Desert island discs

By Peter Smith

* The Samples, The Samples (1989): From their more innocent era, back when nothing stopped them, as if they too were on a desert island. Blast "Nature" as loud as you can handle, and run around the trees and the water marveling at the simplicity of it all. A chimerical world without technology, crime, and pecuniary concerns. Diamond waves through sunglass days go by....

* Pink Floyd, Wish You Were Here (1975): When the sun goes down and the wildlife have all tucked themselves away, you'll be all alone. From the haunting "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" to the nostalgic title track, this volatile mix of euphonic and eerie tunes is sure to give you something to ponder. Surrender.

*Vertical Horizon, Running on Ice (1995): While you wait for the manna to fall, liven up your insipid existence--take a coconut and tap a beat to "Fragments" while you remember emotions you haven't felt for ages.

*Neil Young, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969): The Godfather of grunge really transcended the boundaries of simple melodies with this album. Through his ramshackle, esoteric guitar lines, he shows you why technique isn't everything. Let him prove that you don't need to be knowledgeable to be accomplished--news you'll welcome when no one else is around.

*U2, The Joshua Tree (1987): After several solitary weeks, perhaps you'll be able to relate to some of the messages of this brilliant work. Longing for a person or thing, searching for places and ideas without names, and thinking you're moving forward when you're actually standing still, to name a few. It's no mistake that this album still gets played on inhabited islands 11 years after its release.

*The Police, Regatta de Blanc (1979): Before he became king of the fields and rainforests, Sting played bass in a little known band, fusing reggae rhythms against sparse, delay-laden guitar..."Message in a Bottle." Cheesily fitting. "Walking on the Moon." You might as well be.

*Enya, Paint the Sky With Stars (1997): Sit back on a cool night after a long day of rebuilding the hut that got El Niño'ed last week. Quite possibly the most relaxing music you'll find...or maybe you should try...

*John Coltrane, Blue Train (1957): Screw Kenny G. Stand on the highest point you can find, stick your thumb in your mouth, and play your air saxophone alongside Coltrane's mellifluous beauty. It's pure. It's safe. It's there.

*Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II (1969): Have a contest among your wildlife buddies over who can do the best Page and Plant imitations.

*Hanson, Middle of Nowhere (1997): The perfect album to give to the attacking animals who demand a CD in exchange for your life.

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