Desert Island Music Album Draft 2013 - draft complete

[Jespher]

Great pick dukeswh. I had Paranoid all cued up for my third round pick. Rats...

With all of the Beatles albums migrating to other islands, I need to stake my claim to one of my own. Though it may not be my all time favorite Beatles album if given free reign, this will do nicely. With my 3rd selection, I choose:

The Beatles - The Beatles A.K.A. The White Album - 1968

This album has the musical mastery of the later, more refined, more "adult" Beatles, rife with master works such as While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Blackbird, I Will, and Happiness is a Warm Gun, along with sillier folly such as Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da, Back in the U.S.S.R., and rockers such as Helter Skelter and even Birthday fare. This album is a cornucopia of classic songs, with enough variety to keep me coming back for more.

Track List

Side 1
1. Back in the U.S.S.R. - 2:43
2. Dear Prudence - 3:56
3. Glass Onion - 2:17
4. Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da - 3:08
5. Wild Honey Pie - :52
6. The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill - 3:14
7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - 4:45
8. Happiness is a Warm Gun - 2:43

Side 2
1. Martha My Dear - 2:28
2. I'm So Tired - 2:03
3. Blackbird - 2:18
4. Piggies - 2:04
5. Rocky Raccoon - 3:33
6. Don't Pass Me By - 3:51
7. Why Don't We Do It In The Road - 1:41
8. I Will - 1:46
9. Julia - 2:54

Side 3
1. Birthday - 2:42
2. Yer Blues - 4:01
3. Mother Nature's Son - 2:48
4. Everyone's Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey - 2:24
5. Sexy Sadie - 3:15
6. Helter Skelter - 4:29
7. Long, Long Long - 3:04

Side 4
1. Revolution 1 - 4:15
2. Honey Pie - 2:41
3. Savoy Truffle - 2:54
4. Cry Baby Cry - 3:02
5. Revolution 9 - 8:22
6. Good Night - 3:13

More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Album

 

[VF21]

Will do. I thought that was only really for the more obscure picks, like in the later rounds.

With the divergent tastes around here, I've already encountered two albums I'd never heard of...and it's only the third round.

 

[NoBonus]

For my next pick, I am going with:

Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Waters - 1970



I am a huge Simon and Garfunkel fan. This album has some of my favorite songs from them including:
"Bridge over Troubled Water"
"Cecilia"
"El Condor Pasa"
"Keep the Customer Satisfied"
"So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright"
"The Boxer"
"The Only Living Boy in New York"
well, that is most of the album...

Just love this album... truely a master work by two of music's finest.

Here is what I consider their most underrated song on the album, "Only Living Boy in New York".

And witness the incredible and powerful voice of Art Garfunkel singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water"! He has to be one of my top five singers ever. = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PNun-Pfb4

 

[Padrino]

with the ninth pick in the third round of the 2013 Desert Island Music Draft, i select…

mewithoutYou - Brother, Sister (09/26/06):

01 Messes of Men
02 The Dryness and the Rain
03 Wolf am I! (and Shadow)
04 Yellow Spider
05 A Glass Can Only Spill What it Contains
06 Nice and Blue (Pt. 2)
07 The Sun and the Moon
08 Orange Spider
09 C-Minor
10 In a Market Dimly Lit
11 O, Porcupine
12 Brownish Spider
13 In a Sweater Poorly Knit

Genre: post-hardcore, art rock, indie rock, folk rock

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother,_Sister

mewithoutYou have been called a "christian rock band" by some, though that seems a terribly reductive categorization, given how counter mwY's concerns (crushing doubt, disagreement with God, suicidal tendency, sex, etc.) are to those of the contemporary christian radio dial (a safe haven for terribly safe lyrical and musical decisions)...

it should be noted that, as an ex-catholic, i don't happen to share a great many of mwY's beliefs, and this selection should not be thought of as an endorsement of their beliefs, but rather an expression of the utmost admiration i have for their art (as it grapples specifically with the difficulties of religion, of relationships). mwY's brand of angular post-hardcore is so refreshingly different from just about anything else within the various sub-genres of "heavy" music. lead vocalist Aaron Weiss' style can be an acquired taste for many. his delivery ping pongs between singing, screaming, and spoken word. it can be jarring on first listen, but, in my opinion, his full-throated approach is a purely earnest manifestation of the physical boundaries of voice...

more importantly, Weiss is a wizard with a lyric, like splitting the difference between the poetic confessionalism of Kevin Devine and Jeff Mangum, to the angst-ridden bliss of Jeremy Enigk, to the rural Americana of Bob Dylan. Weiss has written some of my favorite lyrics of all time. many of you at kf.com know that i'm a poet of moderate success, and rarely am i genuinely awed by a lyricist. Aaron Weiss gets me every time. i am rather envious of some of his best lyrics, having wished i had written this gem from "In a Sweater Poorly Knit," for example: "If she comes circling back, we'll end where we'd begun, like two pennies on the train track the train crushed into one."

mewithoutYou arrived in my life in a timely manner. i was not in the best place, personally, and i had yet to acquire my own voice as a writer. i was in need of strong outside voices both to influence my art and to provide a particular kind of comfort. Brother, Sister's balancing act between the aggression of post-hardcore and the earthiness of folk rock, in addition to Aaron Weiss' mastery of the lyrical art form, was precisely the cathartic expression i required in 2006, and for that reason it is my third selection in this year's draft...

 

[Bricklayer]

Well, I have three things to do with my next two picks, which is tricky. But since the draft is beginning to get less predictable I am going to bump this on up and make sure there is no foolishness:

Babel (Deluxe Edition) (2012) -- Mumford and Sons

Obviously the "It" band of the moment, and hence not something I could trust to sit out there for long. Emo folk with London born banjo players? Who woulda thunk? But its great stuff. Lush and heartfelt throughout and incredibly musically accomplished. I was turned onto Mumford just before they got big by somebody else in this draft actually. I am going with their second album here because for me it was a little more consistent. I loved the first, but a few of their slower songs there didn't excite me. On the second though there are no skip songs for me, and the deluxe version even includes a beautiful collaboration with Paul Simon on a cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic "the Boxer". I am not an album person by preference. When I find one that I legitimately play right through from start to finish again and again, I keep it close.

Other video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAl-vZsswb4

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

With the forty-third pick, Mr. Slim Citrus selects:

Erykah Badu, Baduizm (1997)

This album is largely about regret and acceptance to me. I didn't hear any of it when it was released, due to my being stationed overseas at the time but, when I did, some year and a half later, it really began to speak to me, the blues-y nature of the music moreso than the lyrics themselves, with one noteworthy exception. Without saying anything that would "spoil" a later pick, let it just be said, for now, that this album helped me deal with the internal conflict I'd had over a decision I'd made.

Regarding the vital statistics, Baduizm was considered by many to be the flagship of the late nineties' "neo soul" movement. The album peaked at Number Two on the Billboard 200, and Number One on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop listings, respectively, and its hit single, "On and On" peaked at Number Twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 and Number One on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop listings, respectively. It went triple platinum, and won two Grammy awards in 1998 (cite: Wikipedia).

 

[NoBonus]

Well, I have three things to do with my next two picks, which is tricky. But since the draft is beginning to get less predictable I am going to bump this on up and make sure there is no foolishness:

Babel (Deluxe Edition) (2012) -- Mumford and Sons

Obviously the "It" band of the moment, and hence not something I could trust to sit out there for long.

I can't believe you took the the "It" band of the moment. Shocking!

 

[Bricklayer]

I can't believe you took the the "It" band of the moment. Shocking!

What can I say? Me = trendy.

 

[Henkel]

So freaking bummed I missed out on this. I need to check this section more often. Oh well, still a lot of fun to watch these lists come together, especially in the latter rounds.

Lots of great picks so far...

 

[VF21]

Note:

I posted this the first time around and I'll remind people again: In all fairness, we ask that people don't talk about albums or artists before they're drafted. Part of the fun and mystique of this whole thing is figuring out albums others may have forgotten about, not known about, etc.

 

[kingsnation]

Well, if I'd gotten the PM about four minutes sooner, I was all ready to go. But, now, pops and I are on the way into town for the Dream game so, write-up to follow:

Erykah Badu, Baduizm

Fantastic.

 

[William Blake]

So freaking bummed I missed out on this. I need to check this section more often. Oh well, still a lot of fun to watch these lists come together, especially in the latter rounds.

Lots of great picks so far...

you and jalfa are sorely missed


with my third pick I select:

Ramones - Ramones (1976)

Fourteen classic pop punk gems from the band that started it all. I don't have a very high tolerance level when it comes to classic punk but the Ramones to me are several tiers above their peers,thanks to Joey's 50s style singing and their poppy edge. But mostly because they didn't take themselves too seriously and knew how to deliver a fun album.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramones_(album)

 

[jalfa]

you and jalfa are sorely missed

aww, thanks!

 

[Löwenherz]

you and jalfa are sorely missed


with my third pick I select:

Ramones - Ramones (1976)

Riff Approves. As do I

 

[Löwenherz]

I really didn't expect an absolute monster to fall into my lap. So I'm putting off taking a personal essential to add another masterpiece to my island.

Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys (1966)

One of the biggest surprises for me from the last draft was learning The Beach Boys were America's answer to The Beatles.

Even now, that seems surreal to read, let alone write. I mean, growing up, The Beach Boys were about carefree fun in the sun and taking trips to kokomo or whatever.

But that was before I was formally introduced to Pet Sounds - inspired as a direct response to Rubber Soul and itself the not so secret influence to Sgt Pepper.

It was a pioneer in bringing the concept album to mainstream pop culture - so songs on albums were thematically linked rather than just a list of singles and filler. That approach alone changed my outlook on albums, starting with OK Computer mad and continuing with a relative trailblazer for the mainstream of the technique, Pet Sounds.

And above all, it's pretty

Other video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkPy18xW1j8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_Sounds

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Paul Simon - Graceland (1986) (wiki link)

Every once in a while, and it's a great while, an artist gets into their fading years and just puts together an album that you could not have expected, and which is far far better than they have any right to make at this point in their career. Graceland is exactly one of those albums. Simon's career was on the downswing and he just goes for broke and puts together this collaborative effort with tons of unexpected influences, from African music to Zydeco, and it just hits true on every note. It's also a special album for me because it's one of the few albums that was put out in "my era" of music that was introduced to me by my old fogey father (...who was my age now when he did it). Can't imagine an island without it.

Here's the title track:

 

[GoGoGadget]

Paul Simon - Graceland (1986)

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamnit. That's one I hoped would be safe four a couple more rounds since it went undrafted last time. One of my very favorites since I was a kid.

Anyway, pick coming...

 

[Jespher]

Paul Simon - Graceland (1986) (wiki link)

Every once in a while, and it's a great while, an artist gets into their fading years and just puts together an album that you could not have expected, and which is far far better than they have any right to make at this point in their career. Graceland is exactly one of those albums. Simon's career was on the downswing and he just goes for broke and puts together this collaborative effort with tons of unexpected influences, from African music to Zydeco, and it just hits true on every note. It's also a special album for me because it's one of the few albums that was put out in "my era" of music that was introduced to me by my old fogey father (...who was my age now when he did it). Can't imagine an island without it.

Here's the title track:

Noooooooooooo! Excellent pick Capt. And to think I expected it would drop to later rounds with this crowd...Nothing is safe in this draft.

 

[GoGoGadget]

Not sure how to play it with this one, since the album was released less than two weeks ago. Depending not only on the tastes of my fellow drafters, but also how closely they follow new releases, the recency thing could mean this is either not yet on anyone's radar or fresh on someone's mind. Could also be I'm the only one who gives a whit about this band and it would have been safe forever and all my worrying has been for naught. In any case, this is one of the few bands I legitimately obsess over, so being without them for an eternity would be just silly. With my third pick I select...

...Like Clockwork -- Queens of the Stone Age (2013) http://www.allmusic.com/album/like-clockwork-mw0002540457
QotSA are one of the few groups I'm repeating from last year's list. And it's only because this album -- their first in six years -- is a bleeping monster. Despite my fondness for nearly all music genres, I've never really had that great a relationship with straight up rock music post-1960s. I like plenty of rock-ish genres, and I like the skeletal structure that makes up a rock band, but my favorite stuff in that wheelhouse has always been either located on the fringes (punk, new wave, grunge, alternative, etc.) or calling back to its earlier roots (like my previous pick). I could never really get into rock's classic, hair, or metal phases. Queens of the Stone Age are an exception to that rule, however. Not only are they a straightforward rock band, but they happen to be of the particularly heavy rock-your-face-off variety. And, my god, I love them for it. I would have a much less contentious relationship with rock music and rock bands if more of them could make a song as wonderful as ...Like Clockwork's "Smooth Sailing." It positively oozes with the cocky swagger that many bands can't muster, includes one of the more vicious guitar riffs I've heard in a while, AND recognizes that being funky and danceable aren't bad qualities. "Kalopsia" and "I Appear Missing" are the other standouts for me, so far, but the album as a whole has been on a near constant loop since it came out a couple weeks ago and I've yet to find a weak point. Also, I would be really happy if the bass line from "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" (video here) played every time I walked into a room to alert everyone to my level of badassery.

Other videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRnRnNxppH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9OfBcjyxKY

Warnings: Some of the videos above have language and stuff. Also, I'm pretty sure that listening to the first one too much may cause spontaneous pregnancy.

 

[Löwenherz]

Nice pick Gadget. It was on my list in another couple rounds

 

[GoGoGadget]

Nice pick Gadget. It was on my list in another couple rounds

Then thank goodness I took it when I did. I'd have probably cried if I'd missed out. Like, actual tears, and junk.

 

[Löwenherz]

Then thank goodness I took it when I did. I'd have probably cried if I'd missed out. Like, actual tears, and junk.

As much as your tears would have nourished my ego, my explaination would have been essentially "Wasn't really into QOTSA until I heard this album and it rocked my face off."

So in that regard, I'm glad it got the write-up it deserved from you (which made me appreciate the album all the more) even if I let out an audible "no" when I saw it taken and my island is diminished as a result.

Edit: But yes, had you not taken it now or with your next pick, it wasn't making it back to you.

 

[jalfa]

Like Clockwork *is* pretty awesome. not my favourite among the QOTSA possibilities, though. anyway, off to listen to Fairweather Friends in the meantime.

 

[Bricklayer]

Then thank goodness I took it when I did. I'd have probably cried if I'd missed out. Like, actual tears, and junk.

wimp

 

[Capt. Factorial]

...Like Clockwork -- Queens of the Stone Age (2013)

I have yet to make an effort to get into QOTSA, but I pretty much like what I hear here.

 

[Padrino]

i likely wouldn't take a QOTSA album even if i were picking 50, but if i did it would be Rated R. i dig the new album. it's nice and tight, but lacks some of the muscle of earlier QOTSA...

 

[Kingsgirl4]

With the last pick of the 3rd Round My selection is:

Stone Temple Pilots Core-1992



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_%28Stone_Temple_Pilots_album%29

As a teenager my two favorite bands were Nirvana and Stone Temple Pilots. Although I know this pick is “low hanging fruit” I would be devastated if it was not on my island. Some of my favorite songs on the album are Wicked Garden, Creep and Crackerman. At one point, I almost got a STP tattoo due to my love of the band. Looking back, I am so glad I didn’t. This is definitely an album that brings back many fond memories that will be nice to think about while I am all alone on the island.

 

[Kingsgirl4]

With the First pick of the 4th Round My selection is:

The Beatles- Abbey Road 1969





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_Road


Since my favorite Beatles Albums are already off the table I figure I better grab one now. My Mom always listened to the Beatles when I was growing up and I became very fond of all of their music. On this album my favorite songs are “come Together” and “here comes the sun”. I figure I can wake up to that one every morning on my island.

 

[Löwenherz]

With the last pick of the 3rd Round My selection is:

Stone Temple Pilots Core-1992

View attachment 4439

Argh, really?! Cross another one off my already short list. This part of the draft is absolutely killing me.

 

[GoGoGadget]

I'd gotten halfway through my write up for a different album, one that I think is in greater danger than this one, but decided ultimately that while I'm almost certain this album is safe I would be bummed to lose it. So, for the second round in a row, I'm once again going with a new-ish album by an artist who was on my list in the first draft. With my fourth pick, I'm taking...

The Idler Wheel... -- Fiona Apple (2012) http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-idler-wheel-is-wiser-than-the-driver-of-the-screw-and-whipping-cords-will-serve-you-more-than-ropes-will-ever-do-mw0002332951
I have been a fan of Fiona Apple since the release of her first album. A huge fan. She and I are the same age, and I'm one of those for whom each of her albums has perfectly fit my own life at the time of its release. I don't want to admit to being one of these girls who locks myself in my room and moans about how much her music speaks to me, but, my goodness does it speak to me. And it speaks well. Her lyrics are always incredibly complex and clever, and this album is no exception. I am also particularly fond of the sound of this album. It's not as jazzy as her first, the production isn't as fanciful as Jon Brion's work on the second, or as slick and poppy as her third album. It instead manages to be both complex and bare bones -- there's a lot going on in each track, but very little of it is melodic besides her voice. Even her piano is used most frequently as a percussive instrument. It's a love it or hate it album, which is why I suspect it would have been safe forever, and completely lacking in anything light or radio friendly, but I absolutely love it.

Other videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fby632bPn0E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfXvIs9bojM

Left Alone

Hot Knife