Music for When You’re Stranded on an Island

By Mary Wilton

A few months ago, I saw a question online that asked, “If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 10 musical albums would you want to have with you?” This is a question I’ve pondered for quite a darn while. NATURALLY, my initial thought was just to bring 9 Jimmy Buffett albums and PERHAPS a Beach Boys Greatest Hits to have on in the background as I’m drinking from a coconut and chatting with the local parrots. Later, I realized that I would probably get a bit tired of only listening to songs involving cheeseburgers and/or margaritas… Let’s dive into the new and improved list:  
 
Nick Drake- Bryter Layter
Nick Drake is a hidden gem who died too young. From start to finish, this is one of THE most underrated and beautiful albums I have ever heard in my 19 years of life.
Favorite off the album- Northern Sky
 
Paul Simon- Graceland
The instruments. Can’t go wrong. When I need a little pep in my step, I turn to this worldbeat album. Plus, there is an uncanny similarity between Crazy Love, Vol II and White Sky by Vampire Weekend! The proof is in the video below. 
Favorite off the album- Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

Dave Matthews Band- Crash
Huge surprise! The classic that never gets old and takes me back to high school. Believe it or not, Dave has way better songs than that one called ohhhh what is it…. Crash?? 
Favorite off the album- Strong tie between Say Goodbye, Proudest Monkey, and Lie in Our Graves
 
Volcano Choir- Repave
Thank you Justin Vernon AKA the man who makes no musical mistakes. Kanye West has called him his “favorite living artist.” Also an absolute pristine album to study to!
Favorite off the album- Acetate
 
Rostam- Half Light
Rostam is a former member of Vampire Weekend who helped write and produced all three of their existing albums. Ever heard Water by Ra Ra Riot? He produced that one (and yeah that’s also him singing.) He has produced a handful of great songs such as Friends by Francis and the Lights and maaaany more. His mystical solo album is my favorite album from 2017 mostly because of the emphasis on string instruments. If you’re a Vampire Weekend fan you’d like this one.
Favorite off the album- Tie between Bike Dream and Wood.      

​Led Zeppelin- Houses of the Holy
I don’t think I really need to say anything about this one.
Favorite off the album- Over The Hills And Far Away
 
Whitney- Light Upon the Lake
Put this on and you’ll be happy!
Favorite off the album- Follow 

​Big Thief- Capacity
Put this on and you’ll be sad (in the best way of course!)
Favorite off the album- Either Mary or Mythological Beauty
 
Peter Bjorn and John- Writer’s Block
We’ve all heard (or whistled) Young Folks before, but let’s give a lil shoutout to Paris 2004 and Let’s Call It Off. 
Favorite off the album- Paris 2004 or Let’s Call It Off
 
Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues
Honestly what a masterpiece by a fantastic group from Seattle! True work of art! Do yourself a favor and give this one a listen all the way through.
Favorite off the album- Helplessness Blues
 
There they are! The 10 albums I would want with me if I were stranded on an island. What are yours? Leave a comment!