Peter Moreira’s Desert Island Discs
Nova
Scotia author, journalist and music aficionado extraordinaire Peter Moreira gives
us the spin on his Desert Island Discs!
So
I picture myself stranded on a desert island, listening to music on an iPod with
an eternal battery and headphones made of two coconut halves. And if I had to
choose what 10 alliums I would listen to, the only criterion is how enjoyable
the music is. There’s no consideration for what’s revolutionary, or what
influenced later musicians, or what was covered by others. There would be no
tweedy arm-chair critics on the island that I’d have to impress by picking
albums that made lists in Rolling Stone. So
strike out some albums that amaze me for their artistic merit such as Abbey
Road, Highway 61 Revisited, Dark Side of the Moon, Tapestry, London Calling and
dozens of others. This is simply a list
of albums I like to listen to.
1.
Tumbleweed Connection, Elton John –
Probably my favourite album ever. After listening to my brother’s copy for a
couple of years, I bought it one my 13th birthday. I wore out
several copies in vinyl and cassette. I still listen to it constantly. My
Father’s Gun is an unknown masterpiece.
2.
Blood on the Tracks, Bob Dylan --
This was the first Dylan album I ever bought. I picked it up because I loved
listening to Shelter from the Storm on CHUM FM. Is it a better album that
Highway 61? Probably not, but it’s more melodic and pleasing.
3.
Rock of Ages, The Band – I cheated.
I chose a live album. But The Band was so tight that it’s as good as a studio
album and it captures a breathtaking performance. There’s not a weak link on
it, and Levon Helm and Rick Danko were never better.
4.
Let it Bleed, The Rolling Stones –For
a while I thought Exile was a better album, but I’ve swung back to Let It
Bleed. Greater range. More refined recording. It might not be as good a “Stones
album”, but it’s a better album overall.
5.
Moondance, Van Morrison – This is my
favourite VM album, narrowly edging out Tupelo Honey, His Band, Avalon Sunset
and St. Dominique’s Preview. I can’t understand all the fuss over Astral Weeks
when this is a much bolder album and a better example of the Van Morrison sound.
6.
Santana III, Santana – A hidden gem!
The arrangements on this album are so inventive. The greatest rhythm section
ever is perfect. And the trio of Santana, Rolie and
Shrieve drive the whole effort. A perfect album.
7.
Harvest, Neil Young – Like Tumbleweed
Connection, I’ve burned through a few copies of this since I turned 13. It’s
the best album ever to listen to when you’re depressed. It’s not going to cheer
you up, but it makes depression seem cool.
8.
Bat Out Of Hell, Meatloaf – Thank
God that Meatloaf and Jim Steinman understood that rock was supposed to be fun.
This is the Anti-Harvest. There’s no album that’s better to have fun with. It’s
also a unique album – there’s nothing else that sounds like it and has such a
big, joyous sound.
9.
Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen – I
bought this the day after I saw Springsteen live for the first time in February
1977. It’s been a favourite ever since. It’s a revolutionary album that is
packed with songs you want to listen to – have to listen to – again and again.
10.
Boston, Boston – Another perfect
album. There’s not a song on it that I can’t listen to over and over. More than
a Feeling is a great hit, and it gives way to constant brilliance.
