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 edition of Desert Island Discs comes courtesy of Scotty Alan, whose latest EP, Wreck and the Mess, is out now. Visit Scotty’s site for samples of his music — after reading his Desert Island picks, of course!
Ramones, Ramones
My first major musical impression came in 1986 as a passenger in the cold back seat of a Volkswagen Beetle. The self-titled debut album sustains enough energy to build several huts, a raft and a tiki bar for any desert island recluse. The upbeat musical simplicity combined with catchy lyrics will easily help preoccupy the mind while engaged in the labors of the day during the early stages of being stranded and beyond.
[youtube id=”RdyEEk5WrrI” width=”600″ height=”350″]Wire, Pink Flag
A few years later, now driving my own 1974 Beetle, I was listening to Wire’s Pink Flag. This collection of 21 lickety-split raw energy songs will be perfect for the long days ahead. “12XU” is still my favorite song — and is, in fact, one of the first cover songs I ever learned. Perfect choice while collecting, bundling and installing the thatch for your roof.
[youtube id=”FLwlS1-Ueeg” width=”600″ height=”350″]The Replacements, Tim
Nostalgic listening by one of my favorite bands. It was really hard to pick which Replacements album, but since I will be deserted for awhile I felt an immediate need for this one. Sharing similar thoughts and desires for both the more quiet, intimate acoustic songs yet still having the need to be loud from time to time, made this the right choice and a perfect segue to the next artist…
[youtube id=”MThfdTEkkOo” width=”600″ height=”350″]Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Rust Never Sleeps
Capturing the two sides of Young’s musical self, this album has a personal cyclical feel for me. Combining both acoustic and electric songs, this album has always been a special listen during any transition. The two versions (one acoustic, one electric) of ”Hey, Hey, My, My” appropriately placed, first and last song, bring the listener full circle. And as Young says, ”It’s better to burn out than to fade away”… best get another log for the fire.
[youtube id=”2SdikywAcaM” width=”600″ height=”350″]Woody Guthrie, Dust Bowl Ballads
At this point one would be hard pressed not to appreciate the solo efforts of a pioneer like Guthrie. Appreciating the homespun, somewhat autobiographical solo approach to hard times, best crank up the gramophone for this one. Sometimes good to strip it all down. Back to the core. The man and his machine. Perfect with coconut milk and a stalk of sugar cane.
[youtube id=”jQYKJaWuj0Y” width=”600″ height=”350″]Listen to six tracks from Scotty Alan’s Wreck and the Mess:
Scotty Alan Wreck And The Mess by 1888Media
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