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SIMU-SOLOMON

Desert Island Discs DR 01/28/2012 01:25 PM CST

So I was listening to NPR yesterday and heard about this show on BBC Radio. Today is its 70th birthday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/desert-island-discs

A little background:

Late one evening in 1941, freelance broadcaster Roy Plomley was at home and already in his pyjamas, when an idea came to him. He sat down and wrote immediately to the BBC. That letter reached the in-tray of the BBC’s Head of Popular Record Programmes, Leslie Perowne. The pitch was successful and a broadcasting institution was born.

That first Desert Island Discs was recorded in the BBC’s bomb-damaged Maida Vale studio on 27th January 1942 and aired in the Forces Programme at 8pm two days later. It was introduced to the listening public as "a programme in which a well-known person is asked the question, if you were to be cast away alone on a desert island, which eight gramophone records would you choose to have with you, assuming of course, that you had a gramophone and an inexhaustible supply of needles".

I present the same question to you.

The format is simple – a guest is invited to choose eight discs, a book and a luxury to take with them as they’re castaway on a mythical desert island. They’re given the complete works of Shakespeare and the Bible. During the interview they explain their choices and discuss key moments in their lives, people and events that have influenced and inspired them and brought them to where they are today.

What 8 pieces of music would you take, what book, and what luxury? (For your selections, pick individual tracks, not entire CDs.) If you would, provide a link to YouTube and also explain what they mean to you, what moment in your life they remind you of, and why you chose them.

Solomon

LEMAGRAG

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 01/29/2012 05:36 PM CST

First, my eight tracks:

Ideally I'd like to take the whole thing, but if I had to pick a movement, I'd go ahead with:

Mvt. 1 (Selig sind, die da Leid tragen) from Brahm's Ein Deutches Requiem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYMP7LYQ5uE

This was the first piece we learned in chamber choir my freshman year at my first college. The assistant director told us, to paraphrase, "the fact that you are getting the opportunity to perform this piece...is a rare opportunity. Cherish it." He was so right. Brahms's haunting tapestry set a particular tone that lasted throughout the bittersweet time I had there. I traversed great heights and great depths, and it is a piece that has remained very special to me. There are some memories of college that are quite pale without the song as context, and that's a rare thing to say.

"God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOMyS78o5YI

The Beach Boys have always been one of my favorite bands. I don't particularly have a favorite Beach Boys song--or rather, it always changes--but this one is a timeless classic that I think I'd like to have in this desert isle scenario.

"Waterloo Sunset" by the Kinks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J3gX47rHGg

The Kinks are another band that really defy picking a particular favorite, but this song has a particular yearning quality that I think the band exemplify. In fact, when I was in London a few years ago, I made it a point to visit Waterloo Bridge at sunset to get a vibe for the song. I've always admired the way Ray Davies can paint a vivid picture with few words.

"Trouble" by Cat Stevens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwdJUcMHRSs

Harold and Maude is one of my favorite films. Cat Stevens is one of my favorite folk artists. Put them together and it's a great combo.

This song in particular resonates with me because I had just hit my first major obstacle in my music education at my former college. It was a battle of wills and I ended up being on the losing end, though I didn't know that was the case at the time. I met a girl in the most stereotypical fashion to this song: I was playing guitar under a tree outside the art studio while blowing off a class. It was ill-fated fling, but it did lead to me publishing some poems I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't met her.

"Since I've Been Loving You" by Led Zeppelin (Madison Square Gardens 1973 version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHRdRVTDdP0

Great. Bloody. Song.

"Close to the Edge" by Yes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHsiP1aLqhU Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obJCzRtNzE0 Part 2

There was a period where our band (most of whom lived in the same house) would put this on the crazy speaker rig we had set up and blast this on a daily basis. The song itself is great, and I spent a good year or two listening to this and the third song on the album, "And You and I." Its pathos very much appealed to me after the roller coaster of college.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ&ob=av3e

I used to listen to this song on my Walkman as I rode my bike around for hours as a kid. It was one of the first times I had heard rock music because I grew up in a more or less musically devoid household and it entranced me, eventually drawing me to Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and a number of other musical greats whom I had more or less been ignorant about until my freshman year of high school.

"Because" by The Beatles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWlLPJG9Cvg

This hits both the mandatory Beethoven and Beatles requirement for me. This song represents the end of an era with the Beatles, and I'm always fascinated by significant firsts and lasts. The rounds of overdubs add a chorus-y, beautiful tone to the voices.

As a special bonus, here's the a capella version from the recording session. Awesomeness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzgv9iIGSrE

The book I'd choose...that's tough. I read a lot, and I re-read a fair amount, but most of the ones I re-read are part of a series. If we're delaying the exile, I'd say the last book of the Wheel of Time series since I haven't read it yet. If I had to pick one now, I'd probably buy a new book so I'd have the pleasure of reading something new one last time.

My luxury would be an instrument of some kind. Guitar, ukulele, something like that. It's what I do. Simple as that.

Interesting exercise.

~player of Gulphphunger

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 01/29/2012 06:28 PM CST

Yay...someone wants to play!

That Brahms piece is beautiful and I hadn't heard a couple of the songs you listed, which is a treat and what I'm looking forward to if other people want to play along.

I'm working on my list, but thank you for joining in.

Even if you all don't play along, take a bit of time and listen to a few of the interviews from Desert Island Discs. They're amazing and I am finding myself addicted to them.

Solomon

GRANTJ47

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 01/31/2012 06:08 PM CST

I'm working on my 8. And its not that I have not found 8, its wondering if these are THE eight. Book is easy for me.

Abison/Rystien

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 01/31/2012 07:55 PM CST

<<I'm working on my 8. And its not that I have not found 8, its wondering if these are THE eight. Book is easy for me.>>

That's the same issue I'm having. I can come up with 8 easily. The problem is I can also very easily come up with another 8. And another.

It's much tougher than it sounds.

Solomon

GRANTJ47

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 01/31/2012 09:20 PM CST

>>That's the same issue I'm having. I can come up with 8 easily. The problem is I can also very easily come up with another 8. And another.

One of the things is a question of "is this one of my favorite eight songs of all time." or "is this a song I love so much that I want to be stuck with it forever."

Abison/Rystien

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 01/31/2012 10:09 PM CST

<<One of the things is a question of "is this one of my favorite eight songs of all time." or "is this a song I love so much that I want to be stuck with it forever.">>

Exxxxxactly.

"Is this a song I can handle having to listen to for the millionth time?"

Solomon

KHELEK00

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 11:40 AM CST

I have trouble finding a reason for some of my songs, I think music is a pretty subjective thing and it's difficult to explain why one person likes one song versus another. Still, here are my 8:

Pushit (live) by Tool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgDwkSlCwHw
No good reason for this one other than loving the song. Doesn't conjure up anything specific for me I just love how it sounds.

Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZW6CZ8PeAk
It's slow and almost sad but at the same time it gets me fired up. Strange but there you have it.

Just an Old Fashioned Love Song - Tommy Emanuel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v5IKa_fPoo
I like the more commonly known version by Three Dog Night as well but Tommy Emanuel does an amazing job at this song in the style it was originally released as. Can't remember the person who originally played this tune though. I could probably put anything Tommy Emanuel plays in this list and be happy with it but this one is my favourite. It never fails to make me lean back, close my eyes and play along with a little air guitar.

Alles Aus Leibe - Cira Las Vegas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnMRPSX-x0M
Reminds me of the one that got away. Die Toten Hosen did the original song but this gal sings it beautifully. Reminds me of the one that got away.

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nA18g_PwG0
Probably the most apt song to have on a desert island.

What Condition my Condition was in - Kenny Rogers & the 1st Edition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhOKhJaM1QE
One of those songs for those days that are really strange.

Lateralus - Tool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDlC7oG_2W4
Math + trancendentalism + great tune

Lovecraft in Brooklyn - The Mountain Goats
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSj9LfA961o
For me it's that song on the days when either nothing seems to go right or everything just seems to tick you off.

The book is easy, Time Storm by Gordon Dickson. I re-read it once a year as it is.

The luxury is easy too, a never ending bottle of Canadian Windsor. Booze, fuel, antiseptic/disinfectant all rolled into one.

--
Player of Leech Farmer Nithhogr

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 12:03 PM CST

Now that's an eclectic mix of tunes! Tempted to call foul on the "never-ending bottle of booze", but it's all good. :)

Thanks for participating. :)

Solomon

KHELEK00

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 01:13 PM CST

Let's just call it a crate then. Assuming there's some fruit on the island someone could cobble together a still by the time the storebought stuff runs out.

Yeah, people have said that before about my taste in music.

--
Player of Leech Farmer Nithhogr

ALEPH-ONE

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 01:14 PM CST

>>Pushit (live) by Tool

A friend of mine once forced me to listen to this for 8 hours+ straight with her. I was annoyed, but I have to admit it does have surprisingly good replay value.

-- Player of Eyuve

DIMINISHEDANGEL

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 03:19 PM CST

1) Pachabel's Canon in D minor (solo violin)

2) Hotel California by the Eagles

3) Changes by Tupac Shakur

4) Tannhäuser Ouvertüre by Richard Wagner

5) Come as You Are by Nirvana

6) Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio

7) Heaven by DJ Sammy*

8) Hit Me Baby (One More Time) By Britney Spears*

My selection process was thus:

For slots 1-6, I broke down my three favorite genres (rock and roll, rap, classical) and tried to select two random songs that I thought would serve as quintessential examples of their genres, and be listenable over and over again, according to my subjective taste, with bias towards the era of my formative years. For slot 7, I chose a genre about which I am ambivalent, without heavy enjoyment or distaste, and tried to select the dance techno I found catchiest, anticipating a need for change of pace after listening to rap, rock, and classical for years.

Slot 8 is purely an emergency measure. I reasoned that being stuck with 7 songs for eternity is not very different than beings stuck with 8, so I tried to choose pop that was specifically designed by musical scientists to be catchy, memorable, sugary, and release a low-level flood of endorphins in the brain. When I am a drooling desert island idiot in my late 90's, I will either need something that requires zero intellectual capacity to enjoy, or be heavily biased towards the songs of my formative years, in which case the first 6 selections will suffice.

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 07:02 PM CST

I couldn't handle the Nirvana, but the others are much better. ::grin::

Nice logic on the Brittney, too.

Solomon

BUUWL

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 10:18 PM CST

I think all my song choices will border on 60 minutes long, rock operas, symphonies, anthems and jams, might as well get the most bang for your buck.

Workin on it.

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 02/01/2012 11:39 PM CST

<<I think all my song choices will border on 60 minutes long, rock operas, symphonies, anthems and jams, might as well get the most bang for your buck.>>

It's not 60 minutes, but I think one of mine will be a piece we did while I was in high school in our Select Ensemble. Almost 15 minutes of non-stop singing. One of the toughest things I ever did and I remember walking off the stage and being completely drained and SO glad we had several band numbers before our next song so we could recover.

Not us, obviously, and this arrangement is a tiny bit more up-tempo and "70s-ish" than the one we did, but you'll get the idea. Certain parts are giving me goosebumps hearing again. And I'm not surprised that I still remember most of my parts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvjrPmRWXpc

EDIT: OH HEY! My school did this again last year and it's on YouTube. Woot! A muuuuch better version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWEjDerIejM

Solomon

ODIN331

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 03/09/2012 10:27 AM CST

It's been over a month and no one bit, but I'm back and feeling bitey.

* Marilyn Manson - Little Horn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtuRdPDCS-Q
This song is everything aggressive and dangerous I love about "goth" music without treading too far into the realm of the over-the-top that Manson would come to be known for.

* Alien Sex Fiend - Girl at the End of my Gun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snA8P-oGbYw
This is a weird one, but something about the intensity and weirdness of it all really grabs me.

* VAST - Land of Shame http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRGGm_DQnKQ
Before I knew anything about music, back in the early 2000s, a friend of mine (Shadaron, for those who knew him) got me into VAST, a quirky band I follow to this day. Great stuff that reminds me of my early days and still moves me.

* Pink Floyd - Brain Damage/Eclipse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUwUKyztI10
No one else did so much with such a gentle sound, or ever will.

* Bob Dylan - It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ5XtabITh8
Bob Dylan's classic is the first song I learned on Cello, and the intelligence and passion of this simple piece is the spark that made me the musician I am today.

* Rasputina - Cage in a Cave http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTbinmqQAwY
I'd need at least one track to reference my predicament.

* Bauhaus - In The Flat Field http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yur_mH_AXwQ
Something about this song gets my blood flowing. I'm not sure if it's the distant, tortured guitars or the amazing drum part.

* System of a Down - Spiders http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqZNMvIEHhs&ob=av2e
System of a Down hit just as I was coming into high school, and what little exposure I had to them stuck. There was nothing like it, and even today nothing really compares.

The Book: The Antichrist, by Nietzsche. It's an amazing work about humanity's ability to forget everything it was doing and just be good to one another.

The Luxury: How could you not choose the internet? It might sound cheesy to say, but it's the doorway to the future, the new world, the way we will someday shake off the ugly shackles of our biology and become something more.

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 03/09/2012 12:51 PM CST

<<The Luxury: How could you not choose the internet? It might sound cheesy to say, but it's the doorway to the future, the new world, the way we will someday shake off the ugly shackles of our biology and become something more.>>

Sorry to nitpick, but what good will the internet do you without a laptop or electricity to power your modem/router? ::ducks::

V.A.S.T. is awesome. I met Jon back in 98 right before his first album dropped. He came into my music store and gave me a demo and asked me if we'd put it into the in-store-play rotation. Then I got to see him again live here in St. Louis in 98 or 99. Great artist, great show, great guy.

Solomon

DIMINISHEDANGEL

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 03/09/2012 01:46 PM CST

>>Sorry to nitpick, but what good will the internet do you without a laptop or electricity to power your modem/router? ::ducks::

My luxury: the satisfaction of knowing that one single hair from my Paul Bunyen-esque beard will contain more manliness then everyone combined after a lifetime of growing my own food and crapping in the woods.

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 03/16/2012 12:08 AM CDT

Well it took me a while to make my choices and I still having trouble hitting "submit" on this, but I think these are the ones...

Hall and Oates - Sara Smile - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7eo9exxyNw

I loved this song since the first time I heard it and then as I grew up, I forgot how much I liked H&O. It wasn't until a few years ago that it finally hit me that my day could literally be changed the moment they popped up on the radio. Soulful and honest, I don't think I've ever heard a bad version of it from anyone who gave it even a tin bit of effort. (Bonus: A legend, sitting in with Daryl giving his amazing take on this awesome song - Smokey Robinson, Live at Daryl's House - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtXm3lUeDkE&feature=related )

Hall & Oates - She’s Gone - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZZngTkp54I

Yep. Two H&O songs made my list. The problem was I couldn't pick between the two, so something else had to go. One of the best songs about losing someone ever written. (Bonus: Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20 joins Daryl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_YRDMcYjoM )

Ray Lamontagne - Jolene - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQSZG6Zq0I&feature=related

I was watching American Idol a few years ago and Taylor Hicks performed "Trouble", giving me my introduction to Ray Lamontagne. I wasn't impressed. A few weeks later, I was curious about how it was supposed to sound, so I YouTubed Ray and listened to the real thing for the first time and was blown away. Jolene never fails to give me goosebumps and basically make me hurt all the way down to my toes. I saw Ray in concert here a while back and met him after the show. Stunningly humble, he seemed both mellow and, for lack of a better word, troubled, at the same time. He seemed like someone that it would be amazing to know, but also someone that would be hard to be around. He almost had to psyche himself up before each song, mentall exercising his demons so he could get the song out. For the first half of the show, he kept his head bowed and didn't even look up at anyone in the room. I've never heard anyone put so much raw emotion into their work. I picked this song after seeing this performance on Live From Abbey Road, where you're able to get up close, much closer than you normally could, and see him "work". A little chilling and always amazing.

Spandau Ballet - True - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR8D2yqgQ1U&ob=av2n

No idea why I always come back to this song. I actually used to not like it very much in the late 80s, but one day I heard it on the radio and was floored by it. It's squarely an 80s tune, but incorporates a much older feel, at least to me. The group got back together for a brief reunion in 2009 and now I'm hard-pressed to choose which version of the song I like more. I'll let you decide on your own. 2009 Remake - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfpO45hg2Ro

Outfield - Your Love - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N1iwQxiHrs&ob=av2e

This one takes me back to my early high school/junior high days in musical theatre, something I definitely miss. I'm back at a school friend's house at the end-of-the-run cast party for a production we did when I was in 8th grade and somewhere around 2am, I'm guessing, MTV was on the TV in a darkened room while most folks were worn out from the show, dancing, eating, and playing pool and stuff. Almost everyone was crashed out on the floor and couches, but I was still up. This song came on right as I watched Aimie McDaniel (my first crush on an older woman...she was in 10th grade!) lean over and kiss Guy Moseley (a junior jock). That was my first real heartbreak and every time I hear this song, I get a rush of bittersweet emotion.

Sara Bareilles - Gravity - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXhAMtbaec&ob=av2n

Another sappy song, but not a sad one this time. Probably helps that I have a mega crush on her and doesn't hurt that this video is a work of art, in my opinion. The song never gets old and, just like the lyrics say, something always brings me back to it.

Roderigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8uoY9e5YVY

This version especially, from a truly wonderful film called Brassed Off. I love this arrangement, how it starts slow and mellow and "classical", but then adds a subtle percussion line that gives it an almost slow-swing/bossanova feel. The subsequent swell never fails to break me out in goosebumps, whether I've gotten emotionally invested in the movie or I'm just listening to it on it's own.

Ennio Morricone - Gabriel’s Oboe - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oag1Dfa1e_E&feature=related

The theme from one of my most favorite movies of all time, The Mission, about 18th century Spanish Jesuits try to protect a remote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the rule of pro-slavery Portugal, starring Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons. If you haven't ever seen this movie, please...please...pick it up somewhere, somehow, and sit down and give it your full attention for 2 hours. I have a tendency to loan this one out to people and invariably I never get it back. There's a reason for that.

As for my luxury, I have to probably cheat a tiny bit and say that would be a pregnant pig. That way I'd end up with a never-ending supply of bacon.

My book would be The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss, which is probably one of the best written pieces of fantasy literature I've ever laid my hands on.

I had way too many songs to pick from...this was tougher than I thought. I'm already second guessing a few of my picks and wondering if I didn't leave something out that deserved to make it in. I better post this quickly or I'll never be done with it...

Solomon

OSUS

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 03/16/2012 10:09 AM CDT

So here are my choices:

Sublime- Doin Time (Uptown Dub) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgpnbQVCIvY
Something about being on a desert island FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE just makes this song seem so relevant.

Daniel Caine Orchestra - Theme from the A-Team http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGpvNC7o_gY
C'mon, its the A-Team. Memories from the childhood years aside, hearing this song still makes me think that a night-elf mohawk with 20 pounds of gold chains can kick the crap out of anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Social Distortion - Ring of Fire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxTZjbCuJLM
Cant go wrong with a cover of anything done by the Man in Black, but this one is by far my favorite. Doesnt hurt that Social Distortion did it and made it into their unique style of awesome, either. Live version in Austin is my favorite, those dudes were so awesome live :/

Dimmu Borgir - Blessing Upon the Throne http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UidSriRb6eo
Something about the way Dimmu Borgir transistions from haunting melodies and orchestral arrangements to something akin to the thrashing electricity coming out of the devil's P.A. just makes me giddy on the inside. I have a fanboy moment every time I hear them on anything even remotely close to mainstream introduction, but I know that they'll never receive the recognition that they deserve outside the real fans.

Pantera - Walk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkFqg5wAuFk&ob=av2e
Actually got to meet Dimebag in a strip club in El Paso (dont tell my wife!) back in like 02, completely awesome dude and so down to earth it was actually shocking. I dont know if the alcohol or the scenery, but the whole 3 hour encounter paled in comparison to just sitting there and hanging out with the guy for a few hours. He was so real and normal that at the end of the evening I didnt even think to even ask for an autograph or a picture, because it seemed like I could just come back the next weekend and we could hang out again. Plus the music kicks much posterior.

Michael Jackson - Thriller http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA&ob=av2n
Amazing music, even better production value, and who would dare even MAKE a 10 minute music video these days? I remember seeing this as a child and actually being SCARED of the zombies as they were shuffling (yeah, he did it before LMFAO) down the road in perfect unison. Something about pausing the video during the dance sequence and seeing EVERY SINGLE ZOMBIE off of the ground in perfect unison just makes me wonder if he used people or real zombies. Epic video, Epic song, Epic freak of a human being.

Metallica - Fade to Black http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3EryN4stwQ
The first song I ever taught myself to play on my very first acoustic guitar so for obvious reasons it has a special place in the heart. Also happens to be my favorite band of all time, so that cant hurt either. I also remember two seperate occasions where this song was playing in my car and truck where I was pulled over for speeding, so maybe I shouldnt be listening to Metallica on the highway.. hmm.

Johnny Cash - Hurt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho
The Man in Black covering a Nine Inch Nails song (yes, its that way, not the other way around for all you idiots on youtube who think NIN stole it from JC, good god people). Couldnt make a list without including something from him, and it so happens that he covered a song from yet another awesome band that didnt make my top 8. The haunting lyrics combined with his failing voice make it an absolutely amazing piece of work, composer be damned, and seemed like a fitting end to an otherwise distinguished life. This guy made so many awesome songs that I couldnt do any of them justice by choosing one of his over another so this seemed like the perfect fit.

Book:

Stephen Hawking - A Brief History of Time
Don't really remember why I picked this up the first time, or even how long it took me to read it, but something about the way he broke down some of the most profound concepts and ideas of the greatest scientific minds ever just made me want to read the next sentence and the next paragraph and the next page. I've read it four or five times since then and I still cant ever seem to put it down once I pick it up. Cant really explain it, but I feel like I'd be missing out on something if I didnt have that same lust for the next page by bringing another book.

Luxury:

A Knife
The soldier in me tells me to always bring the best tool for the job, and to be honest if I'm stuck on an island for the rest of my life I know that quickly it'll turn to a survival situation and you ALWAYS need a knife. Simple tools are easy enough to make, but you can never go wrong with 6-8 inches of steel when you need to get the job done.

With over 8000 tracks on my laptop alone to sift through, I guess I could've spent a few weeks or more really narrowing down my list but these seem to fit 'me' the best and I cant think of a single time when I ever skipped passed any of these songs whenever they came up on the playlist so.. yeah.

Gotta say this was actually a fun exercise and now I have all the guys in my section doing it to see what we all come up with. Its sort of fun to see how people think and rationalize their choices, especially the luxury item. Lets you sorta peek into their psyche and see where they come from on a deeper level. Thanks for doing this

SIMU-SOLOMON

Email Author

Re: Desert Island Discs DR 03/16/2012 12:23 PM CDT

Good stuff, OSUS.

Glad you had fun with it. I was hoping that people would enjoy trying to come up with their ultimate picks. :)

Solomon

DragonRealms · Tunes, Tomes and Trash