The roof is on fire!
My commute back and forth to work is usually frustrating, due to the volume of traffic, so I have several ways of zoning out to prevent road rage. Most times I turn to music, or more recently I’ve been listening to audible books. And then there are days when I just let my mind wander. One day, I thought to myself: if my house were on fire, and I knew I could grab ten CDs without risking my own personal safety, which ten would I grab?
If you know me, you understand how difficult a choice like that would be. If you don’t know me, know this: I LOVE MUSIC. There is always a tune playing in my head (like a virtual jukebox), which I sometimes don’t even realize I’m humming aloud. Sometimes it’s hard to get to sleep because of the music that constantly plays in my head. I wear headphones at work 90% of the time that I’m sitting at my desk, and anytime I’m in the car (unless I’m transporting people back and forth to lunch), my music is playing before I even put the car in Drive. I have about 300 physical CDs, a ton of cassettes, and some vinyl too (that’s albums or LPs for you youngin’s). My Google Play Music account currently contains over 1,000 artists, 857 albums, and 7,329 songs. Get the picture yet? Asking me to limit myself to just ten CDs is like asking me to pick one of my children to save in that same fire. But, I’ll do my best. So, without further adieu, here is my list of ten, in no particular order.
Mint Condition – Definition of a Band (1996) – I’ve been a “Minthead” from the very beginning (Meant to be Mint, 1991) and I own every CD (even Music @ the Speed of Life, which is the first Mint CD I can honestly say doesn’t have one song on it that I like). What I love about this band is a.) they’re still going strong over 20 years later and b.) they play their own instruments, which is rare these days. If you ever get a chance to see them live, preferably where they’re the only band on the bill, DO IT (they tour often so it’s not hard to do). The depth of talent that these men possess could never truly be captured on an album, it must be experienced live and in person. I actually got to meet them once and they’re really nice and down to earth too. Honorable mentions: Life’s Aquarium and Livin’ the Luxury Brown.
Floetry – Floetic (2002) – Unfortunately this duo, consisting of Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart (the Floacist), went their separate ways in 2007. Of the few albums they produced together, I loved this one (their first) best of all. I know some of you can probably remember where you were when you first heard Getting Late or Say Yes. I love many of the songs on this CD, including Sunshine, Mr. Messed Up, If I Was a Bird, and Now You’re Gone. And of course, this album contains a demo of the song Butterflies (co-written by Marsha), which was recorded by Michael Jackson on his 2001 album Invincible.
Amy Winehouse – Frank (2003) – In case you’ve been living under a rock, or just seriously don’t know, this young lady died on July 23, 2011 (nearly 3 years ago to the day). She had her struggles with drugs and alcohol, and unfortunately her death didn’t come as a surprise to anyone. This album was originally released in the UK, prior to Back to Black, the CD which put her on the radar in the US in 2007. She was an extremely talented young lady that died too soon. If you’re in the market for this one, be sure to buy the deluxe edition, which has bonus tracks. Some of my favs on this one, Take the Box, Cherry, Know You Now, and F*ck Me Pumps.
Earth, Wind and Fire – Gratitude (1975) – This album was originally released in 1975, and re-released on CD in 2000, and contains mostly live versions of some of their most famous tunes. My standouts: Devotion, Sun Goddess (which always reminds me of summertime as a kid), and my ultimate favorite Reasons (which always inspires that one drunk relative at the family picnic to try and hit those high notes). Reasons includes the best part: “He plays so beautiful don’t you agree?” If you own the album, you totally get it. 🙂
Jimi Hendrix – Ultimate Experience (1993) – If you’re a Jimi fan, this has all of his more popular hits. Foxy Lady and Red House are just a few of my favorites. Honorable mention: Blues.
Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience (2013) – Let me be clear, I mean the first part of this album, not the second part that includes Take Back the Night. With the exception of Spaceship Coupe and Mirrors, I love this album. It stays in your head and makes you want to get up and dance (Don’t Hold the Wall!). Honorable mentions: Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds
Prince – The Hits/The B-Sides (1993) – I’m a HUGE Prince fan (I own almost all of his music), so choosing just one of his albums is tough. I like this one because at the time it contained unreleased material. My favs: Pink Cashmere, Nothing Compares 2 U (live, with Rosie Gaines), and Power Fantastic. I hope he remains healthy because this is one of my favorite artists that incredibly I have YET to see live.
Michael Jackson – Off the Wall (1979) – I’m a HUGE Michael fan as well, and with all of his music, you must be wondering why (not to mention how) I managed to pick this one CD (I own some vinyl too). I like this album because I feel like it was when he started coming into his own, getting out from under Papa Jackson and exploring his true talent. It’s also before he blew up and became the number one selling artist of all time (with the Thriller album). There are so many danceable songs on this one, along with the heartbreaking ballad She’s Out of My Life, it’s just a really good album overall. I regret being too cheap to see this man perform live because there will never be another.
Jamiroquai – The Return of the Space Cowboy (1994) – I have to be honest, the only reason I’m choosing this CD is because it’s the first Jamiroquai album I heard, which is what got me hooked on this group. It’s hard to pick favorites from this jazzy collection but I’m gonna go with Just Another Story, Stillness in Time, Half the Man, and Manifest Destiny. Honorable mentions: Synkronized and Travelling Without Moving.
Tony! Toni! Tone! – House of Music (1996) – This was the last release for this group before they disbanded, and some would say it was their best album. Comprised of two brothers and a cousin, the lead singer Raphael Saadiq decided he wanted to pursue other adventures such as producing, a brief stint in another group (the short-lived Lucy Pearl, with Dawn Robinson of En Vogue), and eventually a solo career where he’s singing a lot of 50’s/Motown sounding tunes. On a side note, he produced Trombone Shorty’s Say That to Say This album (which I love but unfortunately didn’t make this list). I can honestly say I like this CD from the first to the last song. Honorable mention: Sons of Soul
WHEW! That was difficult and painful! So what do you think? Agree or disagree? Do you own any of these titles? If you’re a big music fan like me, what 10 CDs from your collection would you save from your hypothetical house fire?
Hoping I’d never have to make a decision like this (not to mention not wanting my house to burn down!),
Angela