(bumpers!)
The Desert Island 8 (in no particular order), by Holden:
1.
Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974). Classic, controversial two-disc concept album, also the final record with Peter Gabriel as lead singer. Totally bizarre story about a street kid in NY with mental problems, features some way-out-there Eno effects and progressive jams. Wondering where Radiohead started? Look here.
2.
The Borrowers: The Borrowers (1996) A great alt-folk-indierock release by sadly defunct Austin, Tx group. Never before have i heard wah-wah-pedals used with mandolin or upright basses played as drums, at least not so melodically! Great lyrics and moods...still available cheap in many used cd shops.
3.
Orbital: Snivilization (1994) Gee, it's hard to pick just one from Orbital. I love Brown, but Snivilization and In Sides are a bit more varied in my opinion. And since Snivilization has more songs, it wins by a thread. Love the weird vocal samples of "I Wish i had duck feet" and "Philosophy by Numbers", the classic techno of "Crash and Carry", and the ups and downs of the LP's pace.
4.
Underworld: Beaucoup Fish... don't need to describe this here, right?! My rationale for this is...it's banging, and i love all the songs, ok?
5.
The Police: Ghost In the Machine (1981) Here, Sting and the boys were on the cusp of superstardom, but still experimenting, most notably with jazz and reggae elements. Alternatively dark ("Demolition Man", "Omega Man") and danceable ("One World", "Hungry For You"), i think this record is the best in their amazing catalog.
6.
Peter Gabriel: Security (1982) PG takes on African rhythms, MoTown, Art-Rock, New Wave, and post-punk over the span of 8 or 9 songs. His sound here is distinct...big gated drums, abrasive synths and guitar, spectacular percussive touches, and well, he's never wailed so good!
7.
The Chemical Brothers: Dig Your Own Hole (1997). Is this a cop-out? Still my fave of the Chems' works, and the semi-seamless mix is a lot of fun. Call it obvious. Call it outdated big-beat. Whatever...i call it a alphabetapsychodelicfunkin' good listen.
8.
Way Out West: Intensify (2001): For good, solid trance, you can't beat this. Hardly a downtempo moment over the whole span, and bangers like "UB Devoid" and "Intensify Part 1" will do your head in!
Book:
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951). I don't think this needs explanation, especially not from Holden
!
Impractical Object: this is difficult, because anything could be used for something! I'd like to take a case of Mountain Dew, but i'd drink that. Or a camera, but i'd use that, too. Heck, even my Talking Butters plush toy (any "South Park" fans here?) is entertaining. So, i've no idea what's meant by object with no practical use.
There you have it. Next?