In an effort to increase my collection, and by extension everyone else’s, of CDs, I would like to get input about discs to take to that desert island, with no outside access to music availability.

I will be giving a critique of discs which meet several criteria.

First, they must be available now, so things that are wonderful, yet out of print, and therefore requiring the skills of a detective to find, are disqualified. Next, the CD, or album for us who remember, must be a complete work. It cannot be one great song, accompanied by lots of filler. It needs to be something that will make those who listen buy the CD and not download a single song from iTunes, or any other download service.

I would like responses, so that everyone benefits. If you disagree with a selection, you must be able to back your assertions, not simply slam the choice.

• Bridge of Sighs - Robin Trower Second album released from the previous guitarist from Procol Harum. All too easily dismissed as another pretender to the throne vacated by Jimi Hendrix, Trower is more blues oriented, and with James Dewar on bass, crafts some unforgettable tunes, a level above most others, including Hendrix.

• Garbage 2.0 - Garbage These former studio musicians, along with the fresh voice of Shirley Manson, produce a wall of sound, with sonic pictures of a type not equaled since Tears for Fears - The Hurting. Sound to simply rock out, with substance underneath to analyze afterwards.
• Best of The Smithereens - The Smithereens Poetry and angst from inner city guys who lived it. Hard to understand why more popularity was never found, this is well-crafted, fairly accessible music that works on several levels.
• French Kiss - Bob Welch Power pop from former guitarist of Fleetwood Mac, he penned several of their hits before Lindsay Buckingham came aboard. Standout guitar, incredible hooks, and bonus - older people will like it too.
• Nevermind - Nirvana This may not be the beginnings of ‘grunge,’ but it is the one that brought it to the forefront. Songs still do not disappoint. ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ is an anthem for an era.
• Aja - Steely Dan Becker and Fagen at the zenith of their skills. A sonic masterpiece, this shows off any sound system, and points out flaws in those not so great. Thoughtful lyrics that fit so well with musical flourishes you hardly stop to think until the end of each song.
• Who’s Next - The Who Pete and the boys at the top. Incredible sounds, synthesizers used as they should be, lyrics that apply to all of us, then as now. Perhaps in the top 3 of greatest rock album of the ages.
• Dead Man’s Party - Oingo Boingo Boingo’s best, in all the controlled sonic chaos you would expect. Strong tunes, great rhythms, great party record, even when you’re alone.
• Machine Head - Deep Purple The Mark IV line up of this group, Ian Gillan’s voice showing why he was second only to Paul Rodgers as the best vocalist in rock (listen before you criticize; yes, I love Robert Plant, too!). Ritchie Blackmore showing why he deserves that place in nearly every poll of the guitar greats, John Lord shows why the Hammond organ belongs in rock. Stellar tunes, music to listen to while driving FAST.
• Disraeli Gears - Cream The record that established these three to be forces in music. Baker, Bruce, and Clapton forged something that burns bright to this day, showing how three pieces could produce music with no holes in the sound. Played for teens today, with no idea, still draws raves.

This is not meant to be the be all, end all list, just a jumping off point, as I also like other forms of music besides rock. Work on the jazz and funk lists starts now.

I know there are no albums included from the last five years… I frankly can’t think of a WHOLE album that has these qualities from the last five years. If you can, put it up and back it with reasons, and description. We all can make our collections a bit bigger!

[tags]desert island discs, compact discs, iTunes, music[/tags]