Stranded:
The soundtrack for your life
Ken Spring
Photos&Videos
ISSUE: 11/08/07 > A&E > Stranded: Ken Spring
When Ken Spring walks into his sociology class, most think he’s another student, not the professor. Complete with nose ring and tattoos, Spring is not your typical college professor.
He has a master’s from the University of Toledo and obtained his doctorate from Vanderbilt. Currently researching popular culture and the music scene, he has been interviewed for documentaries dealing with culture which have aired on Bravo!, Current TV and PBS. He is an assistant professor of sociology at Belmont.
Spring classified the music he would need on a deserted island into five genres that “instill certain feelings in me,” choosing one band/artist to represent each. However, he left out of the mix a few of his favorite or “comfort” bands, including the Pixies, Nirvana and the White Stripes.
Also taking into account the setting, here are the five albums that would represent his life on a deserted island.
Hip-Hop
Moment of Truth, Gang Starr, 1998
“I’ve listened to Hip-hop since 1982. Gang Starr isn’t really ‘old school’ but certainly not ‘new school’ either. They pay homage to hip-hop’s past, but are more complex musically and lyrically than the early artists. Gang Starr’s lyrics are intelligent and this selection has enough variety throughout the whole album that I wouldn’t get bored. Also, Guru’s voice is soothing.”
Punk
Drunken Lullabies, Flogging Molly, 2002
“Punk has an equal place in my heart. I used to listen to punk before BMX races when I was 8. It would get me in the right mental place to really step up and get things accomplished. I debated long and hard as to whom I would choose and while I recognize the Clash, MC5, the Misfits and Social Distortion have all played a bigger part in my past, the context of location played a role in this decision. I consider Flogging Molly more on the spectrum of ‘soft punk’, or punk for old people. It still offers a bit of the attitude, but rage won’t do much for me when I’m alone on an island.”
Country/Rock
At San Quentin. Johnny Cash, 1969
“I would prefer the box set ‘Love, God, Murder.’ Ten years ago this would have never made my list, now I can’t imagine him not being on the list. This punted Bob Dylan and the Beatles, as there is more grit, as well as struggle, with a dash of hope. There is nothing like a little growl to get the day started.”
Singer/Songwriter/Easy Listening
Concert in the Park, Paul Simon, 1991
“Each place that I have moved and faced that initial isolation I have found a bit of solace in this album. It allows me to think and reflect without getting too deep into my head. I remember getting in trouble in church when I was 3 or 4 because I wanted to sing like everyone else. The problem was that they were singing hymns and I was singing Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” I mean, ‘Get on the Bus, Gus.’”
Gospel
Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama, 2000s
“A little gospel goes a long way when you are spending the rest of your days on a deserted island. Nobody brings more sunshine to the soul then this pairing.”
