Okay, I can't say its the best for everyone, but I think everyone should do it once. Listening to an album in the dark at night, just headphones. It really brings me closer to the music, like meditation. I listened to RAM on vinyl one night, it was so much more enjoyable (more on vinyl later). A sorta euphoria came over me. This doesn't happen all the time, actually very rarely. Dark Side Of The Moon,Days Of Future Passed,Sgt. Pepper,RAM,
these albums really "glow" in the dark to borrow a phrase. Funny, alot of Beatle sessions took place at night, maybe albums are best at dark too? Its mostly mental I guess, no distractions at night, eyes closed, relaxing.
I also enjoy a sorta mental projection to speak of, or imagining pictures to the lyrics. Anybody else have a special way of listening to albums? Oh and, lets stick to non illegal altered states of mind, theres too many ways
of hearing stuff that way!

depends some beatles songs in stereo sound pretty bad on headphones as they panned the drums and bass sometimes all the way to one side, which when listened to through speakers isnt bad as it all comes together but on earphonesjust feels empty (paperback writer,helter skelter) but i agree on the dark thing

I agree with the dark thing. Totally awesome!! I hear so much more in the dark with my eyes closed

A lot of late sixties / early seventies albums are really good late at night. But we're back at that altered state of mind thing again, of course.

Quoted from Mellotroniac

these albums really "glow" in the dark to borrow a phrase.

That's so you can see to turn them over.

Yes, music always sounds different to me when I turn off all the lights and lay in bed and just kind of listen and zone out.  Maybe your more in tune? Less distractions so that you can take more notice?

Yes and even headphones can make a big difference.  I tend to hear more things when using the headphones.  I am probably going to be deaf by the time I'm 40.

My co-workers sometimes tell me why bother wearing the headphones we can all hear what your listening too HAHHA.  
But as you all probably know, when you hear good music (The Beatles) you just have to turn it up loud.  Theres no other way to listen to it!  

Indeed, you would think it would almost be put on albums "FOR BEST RESULTS USE HEADPHONES"
Subtle nuances that you might not hear, especially with headphones & darkness. Pet Sounds is another great example of many layers and textures that come out to play at night. Its a big difference from hearing an album while multitasking or working, and just laying down & listening.