Desert Island Discs with the Sun Parade

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 the Sun Parade, whose new album, Yossis, is out now. Visit the band’s site for samples of their music — after reading their Desert Island picks, of course — and check out a video for the new record’s latest single below.

The Beatles, The Beatles (White Album)

This record is like a trip. Every song is an unexpected turn, but at the same time, certain groupings of songs just can’t beat by anything out there (e.g. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” through “Piggies”). The presentation of the music seems very honest, and they were able to make something really powerful and unified despite the tumultuous period during which it was recorded. We’ve been digging this one for many years . . .

Dr. Dog, Easy Beat

Dr. Dog is so cool. We love how free this record sounds, almost like they literally were just having a great day and happened to hit record without second-guessing anything. The songs are catchy and have great references to the greats like Neil, the Beatles and Bowie, but more than that, the record has a real sound of its own. The lo-fi self-produced sound is brilliantly huge and rich and feels so good to listen to. You know that it’s cool.

Elliott Smith, Either/Or

Elliott Smith records are exceptionally stunning and it’s very hard to pick a favorite. This one is so badass. The first five tracks are ”Speed Trials,” ”Alameda,” ”Ballad of Big Nothing,” and ”Between the Bars,” and once you hear that group of songs, you can never stop listening. Ever. Its kind of like hearing new Beatles songs that were never written or recorded, and again, the huge lo-fi production is amazing.

The Beatles, Beatles For Sale

Rock & Roll, pure. The songs are perfect on this classic. Every single song belongs on the record. They capture an energy in this one that hits really deep, and i’ts very emotional. Not too much to say about this one. Just play it loud and repeat.

Johnny Greenwood Is The Controller

Real island music. This is actually a compilation album made by Johnny Greenwood from Radiohead. It features some of the best rocksteady, dub, and roots rock reggae from the late ’60s through the early ’80s. We first started listening to this on our SXSW tour, and it really defined our times on the road. Old reggae recordings have some real magic in them that makes you feel so good. A couple key tracks are ”This Life Makes Me Wonder” by Delroy Wilson, ”Bionic Rats” by Lee Perry, and ”Clean Race” by Scotty.