscha and Martin Parr (the latter compiled the book Boring Postcards). Most of the photos were taken from Piercy’s car during drive-bys, and he groups some of them with cheeky importance: address numbers that are also L.A. area codes, similar architectural flourishes, and women’s namesakes (Shari Romaine faces Monica Palms).

Piercy found himself emotionally attached to many of his subjects, and continues to check up on them through the years. “It was an absolute pleasure,” says Piercy of the 20-year process. “It’s made me reconnect with L.A.”

Too true. After seeing the seemingly insipid facades assembled in this fading pastel tribute, navigating the grid is never again the same. Alissa Walker