Top 5s

Here in HippoLand, I’m a big fan of Top Five Lists. I feel that they can sum up a person in one fell swoop and tell you a lot. Top Five Things you’d bring to a desert island, for example, tells you if someone is practical (a boat, 2 oars, water, sunscreen) or not (favorite teddy bear – helpful how?, hot man – does he have sails?, favorite album – what good is it without a way to play it?, chocolate – delicious, but meltable, coffee – are you not already hot?!). Ask a man who his Top Five Celebrity Females are and you get a sense of whether you stand a chance (Rachel McAdams, Elizabeth Banks, Natalie Portman, Jenna Fisher, Kate Winslet), if he idolizes the unattainable (Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Beyonce) OR if he just has bad taste (Keira Knightley, Victoria Beckham, Pamela Anderson).

A classic list, made cinematically enjoyable in this movie, based on an equally fantastic book, is your Top Five Most Influential Albums. Ever. This is a tough one – admit it or not, we absolutely judge people on their musical taste and influences, so to put it out there unasked is kind of like waving a big red flag in front of a bull. Naked.

Here goes.

My Top Five Most Influential Albums:

1.) 10,000 Maniacs, Our Time In Eden. As previously discussed, I first discovered this album at camp when I was about 8 when an older camper decided to sing “Eden” in the talent show. I fell in love with the lyricism and harmonies of Natalie + band, and still find that this is a go-to album that I actually listen to in its entirety, frequently in the car. Example A: I'm not saying I'm replacing love for some other word to describe the sacred tie that bound me to you. I'm not saying love's a plaything. No, it's a powerful word, inspired by strong desire to bind myself to you.

2.) Sarah McLachlan, Surfacing. Discovered this one in 8^th grade, first on my own and then fueled by the equally enthusiastic emulation of a student teacher, which then got me to go out and purchase Sarah’s entire discography to date. Fell in love with her, honestly, because she sounded more like me than any other artist I had ever heard, making me feel normal and – this is key – able to sing along. Still go to Sarah when I need something bittersweet; verdict is still somewhat out on her entire work, but certain gems make everything worth it. Example B: A glowing ember, burning hot and burning slow. Deep within I’m shaken by the violence of existing for only you. I know I can’t be with you; I do what I have to do… And I have the sense to recognize, but I don’t know how to let you go.

3.) Joni Mitchell, Blue. Camp. Again. We sang “Circle Game” (which I admittedly initially loved because it talked about horses…) in our Goodnight Circles, prompting me to seek out more Joni, leading me to Blue, leading me to such pure offerings as “Little Green,” “All I Want,” “River,” and “California.” Her vowels, tone, range, everything – sheer genius. My brother thinks she’s jarring, what the octave sweeps and all, but I think it’s beautiful. With the lyrical power of Dylan and the agelessness that allowed her to re-record “Both Sides Now” later in life – fulfilling its own prophecy! – Joni is a key stepping stone for me. Example C: I remember that time you told me, you said “Love is touching souls;” surely you’ve touched mine, ‘cause part of you pours out of me in these lines from time to time. Oh you are in my blood like holy wine; you taste so bitter, and so sweet. Oh I could drink a case of you, darlin’, and I would still be on my feet.

4.) Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Pill. On a slightly different tack, I found Alanis right when I started to discover my as-yet-unabandoned-teenage-angst. Her real range of emotion really hit home with me – not afraid to show her anger (understatement, ok), she was also vulnerable, sarcastic, loving, socially aware, the whole shebang – and all of it powerfully. This is one of those albums that, if a track comes on shuffle with a car-full of my girlfriends, we all start singing along and get louder and louder as we realize that everyone else is singing too and that everyone still knows all the words. Cause we do. Gem = the hidden track, “Your House”: And I shouldn’t be here without permission, shouldn’t be here… Would you forgive me, love, if I danced in your shower? Would you forgive me, love, if I laid in your bed? Would you forgive me, love, if I stay all afternoon?

5.) The Grateful Dead, American Beauty. Harmony. Simplicity. Humor. Beauty. Honestly, not an album I return to as often as the others, but damn if the songs on here aren’t timeless. If you haven’t, it’s a must-listen. And then have some Cherry Garcia, ‘cause that’s damn good too.

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come through the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

Its a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they’re better left unsung.
I don’t know, don’t really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.

There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow

But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then who’s to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.

La dee da da da, la daa da da da, da da da, da da, da da daa daa daa
Laa da da da, la daa da daa daa, laa da da da, la da da daa.

Your turn, folks. Top 5. Go!