Desert Island Discs

Desert Island Discs

Grab a comfy chair. Pop these albums into your multi-changer. Sit back and relax. You won't need any other music tonight...

Monkey-Boy'z Top Ten Discs

Ray'z Damn Top Ten Album Chart
(be sure to check out Ray's Damn Top Ten of 1998, RAY2K (Rayman's best discs of 1999), and 21st Century Schizoid Man (the best discs to kick off the new century))

Jim'z Hot Wax Treatment

Perry'z Perfect Picks

**Monkey-Boy'z Top Ten Discs**
	The Beatles "Abbey Road" (1969) So you're saying to yourself, "but the top ten should be all Beatles albums." You're right, but for the sake of variety I've included only one. For the production values alone this album belongs on this list - sounds cleaner than anything produced in the '90s. "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" has never been surpassed as the greatest rock song of all time. Also includes the only Lennon/McCartney song written by Harrison - "Something"
	David Sylvian "Secrets of the Beehive" (1987) It was a toss-up between "Beehive" and "Gone To Earth." Perhaps not as musically challenging as "Earth," this album does include the best vocal work by Sylvian to date. Must be listened to in a dark room (candles optional). Also includes the version of "Forbidden Colours" as God intended. "I wrestle with an outlook on life That shifts between darkness and shadowy light"
	Bob Marley and the Wailers "Exodus" (1977) Skip right to Track 5. Even omitting the first four tracks, this album scores in the Top Ten - that's how powerful the remaining cuts are! Just try not to sing along with "Three Little Birds" - it can't be done! Includes the only (good)) love song ever recorded - "Waiting In Vain" "Don't worry about a thing 'Cause every little thing gonna be alright"
	Genesis "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" (1974) Peter Gabriel's first solo album (oh yeah, also includes members of the now defunct group "Genesis"). The only double album that is ALL good (The Beatles "White Album" comes close, but can you say "Revolution 9" and "Goodnight"). The only "story line" album that works as a whole as well as on an individual track level. Doesn't hurt having Eno running around doing strange things on the album either!
	Japan "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" (1980) The only album on this list that could have actually been better - unfortunately I was unavailable to produce it at the time (I was too busy falling asleep in class). That said, this album and Bowie's "Scary Monsters" exemplify the '80s. Also began the musical relationship of Sylvian and Sakamoto - later to pay great dividends on "Secrets of the Beehive." Still wish Sylvian would re-record "Nightporter" - the highlight of this album. "Relax and swing"
	Peter Gabriel "Peter Gabriel" (1982) Everything came together on this, Gabriel's fourth album (known by some Communists as "Security"). Anyone who can combine Motown and African rhythms (and make it listenable) has my vote. The best rhythms recorded on any Western album (and the lyrics aren't too shabby either). Although Gabriel has had many great works since ("Passion" would be No. 11 on this list), this is the album I always return to. "Working in gardens, thornless roses, fat men play with their garden hoses"
	The Rolling Stones "Sticky Fingers" (1971) The Stones meet Muscle Shoals. The best of American music by a British band. Who would have thunk it! The guitar work of Keith (Keef) Richards and Mick Taylor is worth the price of admission alone. Each track is better than the last (and the album starts with "Brown Sugar!"). The album concludes with the best Stones song ever - "Moonlight Mile"
	Roxy Music "Stranded" (1973) Great production, stellar song writing, Ferry and Manzanera at their peak add up to the best Roxy album as well as one of the greatest albums of all time. As good as it is, it's hard to believe that Eno wasn't even on the album! One of those rare discs where each and every song is good - fast forwarding on this album is not necessary. And to think that Ferry walked into the studio and laid down the vocals for "Mother of Pearl" in one take - incredible. "If you're looking for love in a looking glass world, it's pretty hard to find"
	Elvis Costello & The Attractions "This Years Model" (1978) I'll only say three things - "Pump It Up," "Little Triggers," "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea." Nuff said!
	David Bowie "Young Americans" (1974) Any top ten album list wouldn't be complete without some Little Davy Jones. A great album even before John Lennon showed up to help DB on "Across the Universe" and "Fame." The original title track ("Somebody Up There Likes Me") is still a highlight of Bowie's long standing career.

**Ray'z Damn Top Ten Album Chart (aka "Where's My Boxers")**
Frank Sinatra "Songs For Swingin' Lovers" (1956) You ain't "Makin' Whoopee" unless Frank is involved! The Chairman of the Board AND Nelson Riddle's Orchestra swing on tunes from the zesty opening number, "You Make Me Feel So Young," to immortal classics like "Pennies From Heaven," "It Happened In Monterey," and "How About You!" This album was K-Tel before K-Tel was cool! From George & Ira Gershwin to Cole Porter, none sang it like Frank!
The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967) What can one say about the album, other than it was (and still may be) ahead of its time. Peter Blake, referring to the recording of the album, said, "...perhaps the most creative 129 days in the history of rock music." Who the hell Peter Blake is, I don't know, but I do know John, Paul, George, and what's-his-name were at the top of their form! "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" still ranks as one of my all-time fave's...and Boomer the Wonder Dog likes the last bit of "A Day In The Life."
Van Morrison "Moondance" (1970) Edges out "His Band & Street Choir" ever so slightly! From the jazzy overtones of the title track to the slightly surreal "Into The Mystic," this album is to Ireland what Bob Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks" is to the U.S. Van the Man, stones me like Jellyroll! The backing vocals on "Crazy Love" and , especially, "Brand New Day" had to have been imported from Motown (and later stolen by Lou Reed and the aforementioned Dylan!)! Two words come to mind: GEEN YUS!
Bob Dylan "Blood On The Tracks" (1975) What else can you say? "Lily, Rosemary & the Jack of Hearts" is not even the best song on this album, so you know it must be good! "Tangled Up In Blue" is pure poetry and Dylan is the Poetry Man (apologies to Phoebe Snow)! If this ain't the best album of the rock era made in America by an American, I don't know what is! "Idiot Wind" is genius (despite Hootie & the Blowfish--or is that Blowie & the Hootfist--borrowing; no, stealing, from it) and "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" may be the best love song since Eno's "I'll Come Running To Tie Your Shoe."
Queen "A Night At The Opera" (1975) A classic, who can forget the scene aboard the ship in Groucho's cabin (wait, that's the movie)...the definitive Queen album. "Bohemian Rhapsody," which gave rise to the second music video (after Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues"), defines the Queen sound (from Freddie's falsetto, Brian May's guitar, Roger Taylor's abrupt cymbals and John Deacon's uh?--whatever it was that John Deacon had). Do you Rhumba? Well pick a rhumba between 1 and 10--this is rhumba 5...
Mike Oldfield "Tubular Bells" (1973) Arguably the best instrumental album of the rock era (I say this simply to start an argument!). Dr. Sinclair, upon hearing this album for the first time asked, "What's that?" My reply was "Tubular Bells, dear." Not understanding me, she said "Two Beer Bellies? What kind of name is that for an album?!?" Any album that includes a glockenspiel and two slightly distorted guitars is alright in my book. The only instruments missing on this album are steel drums and forceps!
Peter Gabriel "Peter Gabriel" (both English & German versions) (1980) "Jeux sans frontieres;" "There's my toy gun on the floor;" "Du bist nicht wie wir;" "September '77 Port Elizabeth weather fine." Need we say more? Thanks P.G. No one plays the stick like Tony Levin, Fripp & Rhodes paint some nice six-string color on PG's palette, added synergy from Larry Fast...and Ms. Bush (not Barbara) brings some delightful b-vox to round out the record.
Elvis Costello "My Aim Is True" (1977) The first...the only...the best! Set the tone for 20+ years of classic tunes. This record runs the gamut of human emotions ("I'm Not Angry," "Sneaky Feelings") and activities ("Mystery Dance," "Now that you're picture's in the paper being rhythmically admired"). One of the many great albums where the title track (Alison) is different from the name of the album. And I haven't even mentioned "Watching The Detectives" yet!..."She's Filing Her Nails As They're Dragging The Lake"... How Do You Like Your Elvis?
The Who "Who Are You" (1978) I can't believe I'm at number nine and I haven't included a Stones album or a Who album yet. Monkey-Boy took care of the Stones (see above). OK, which Who album? "Tommy?" (nah!, not in the mood) "Who's Next?" (Some classic tunes, but too obvious!) "Quadraphenia?" (Double disc, might take up numbers 9 & 10)... How 'bout Pete Townshend's "Empty Glass" (it's good, but not that good!) John Entwistle's "Too Late The Hero" (Definitely not, Joe Walsh is on it). I damn sure ain't gonna chose a Roger Daltrey album! A Keith Moon album (What the hell was the name of his solo album? Did he have more than one?)...It's gotta be "Who Are You!" Keith Moon's swansong, filled with Pete Townshend's angst, three good Entwistle tunes ("Had Enough", "905" and "Trick of the Light") and the last Who album where Roger actually puts some of his working class soul behind the vocals!
Pink Floyd "Animals" (1977) This one was a hard one to decide. It finally came down to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and "Animals," T.Rex's "Electric Warrior," any number of Squeeze albums, and David Soul's "Playing to an Audience of One" (make that none David, I just heard the album!). There were several reasons for choosing Pink Floyd's "Animals": 1) It's easy to spell, 2) It brings back fond memories of Dave (well, maybe not, but it is certainly easy to spell), and 3) There's a flying pig on the album cover (which brings back fond memories of Dave and is easy to spell). Well that about raps up my Top Ten Monkey Island Classics. My apologies to Celine Dion, Gordon Lightfoot, Night Ranger, Country Joe McDonald & The Fish, and Milli Vanilli. You guys just missed the cut! Monkey-Boy would only let me have 10.

**Jim'z Hot Wax Treatment**
	The Beatles "The Beatles" (aka: "The White Album") (1968) Most people think that "Sgt. Pepper’s" is their best album and I might agree with them, but there is more variety to the White, which is sort of a desert island desirable. And it's longer.
	B.B. King "Live at Cook County Jail" (1971) "Live at the Regal" is also superb but nobody boos the warden.
	The Who "Who's Next" (1971) I owned the damn thing for years before I noticed what they were doing on the cover.
	Bob Dylan "Blood On The Tracks" (1975) In the words of Bob Geldof, "This album illuminates my life."
	Peter Gabriel "Peter Gabriel" (1980) This was an even tougher call than "The White Album/Sgt. Pepper’s." I think the 3rd is the better lyrically while I prefer the actual music from the 4th. If you ask me in another month I’ll probably have switched again.
	The Pretenders "Learning To Crawl" (1984) I can think of no better response to having two band members OD within days of each other than this album.
	Public Enemy "Fear of a Black Planet" (1990) People think that there's something wrong with me for preferring this album to "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back." Well I've known for years that there's something wrong with me, so screw ‘em all.
	Rage Against The Machine "Rage Against The Machine" (1992) All I have to say is, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me! Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"
	Green Day "Dookie" (1994) Some albums make people want to get up and dance. This album makes me want to get up and bounce off of solid objects (which is not too dissimilar to my dancing).
	Soul Coughing "Irresistible Bliss" (1996) Everybody needs a little bass in their life. I only wish I understood their album covers. I think they are related to why the bowl of petunias says, "oh no, not again."
	Bonus!!! They Might Be Giants "Apollo 18" (1992) This one doesn't really make the cut. Unless…This is THE album for putting in a five disk-changer when you're doing that random thing. I love it when sandwiched between Rage Against the Machine grinding out something about racism and Gabriel doing something about the hopelessness of an insane asylum you get a happy tune about the world of mammals, "the warm blood flows through the large four-chambered heart…." But on an island (and if you only have 10 cds) then you probably don't have a five disker. So I’ll leave this one on dry land and take "Who's Next" instead (thus engendering groans from people who think I'm crazy for even considering bumping the Who for They Might Be Giants). But since this one doesn't make it I've given it the biggest paragraph of explanation.

Perry'z Perfect Picks
Perry...A man of few words. Let his picks do the talking...
The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967)	David Bowie "Lodger" (1979)	Bob Dylan "Blood On The Tracks" (1975)
Elton John "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973)	Peter Gabriel "Peter Gabriel" (German Version) (1980)	Led Zeppelin "Physical Graffiti" (1975)
Bruce Springsteen "Born To Run" (1975)	Pink Floyd "Wish You Were Here" (1975)	The Rolling Stones "Exile On Main Street" (1972)
	Tom Waits "The Heart of Saturday Night" (1974)

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