{This is the second in an occasional series documenting some of the horrendous CD choices that I've made over the years with attempts to put into context/explain the rationale behind such purchases.}
I have nearly 500 CDs, which is by no means massive, and although I've weeded my collection down over the years by selling discs to used music shops and passed others away to friends, there still lurks many albums that have survived for various reasons - none of which involve any actual musical talent.
Artist: Vanilla Ice
Album: To The Extreme
Number of Times Played Since 2000: 3 
I remember buying this album very clearly around middle school as it was one of my first ever CD purchases along with MC Hammer, "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em" and Paula Abdul "Forever Your Girl."
Now there's a triumpherate of musical power, eh?
But somehow Hammer and Abdul went away over the years, and Vanilla Ice has stayed for reasons I can't entirely fathom. Is it the clothes? 
The hair? 
The fact that Ice believes that "anything less than the best is a felony?"
Questions too horrible to ponder.
What it boils down to, I think, is that once in a blue moon I just want to put on "Ice, Ice Baby" at a party and give it a listen.
I'm telling you, when Vanilla Ice opens up with "Stop, collaborate and listen . . . " it gets everybody in a good mood. And maybe that's enough to justify the existence of this album in my CD collection, or maybe it's an indictment of my own character flaws.
Regardless, Ice is firmly implanted, and he's been there from the beginning.
-BDS
I can't help it--I don't see Vanilla Ice; I see Jim Carrey doing his Vanilla Ice impression on "In Living Color."
what was the occasion for playing it those three times in the past 7 years/? A little too regular :)
As cringe worthy as it is, Ice Ice Baby is indeed a happy, feel good song. But I swear, I didn't say that.
Wendy - I remember that sketch too. Carrey had some great stuff on 'Color', as did Damon Wayans.
Anonymous - That's not too often . . . once every few years seems reasonable. I hope.
Bostonpobble - I knew it. Ha. And as long as you don't go around espousing that view at dinner parties, then you're probably just fine.
I always remember Kevin Bacon's impersonation from SNL. Word to yor motha.
in that 2nd pic Vanilla looks a little like Gumby.
anyway, mine is Mitsou. She was marketed as the french canadian madonna. brutal. I'm eternally tormented as I'll never be able to forget the jingle to "bye bye mon cowboy"
I would fight the urge and put on 'Under Pressure' by Bowie and Queen...although that may not get the crowd "pumpin'" since the lyrics aren't by the 'lyrical master'...
better yet..get out some old Stereo MC's or Dee-Lite
In a recent radio "flashback" segment, when they played Ice Ice Baby, I knew all the words. Back in the day, my kids played this constantly!!!! I called my daughter to let her know I haven't killed all those brain cells .... we laughed pretty hard! Thanks for the memory.
WhatIgot - I had forgotten about that SNL bit until now. Good call.
Idig - I'll have to take your word for that level of awfulness, but that song title just sounds funny. Not sure why.
Vivavavoom - You could almost bookeend Ice with Bowie to show both sides of that coin, or as you mentioned, go for the throat with some Dee-lite. Ha.
Linda - It is bizarre how those words stick in the mind as I can recall most of them with a strange clarity for their level of talent. Oh well, it's good to know the brain still holds something & you're welcome.
I have this on my workout song list. NO ONE knows that. OK, until now.
The secret is out, but who am I to judge? Obviously not at all since I own the album.
I remember staying up late on a school night to watch him on Arsenio Hall.
I feel so old.
It's on my IPOD!
Rob's hair is awesome!
Melissa - I bet you wanted to be sitting in The Dog Pound watching it too.
Girlbehind - I knew there were others out there. Lots of them. Ha.