Derek and I went out tonight on a little shopping adventure, after which we stopped at Sonic for some cheeseburgers, cherry limeaide, and conversation. One of our talks centered on a classic question: if you could only listen to 10 CDs for the rest of your life, or could only take 10 CDs with you to a desert island devoid of life...which would you take? The CDs can be replaced with virtually anything, obviously, but we happened to settle on music. Here were my ten:
10.) The Decemberists - "Picaresque"
This is hands down on of my favorite CDs; I think I listened to it non-stop my junior year of high school. Both charming and melancholy, haunting and romantic, it's a good CD to weep along to. Favorite tracks include "We Both Go Down Together" and "Red Right Ankle."
9.) Alkaline Trio - "Good Mourning"
Another CD that I can listen to from beginning to end. It's dark and morbid, with violent lyrics and a generally upbeat tempo; very fun to sing along to. Favorite tracks include "All on Black" and "Blue in the Face".
8.) Bright Eyes - "Lifted"
I tend to consider Conor Oberst the Bob Dyan of my generation, a statement that seems to become more and more evident as time goes on and his music grows up (his most recent solo album is fantastic). "Lifted" will always remain a classic to me, and I feel that it's the best of his Bright Eyes years. Favorite tracks include "Bowl of Oranges" and "Lets not Shit Ourselves".
7.) Frank Sinatra - "My Way - The Best of Frank Sinatra"
Frank Sinatra is the man. It is necessary to have at least one Sinatra CD in this line-up, so I figured I'd be safe and stick with a greatest hits album. Favorite tracks include "I've Got You Under the Skin" and "Lady is a Tramp".
6.) Dresden Dolls - Self Titled
The Dresden Dolls are my favorite band of all time. Amanda Palmer's brutally honest lyrics and raw vocals paired with the intimate sound of nothing but her piano and Brian's drumset makes them a passionate, explosive duo. Their debut CD is immensely powerful, and has been one of my favorite CDs since the day I hear it. Favorite tracks include "Truce" and "Good Day."
5.) Radiohead - "Hail to the Thief"
Radiohead is god-like. They had to have a place on here somehwere. Favorite tracks include "Wolf at the Door" and "Where I End and You Begin."
4.) Rancid - "...And Out Come the Wolves"
Such a fantastic CD from beginning to end. Tim and Lars are excellent storytellers, and it comes through in their lyrics. I've been obsessed with this CD since I was in 6th or 7th grade, and probably will be forever. Favorite tracks include "Daly City Train" and "Olympia WA".
3.) The Smiths - "The Queen is Dead"
Classic CD, excellent from beginning to end. There isn't one track on here that I don't know all of the words to and don't completely adore. Favorite tracks include "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and "There is a Light."
2.) The Clash - London Calling
I shouldn't even have to explain this. This should be on a list of top 100 CDs ever created. Favorite tracks include "Guns of Brixton" and "Lost in the Supermarket."
1.) The Beatles - The White Album
For obvious reasons. I feel like if you're going to pick a Beatles CD, this is the most diverse and the one you need to choose. Plus, it's my personal favorite. Why is it number one? Because the Beatles are number one. The end. Favorite tracks include "Happiness is a Warm Gun" and "Blackbird."
