There comes a point in every pirate’s life when you find yourself marooned on a deserted island for an indefinite amount of time with all of one’s audio gear and a magical power source. Luckily, with some foresight, we can prepare for this with a collection of music that will sustain one until help arrives (hopefully). I ask you to post 12 tracks for your Desert Island Disc accompanied by a few words explaining why you have chosen them. Please avoid selecting multiple tracks from the same album for the sake of variety.
In addition to the disc you have been granted one meal of your choosing and for this meal you will be joined by a musician, alive or reincarnated, as selected by you (for conversation ONLY, no funny business ).So please post below:
- 12 tracks for your disc
- Your meal of choice
- The musician you wish to share it with.(this is in no way similar to BBC radio 4’s program that bares a similar name)For Example:
Track 1
Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major:I performed by the Academy of Ancient Music (2009)
I really love the rhythmic power of this piece. The fast tempo adds energy to the performance, driving me to nod triumphantly to the beat. I have always felt that if Bach were alive today he would compose death metal with huge arpeggios and complex heavy drumming.
Track 2
AC DC - Shoot to Thrill from Back in Black
Classic rock, pure and honest. I can see myself grabbing a piece of driftwood for some wicked air guitar.
Track 3
Bee Gees - Stayin' AliveGiven the title, it is decidedly apt for the occasion. I would be lying salt-glazed, half-dead under a palm tree, but in my mind I'd be strutting the shoreline like young Travolta.
Track 4
The Blues Brothers feat. Aretha Franklin - ThinkI really love the energy of this track and Aretha is firing on all cylinders. This piece just makes me want to move or pick up a guitar or something.
Track 5
Joe Cocker - Letter from Mad Dogs and Englishmen
This live recording is fantastic. I much prefer it to the studio recording I have. There are times that Joe seems almost able to clearly annunciate his words, what more can you ask for?
Track 6
Johnny Hates Jazz - Shattered DreamsThere is something about the 80's where they can sing lyrics about sad and difficult things yet somehow the music feels uplifting. I think I would need some 80's magic on the island.
Track 7
Joe Hisaishi - The Bygone Days from Porco Rosso
Hisaishi's work always takes me away to the world of Ghibli. One of my favorite Ghibli films is Porco Rosso which is based in the Adriatic Sea. Sitting on a beach listening to this with a coconut in hand would be quite splendid.
Track 8
Joni Mitchel - Help Me from Court and Spark
Such a talented singer, I am always impressed by this album. The remastered version sounds particularly nice.
Track 9
Mathias Eick - June from Skala
This album blew me away. His previous effort was decent, but did
n't grab me. Skala was one album that I sat down, pressed play and was glued until the final note. Perfect for a rainy day, which I expect there will be from time to time.
Track 10
Ryuichi Sakamoto - Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence from 1996
Probably his best known track from the movie of the same title where Ryuichi not only composed the music but also acted alongside David Bowie (there's some trivia for you). It is really hard for me to pick just one of his tracks, but sacrifices must be made. "1996" is a fantastic album to get your feet wet, but it shows only part of his immense career from electronic to classical to minimalism.
Track 11
Yoko Kanno - Myung Theme from Macross Plus OST 1
Easily one of my favorite tracks of all time, probably for more personal reasons rather than technical ones. I really like the combination of electronic instrumentation with a full orchestra it gives an extra dimension to the "classical" sound. This piece is also special for me because it reminds me of my close friends.
Track 12
Debussy - Claire de Lune performed by Zoltan Kocsis
One of my favorite classical pieces. I specifically chose this one due to the slower tempo and expressive performance. IMO I feel that this piece should be played at a slower pace because I imagine that moonlight reflecting off water is prettier in calmer conditions. Perfect for lonely nights on a beach.
The Meal:
Perfectly cooked ribs and Chili Fries.The Musician:
Yoko Kanno - I have been a fan of her work for more than half of my life. I know they say you shouldn't meet your heroes, but realistically this would be my only shot at it.
So, me hearties, let us see your Desert Island selection!