I was delighted a few weeks ago when I discovered that The Fillmore Detroit started following me on Twitter. I’m not sure why this awesome Detroit establishment would have any interest in me. Either they assumed (and would be correct) that I am just a cool chick, or they picked random people in hopes of getting followers back. Either way, Detroit and music will always have a special place in my heart so I’m happy that I can stay connected to both of them by once again, the genius of social media.
The Fillmore sent out a tweet asking the following question, and I thought I would borrow it as it made for a great topic:
If you were stranded on a desert island, which album would you like to have with you?
This is going to have to be a special island to have nothing but a device for music on it. In my stranded island fantasy, I’m hoping for a CD player. I could lie and try to act cool and say I’d prefer vinyl, but if I’m stranded on an island and pissed off, I think dealing with sand in my record player needle might lead to self-cannibalism of my brain.
Now, for music choices. I have never been a “one-hit wonder” song purchaser. Yes, I will buy singles if I’m pretty sure the rest of the CD sucks, but for the most part, I purchase full CD’s and listen to all of it. This is where hidden gems lie. People who only buy what’s playing on the radio are missing out on so much delicious music.
With that being said, I have many albums that I have listened to in their entirety over and over again. And to make my decision on which one, I have to consider the following variables:
- Weather. Undoubtedly, there will unending hot, sunny days. I am going to need some upbeat, happyish music to get me through the dehydration, spear fishing, hut-building and wailing “Why Me?” all day. On the tropical, rainy days, I will want some melancholy tunes to pair with the jungle downpour.
- Mood. If I’m stranded there by myself, I will need music that reminds me of my man. When I look up at the full moon, I will want to hear the lyrics that are reminiscent of our time and love. It will also give me comfort to think of him when giant spiders are crawling all around me.
- Feel-Goodness. Let’s face it. I will not be at my best. I will be eaten alive by bugs, have sun poisoning, will be starving and not doing well with the spear fishing since I won’t have a spear, and will be crying a lot. So, I’m going to need an album that has a few of those “Hey, you can do this” kind of songs on it.
I have so many albums I could choose from, but these are a few I have considered:
The Beatles-The White Album
Led Zeppelin-Houses of the Holy
Pink Floyd-Wish you were here
John Lennon-Double Fantasy
Barenaked Ladies-Gordon
Blues Traveler-Four
Dave Matthews Band-Under the Table and Dreaming
Alanis Morissette-Flavors of Entanglement
Company of Thieves-Ordinary Riches
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals-Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
As an only child, I spent a lot of time in my youth listening to music. I labored for hours over Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin lyrics, feeling so much emotion at a young age. When my first boyfriend, Jason moved away, I played “Wish You Were Here” over and over again, tears streaming down my teenage face. I was so tortured, for god’s sake.
The Beatles came into the picture a little bit later, and I fell head over heels with them during a time when Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was Number One and the flannel rage ruled the Detroit clubs. While I did love a smattering of the grunge era, “Dear Prudence” and “While My Guitar Gently Sleeps” were a pleasant diversion from all that angst.
Dave Matthews Band is, well, amazing. I can listen to anything by that man and his band of geniuses. Going to a DMB concert is like being wrapped in a blanket of warm coziness. This group of men love what they do and they do it well. DMB has quite a few of my requirements for my island solitary confinement. They definitely have the Feel-Goodness music down pat, just enough melancholy to make me love the rain, and the romantic element can bring a girl to her knees.
Barenaked Ladies and Blues Travelers are two more of my favorite bands. Blues Traveler have the feel good jammy-jam rocking blues that could help carry me through the rough times on the seashore. Barenaked Ladies are just fun and romantic and I don’t get sick of them, ever. “Blame it on Me” and “Wrap Your Arms Around Me” are relationship tribute songs that everyone should have in their music arsenal.
I love my musical ladies, and topping that list are Alanis Morissette, Genevieve Schatz of Company of Thieves, and Grace Potter. I would love having any of these strong, compassionate women belt out their musical prowess while I’m carving the word “HELP” into the molten lava sand and looking to the sea for signs of Captain Jack and his crew to rescue me.
So, here’s the problem. I can’t seem to pick just one. I don’t think I’ll have the option of the awesome Mix Tape, so, what’s a sweaty, stranded girl on a deserted island to do?
Before I get on a boat headed for my isolation destination, I’d like to hear which of these Albums gets your vote and why.
Will Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song” or John Lennon’s “Watching the Wheels” get me through the torrential monsoons? Will I be more content hearing Grace Potter croon in “Colors” or Alanis wail about being “too exhausting to be loved” in “Tapes”?
Have any of these albums affected your life and which one do you think will get me through the turmoil of my demise?
I will be waiting, on the shore, for your comments while Ants are Marching, and the Mountains are Winning Again and I’m looking through Old Letters…
An Honest Swallow 
Tell me what you think!