5 Records I would have if I were stranded on an island (in no particular order)

So a few days ago, I was going through my iTunes library and started to wonder which albums I would replace as fast as i could if my library was erased. So it got me to thinking about if, for some strange unprecedented reason, I were to become stranded on a desolate island with only a bag of beef jerky, a swiss army knife, a CD player (with batteries) and five CDs, which five CDs would i pick? After a lot of thought, I narrowed it down to these five (in no particular order):

B.B. King "Live at the Regal" (1965) 
If someone were to ask me "Hey Austin, What is blues music?" This is the first record I would hand them. When B.B. recorded this album, he was only 40 years old (which is young, seeing as he's 86 today) and was in his all time prime for singing and guitar playing. what's impressive about this record is the way B.B. involves the audience and makes them just as much a part of the show. B.B's guitar playing on this album is unparalleled, throughout the albums 10 tracks B.B makes Lucille (his Gibson ES-335 guitar) sing, cry, and wail. My choice tracks for this cd are "Sweet Little Angel" and "How Blue Can you get." This record is perfect because you're bound to have the blues when you're stranded on an island.

Coldplay "Viva La Vida (Or Death and all His Friends)" (2008)
To me, Coldplay is one of those bands that people either like or dislike. They've even been called "The worst band to ever become the biggest band." But, if there's one thing no one will fight you on. This album is a masterpiece. Sonically, this record is something I aspire to create in my own music. All 10 (must be a lucky number) of these tracks fit together perfectly producing the most cohesive and often beautiful 45 minutes of music I've heard in a long time. The reason I'd have this album with me on an island is that it's versatility makes it hard to get tired of. My choice cuts on this record are "Lost" and "Strawberry Swing." Go ahead and hate if you want to hate, I can't hear you from my island.

  The Jimi Hendrix Experience "Axis: Bold as Love" (1967)
This album is the sophomore album made by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. And, in my opinion is the most underrated of all their albums. To most people, when you say Jimi's name, they think of Searing lead guitar solos and trippy lyrics, or maybe even just the hippie movement of the 60's. But to me this album is a testament to Jimi's mastery of guitar in the rhythm area. With songs such as "Little Wing" and the title track "Bold as Love" showing off Jimi's floral and perfectly executed R&B rhythm guitar style. The two tracks I just listed are my suggested listening for this album. But if you're an over achiever and feel like going for some extra credit i suggest "Wait Until Tomorrow" and "Castles Made of Sand."

Metallica "Master Of Puppets" (1986)

My first musical endeavor was being a bass player for an 80's style thrash band in high school. This was the album that changed everything for me. All of the songs on this album are perfectly written, and it displays the incredible tightness of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's guitar playing. But what was most impressive to me was the incredible bass playing of the late bassist, Cliff burton. Cliff's playing shines on tracks like "Master Of Puppets" and my favorite (and all instrumental) track "Orion." To me, this is the essential Metallica album, and a crash course in metal. It also helps me look past some of Metallica's more recent mistakes (Load, Reload,St. Anger, anyone?) 

John Mayer "Continuum" (2006) 

In an interview about this record, John Mayer stated that he wanted to make a timeless, perfect, record. And with Continuum he did just that. Not only is this John's first studio album that fully shows off his guitar playing capabilities, it also shows his incredible songwriting abilities. Every song on this album has been crafted and refined until it was exactly perfect. Soulful guitar playing and clever, insightful lyrics. All crafted by the same artist who brought us songs like "Daughters"...yeah, I know. My recommended listening on this album is "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" and "Belief." 

Well, now you know what songs I would be listening to while making sand castles, digging for treasure, talking to a volleyball, dying of hunger, and Making clothes out of palm leaves. Thanks for Reading!