This is a question I ask of most people eventually...often when I first meet them, in an effort to make conversation and get over my shyness! The question is:
Presuming you knew you were to be stranded on a desert island (with some kind of solar-powered audio device!), what one album would you take with you?
This question is very different from 'What is your favourite album?', which is, of course, impossible to answer...for me certainly! Different albums serve different purposes, enhance and affect mood in different ways, and have particular, and individual, things about them that make you love them etc. etc. etc. So, an album you love because it meant so much to you when you were 14 may not stand up as your 'favourite' album now, but it doesn't mean that the fondness and the fact that you know it backwards have gone away! In my experience, one can have many many 'favourite' albums. Like best friends...why restrict yourself to just one??
No, the trick with this question is that it is not about the definitive choice of 'favourite'...that often changes and grows with you, and can depend on the mood you are in when you give your answer...if you are able to give an answer at all! The essence of my question is 'What do you think you could listen to repeatedly, without there being an alternative available, without getting too sick of it?'. Granted, only one album forever and ever anon, no matter how brilliant, and no matter how much you love it, can become tiresome and over-listened. But what's your best compromise?
My choice, for a lot of years, was Paul Simon's Graceland...a wonderful album (again, in my opinion) with eminently listenable songs. I then, however, factored in how short that album was! I believe I have now come up with something even better!
What is my new one? Perhaps I'll let you know after getting some other people's ideas on this subject. Answers on a postcard please...or a blog comment may me easier and more expeditious! Before you all rush to respond (I shall not hold my breath like!), I feel I must clarify that box sets are not permissable, nor are 'Various Artists' compilation albums...that's just cheating! Ok, dem dars the rules...I await your responses expectantly!
11 comments:
Oooh, that's a tough one! Let me take a raincheck to think about that...
I'm not sure I can answer this question because if I were stranded on an Island the last thing I'd think about is music.I'd be too dang busy trying to find my way home.
If I must give an answer then it would be Celine Dions new album Taking Chances.
Pink Floyd... "The Wall".
It would bring back memories of when I was young, foolish and had a heck of a lot of fun.
I'm baaack...Okay, so it would probably be between Bob Marley-Natty Dread or The Beatles-Sgt.Pepper, becaue of listenablity and sentimental value...
I love-hate-love-hate these sort of games! But this time I love it because I have a definitive answer and it hasn't changed for about 12 years - To Bring You My Love by PJ Harvey. I just think it's the most perfectly balanced album I've ever heard - both cohesive and diverse - almost every emotion is contained somewhere within those ten songs. It casts almost a voodoo spell over me every time - I must've played it 500 times and I'm still not bored, so I guess that makes it pretty sturdy desert island material. p.s. I love this blog - it's my first time posting - I found you via your facebook posting in the 4AD group :-)
Almost Sgt. Pepper - but ultimately would be Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" - as I reckon the title track would always be relevant!
Thank you everyone for your comments!
Gina - There's no way out, plenty of food and just one CD! Are you quite sure that Ms Dion would be the only thing you'd want to listen to ever again?
Griz - I, unfortunately, never got into Pink Floyd. I regret this, because I would like to like them, I really would. I can appreciate that they are very good, but I guess it's just not structured enough for me. Good call though...an album to suit all moods.
Bamboo Blitz - Loving the choices...although if I had to choose a Beatles album it would be...no, that's too difficult! Either Rubber Soul or The White Album I think...maybe Revolver. I do love Sgt Peppers too :o)
7-bis - Welcome, and thank you for commenting :o) It great when people want to join in! I, too, love PJ...and To Bring You My Love is a fab album! Down By The Water was a much-played track by the 14 year old Divinyl. Think I'd take Dry or Rid Of Me over To Bring You My Love though...just!
BBB Rider - Hello and, again, welcome. Same comments about Pink Floyd...and I do realise that it's me that's in the wrong! Very apt title...nicely done :o)
In case any of you are interested, mine would be Sam Cooke - Portrait Of A Legend. His voice is amazing and blows me away every time...I don't think I could ever tire of listening to it. If that is not permissable because it is a 'best of', then I think it would probably be Carole King's Tapestry...for pure singalongability! ;o)
Something by Van Morrison - almost any one of his albums.
I love Van Morrison too. He has written some superb songs. Sadly, he can be a disappointment live. His performances vary a great deal...when I saw him he was sullen and just 'did the job', whereas I have heard from others that he can be excellent. Shame, when his album work is, as you say, so good. :o)
My father in law always had the best answer to this question, which was to bring a disk of marching band music.
Yes, marching band music.
I guess the theory here is, if you're all by yourself indefinitely on a deserted island, you need something that will get you moving...
Wow BH, I'm impressed that you've read back into the archive! :oD
I'd need vocals and lyrics, myself. Although I suppose it would be difficult to get sad to marching band music!
So what would be yours then??
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