Every time we watch golf and listen to some announcer force out the fact that “Grandma Says” (or whatever hip-to-do, flavor of the month sitcom they’re shilling out that day) is “America’s hot new comedy”, it really makes us wish Lost was still around. Of course if it was, we wouldn’t be able to bring you today’s guest, since we will have long (hopefully, right?) given up this gag by the middle of March. Since you the reader probably know the rules by now, let’s just tell you who’s bringing heat today and then get along with his picks.
He has published two novels – Life as a Loser and Catch. He’s currently working on a novel about the degradation of sports culture in today’s world (we think that’s roughly correct) entitled: God Save the Fan: How Preening Sportscasters, Athletes Who Speak in the Third Person, and the Occasional Convicted Quarterback Have Taken the Fun Out of Sports (And How We Can Get It Back). He is the editor of Deadspin, which means that not only does he provide you endless sarcastically narrated stories to keep you from actually working, but he holds the fate of your little blog (and ours!) in his hand, or possibly email inbox. Please welcome Will Leitch, and hit up his picks after the jump.
Bob Dylan, Love And Theft
I own just about every studio recording Dylan’s ever done, but I still think this one is my favorite. Dylan’s last three albums can stand with the best stuff he’s ever done. It still creeps me out that this was released on September 11, 2001.
The Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin
They’ve gotten a wee bit self-indulgent in recent years, but this album hit the sweet spot. It’s almost too intense for me to listen to sometimes.
Grandaddy, Sumday
I’ve never quite understand why these guys aren’t more popular. Their music is somehow beautiful while making me terrified of being forced to work in some sort of sales job, making calls from a cubicle all day under dead light.
Meat Loaf, Bat Out Of Hell
I am not being the slightest bit ironic. This album absolutely got me through junior high.
Nirvana, In Utero
Every time I listen to this, it’s a hacksaw through my skull. That’s a good thing.
Nirvana, Nevermind
Listening to this album in high school made me realize there was a whole other planet outside Mattoon, Illinois, that I knew nothing about. Nothing’s been the same since then.
Public Enemy, It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
My first rap album might still be the best. Still haven’t figured out how to dance to it though.
R.E.M., Automatic For The People
I’ve seen REM in concert more than any other band. These quiet songs still sound the best every time.
Bruce Springsteen, Nebraska
A little Springsteen goes a long way for me, but if I’m gonna be on a desert island, I’m going to want to hear some sad stories, told beautifully.
The Sword, Age Of Winters
Also on that desert island, I’m going to want to fucking rock
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! Certainly didn’t expect to see The Sword on anyone’s list. They’re a great band, I just didn’t know that many people had heard of them. I’ve only known about them for a year or so. I went to see them live a while back and couldn’t hear for about three days. Any angst you feel about being stuck on the island can be worked out while raging to Age of Winters. Nice choice.
Will, great inclusions of both The Flaming Lips (Soft Bulletin is a masterpiece, and Yoshimi isn’t far behind) as well as Grandaddy’s Sumday, something i also agree should have been more popular (as well as the band in general.)