Put aside the mundane practicalities such as electricity, stereo etc., and consider that you are stranded on a desert island with one record. What is it?
I first thought of this concept way back in the dark ages of LPs, 8 tracks and home & car stereos. We didn’t have mix tapes (cassettes) at the time, let alone iPods or iPhones. So, I limit this discussion to complete, originally released albums. They can be current albums; they just need to be considered in whole, not in part.
Mine is Santana’s third album, aptly titled Santana III. I never tire of listening to it. It absolutely showcases what I love about Santana: intricate guitar work, with soaring supporting organ work; strong & varied percussion; fabulous mix of songs in Spanish, English & instrumentals. The songs flow through a variety of moods and I always enjoy the journey. I am an hour closer to rescue.
Runners up for me:
- Captain Beyond – Sufficiently Breathless
- The Clash – London Calling
- Led Zeppelin – it’s a tie between III & Houses of the Holy
- Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
- Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers
What album would you have wash up on shore?