The dreaded album list

A good friend recently asked about some all-time favorite albums to give him something new to investigate.  This sets off a chain reaction in a guy like me.  I have to create the original list, plus other auxiliary lists - all with caveats and explanations, of course.  So here goes.  Ten albums that are on my all time desert island list.  More to come later...

Odessey and Oracle; The Zombies

(Beautifully creative sounds and textures, top notch songwriting, perfect song flow. Sixties psychedelic pop perfection.)

SF Sorrow; The Pretty Things

(Psychedelic and adventurous. Powerful)

Pet Sounds; The Beach Boys

(I'm not sure if this is one that everyone eventually "gets", but it hit me hard after I had owned it and listened to it a few times.)

Goodbye Jumbo; World Party

(Could be criticized as being too derivative of sixties artists, but it still sounds good to me and reminds me of good times)

The Who Sell Out; The Who

(Perhaps the first concept album. Pete nailed it. Could have been Quadrophenia or Who's Next - but this one is under-appreciated)

Ambient 1 Music for Airports; Brian Eno

(Aural zen. I listen to this almost every time I get on an airplane. It is the missing soundtrack to an airport.)

Dear Catastrophe Waitress; Belle & Sebastian

(Wry pop with strong orchestration and Dylan-like lyrics)

Nonsuch; XTC

(And there are other XTC contenders: Apple Venus Vol 1, Oranges and Lemons, Skylarking - all of equally breathtaking beauty.)

Blood on the Tracks; Bob Dylan

(Again, how do you choose? Maybe Blond on Blond, Hwy 61, Bringing it all Back Home)

#1 Record; Big Star

(Maybe the best American rock band)

Hero worship

These guys have a great sense of humor and they make great music. What's not to like?  For some insight into the music biz, read this Onion AV Club interview with Adam and Chris from Fountains of Wayne