If you had to go away for awhile and you could only take five of your favorite albums with you, which ones would you choose? Yes, we know it isn’t a fair question, but that hasn’t stopped us from asking music fans who happen to be recording artists in their own right. This week’s Desert Island Discs list comes courtesy of singer/songwriter Maureen Toth, currently promoting her latest release, Shine. Take it away, Maureen!
Florence and the Machines — Lungs
This is my favorite current CD. These songs have so much energy. I love working out to this CD as well. If I’m on a desert island and I need to work for my food, I am going to need to be pumped up. Her voice is fantastic and the band has the same intense power as her voice. The lyrics are haunting and smart and so atmospheric. I love female vocalists generally, and her vocal strength is really inspiring.
[youtube id=”a3X0XE61fvQ” width=”600″ height=”350″]Patti Griffin — Living with Ghosts
These are amazingly heartfelt songs — extremely personal and beautiful. You feel like you know her well after listening to this CD. Her vocals are gorgeous. Every song is a treat to sing along with, and the sound has a hint of Americana in a way that is subtle and compelling. Her simple guitar accompaniment is pared down and lets the lyrics and vocals be the star of the show. But she’s an amazing guitar player and that comes through as well.
[youtube id=”ntIeQBEU0Hc” width=”600″ height=”350″]The Beatles — Abbey Road
What do I really need to say about this one? The Beatles simply…make me happy. If I was on an island and bumming out for my tough circumstance, I’d have to have a CD that lifts my spirits, and this is the one. I think most of the world feels the same about the Beatles, so that’s that!
[youtube id=”OEo9Bh679wM” width=”600″ height=”350″]Tom Petty — Anthology
I can say, for sure, that my favorite classic rock and roll band is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (and Tom Petty solo). I tried to avoid anthologies, but I just have to be honest about this one — it would be a must-have for me. His music is timeless, and his voice for me is strangely comforting — like coming home. I bow low to a master and just adore his life’s work.
[youtube id=”YS3xOmI1Plk” width=”600″ height=”350″]Jeff Buckley — Grace
One of the most haunting and beautiful albums ever. I tend to prefer female vocalists, but his vocals are otherworldly. I also tend to like songs that don’t meander, but his do — and to great effect. The tragedy of his short life makes the music more special, like he was meant to be here for just a little while to create great beauty and depart.
[youtube id=”y8AWFf7EAc4″ width=”600″ height=”350″]Ready to hear what all those influences add up to? Have a listen to five tracks from Maureen Toth’s Shine, out now.
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