Desert Island Discs

Not wanting to belittle or in any way detract from acelxpro's desert island thread, I wondered if anyone else would be up for playing this game “BBC rules”, so to speak?

For those who don't know, Desert Island Discs is a show on Radio 4 that's been running since the discovery of fire in which people you've (generally) never heard of pick eight pieces of music (single tracks, not whole albums, mark you), one book and one luxury to take with them to a hypothetical desert island.

You get the Bible (or an alternative religious book of choice) and the complete works of Shakespeare as standard , in order to allow a more interesting and personal choice of book. The luxury item must be inanimate, and “of no survival value”.

The show is basically an interview with the guest interwoven with their musical choices. They usually take the time to say a few words about each track and why they've chosen it. It'd be nice if we could all do the same, don'tcha think?

So here goes:

1. Focus – Sylvia

Long before I ever got into prog, or indeed music of any kind my Dad (a superb pianist with an equal love for classical and jazz) had a little jazz/rock trio with my uncle on guitar and a friend on drums. They played a lot of great music, but every rehearsal I'd BEG them to play this tune. I don't know why, but it just held me spellbound. Much later on, when I was in my teens, I dug out a battered copy of Focus 3 and that was it – I'd found my music at last.

2. The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band – Trouser Press

A quick glance at my username would probably suffice to explain this choice. The Bonzos are everything I love rolled into one band – eccentric, eclectic, wild, absurd and utterly utterly English. This song features a trouser press solo and one of Viv Stanshall's finest moments: “The programme you have been listening to was a one act play in eight parts by G. G. Dunnit for eighteen albatrosses and a resevoir...”

3. Gentle Giant - Proclamation

The first band I was truly,unshakably obsessed with. It breaks my heart not to include about 30 other songs by them as well, but rules is rules. I chose this one due to that infectious funky synth part and the wonderful discordant “haaaaa-AAAAIL”s that still send a jolt through me whenever I hear them.

4. Capt. Beefheart – Bat Chain Puller

My first attempt to appreciate the Capt. was a total failure. I downloaded Trout Mask Replica, listened to it once and immediately posted a sneery (and thoroughly ignorant) review of it on rateyourmusic.com. A couple of years later I heard this track on a radio show and I could've sworn my jaw did a full Looney-Tunes drop to the floor. I've never looked back.

5. Hatfield and the North – Share It

Only room for one Canterbury pick, so here it is. Lovely lyrics, infectious tune and an incomparable moog solo. It never fails to make me grin inanely.

6. Cardiacs – The Ever So Closely Guarded Line

The only band to ever jostle with Gentle Giant for top billing in my brain. What's more, they won! Again, this was a very very very tough choice to make. I opted for this one for a number of reasons, but the overriding appeal of this track is the constant build in tension which is almost never released... Cardiacs at their very best. Oh, and it has the legendary ABC chimes at the end; the musical equivalent of an after-dinner mint. Mmm...

7. Wha-Ha-Ha – Inanaki

This is one of those delightful songs that feel almost like a musical manifesto. Every note is a statement of intent. The unhinged giggling vocals, the funky brass and jerky rhythms, the creepy synths and the wild burst of free jazz piano in the middle all fuse into one of the most exciting songs I've ever heard. It also makes me laugh. Yippee!

8. Yes – The Gates of Delerium

Yes were the first band I discovered after Focus. This track wins over CTTE in two very important ways. 1. It has that demented middle-section. 2. It's a bit longer. As we all know, with Yes quantity quite often does mean quality!

Book: P. G. Wodehouse – Blandings Omnibus

I don't care if this is cheating slightly, but I might as well squeeze in as much reading as I can. Wodehouse is rather a rarity for me – a writer who inspires my own writing AND makes a completely effortless escape of a read at the same time.

Luxury: A small piano.

I've wanted to learn an instrument for years now. I recently tried to teach myself ukulele (hardly a challenge, you might think) but I just didn't have the patience. Being stuck on a desert island might finally allow me the opportunity to get to grips with an instrument and begin extracting some of the more musical ideas which clog up my brain.


Your turn!

As my list no doubt shows, I'm about getting more bang for my buck (or for my unfortunate circumstance of only having 8 songs on an island).

In no particular order:

1. "The Revealing Science of God" - Yes

While I was tempted to have half of my choices consist of Tales from Topographic Oceans in its entirety, I decided that Yes's best and most progressive work would suffice. 

2. "Mei" - Echolyn

From the first moment I heard this, I was in awe, and couldn't get the melodies out of my head even after one listen.  On top of that, it's almost fifty minutes long- now that's mileage.

3. "Anesthetize" - Porcupine Tree

Though by no means my favorite Porcupine Tree song, this one is very strong, not to mention lengthy.

4. "In Ernest" - The Tangent

This song has frequently gotten stuck in my head, and it one I turn to when I am feeling a bit depressed (and wishing to stay that way).

5. "The Great Nothing" - Spock's Beard

While I prefer "At the End of the Day," this one has over ten minutes more of excellent music, and is one of Spock's Beard's greatest accomplishments.

6. "Tetragrammaton" - The Mars Volta

This is the song that got me into The Mars Volta (although certainly not the first one I heard); it will serve me well when I need some high-energy, psychotic music while I am...I don't know, trying to spear fish.

7. "Myriad" - Kansas

Choosing a Kansas song is like choosing a favorite child.  I decided to go with a cut off my favorite Kansas album rather than try to determine a song form their classic period to take with me.  This one will no doubt do well for me on stormy nights.

8. "Thick as a Brick" - Jethro Tull

I'm not certain if this counts as one entry, but if it does, I'll take it.  Again, plenty of superior music to sink my teeth into- I would also have lots of time to ponder the meaning of the lyrics.

Book: A recent compilation of The Onion.

As much as I would love something intellectual or thought-provoking, I realize I will still need to sh*t periodically.  Hence, the proper reading material.

Luxury: An infinite supply of beer.

Oh wait, that's a "survival item," you say? 

Then my Seagull Artist Series Acoustic Guitar.

I think I could be happy there.

1. Rush - Jacob's Ladder

I often quote this as my all-time favorite song from my all-time favorite album. Dark and absolutely beautiful from start to finish.

2. Chris Squire - Silently Falling

Squire's emotionally charged opus is always so amazing - it may depress me to hell on a desert island, but we won't know until we get there, will we?

3. Blue Oyster Cult - Shadow Of California

Although Revolution By Night may have been dragged down by a couple of the worst songs in their catalog, this one is still one of the very best. Like Jacob's Ladder, it's the darkness that pulls me into this wonderful opus.

4. Van Der Graaf Generator - The Sleepwalkers

That creepy organ hit right off the top along with the plinky keyboards has always made this song a favorite from the moment I heard it streaming on ProgArchives. An amazing track, likely the Generator's best.

5. Magma - MDK (from Retrospectw I-II)

Not only do I get a 30-minute long track with this one, but I get what is apparently the best performance of an already amazing composition. Not to mention that I'll have the time to learn it word for word and shout it at the top of my lungs.

6. Spock's Beard - Walking On The Wind

An uplifting band in general thanks to their Christian overtones, and while that's not at all the reason why I enjoy their music this song has always been a favorite for me - especially when I'm feeling down. Meros' bass right off the top of the song is just unforgettable. Probably my favorite single SB track.

7. Queen - March Of The Black Queen

Queen's greatest composition, hands down - and screw Bohemian Rhapsody! The dark and marching beat is incredible! This one always gives me shivers.

8. Phideaux - Formaldehyde

A recent favorite, this is another emotional opus which I don't think I could go for the rest of my life without hearing again. Stunning vocals and soothing parts combined with the final moments of quirkiness make this song unmissable.

Book: It's down to either...

1984

So that I can remember why I left society in the first place, or...

The Complete Works of William Blake

Don't know if such a book exists, I hope it does, because that man was a wonderful (if batty) poet.

Luxury: My DSRL with a macro lens attached. There would be some awesome photos on that island! Plus if i eer got out of there I could sell them to Nat Geo

I must admit that Revolution By Night is one of my most played albums, and I think that it has a good share of awesome tunes. But hey, it's BO-freaking-C! . Shadow Of California is a classic in my opinion.

1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-IX) (Pink Floyd) It counts as one song :P

This song makes me reminisce about my late father, who was in love with Pink Floyd

2. The Gates of Delirium (Yes)

My favourite song

3. L'Auberge Du Sanglier (Caravan)

One of the most melancholic songs in my musical library, yet powerful and beautiful.

4. Supper's Ready (Genesis)

The best serving of Gabriel

5. Thick as a Brick (Jethro Tull)  Both sides :P

6. Lizard (King Crimson)

7. Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin)

I don't care how mainstream it is, its a good song, and its a classic I'd like to hear over and over again.

8. Echoes (Pink Floyd)

You need to get high on an Island too, and this song takes you there (Gilmour pun intended)

9. Geranio (PFM)

Beautiful

10. Song of Scheherazade (Renaissance)

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Book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; A Trilogy of 5 by Douglas Adams

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Luxury (Smart ass answer): A Plane with fuel to get the FU*K outta there!

Luxury (Real Answer): Tenor Saxophone with an unlimited supply of Reeds.

EDIT: Oh, I just read the initial post again, and its 8 songs... hmmm... I'll have to think about this before I edit...



Edited by OzzProg - February 10 2009 at 21:56

1. Echoes - Pink Floyd

Everything that needs to be said has been said already.

2. I Am The Sun pt. 1 - Flower Kings

Stolt and co's finest moment.

3. The Sky Moves Sideways(alternative version) - Porcupine Tree

The last few minutes of the alternate version makes this track stand out a little more, and therefore gets the nod ahead of the original.

4. Buckethead - Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains

Possibly my most favourite track ever. It's funky as hell, Les Claypool is a marvel on the bass and Buckethead is shredding like a madman. Just awesome.

5. All of the Above - Transatlantic

Prog supergroup and one of the best epics ever made. Can't be without it.

6. The Prophet's Song - Queen

Bohemian Rhapsody is the megahit and has been played to death, but this is the best track on Night at the Opera.

7. Into the Black Hole - Ayreon

Bruce Dickinson with a stellar vocal performance.

8. Tarkus Medley - ELP

Amazing, plain and simple

Book: The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

A little bit of everything in one book. 

I won't be needing the standard issue Bible(it could come in handy if I was running out of toilet paper...), so I'll swap it for Lord of the Rings. Between Poe, Shakespeare and Tolkien I'd have covered all my bases.

Luxury item: This is the hard choice. A deck of cards, maybe? Or possibly a football(soccer, for you yanks) or basketball.

Hmmm... This really is quite tricky. I could do albums just about, but songs? That is asking a bit. Oh well, I'll give it a shot:

#1 Echoes - Pink Floyd
Definitely a song which I need to survive :P Meddle being one of my fave albums of all time

#2 Tittie's N' Beer - Frank Zappa (Zappa in New York version)
This song always makes me laugh at one point(as something good) I need some laughter to cheer me up in that lonely island

#3 Gettin' Tighter - Deep Purple (King Biscuit Flower Hour version)
I'll want to do some air-guitar at some moment in the island, this just does it for 13 minutes!

#4 The Revealing Science of God - Yes
Besides being lengthy, it's a awesome album to awake with, that moog intro, the vocal harmonies, simply stunning, also for some mediative moments it works

#5 All of the Above - Transatlantic
Damn lenghthy and full of genres spread all over the song performed stunningly

#6 Thick as a Brick pt 1 - Jethro Tull
Besides being awesome, it's quite a nostalgic song for me, as well as most Pink Floyd songs which I would like to include :P

#7 Midnight on Mars - Ashra
I need some chilling, spacey music to sleep and mediate with, this does the trick perfectly

#8 Zoot Allures - Frank Zappa (studio version)
Another song to contemplate....

Book: damn, I'm not that of a reader, but I'll think of something..... La Ciudad De Los Libros Soñadores - Walter Moers, haven't read it yet, but it's big, and my brother who read it, told me it's fantastic, it really opens your mind.

Luxury: my brother's Roland Synth plus his amplifier! :P

Tool - Lateralus

My absolute favorite song from my favorite album.

Opeth - Godhead's Lament

The power of this song for me is undeniable. I can feel the main character's struggle throughout. Chilling. x3

Frank Zappa - Titties n' Beer

First song that ever made me laugh out loud.

Sieges Even - The Weight

Another song that absolutely gives me the chills with it's atmosphere. @_@

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (A deal with God)

No way I can go without ever hearing a woman's voice, especially Kate's.

Riverside - Second Life Syndrome

I never get tired of this song, reminds me of my past life. x3

Magma - Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh (from Retrospektiw I-II)

I need at least one lengthy track and one live track, this one does both beautifully.Damn I love this disc.

Meshuggah - Rational Gaze

I need this song to bring out the headbanger in me. It make me go nuts \m/>_<\m/


Book - The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

I love all things concerning feudal japan and this book gives me a glimpse into what court life was like. My favorite book far and away.

Luxury Item - Picture of my gf cause I'd miss her. T_T

Well this is a new take, I have grown up with "if you could take one album, and one album only" But I suppose this makes the decision easier.

1) Jethro Tull - Passion Play (Part II if its not considered one song)
       Its long, complex, enjoyable, etc. If I had to I would pick Part II, because even while stranded alone on a desert island your going to need some lulz, and hares with missing spectacles works for me.

2) Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick (Part II if its not considered one song)
       Same deal with above but its a more "normal" song from Jethro Tull. As for Part II? I really don't know why, I just always preferred it.

3) Beardfish - Sleeping In Traffic
       From the first time I heard it I knew it was good, might have something to do with that Bee Gees reference.

4) Rush - Cygnus X-1 (Book I if not considered one song)
       There had to be an appearance from those Canadian boys. It was between this an Fountain of Lamneth, but this wins out for sheer rockitude and not having the vocals being too quiet(whats up with that?)

5) Dire Straits - The Mans Too Strong
       I can not get enough of this song, its just so emotional. Both heavy and soft. Theres a reason its my top played song, beating out everything else by over 30 plays.

6) Derek & The Dominoes - Layla
       Honestly the first song I ever cried to. Its probably one of my top 10 songs of all time.

7) Stevie Ray Vaughan - Little Wing
       Very rarely do covers do justice to the original, let alone exceed them. This song tears at your heart, like Layla, just without words.

8) Phideaux - Micro Softdeathstar
       Yeah I couldn't choose Formaldehyde because this song it just slightly better, only slightly.

Book - The Lord Of The Rings (all 3 books, plus the Hobbit) or barring this, a big freaking dictionary.
       It saddens me to say this, but I sill haven read these books. And if I can't take the full series, a large dictionary to increase my vocabulary for when I share a snifter of brandy with the chaps from the desert island polo club over.

Luxury - A Flute
       Ian Anderson has made me want to do 2 things, be more Scottish, and have the ability to play flute.