Kid folk duo Hullabaloo are set to release their new album, Raise a Ruckus on September 4th. The album is the duos 10th release and doesn’t see them stray too far from their to folk, twangy rock sound.
If you had to go away for awhile and you could only take five of your favorite albums with you, which ones would you choose? Yes, we know it isn’t a fair question, but that hasn’t stopped us from asking music fans who happen to be recording artists in their own right. This edition of Desert Island Discs comes courtesy of Sugar Free Allstars, whose latest LP, All on a Saturday Afternoon, arrives June 12. You can preview the first video from the album below — after reading their Desert Island picks, of course!
Dr. Rock’s Picks:
Brian Wilson Presents Smile
I love this nearly lost classic album. It’s three sides on vinyl of playful, intense, and amazing songwriting. I find it very engaging and love the complex harmonies and rhythms that tell a great story all the way through. Sounds like the best Beach Boys you ever heard.
Led Zeppelin, Houses of the Holy
It’s Zeppelin — what can I say? I could probably pick any of their albums as I find them all equally good, but for a serious hi-fi rock out, this is the one for me. These are the albums we all learned from, and the musicianship is out of this world all the way around. It always feels to me this record was made at a peak of songwriting and recording technique for the band. Doesn’t disappoint to this day.
Devo, New Traditionalist
It’s no secret how huge of a Devo fan I am, and this is one of many of their albums I could pick. This was the first of their highly synthesized albums which continue to this day.
The songs are flat out anthems to me and I will keep singing them long after the record is over. Super catchy if not maybe a bit dark without realizing it. And really the only other thing I have to say is: synthesizer explosions.
Boom’s Picks:
The Beatles, Abbey Road
I have always always always loved the Beatles (did I mention always?). When I was in fifth grade I saved up my money so I could buy the 1962-1966 compilation on cassette and pretty much wore it out, following it up with the 1967-1970 compilation. Then I found Abbey Road on vinyl (in terrible shape) at a garage sale and couldn’t get enough of it. I especially loved (and still love) the way they merged so many song snippets together to form one long song on side two.
This is the album that really got me into New Orleans music. Before I heard it the main styles of NOLA music I was familiar with were Zydeco, Jazz and Dixieland, but this record really opened me up to the city’s Rhythm and Blues and Second Line Street Parade sounds that have become a huge influence on my writing and our musical style as a band. And on top of that, we’re huge Dr. John fans!
Little Richard’s Greatest Songs
There are several reasons I like this 10 song greatest hits compilation. First of all, it’s Little Richard, one of the true pioneers of rock and roll. He was/is such a great singer and piano player with a personality that is, to put it mildly, over the top. Secondly, I love every song on the album and feel it should be required listening for anyone wanting to be a musician (it has one of my favorite songs ever, a not-quite-as-overplayed tune called “Lucille” that gets me excited no matter how many times I’ve heard it). And finally, it influenced us to only put 10 songs on our albums. I ALWAYS listen to all the songs on this album, and usually will start it over again. “Leave ’em wanting more…”
I’m Billy Kelly, and the cat is out of the bag: I love my dog! Heck, I just like dogs in general — what with the companionship and the loyalty and the ability to go fetch me stuff — and so I thought I’d stop by and share a few of my favorites with you. So here’s…
#5. Lassie
Who DOESN’T love lassie? No one, that’s who! Whether you’re lost in an old mine or stuck down in the old well for the umpteenth time this summer, Lassie is the go-to Border Collie gal who can get you out of a jam, and look fabulous while doing so. Good dog!
#4. Mr. Winkle
Everything about Mr. Winkle is cute: his name, his big round eyes, his fluffy coat, his goofy crooked tongue. Mr Winkle simply radiates cuteness. (See illustration). I guess that’s why this mixed breed pup has been called the cutest dog in the world. Good dog!
#3. Betsy
Speaking of dogs in the world… Betsy, a long haired Border Collie from Austria has been called the smartest dog in the world! Betsy recognizes over 340 different words. That’s more words than I, er, … what’s that word again? Oh yeah: know. Good dog!
#2. Bobbie the Wonder Dog
In 1923 Bobbie (a Scotch Collie/English Shepherd mix) got separated from his family while on vacation. His owners thought they’d never see him again but Bobbie surprised them by walking all the way back home. All 2,551 miles of the way back home. In the winter. Good dog!
#1. Fido
Abraham Lincoln is one of my all-time favorite human beings, so it stands to reason that his faithful dog Fido should top this list. Like his owner, Honest Abe, Fido exemplified all the great qualities we humans look for in a friend: intelligence, loyalty, and the ability to run an efficient presidential campaign. Good dog indeed!
Check out my own lovable puppy, Bingley the Tibetan Terrier, in my brand new music video! Sit. Stay. Good dog.
