Haven't had a comment in three weeks. Anyone even reading this any more?
Anyway, the title of this entry is a double entendre. Look that one up. First, it was a question as to whether anyone were still reading this. Second, it's a line from a song that's on an album of by Desert Island Discs. Clever of me, right?
While thinking about my DIDs, I figured I needed to make some rules...otherwise things might get hectic. My DID rules are as follows:
- You get 10 discs. Alternates must be specified as alternates.
- Box sets do not qualify as a single disc/album...but double albums only count once.
- "Best of" collections are fair game...but kind of a cop-out. I have decided to avoid that trap...although I will specify when I think a "best of" would serve me better.
- Soundtracks are fair game...except when they're an anthology of songs by multiple artists. Those fall under my "cop out" mentality.
Having said all that, here are my DIDs, in no particular order of importance:
1: The Wall - Pink Floyd. I debated this, Dark Side of the Moon, or Wish You Were Here...but I think this is the best choice for being on a desert island. I have other mellow choices. This one gives me more punch. Have to admit Dark Side of the Moon was a really close second.
2: 1984 (For the Love of Big Brother) - Eurthymics. Fine fine fine. Annie Lennox's vocals...marvelous. If you haven't heard this soundtrack, get it. Get two.
3: Becoming X - Sneaker Pimps. I love this album. Was turned on to it from the Tank Girl Soundtrack...which might well be on this list if I were allowing such things. Do I put an album from Yaz here? Maybe. Not sure.
4: Dead Can Dance - Dead Can Dance. I love Lisa Gerrard. This or Spleen and Ideal. Not sure...but either is a kick-ass choice. My gothic choice. Although Tinderbox or Through the Looking Glass by Siouxsie and the Banshees are a VERY close second. This one would depend on my mood.
5: Debut - Bjork. How great is this album?
6: East Side Story - Squeeze. Talk about tough choices. How do you choose between this and Cool for Cats? Tempted is the tie-breaker. Elvis Costello sneaks in, making it probably the best song on an album of great songs. In Quintessence? Yum.
7: Hatful of Hollow - Smiths. Defined my high school mentality...and definitely the best album that the Smiths made. Debate all you like. Johnny Marr doesn't get any better than on this album, and Morrissey isn't QUITE over the top yet.
8: Paul's Boutique - Beastie Boys. Urgh. How do you choose? Ill Communication? Licensed to Ill? Paul's Boutique is probably when the Beasties peaked...but the breaker comes down to which album I can listen to for background thinking...Ill Communication is too "jammin'" and Licensed to Ill is too funny. Paul's is JUST RIGHT.
9: Zeppelin IV. - Led Zeppelin. Again, how do you even choose? I chose randomly. But I'm leaving behind Thank You, Rain Song, Babe I'm Gonna Leave You, Ramble On...terrifying. Had to be done. Had to be. I MIGHT choose a live Zeppelin album which would give me a better selection...but arguably a cop-out. Choose. I did.
10: Sketches of Spain - Miles Davis. Can't do without it. Obviously the best.
Now, what did I leave out? Too much:
You and Me Both - Yaz. I love this album. Almost made it instead of Becoming X.
Yessongs - Yes. Couldn't fit it in. But definitely a great great album...especially if you're stuck for a long time on tha island.
What is Beat? - The Beat. Ska is not represented on this list...but if it were, this would be how.
War - U2. Before the huge sellout. Some people claim that Joshua Tree is better. Nonsense. This is more raw...and in my mind, stronger.
Truth and Soul - Fishbone. Might choose this instead of the Beat...better live, really. This would remind me of Lollapalooza a long time ago. Great pit. That t-shirt never got white again.
Tinderbox - Siouxsie. How does someone do without Siouxsie? I don't know how I'll do it. I still might swap this one in instead of Dead Can Dance. Flip a coin.
The Bridge - Sonny Rollins. Between Miles and Sonny, it's no contest...but this would be a great great addition if I could take more Jazz.
Legend - Bob Marley. How could I be on a desert island without reggae? No idea.
I know, I know...no Who, no Beatles, missing some great soundtracks, like Fifth Element, tough choices, all. Maybe I'll make a list of my greatest alternates...?
Thanks for the exercise, Catspit!
1) Yes, it is being read.
2) Joshua Tree > War. War is more raw and has a different energy level, but Joshua Tree is pre-sellout as well and is, in my opinion, a more introspective album.
Posted by: Paul at June 30, 2004 09:51 AMI told ya, check your weblogs mon ami. Maybe you'll think like I did that nobody was reading, then mysteriously uncover a regular reader from India! Some sensible selections on your choices - it's a really fun exercise and one has to be almost brutal about it. Your mention of Siouxsie has me wondering how I have managed to make it through my life without ever listening to a single track by her. Must purchase.
Posted by: Catspit at June 30, 2004 05:57 PM