Desert Island Music Album Draft 2013 - draft complete
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Get ready for a little whiplash from the sudden shift in theme on my island.
Illmatic - Nas (1994)
I don't pretend to be a hip hop savant or aficionado. It's one of the newer genres I've begun to explore. But this one surely struck me. It could be argued I was overly influenced by its status as one of the most celebrated mainstream hip hop album's of all-time. But there have been a number of hip hop and rap albums I've tried that just didn't leave the impression on me this one did.
I admit it was a bit difficult for me to get into it at first, beginning with the typical jarringly coarse language that in the past has turned me off. But the backing music is so beautiful - smooth, jazzy, dare I say "easy listenings" tunes, that I found myself serenely relaxed during the course of the whole album. Surprisingly, despite that being a dramatic contrast to the mostly dark lyrics Nas brings about drugs, violence and simply living in the rougher neighborhoods of New York (among a variety of other themes), they really complement each other, with the former putting me into a state of mind to appreciate the latter.
This is personal and really has no basis in legitimate artistic critique as it were, but whenever I listen to the album, I think of Autumn. Specifically, a cool, crisp, early morning Autumn day walking around the city, in which the sun is just over the horizon and the streets are still mostly empty. As you walk around you have to bundle yourself up to combat the chilly morning breeze and it's so eerily silent, you can hear the far off, muffled sounds of the city you'd never notice were there otherwise. That's what the album represents to me. Being simultaneously comfortable and uncomfortable and paying attention to what normally drowns into the background.
Again, that's a personal experience, but as a newbie myself, I do see this generally as a great introduction for the uninitiated into the larger world of hip hop. And The World is Yours is among my favorite songs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illmatic
Illmatic - Nas (1994)
I don't pretend to be a hip hop savant or aficionado. It's one of the newer genres I've begun to explore. But this one surely struck me. It could be argued I was overly influenced by its status as one of the most celebrated mainstream hip hop album's of all-time. But there have been a number of hip hop and rap albums I've tried that just didn't leave the impression on me this one did.
I admit it was a bit difficult for me to get into it at first, beginning with the typical jarringly coarse language that in the past has turned me off. But the backing music is so beautiful - smooth, jazzy, dare I say "easy listenings" tunes, that I found myself serenely relaxed during the course of the whole album. Surprisingly, despite that being a dramatic contrast to the mostly dark lyrics Nas brings about drugs, violence and simply living in the rougher neighborhoods of New York (among a variety of other themes), they really complement each other, with the former putting me into a state of mind to appreciate the latter.
This is personal and really has no basis in legitimate artistic critique as it were, but whenever I listen to the album, I think of Autumn. Specifically, a cool, crisp, early morning Autumn day walking around the city, in which the sun is just over the horizon and the streets are still mostly empty. As you walk around you have to bundle yourself up to combat the chilly morning breeze and it's so eerily silent, you can hear the far off, muffled sounds of the city you'd never notice were there otherwise. That's what the album represents to me. Being simultaneously comfortable and uncomfortable and paying attention to what normally drowns into the background.
Again, that's a personal experience, but as a newbie myself, I do see this generally as a great introduction for the uninitiated into the larger world of hip hop. And The World is Yours is among my favorite songs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illmatic
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Get ready for a little whiplash from the sudden shift in theme on my island.
Illmatic - Nas (1994)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illmatic
Illmatic - Nas (1994)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illmatic
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco (2002) (wiki link)
"What was I thinking when I said it didn't hurt?" This line - and the accompanying sparse beauty and random driving forces of the opening track ("I Am Trying To Break Your Heart") stuck with me the evening that a friend came to visit and threw this CD titled Yankee Hotel Foxtrot in my player. "Is the whole album that great?" I asked when the song was over. Well, maybe the whole album doesn't have the same noise-as-music approach, but 50 minutes and a bottle of wine later and I had to buy it for myself. Fast forward a few months and I find myself in a snowstorm, shoveling a foot and a half of snow out of my mother's driveway. It's going to be a long job, so I figure I'll throw on the new iPod, and I select the new-ish YHF, which I haven't heard through headphones yet. And there I am, out in this stark silent world of white, cold biting my face and the bleak majesty of Jeff Tweedy's voice just scratching all those itches I didn't know I had. Best driveway I ever shoveled. I've gambled on letting Yankee Hotel Foxtrot fall this far - I'm gambling no longer.
(Link to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart", the track that sold me)
(Link to "Jesus, Etc.", a song that sounds like it's about 9/11, but was actually recorded before)
"What was I thinking when I said it didn't hurt?" This line - and the accompanying sparse beauty and random driving forces of the opening track ("I Am Trying To Break Your Heart") stuck with me the evening that a friend came to visit and threw this CD titled Yankee Hotel Foxtrot in my player. "Is the whole album that great?" I asked when the song was over. Well, maybe the whole album doesn't have the same noise-as-music approach, but 50 minutes and a bottle of wine later and I had to buy it for myself. Fast forward a few months and I find myself in a snowstorm, shoveling a foot and a half of snow out of my mother's driveway. It's going to be a long job, so I figure I'll throw on the new iPod, and I select the new-ish YHF, which I haven't heard through headphones yet. And there I am, out in this stark silent world of white, cold biting my face and the bleak majesty of Jeff Tweedy's voice just scratching all those itches I didn't know I had. Best driveway I ever shoveled. I've gambled on letting Yankee Hotel Foxtrot fall this far - I'm gambling no longer.
(Link to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart", the track that sold me)
(Link to "Jesus, Etc.", a song that sounds like it's about 9/11, but was actually recorded before)
Anyone who knows me at all knows that I would be unable to survive very long on a deserted island without some of the old stuff, and since the inability to select compilations in this draft makes it difficult to bring along those who did it first (no way am I burning a pick on a 78 with only two tracks), I'll instead select from those who've revived it best. With that, my next pick is:
Hot -- Squirrel Nut Zippers (1997) http://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-mw0000184323
Squirrel Nut Zippers stood out amongst their late-90s swing fad cohort for looking not at the Rat Pack era of big band as their influence, but instead focusing on the earlier, dirtier, 1930s "hot jazz" of Harlem. Their biggest hit, "Hell," was a crossover success and got tons of airplay on MTV (it's one of those songs you know even if you don't know you know it), but there was something decidedly novelty about their appeal; they were one-hit-wonders in a fad whose biggest bands were at least able to get two or three. But all that stuff that made them odd are the exact things about them that I like. Their lyrics have a great sense of humor and are very tongue in cheek, but the musicianship is fantastic and the eras of swing they emulate are, by far, my favorites. This is not a 100% authentic replication of the era (there are quite a few great bands out there who sound like they just stepped out of the Cotton Club, if I wanted to go that route), but it is definitely a collection of musicians who know and appreciate thoroughly the sound they're going for and its roots. Don't yet know how I'll turn a palm tree into a partner, but at least there will be jitterbuggin' on my island.
The reason you likely know them:
The reasons you should get to know them better:
Got My Own Thing Now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQX_KakJm34
Memphis Exorcism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoGSJd5d7kA
Twilight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULT_pRT72HI
Bad Businessman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjGASsP2co0
Blue Angel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZDWoLPxCXk
The Interlocutor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UNN9JYFwAk
Hot -- Squirrel Nut Zippers (1997) http://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-mw0000184323
Squirrel Nut Zippers stood out amongst their late-90s swing fad cohort for looking not at the Rat Pack era of big band as their influence, but instead focusing on the earlier, dirtier, 1930s "hot jazz" of Harlem. Their biggest hit, "Hell," was a crossover success and got tons of airplay on MTV (it's one of those songs you know even if you don't know you know it), but there was something decidedly novelty about their appeal; they were one-hit-wonders in a fad whose biggest bands were at least able to get two or three. But all that stuff that made them odd are the exact things about them that I like. Their lyrics have a great sense of humor and are very tongue in cheek, but the musicianship is fantastic and the eras of swing they emulate are, by far, my favorites. This is not a 100% authentic replication of the era (there are quite a few great bands out there who sound like they just stepped out of the Cotton Club, if I wanted to go that route), but it is definitely a collection of musicians who know and appreciate thoroughly the sound they're going for and its roots. Don't yet know how I'll turn a palm tree into a partner, but at least there will be jitterbuggin' on my island.
The reason you likely know them:
The reasons you should get to know them better:
Got My Own Thing Now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQX_KakJm34
Memphis Exorcism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoGSJd5d7kA
Twilight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULT_pRT72HI
Bad Businessman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjGASsP2co0
Blue Angel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZDWoLPxCXk
The Interlocutor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UNN9JYFwAk
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Anyone who knows me at all knows that I would be unable to survive very long on a deserted island without some of the old stuff, and since the inability to select compilations in this draft makes it difficult to bring along those who did it first (no way am I burning a pick on a 78 with only two tracks), I'll instead select from those who've revived it best. With that, my next pick is:
Hot -- Squirrel Nut Zippers (1997) http://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-mw0000184323
Squirrel Nut Zippers stood out amongst their late-90s swing fad cohort for looking not at the Rat Pack era of big band as their influence, but instead focusing on the earlier, dirtier, 1930s "hot jazz" of Harlem. Their biggest hit, "Hell," was a crossover success and got tons of airplay on MTV (it's one of those songs you know even if you don't know you know it), but there was something decidedly novelty about their appeal; they were one-hit-wonders in a fad whose biggest bands were at least able to get two or three. But all that stuff that made them odd are the exact things about them that I like. Their lyrics have a great sense of humor and are very tongue in cheek, but the musicianship is fantastic and the eras of swing they emulate are, by far, my favorites. This is not a 100% authentic replication of the era (there are quite a few great bands out there who sound like they just stepped out of the Cotton Club, if I wanted to go that route), but it is definitely a collection of musicians who know and appreciate thoroughly the sound they're going for and its roots. Don't yet know how I'll turn a palm tree into a partner, but at least there will be jitterbuggin' on my island.
The reason you likely know them:
The reasons you should get to know them better:
Got My Own Thing Now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQX_KakJm34
Memphis Exorcism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoGSJd5d7kA
Twilight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULT_pRT72HI
Bad Businessman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjGASsP2co0
Blue Angel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZDWoLPxCXk
The Interlocutor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UNN9JYFwAk
Hot -- Squirrel Nut Zippers (1997) http://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-mw0000184323
Squirrel Nut Zippers stood out amongst their late-90s swing fad cohort for looking not at the Rat Pack era of big band as their influence, but instead focusing on the earlier, dirtier, 1930s "hot jazz" of Harlem. Their biggest hit, "Hell," was a crossover success and got tons of airplay on MTV (it's one of those songs you know even if you don't know you know it), but there was something decidedly novelty about their appeal; they were one-hit-wonders in a fad whose biggest bands were at least able to get two or three. But all that stuff that made them odd are the exact things about them that I like. Their lyrics have a great sense of humor and are very tongue in cheek, but the musicianship is fantastic and the eras of swing they emulate are, by far, my favorites. This is not a 100% authentic replication of the era (there are quite a few great bands out there who sound like they just stepped out of the Cotton Club, if I wanted to go that route), but it is definitely a collection of musicians who know and appreciate thoroughly the sound they're going for and its roots. Don't yet know how I'll turn a palm tree into a partner, but at least there will be jitterbuggin' on my island.
The reason you likely know them:
The reasons you should get to know them better:
Got My Own Thing Now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQX_KakJm34
Memphis Exorcism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoGSJd5d7kA
Twilight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULT_pRT72HI
Bad Businessman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjGASsP2co0
Blue Angel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZDWoLPxCXk
The Interlocutor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UNN9JYFwAk
Love the Fiona Apple pick. I was never much of a fan, kind of just flew under my radar, but I picked up the last record on a recommendation. To my surprise it was my favorite album of last year. Like Gogogadget pointed out it's minimally produced, which allows Apples raw voice and song writing to really shine through. Plus I got to go back and discover her older stuff, which is more hit and miss for me, still a lot to like though.
I don't wanna get in trouble again by throwing out names, but some great song writers are falling into these later rounds. In that vein it's great to see a Leonard Cohen record get picked up as well as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco.
Blown away that Death Grip got selected and by the tremendous write up by Padrino. What a great read that is.
I don't wanna get in trouble again by throwing out names, but some great song writers are falling into these later rounds. In that vein it's great to see a Leonard Cohen record get picked up as well as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco.
Blown away that Death Grip got selected and by the tremendous write up by Padrino. What a great read that is.
With the final pick of the 9th Round My Next Selection is:
Green Day-Dookie-1994
wiki
I was 19 years old when this album came out. Every song on here brings back so many fond memories. This is another must have on my island! I worked as an intern at KWOD 106 when this album was released. The DJ I worked for Hated Green Day but was forced to play their music. He would always play the song "she" as it is only 2:14 long. Some of my personal favorites include "she", of course "when I come around" and "basket case" to which the video is still one of my favorites of all time.
Green Day-Dookie-1994
wiki
I was 19 years old when this album came out. Every song on here brings back so many fond memories. This is another must have on my island! I worked as an intern at KWOD 106 when this album was released. The DJ I worked for Hated Green Day but was forced to play their music. He would always play the song "she" as it is only 2:14 long. Some of my personal favorites include "she", of course "when I come around" and "basket case" to which the video is still one of my favorites of all time.
with the first pick of the 10th round my next selection is:
Katy Perry-Teenage Dream-2010
wiki
Ok I am going to need something to help me think of my children will I am on the deserted island. Although they are not the only reason I love this album. Every time a Katy Perry song comes on I roll my windows down in my car and sing as loud as I can. This album produced over six million dollars worldwide. And five of six singles released reached the top of the billboard 100 while the sixth track "the one that got away" got all the way to number three. To me this is another must have and I am glad I am able to grab it!
Katy Perry-Teenage Dream-2010
wiki
Ok I am going to need something to help me think of my children will I am on the deserted island. Although they are not the only reason I love this album. Every time a Katy Perry song comes on I roll my windows down in my car and sing as loud as I can. This album produced over six million dollars worldwide. And five of six singles released reached the top of the billboard 100 while the sixth track "the one that got away" got all the way to number three. To me this is another must have and I am glad I am able to grab it!
Both darn and good.
That was my 2nd or 3rd pick the last time we did this draft, and despite my determination to not duplicate too many of my picks, I simply wasn't going to let it slide forever if nobody was going to take it. I'd just gotten used to the idea I was going to have it again. Ah well. 5-6 great songs on there. "She" is my favorite I think, but When I Come Around dominated an entire year back then with one of the best guitar hooks of all time.
That was my 2nd or 3rd pick the last time we did this draft, and despite my determination to not duplicate too many of my picks, I simply wasn't going to let it slide forever if nobody was going to take it. I'd just gotten used to the idea I was going to have it again. Ah well. 5-6 great songs on there. "She" is my favorite I think, but When I Come Around dominated an entire year back then with one of the best guitar hooks of all time.
Had something else prepared here, but it feels as though the draft has taken a decidedly hip hop path in the last few rounds, so I figure I better get while the getting is good. For my next pick, I'm going with one of my favorites of the last dec... wait, this album is more than ten years old?!?!? Hokey smokes! Anyhow, with the second pick of the 10th round, I'm taking:
Quality -- Talib Kweli (2002) http://www.allmusic.com/album/quality-mw0000662603
Gonna keep this one short and sweet. I love this album and have since it was released. It was Kweli's first album after moving away from a few long term collaborations and producing partners, and it shows in the variety of sounds and feelings on this disc. His lyrics remain clever and clear throughout, however.
Language in some of the supplementals:
Rush http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sluf7YXLKHU
Shock Body http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RW4Oh4fwGU
Gun Music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h2_Tq2-OPI
Guerilla Monsoon Rap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbAchGraxtk
Where Do We Go http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLCTTLSgowA
Quality -- Talib Kweli (2002) http://www.allmusic.com/album/quality-mw0000662603
Gonna keep this one short and sweet. I love this album and have since it was released. It was Kweli's first album after moving away from a few long term collaborations and producing partners, and it shows in the variety of sounds and feelings on this disc. His lyrics remain clever and clear throughout, however.
Language in some of the supplementals:
Rush http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sluf7YXLKHU
Shock Body http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RW4Oh4fwGU
Gun Music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h2_Tq2-OPI
Guerilla Monsoon Rap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbAchGraxtk
Where Do We Go http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLCTTLSgowA
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Moving Pictures - Rush (1981) (wiki link)
Well, it had to happen sooner or later - I was definitely going to be taking an album by Rush, easily one of my top-5 favorite bands. I love practically every album the band has put out (practically...there is that one...) and with 19 full-length studio albums I figured I could snag a favorite just about any time. I didn't really count on getting into the 10th round with absolutely nobody giving the Canadian power trio a go, but that's the way it goes. Furthermore, it lets me have my pick of the litter, and in this case I'm going to agree with the critical acclaim and take their 8th album, Moving Pictures. Moving Pictures has three radio hits (Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, and Limelight), rare for a single Rush album, and also has the best instrumental named after an airport ("YYZ" - Toronto's airport code) in the history of ever, and in my book Rush's second-best instrumental in their career. The second side of the album rounds out with a 10-minute soft concept piece (the last 10-minute song Rush ever did), Witch Hunt (an excellent moody piece that sparked the "Fear" trilogy, now spread across four albums), and the frenetic Vital Signs. I know that Geddy Lee's voice grates on some people, but I love it. I knew I'd have Rush on my island, but I'm all the more happy that I can have their single best album.
(Link to Tom Sawyer, perhaps Rush's best-known song)
(Link to YYZ, follow along with the bass, if you dare!)
Well, it had to happen sooner or later - I was definitely going to be taking an album by Rush, easily one of my top-5 favorite bands. I love practically every album the band has put out (practically...there is that one...) and with 19 full-length studio albums I figured I could snag a favorite just about any time. I didn't really count on getting into the 10th round with absolutely nobody giving the Canadian power trio a go, but that's the way it goes. Furthermore, it lets me have my pick of the litter, and in this case I'm going to agree with the critical acclaim and take their 8th album, Moving Pictures. Moving Pictures has three radio hits (Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, and Limelight), rare for a single Rush album, and also has the best instrumental named after an airport ("YYZ" - Toronto's airport code) in the history of ever, and in my book Rush's second-best instrumental in their career. The second side of the album rounds out with a 10-minute soft concept piece (the last 10-minute song Rush ever did), Witch Hunt (an excellent moody piece that sparked the "Fear" trilogy, now spread across four albums), and the frenetic Vital Signs. I know that Geddy Lee's voice grates on some people, but I love it. I knew I'd have Rush on my island, but I'm all the more happy that I can have their single best album.
(Link to Tom Sawyer, perhaps Rush's best-known song)
(Link to YYZ, follow along with the bass, if you dare!)
Endgame sent a rather jarring shot across my bow by taking Nation of Millions. Fortunately for me, my personal favorite PE album stayed on the board.
Fear of a Black Planet - Public Enemy (1990)
Public Enemy was the first hip hop group/artist I ever liked. A veritable dream team with hall-of-fame, quintessential hype man Flavor Flav (before he became a Realty TV parody of himself) acting as the beer chaser taking the edge off the whiskey shot that is Chuck D's powerfully unapologetic lyrics.
Black Planet doesn't have the immediately recognizable monster hits of Nation of Millions, although it holds its own with the likes of 911 is a Joke, Welcome to the Terrordome and Fight the Power. But what gives it the edge for me is how the album flows from song to song following a theme of scanning a radio dial, seamlessly mixing in samples and dialogue snippets to make it feel like a living, breathing continuous organism.
PE made being socially conscious equal parts accessible and awesome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_a_Black_Planet
Fear of a Black Planet - Public Enemy (1990)
Public Enemy was the first hip hop group/artist I ever liked. A veritable dream team with hall-of-fame, quintessential hype man Flavor Flav (before he became a Realty TV parody of himself) acting as the beer chaser taking the edge off the whiskey shot that is Chuck D's powerfully unapologetic lyrics.
Black Planet doesn't have the immediately recognizable monster hits of Nation of Millions, although it holds its own with the likes of 911 is a Joke, Welcome to the Terrordome and Fight the Power. But what gives it the edge for me is how the album flows from song to song following a theme of scanning a radio dial, seamlessly mixing in samples and dialogue snippets to make it feel like a living, breathing continuous organism.
PE made being socially conscious equal parts accessible and awesome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_a_Black_Planet
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Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes (1983)
wiki
Three Milwaukee buskers gone punk put out ten killer songs filled with angst and heartache. This is not merely a record about adolescence, it's the musical embodiment of that age, it's the ultimate high school nostalgia trip. Gordon Gano composed all the songs in this album while still in high school and it's not a coincidence that the Violent Femmes were never able to replicate its success and beauty, these being mostly based on the urgency and the candor of the emotions delivered by the songs.
wiki
Three Milwaukee buskers gone punk put out ten killer songs filled with angst and heartache. This is not merely a record about adolescence, it's the musical embodiment of that age, it's the ultimate high school nostalgia trip. Gordon Gano composed all the songs in this album while still in high school and it's not a coincidence that the Violent Femmes were never able to replicate its success and beauty, these being mostly based on the urgency and the candor of the emotions delivered by the songs.
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With the one hundred fiftieth pick, Mr. Slim Citrus selects:
Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star (1998)
This is an album that I missed the first time around: during the late nineties/early "aughts", between multiple deployments and what I personally consider the golden age of sports radio (back when, at least in the market where I was living, it was still possible to listen to eight hours of sports radio, on a Wednesday, and not hear round-the-clock football coverage... ahh, those were the days!), I was on something of a sabbatical from music, at least to the extent that I was not exposing myself to anything "new." By the time I'd come to this album, over a decade after its release, I'd already heard and been impressed by Talib and Mos' individual efforts, and was very eager to give this a listen. I was not disappointed.
While not receiving a great deal of commercial success, the album was very highly critically acclaimed, and praised for how it addressed many of the social issues affecting African Americans in the late nineties, many of which continue to be prevalent today. It did spawn two singles, Definition and Respiration, the former of which peaked at Number Sixty on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album itself topped out at fifty-three on the Billboard 200. (cite: Wikipedia).
Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star (1998)
This is an album that I missed the first time around: during the late nineties/early "aughts", between multiple deployments and what I personally consider the golden age of sports radio (back when, at least in the market where I was living, it was still possible to listen to eight hours of sports radio, on a Wednesday, and not hear round-the-clock football coverage... ahh, those were the days!), I was on something of a sabbatical from music, at least to the extent that I was not exposing myself to anything "new." By the time I'd come to this album, over a decade after its release, I'd already heard and been impressed by Talib and Mos' individual efforts, and was very eager to give this a listen. I was not disappointed.
While not receiving a great deal of commercial success, the album was very highly critically acclaimed, and praised for how it addressed many of the social issues affecting African Americans in the late nineties, many of which continue to be prevalent today. It did spawn two singles, Definition and Respiration, the former of which peaked at Number Sixty on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album itself topped out at fifty-three on the Billboard 200. (cite: Wikipedia).
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As somebody else has noted, hip hop is beginning to become something of a fad in this draft, so I will respond appropriately...and go back to back with some more punk: 
Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll - Social Distortion - 2004
My favorite album by one of my favorite bands, I was originally going to take this with my second pick. Well, actually I wasn't -- I was originally going to take a different Social D album from their classic cowpunk days, and it was indecision over which way to go that led me to dawdle for such a long time (actually this is the first of my next three picks with the same story -- two equal albums by the same artist, so figured I could wait and if somebody took one it would just make my choice easy).
Anyway, normally when you think punk you think angry rebellion, or in the pop punk days petulant rebellion, but if there ever was such a thing as a punk poet Mike Ness would be the guy. His lyrics have always cut deep, he's a storyteller, and this album which took 8 years to make became a meditation on aging, loss and responsibility in the wake of the death of his guitarist and friend Dennis Darnell at age 39. The leadoff hit Reach for the Sky is one of my favorite songs in the world (and may in fact become the music for the KF 2013-14 Season Preview vid), and as pure a jolt of adrenalin as any artist has ever produced, but the key to taking this album is that are no weak songs at all. 10 songs, and all 10 are great. For me that's very rare indeed.
Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll - Social Distortion - 2004
My favorite album by one of my favorite bands, I was originally going to take this with my second pick. Well, actually I wasn't -- I was originally going to take a different Social D album from their classic cowpunk days, and it was indecision over which way to go that led me to dawdle for such a long time (actually this is the first of my next three picks with the same story -- two equal albums by the same artist, so figured I could wait and if somebody took one it would just make my choice easy).
Anyway, normally when you think punk you think angry rebellion, or in the pop punk days petulant rebellion, but if there ever was such a thing as a punk poet Mike Ness would be the guy. His lyrics have always cut deep, he's a storyteller, and this album which took 8 years to make became a meditation on aging, loss and responsibility in the wake of the death of his guitarist and friend Dennis Darnell at age 39. The leadoff hit Reach for the Sky is one of my favorite songs in the world (and may in fact become the music for the KF 2013-14 Season Preview vid), and as pure a jolt of adrenalin as any artist has ever produced, but the key to taking this album is that are no weak songs at all. 10 songs, and all 10 are great. For me that's very rare indeed.
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with the eighth pick in the tenth round of the 2013 Desert Island Music Draft, i select...
The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin (05/17/99):
01 Race for the Prize
02 A Spoonful Weighs A Ton
03 The Spark That Bled
04 The Spiderbite Song
05 Buggin'
06 What is the Light?
07 The Observer
08 Waitin' for a Superman
09 Suddenly Everything Has Changed
10 The Gash
11 Slow Motion
12 Feeling Yourself Disintegrate
13 Sleeping On the Roof
note: this represents the vinyl tracklisting
Genre: psychedelic rock, alternative rock, orchestral pop
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soft_Bulletin#Track_listings
the first time i heard "Race for the Prize" was in my friend thomas' little red hatchback. he's several years older than me, and was a great resource for new music. he was originally from oklahoma, and he turned me onto a weird psych-rock band from OKC called The Flaming Lips. i was a junior in high school at the time, and this album blew my hair back. it didn't really sound like anything else i listened to. it wasn't as future-bent as Radiohead's Kid A, but it shared the same spirit, the same penchant for contorting pop music in strange ways. the lyrical content of The Soft Bulletin is morbid, but the arrangements are gorgeous. it was the first record i had listened to that so openly considered the notion of death, and as a teenager just beginning to write poetry, death was occasionally on my mind. but The Soft Bulletin made it palatable, made it accessible, made it human. i love this record, and give it my highest recommendation...
The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin (05/17/99):
01 Race for the Prize
02 A Spoonful Weighs A Ton
03 The Spark That Bled
04 The Spiderbite Song
05 Buggin'
06 What is the Light?
07 The Observer
08 Waitin' for a Superman
09 Suddenly Everything Has Changed
10 The Gash
11 Slow Motion
12 Feeling Yourself Disintegrate
13 Sleeping On the Roof
note: this represents the vinyl tracklisting
Genre: psychedelic rock, alternative rock, orchestral pop
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soft_Bulletin#Track_listings
the first time i heard "Race for the Prize" was in my friend thomas' little red hatchback. he's several years older than me, and was a great resource for new music. he was originally from oklahoma, and he turned me onto a weird psych-rock band from OKC called The Flaming Lips. i was a junior in high school at the time, and this album blew my hair back. it didn't really sound like anything else i listened to. it wasn't as future-bent as Radiohead's Kid A, but it shared the same spirit, the same penchant for contorting pop music in strange ways. the lyrical content of The Soft Bulletin is morbid, but the arrangements are gorgeous. it was the first record i had listened to that so openly considered the notion of death, and as a teenager just beginning to write poetry, death was occasionally on my mind. but The Soft Bulletin made it palatable, made it accessible, made it human. i love this record, and give it my highest recommendation...
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I guess it's that time... time to take my all-time favorite rap/hip-hop album...
I select:
The Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
What an incredible album... no real singles, it all kind of runs together, but "Shake your Rump", "High Plains Drifter". "Shadrach", and "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun" are incredible... not really a rough patch on the whole album. Plus, this was made when you could still sample anything you wanted; the album is an incredible masterpiece... Makes you wonder what rap/hip-hop would sound like if there weren't so many rules about using samples...
I select:
The Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
What an incredible album... no real singles, it all kind of runs together, but "Shake your Rump", "High Plains Drifter". "Shadrach", and "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun" are incredible... not really a rough patch on the whole album. Plus, this was made when you could still sample anything you wanted; the album is an incredible masterpiece... Makes you wonder what rap/hip-hop would sound like if there weren't so many rules about using samples...
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With my 10th selection, I choose:
The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over - 1994
Great live set of most of their greatest hits, including a marvelous acoustic version of Hotel California and a couple love songs that made it into my wedding reception. I'll gladly add this album to the island.
Track List:
1. Get Over It - 3:31
2. Love Will Keep Us Alive - 4:03
3. The Girl From Yesterday - 3:23
4. Learn to Be Still - 4:28
5. Tequila Sunrise - 3:28
6. Hotel California - 7:12
7. Wasted Time - 5:19
8. Pretty Maids All in a Row - 4:26
9. I Can't Tell You Why - 5:11
10. New York Minute - 6:37
11. The Last Resort - 7:24
12. Take It Easy - 4:36
13. In The City - 4:07
14. Life In The Fast Lane - 6:01
15. Desperado - 4:17
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Freezes_Over
The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over - 1994
Great live set of most of their greatest hits, including a marvelous acoustic version of Hotel California and a couple love songs that made it into my wedding reception. I'll gladly add this album to the island
.Track List:
1. Get Over It - 3:31
2. Love Will Keep Us Alive - 4:03
3. The Girl From Yesterday - 3:23
4. Learn to Be Still - 4:28
5. Tequila Sunrise - 3:28
6. Hotel California - 7:12
7. Wasted Time - 5:19
8. Pretty Maids All in a Row - 4:26
9. I Can't Tell You Why - 5:11
10. New York Minute - 6:37
11. The Last Resort - 7:24
12. Take It Easy - 4:36
13. In The City - 4:07
14. Life In The Fast Lane - 6:01
15. Desperado - 4:17
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Freezes_Over
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With my 10th selection, I choose:
The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over - 1994
Great live set of most of their greatest hits, including a marvelous acoustic version of Hotel California and a couple love songs that made it into my wedding reception. I'll gladly add this album to the island.
Track List:
1. Get Over It - 3:31
2. Love Will Keep Us Alive - 4:03
3. The Girl From Yesterday - 3:23
4. Learn to Be Still - 4:28
5. Tequila Sunrise - 3:28
6. Hotel California - 7:12
7. Wasted Time - 5:19
8. Pretty Maids All in a Row - 4:26
9. I Can't Tell You Why - 5:11
10. New York Minute - 6:37
11. The Last Resort - 7:24
12. Take It Easy - 4:36
13. In The City - 4:07
14. Life In The Fast Lane - 6:01
15. Desperado - 4:17
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Freezes_Over
The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over - 1994
Great live set of most of their greatest hits, including a marvelous acoustic version of Hotel California and a couple love songs that made it into my wedding reception. I'll gladly add this album to the island
.Track List:
1. Get Over It - 3:31
2. Love Will Keep Us Alive - 4:03
3. The Girl From Yesterday - 3:23
4. Learn to Be Still - 4:28
5. Tequila Sunrise - 3:28
6. Hotel California - 7:12
7. Wasted Time - 5:19
8. Pretty Maids All in a Row - 4:26
9. I Can't Tell You Why - 5:11
10. New York Minute - 6:37
11. The Last Resort - 7:24
12. Take It Easy - 4:36
13. In The City - 4:07
14. Life In The Fast Lane - 6:01
15. Desperado - 4:17
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Freezes_Over
I've already disallowed three other albums from other people who sent me PMs before posting that fell into the same category, so I simply cannot allow this one through.
EDIT: From allmusic.com - "Essentially, Hell Freezes Over contains an EP's worth of new material followed by a live album."
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Alrighty then...Rats. Moving right along, with my 10th selection, I choose:
Eric Clapton - Unplugged - 1992
A true live set, all recorded in a single session, this album has many acoustic mixes to Clapton's classic tunes. I enjoy his adaptation of Layla, and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, but the radio hit of them all has to be Tears in Heaven. A welcome consolation prize, even if I can't bring the Eagles to my island...
Track List:
1. Signe - 3:13
2. Before You Accuse Me - 3:36
3. Hey Hey - 3:24
4. Tears in Heaven - 4:34
5. Lonely Stranger - 5:28
6. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out - 3:39
7. Layla - 4:46
8. Running on Faith - 6:35
9. Walkin' Blues - 3:37
10. Alberta - 3:42
11. San Francisco Bay Blues - 3:23
12. Malted Milk - 3:36
13. Old Love - 7:53
14. Rollin' and Tumblin' - 4:10
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton_Unplugged
Eric Clapton - Unplugged - 1992
A true live set, all recorded in a single session, this album has many acoustic mixes to Clapton's classic tunes. I enjoy his adaptation of Layla, and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, but the radio hit of them all has to be Tears in Heaven. A welcome consolation prize, even if I can't bring the Eagles to my island...
Track List:
1. Signe - 3:13
2. Before You Accuse Me - 3:36
3. Hey Hey - 3:24
4. Tears in Heaven - 4:34
5. Lonely Stranger - 5:28
6. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out - 3:39
7. Layla - 4:46
8. Running on Faith - 6:35
9. Walkin' Blues - 3:37
10. Alberta - 3:42
11. San Francisco Bay Blues - 3:23
12. Malted Milk - 3:36
13. Old Love - 7:53
14. Rollin' and Tumblin' - 4:10
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton_Unplugged
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Alrighty then...Rats. Moving right along, with my 10th selection, I choose:
Eric Clapton - Unplugged - 1992
A true live set, all recorded in a single session, this album has many acoustic mixes to Clapton's classic tunes. I enjoy his adaptation of Layla, and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, but the radio hit of them all has to be Tears in Heaven. A welcome consolation prize, even if I can't bring the Eagles to my island...
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton_Unplugged
Eric Clapton - Unplugged - 1992
A true live set, all recorded in a single session, this album has many acoustic mixes to Clapton's classic tunes. I enjoy his adaptation of Layla, and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, but the radio hit of them all has to be Tears in Heaven. A welcome consolation prize, even if I can't bring the Eagles to my island...
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton_Unplugged
ARRRGGGGHHH!
!#$^(*(%^ etc.
I should have let you keep Hell Freezes Over. As my mom used to say, BLAST!
Nice pick...For those who don't know, the song above ("Tears In Heaven") was written by Eric Clapton (with Will Jennings) after Clapton's four-year-old son Conor fell to his death out of a 53rd story window. The pain and anguish is almost palpable, especially when you know the story.
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- Status