These types of lists having been floating around for a while, but I never bothered to put one together. This by no means contains everything that I like to listen to, but just 20 albums – numbered in no particular order and not including live or greatest hits recordings– that I would like to have if stranded on an uncharted island.
Nebraska – Bruce Springsteen. This primitive-recorded album is The Boss’ attempt at being Woody Guthrie, though the themes are much darker. It starts with a killing spree before finishing on hope.
A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean – Jimmy Buffett. I’ve always been a Parrothead, but Jimmy’s first-major-label release is still one of my favorites. It showcases Jimmy’s witty writing style (when he actually wrote descent lyrics) and contains several of his most popular songs.
The Trinity Session – Cowboy Junkies. This album was recorded in the basement of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto (for its natural reverb) using only a single microphone. It can be describe in one phrase: best make out album ever.
Graceland – Paul Simon. When you first hear the album, you’re overwhelmed by all the musical styles. It is a joy to listen to, but not one free of controversy. It’s been accused of containing stolen songs to collusion with the South African government. In any case, it did help to bring focus on Apartheid. The Zydeco-fused tune “That Was You Mother” is a nod to my boy D.P. Rabalais.
Kind of Blue – Miles Davis. There is reason this is cited as the best-selling jazz record of all time. Give it listen before moving on to the fusion-filled Bitches Brew.
Rain Dogs – Tom Waits. Listening to Tom Waits is like eating raw oysters: you either like it or you don’t. This album highlights Waits’ transformation from piano bar player to carny performer. Plus, how can you not love a recording where the majority of the instruments come from a hardware store?
American Idiot – Green Day. This concept album made the three-piece punk band from Oakland, CA super rich. It also is a timely critic of the media’s influence on American society. Some call it a mess, but anthems like “Jesus of Suburbia” work for me.
Harvest – Neil Young. Neil is, and will always be, da man. Neil has several good albums, but this one is solid all the way through.
Van Halen – Van Halen. Eddie Van Halen can work a guitar like no one else. “Eruption” is proof of that.
American Recordings – Johnny Cash. The Man in Black’s career took more dives than a Cousteau expedition, but this first outing with producer Rick Rubin can be described in one word: haunting.
Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik– The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I was a Chili’s fan before this album put them in the limelight. It has less guitar riffs than the preceding Mother’s Milk, though it can still be cranked to maximum volume.
Outlandos d’Amour – The Police. The trio’s first outing is still my favorite. They were in the process honing their sound, and what other album allows you to scream “So Lonely” for minutes on end?
The Wall – Pink Floyd. This is the mother of all concept albums and Roger Water’s attempt to deal with his father issues. It also asks the rhetorical dining question “Pudding before Meat?”
London Calling – The Clash. I’ve always had a taste for punk and The Clash. This album can be classified as “post punk” and covers more styles of music than a bad wedding DJ. Give it a listen and find the hidden track.
Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes. It is just fun, fun, fun…like a Blister in the Sun.
The Girl in the Other Room – Diana Krall. Her smoky cover of “Temptation” alone is worth the price of the disc, but Krall also takes a stab at writing her own music. She succeeds quite well with “Departure Bay”. To be enjoyed with dim lighting and a single malt.
Fashion Nugget – Cake . Like Tom Waits, Cake falls into the realm of you either like it or you don’t. Their second outing contains the hit “The Distance,” as well as some cover gems like “I Will Survive” and “Sad Songs & Waltzes”. You can listen and eat it too.
Master of Puppets – Metallica. Any Metallica albums must be blared wide open to be enjoyed, but this one you’ll want to plug into a Spinal Tap amp so “it will go to 11”. Obey or fall faster.
Chronicles – Credence Clearwater Revival. I know that I said no greatest hits albums, but this is the only CCR disc I would want with me. Excellent from beginning to end.
All You Need is Live – Cowboy Mouth. Few bands have the ability to work a crowd like Cowboy Mouth and this is the only disc that somewhat captures the energy Fred LeBlanc and company release on stage. That is why it is an exception. Are you with me?
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