Since I am well-known to care more about the fading concept of albums than most, I am often asked about my desert island Top 10. Usually, that’s a parlor game; these days, it sounds like an actual option. Just today, I found myself relating to the earliest founders of this democracy: is there anywhere I can move with like-minded folks to found a country girded by ideals, intellect, compassion, and creativity? Where I don’t have to watch a “leader” mocking the oppressed? I clearly chose the wrong presidential term to quit drinking. ANYWAY, here are 10 albums that always come up when the quick-grab-and-take-off query is proffered, not in any preferential order. I have nothing to say about them. If you click on the links, my attraction should be apparent to you.
Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys: The Tiffany Transcriptions, Volume Three–Basin Street Blues
Professor Longhair: Crawfish Fiesta
Bob Dylan: Highway 61 Revisited
The Velvet Underground
Eric B. and Rakim: Follow the Leader
The Flying Burrito Brothers: The Gilded Palace of Sin
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
Hank Williams, Sr.: The Original Singles Collection…Plus
Billie Holiday: Lady Day
Dead Moon: Echoes of the Past
There it is. Those will sustain me. The list might be different tomorrow. I am quite aware of glaring omissions (no Wolf? no Clash? no Aretha? no Satchmo? no…I could go on); also, it’s a crusty semi-old-timer’s list, indeed–I’d just argue time’s still in its chambers ruling on more recent stuff, I suppose.
Living To Listen 
Very interesting and will require a ponder. And no, I wouldn’t lie. You know I’m not that kind of guy. Sounds like you will found a good country. Think I might play some Bobby Bland. You didn’t really quit drinking, did you?
Nope.
I printed this and it contained Anita O’Day’s “Anita Sings the Most”. I blinked and she became The Minutemen. Wow – they should make a movie.
Lister’s remorse.
Understandable. I’d stick with the move to ‘Velvet Underground’.