Oh Record Boy,

The problem with compiling a list of 5 records that will comprise all of your listening for the rest of time is this: Do you pick music you are painfully aware of and know inside out - or pick music that you've never heard and will have a lifetime to discover? There's the rub. (Not a choice. I think "New England" is a much better record. But I digress.) Plus, dear, sweet Record Boy, no music lover could narrow it down to 5 definitive choices, anyway. But - I'll play along.

So, my "knowns"

1.. 'Oranges & Lemons' - XTC: Even though it's probably not their best record, it is the longest.

2.. 'Pet Sounds' - Beach Boys: Simply a perfect record. And if "God Only Knows" doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you have no soul.

3.. 'Runt. The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren' - Todd Rundgren: Four words. "Be Nice To Me"

4.. 'Paul's Boutique' - Beastie Boys: The only record in the world that never sounds the same twice.

5.. 'Plastic Ono Band' - John Lennon: If you don't know why, you've obviously never heard it.

Of course, this list will change tomorrow.

Lee M. Lodyga