Boomania - Betty Boo

I'm in a party mood today so there is only really one choice when it comes to a cartoon pop pick-me-up. Boomania was released in 1990 and it was, along with Deee-lite, the soundtrack for that summer.
It was a great summer and one in which we had a number of house parties - but being sensible I made sure that none were at our house! Each party got a little bigger than the previous and eventually, at PW's house it got a little out of hand. Too much alcohol and too many people. The party ground to a halt when objects started to get broken and someone was sick in the bath. Yuk!
But apart from that it was a fun summer with indie pop in full swing and feel-good music such as 'Where Are You Baby?' filling the airwaves. This album is guaranteed to make you smile and it has put me in good cheer as I head out for the football. Have a great New Year and I'll see you in 2012.

Choke - The Beautiful South

I got this album for Christmas in 1990, along with the sheet music. I was learning to play the guitar at the time and this helped me pick up the songs. I think I only got as far a learning the opening track 'Tonight I Fancy Myself', or at least that was the only song I properly learnt.
The Beautiful South are not everyone's cup of tea but they did for a while appeal to a wide audience. This was probably due to a heady mixture of pop, social comment and humour - continuing the great British tradition of writing acerbic lyrics and accompanying them with pop tunes. There are some great expels of this on this album perhaps none better than their No.1 hit 'A Little Time'. Beneath these songs are bitter and dark undercurrents.
They got too good at it and ended up forgetting to write the memorable tunes to go with the sharp lyrics; disbanding in 2007.

Rabbit Fur Coat - Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins

I might have mentioned once or twice that I am rather fond of Rilo Kiley and in particular Jenny Lewis? I'm sure I have. 'Rabbit Fur Coat' is Jenny Lewis' first solo outing. Well sort of, as it is helped along by the wonderful harmonies of The Watson Twins. For an album of country tinged pop there is none finer.
In particular the lyrics are well worth listening to - witty, soulful and meaningful in equal measures. 'Rise Up With Fists!!!' in particular is worth a listen - it has become one of my favourite songs since I first heard it.
For any drummers reading check out the fade out in 'Born Secular'. Brill without being too showy.
In short, I love this album as you can probably tell. Right I'm off back inside - we're having broadband issues and I've had to write this in the street! Brrr. Now that's dedication to the cause!

Galore - The Primitives

There aren't many indie bands that are as melodic and, if I may, pop-tastic as The Primitives. Chiming guitar riffs, pop hooks and Tracy Tracy's bubble gum vocals. Super.
'Galore' is their third and final album and was criminally ignored upon release. It's very difficult to find these days but if you can try 'Lead Me Astray' or 'Slip Away' for starters. Great pop songs.
The Primitives came into view with their hit single 'Crash'; a song that will always remind me of a memorable event.....
In 1988 most of us were, one-by-one, passing our driving tests. One such day MJ had passed his and to celebrate had borrowed his Dad's car. So within no more than an hour of passing his test we were off in The Johnsons' car for a celebratory drive. The celebrations did not last long though. We were travelling a little fast down Clavering bank with the sharp corner looming far too quickly. Each of MJ's passengers slowly took up the brace position. Clearly this went unnoticed by the confident driver as no attempt was made to slow down. Well that was until we left the road and started travelling towards a row of houses. Brakes were finally applied and we managed to 'stay' on the grass verge. The next obstacle was a row of saplings. Surely we would hit these. I've no idea what happened next as we hit a number of them and came to an eventual stop. We straightened out from our brace position, shaken and shocked but in one piece. MJ then turned to us - his glasses were wonky from the impact..... and that was enough to set us off. We started howling with laughter. The howling intensified when we got out of the car and saw tyre tracks either side if the row of trees - which were still standing. How in earth had he done that? And the song on the stereo that accompanied us on our collision course? 'Crash' by The Primitives. I kid you not! What a hoot.
I don't think his Dad saw the funny side though.....

Bringing It All Back Home - Bob Dylan

Remember the advert for Maxell tapes in the 80s? You know - the one where a bloke stands in the middle of the street and holds up cue cards with the wrong lyrics? Well even though the song used was not a Dylan one, the advert was heavily influenced by him; being based upon the promo clip for 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' and being funny in the process.
....and this succinctly demonstrates how much influence Dylan has had on popular music. It is so engrained that many won't even realise that this is the case.
For the casual admirer, such as myself, I recognise the influence and the craft of the songwriting but can't quite connect as well as I should. And it is not through a want of trying.
This album was one that I used to play when I lived at home - and when my Dad was out. After all I wouldn't want to admit to an aficionado that I had a secret admiration for Bob! It's a great album with classic Dylan tracks such as 'Mr. Tambourine Man', 'It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)' and 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue'. A great album to start cultivating an appreciation...but I got no further, other than a greatest hits album.
My Dad and I saw him perform in Manchester a while ago and it struck me how mixed the audience was - young and old, male and female in approximately equal measures; highlighting the widespread appeal of Dylan.
On the strength of listening to this album today I have bought 'Blonde On Blonde'. Time to have another crack at becoming more of a Dylan fan......wish me luck!

I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You - Aretha Franklin

This must be the best soul album ever recorded; which is quite a claim given the sheer number of classic recordings in this genre. A simple scan, however, over the track listing should be enough to prove this bold statement.
'Respect', 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man' and 'Dr Feelgood' to name but three. The rest are equally good, if slightly less well known.
Being brought up in the 70s and 80s, it would be very easy to dismiss her contribution to music as her most notable hits were duets or guest performances.... but dip into her back catalogue and you will get the full picture.
I've never had the opportunity to see Aretha live, but from the TV performances I have seen she is one of those artists who is gifted with a seemingly effortless voice. Magic.

Midwinter Graces - Tori Amos

I struggle with the concept of Christmas or winter themed albums. Why would an artist put a whole load of effort into something that has a limited shelf life? The best they can hope for us about one month of play time. Or am I being uncharitable? Maybe.
As Tori Amos is one of the most original artists, whilst it is surprising that she elected to create a festive album, it is only natural that she has created something a little different. In giving the traditional carols a baroque, almost gothic twist, it has infused the music with a freshness. They sound as if Tori Amos had written these traditional songs. The same goes for her original compositions - these don't sound out of place and have surely bolstered the festive music catalogue. It is a lovely album to play in the festive period and is arguably the best contemporary Christmas album..... I'm in a real festive mood now! Happy Christmas.

Hymns Of The 49th Parallel - k.d. lang

Elvis is alive and her name is k.d. lang. Or at least so said Madonna. She wasn't far off the mark.
k.d. lang has the most wonderful voice; powerful, resonant, warm and pure. Whilst it sounds great on her recordings it is even better live. In auditoriums her voice fills the space, grows in power and I can honestly say I've yet to hear a better live voice or a more powerful singer.
This album, despite it being mainly covers, is one of her best. Maybe the best? There was a sudden rash of cover version albums a while ago. Everyone seemed to be at it. Mostly with mixed results is has to be said.
'Hymns of the 49th Parallel', however, succeeds where others failed because k.d. makes the songs her own, has selected songs that suit her style and they are performed beautifully. Stand out tracks are Neil Young's 'After The Gold Rush' and Leonard Cohen's 'Bird On A Wire'; both showcasing k.d.'s powerful voice.
Not a party album, but one that I return to time-after-time to bathe in its warm waters. Perfect for a cold winter morning
.

Expecting To Fly - The Bluetones

My introduction to The Bluetones bugged the hell out of me. Why? Well I kept catching snippets of this great sounding song on the radio but each time either missed the DJ giving out any details or, even more annoyingly, it wasn't given at all. In the days before apps such as Shazam, I was finding almost impossible to catch the name of either the song title or the band..... until one day I was in HMV and decided to pick up the headphones on one of their listening posts. UREKA! By sheer chance I had picked up the debut album by The Bluetones.... and now knew that the song was called 'Slight Return'. I was getting somewhere....
The debut album is great - a true whole band performance. Very memorable songs, great jangly guitar riffs, excellent drumming and solid and precise bass. One of those albums that you imagine was recorded with minimal fuss and overdubs. For those new to this album try 'A Parting Gesture'. If defy you not to like it.
Unfortunately, due to their timing of coming into prominence, they were tagged as a Britpop band. Whilst this may have helped initially, I can't help but think that this labelling stymied the growth of their long term popularity. A truly underrated band. Album sales would decrease as the music got more inventive. Ah well.
At least it meant that we got to see them play in a small club in Darlington. Yes Darlington! And they were excellent, playing the debut album in its entirety along with other Bluetones 'hits'. A great gig indeed - and we could stagger home in less than 10 minutes!

Moon Safari - Air

This is my album of choice to relax to and I haven't heard it for quite a few months. Now you could easily assume that I must have had an easy time recently if I have had no need for 'Moon Safari'. Perhaps, or it could be that a daily blog consisting of only one album might be a little monotonous, or worse self-indulgent. You could equally assume that I must have been really tense to have been deprived of my relaxation aid all this time. If this were the case then I would not like to be the one who had to live with me! Either way I was due a listen.
This album is über-cool and very French. In fact, if this album were a person then it would, right now, be driving around in a convertible Citroen, sucking on Gitanes trying to impress the opposite sex with his air of sophistication. Hey! I might have struck upon a new game there - let's see if it works for other albums. 'Revolver' by The Beatles; young man in his mid twenties, black hair, leather jacket and works in a music shop. And another 'Graceland' by Paul Simon; Woman in her mid to late thirties, well dressed and travelled, currently working in advertising but dreams of running her own clothes design business..... It anyone reads this and it becomes a TV sensation I'll take 10%.
....where was I? Oh yes, 'Moon Safari'. For an electronic album, it manages to feel warm and soothing as well as sounding like nothing else. Very much like 'Equinoxe', it opens with rain fall and takes the listener on a journey through the cosmos. Or at least that is how it sounds to me. The only time the coolness threatens to slip is during 'Ce Martin-La' when for a brief moment it sounds like the theme tune from 'Last of the Summer Wine' is fading in. But it doesn't. Thankfully. Right that's me well relaxed now, time to face the shops and the pre-Christmas panic.

Reckless - Bryan Adams

You may not believe this, but there was a time when Bryan Adams was cool. Yes cool. It didn't last long though, probably about one or two albums but 'Reckless' is one of the classics.
I remember heated debates on the school yard about who was the better performer, Bryan or Bruce. At the time, Bryan was preferred over Bruce. His songs were catchier, had more guitar and sung about kids wanting to Rock. What was there not to like?
....but then, slowly but surely, Bryan Adams descended into AOR hell. By the time THAT single hit the airwaves his fate was sealed. And boy did it go on. And on. And on.......
But forget all that. 'Reckless' is a great no frills rock album; 'Run To You', 'Heaven', 'Summer of 69', 'One Night Love Affair', 'Somebody' and 'It's Only Love' are all rock standards and all came from 'Reckless'. You shouldn't need anymore evidence than that!

Keep Moving - Madness

I was quite late to the Madness party. Sure I had 'danced' to them many times at school discos, studiously watching my mate NR doing the Nutty Boy moves. I was a pale immitation by comparison. But then again most of us were.
Apart from a few wacky videos they pretty much passed me by. That was until I heard the single 'Michael Caine'. After all you can't beat a single with a catchphrase. So I bought the album and loved it! Lots!
I don't think NR apprecaited their change of direction. He can't have done because he started selling me his treasured Madness 7" picture discs. One at a time. We had come to an arrangement wherby I would buy one a week with my pocket money, slowly building up a collection of great Madness singles. It took a while but it was worth it. With each transaction I would take them home, carefully clean them and reinstert them into their plastic sleeves. They were definitely not for playing, or so at least I had been instructed!
I'm ashamed to say that, as the digital age moved in, I later sold them and I'm not sure that he has fogiven me for that. Listening to the album again today, I have a nagging feeling that he was right. Apart from 'Michael Caine', the rest of the album is a little...well....dull. Ironically, twenty-six years later, a more mature me prefers the less mature sound of their early music.

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels - Dexys Midnight Runners

Now this is how to do a great pop album; hammond organs, brassy hooks, Northern Soul inspired bass lines and unique vocals. Nothing short of spectacular.
From the opening horn blast on 'Burn It Down' through 'Geno' to the closing 'There, There My Dear' this is a brass fuelled album. Even now, thirty years after it was recorded, it sounds fresh, vibrant and soulful. Not bad for a bunch of blokes from Birmingham!
Although I had heard 'Geno' on the radio, it was 'Come On Eileen' that really introduced me to Dexys Midnight Runners. It was a school disco favourite and all the lads would take to the floor when this song came on; keen to impress the girls with our stomping , intimate knowledge of the impenetrable lyrics - hands clasped behind our backs in proper Dexys style. I don't think they were impressed. Fortunately my forays onto the dance floor are less frequent but should this song come on, I'll be there, hands behind back, stomping and mumbling to words I still don't understand.

London Calling - The Clash

Most double albums are rubbish. In some cases just generally poor, but more often than not, they are padded out single albums - albums that could be immeasurably improved by some careful pruning. Take The Beatles 'White Album' for example. In its released form it is patchy but with moments of brilliance. Prune out self indulgent tosh like 'Revolution #9' and twee clangers like 'Ob-la-Di Ob-la-Da' and you are left with a storming single album.
That rather lengthy introduction, therefore, is my way of saying that The Clash's 'London Calling' is not one of those. A rarity in popular music - a double album that is deservedly so. No fillers or embarrassingly self indulgent noodling here!
From its title track to the closer 'Train In Vain' the range if styles, quality of playing, particularly from drummer Topper Headon, and potent lyrics keeps the album fresh. Not once in the albums running length of 65 minutes does it feel like they were playing for time. A truly great album and deserved if the praise often heaped upon it.
Not convinced? Well apart from the title track, which is a rousing call to arms, try 'Rudie Can't Fail' or 'Tge Card Cheat'. Songs that couldn't be more different; the first a reggae tinged pop gem and the latter a piano driven rock classic. So come out of the cupboard you boys and girls - London's Calling!

Sound Affects - The Jam

Where are the current day equivalent of The Jam? I would've thought that in these trying times dissenting voices would filling the airwaves. Perhaps endless reality television loops has blunted and deadened our resolve? Maybe manufactured music is drowning out those who are shouting out or perhaps no one cares enough to write a three minute political pop song?
The Jam successfully mixed pop songs with political and social commentary. Try 'That's Entertainment', written in 1980 describing a life that should seem distant but resonates 30 years later. A depressing and sobering thought. 'I'm Different Now' manages to be harder, edgier and poppy at the same time. This was The Jam's strength; successfully mixing different types of message, concisely delivered within great pop songs.
So the Thatcher years gave rise to angry and political pop bands, like The Jam. I wonder who will rise to the challenge now?

Electric - The Cult

Against my better judgement, I was persuaded to listen to this tonight over their previous album 'Love'. Why? Well I have always preferred 'Love' to anything else in The Cult's repertoire. It's a matter of opinion. But I know I'm right!
But as I had not listened to this album in a long while giving 'Electric' a spin in my CD was more in keeping with this project.
And? Well this album rocks! Riffs-a-plenty, scorching solos and arguably one of the best voices in rock music. Not for the faint hearted but ideal for would be air guitarists!
I still prefer 'Love' but this album has gone up in my estimation - I used to think it had a couple of decent tracks, mostly the singles, but the rest were poor imitations - now I can appreciate it for what it is - a cracking straightforward rock album. And there is nothing wrong with that!

Under The Backlight - Rilo Kiley

Rilo Kiley are one of my best 'finds' but that probably says more about my lack of exposure to new music than their obscurity.
In December 2007 I plonked myself down in front of the TV to watch Later with Jools Holland. Whilst the programme had its usual excellent mix of artists there was nothing that really grabbed my attention. That was until Rilo Kiley appeared. I would like to think that it was the quality of the music that caught my attention, but it was more than likely due to the fact that the singer, Jenny Lewis, was wearing a black leotard and sparkly pants. Yes we blokes are that shallow!
But ultimately it is the sheer quality of the songwriting and inventiveness of the music that was to have a lasting effect. Following the show I immediately went out and bought this album, shortly followed by all of the others, naturally.
Although this album is their most mainstream, it's a musically diverse affair - almost as if they couldn't make their minds up which genre to play. Try 'The Angels Hung Around' (50s rock), 'Breakin Up' (80s pop) or 'Close Call' (Alt rock). Plus everything in between. 'Silver Lining' is the song that caught my attention on Jools so it is, and will probably remain, my favourite Rilo Kiley track.
Their other albums are more coherent but this one really does show that whatever musical style they turn their hands to, they make it sound like their own.
You will no doubt read about their other albums, and those by Ms Lewis, later in my blog but for the time being I recommend you seek out the footage of the Jools programme. Especially if you are partial to leotards and sparkly pants!

The La's - The La's

....and predictably, here is the other one.
As debuts go, this must be up there with those by the Stone Roses and The Smiths, amongst others. It is energetic, immediate and raw yet melodic at the same time. It is a wonder, therefore, why it was famously rubbished by Lee Mavers, the lead singer of the band. He stated that he couldn't get an authentic 60s sound - which is surprising considering that he allegedly sourced some 60s valve amplifiers with authentic dust on them! Now that is finicky. In fact he was so disillusioned by the whole thing that he had not recorded anything else since, officially at least.
Whilst most people on the planet will know 'There She Goes', there are other equally memorable and better tunes on the album. In my humble opinion 'Feelin' is one such superior track but I suppose that is the aural equivalent of comparing one Picasso to another. 1:45 of pop perfection. Listen, smile and enjoy.

All Change - Cast

Cast arose out of the ashes of The La's and, despite John Powers' former band only releasing one album, it was such a revered debut that some doubted whether they could escape unfavourable comparisons.
Within seconds of hearing the opening bars of 'Finetime' I don't think this was ever in doubt. It's a storming single and set the scene for the rest of the album.
For me though, of the two debuts, The La's album edges it. But only just. if I have one criticism of the album, it's that it has a 'hidden' track. I don't think they are in vogue at the moment but they were a right pain in the ass during the mid nineties onwards. Even more so with music being converted into MP3s as the unwanted silence takes up storage space. And it mucks up playlists. Whoever thought this was a good idea should be taken and......[takes deep breath]........sorry where was I?
I have only managed to see Cast once and that was as a support band to U2 at Roundhay Park in Leeds in 1997. It was not a good experience as the heavens opened, despite it being August, and we all got drenched. Not idea viewing conditions or, for that matter, playing conditions.
So, courtesy of a spare ticket from NR, I'm off to see Cast again later this week. With a new album on the horizon and a stellar back catalogue it'll hopefully be a top night out. And being indoors I should stay dry!

Green Mind - Dinosaur Jr.

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I've never listened to this album before. Not once in over 16 years.
Near our first house we were lucky to have numerous essential amenities; cinema, chip shop, pubs and most importantly an ace record shop called Polar Bear Records. Anyway I was browsing in there one Saturday afternoon after popping out of the house, probably on the pretence of 'going for some milk'. Well one thing led to another and I bought a stack of secondhand bargain CDs, this being one of them. I bought this CD on the basis of 'Freak Scene' - an excellent single from a few years earlier and a fave at the Gemini Club in H'Pool.
In usual fashion, they got catalogued and filed ready for selection at some future date. This one never had its day in the spotlight! Until now that is.
I was sure that I wasn't going to like the album but I was wrong. Instead of the expected noise pollution, the songs are given room, particularly on tracks like 'Muck' and 'Green Mind' where the funk guitar gives the songs a kind of Chili Peppers feel.
Pleasantly surprised, I'm off now to see what else is lurking unlistened to and unloved in my collection.....

Blast The Human Flower - Danielle Dax

To mark the second month of my odyssey into my music collection I though that I would delve into another obscure title.
In pre-Internet and YouTube days, it was difficult to discover new music. One of the few outlets was a BBC TV programme called 'Juke Box Jury'. It's heyday was in the 1960s but it had been resurrected on several occasions by the Beeb and one particular episode in 1990 showed a clip of 'Tomorrow Never Knows' by Danielle Dax. At the time I was in the full grip of Indie Dance music and this song, being a Beatles cover, added a new dimension - the Fab Four! I can't recall whether the panel rated it as a hit or a miss. But the alt-dance-pop version of a Beatles song (It is not as bad as it sounds - honest!) was a hit with me so I went out and bought the album.
At the time it was rarely off my CD player and then one day I just stopped playing it. I moved on. This must happen to other people - being obsessed by a particular record, playing it daily and then just stopping. It is not a conscious decision but something else appears over the horizon and diverts interest long enough to forget about the obsession......
According to my iTunes library, I've never played this since it was converted into a digital format and I can well believe that this is true. Actually I was pleasantly surprised as this album has not fared to badly. The first track 'The ID Parade' tries a bit too hard and comes over like a 'Sieg Sieg Sputnik' clone. Fortunately the album soon settles down and there are some genuinely fine songs on it such as 'Bayou' or 'The Living And Their Stillborn'. Sure its early 1990s roots are obvious but with a bit of tweaking it wouldn't sound out of place today - imagine 'Bat For Lashes' crossed with  'Lady Ga-Ga' and you might be close-ish.

Some Cities - Doves

Seeing Doves perform at Twickenham Stadium in June 2005 reminded me of what a crappy job being a support band is. They were, in this instance, one of the support acts for U2. It was broad daylight, the stadium was mostly empty and the sound was atrocious. Even though I knew the songs I couldn't distinguish them from one another. They seemed to echo around the hollow stadium.
Listening to this album again, it doesn't surprise me that the music got lost in the rafters that day. It is much too subtle to fill a stadium - even with perfect sound the Manchester trio would've had problems. They are not U2 so hadn't designed their music on a stadium-filling agenda.
That is not, however, to say that the songs aren't epic - they are - epic, atmospheric, moody and beautiful.
Check out 'The Storm' which takes a Sakamoto orchestral piece and mixes it with a laid back dub loop. Epic but not fit for a stadium. Somehow I just can't see U2 ever being this brave, but when were U2 last a support band; playing to a handful of people in a huge but empty stadium in broad daylight?

Suede - Suede

I was going to start this blog by saying something controversial like, "if you imagine The Smiths and then take away the humour, wit and tongue in cheek lyrics you would end up with Suede". But I won't... Doh! Actually that is probably a bit harsh, but I never really got Suede. They seemed a little but...well...posh.
This album, however is a cracker. At the time of its release in 1993 it was acclaimed mostly for Brett Anderson's soaring voice and androgynous lyrics, but this album really belongs to guitarist Bernard Butler. It is a tour-de-force in pop and rock guitar. From the opening reverse-strummed chord of 'So Young' to the last note of 'The Next Life' it is a master class in how a guitar should drive a record. Just check out 'Pantomime Horse' and you'll see what I mean. Give it time, though, as it's a builder. Every track is infused with chiming guitars, overdriven chords, soaring solos or pop riffs.
It is often quoted as kick-starting the Britpop music scene. I'm not sure about that, and (in my opinion) better bands would follow but it did form an essential part of the musical backdrop to my final year at Poly.

Greatest Hits - ABBA

Firstly, I have to own up and admit that I have a soft spot for ABBA. Not that I am a huge fan or anything, but every time I hear one of their songs I can't help but smile.
Secondly, this is a little bit of a cheat as I don't actually own this CD - instead I have compiled a playlist from the albums that I have. Why cheat? Well this album was my absolute favourite when I was 5 or 6 years old and it's fair to say that I was obsessed with it. The biggest mistake my parents made was buying me a Philips portable cassette player. It now meant that I could listen to ABBA's Greatest Hits wherever I went, particularly in the car. I used to sit in the back of the Mini and play this tape on journeys long or short. This was in the days before proper car stereos you understand so there was no alternative. It must've drove my parents and sister barmy. I can only apologise to them wholeheartedly!
But what classic songs they are. Even though this album was released in 1975, well before the big hits started rolling in, it still shows just how inventive and skilled they were as song writers....and this wasn't even their native language.
The peak of my ABBA-mania would arrive in 1977 when I got 'The Name Of The Game' 7"single for Christmas. With its bright orange paper sleeve (on the Epic label) has became, and remains, one of my favourite songs.
I think everyone, whether they admit to it or not, has a fondness for at least one ABBA song. Admit it, go and download it, listen to it and I guarantee you will feel better!

Liquidizer - Jesus Jones

Anyone who has seen Jesus Jones live will know that they make for an entertaining spectacle. Loud, rowdy and energetic.

In particular the keyboard player Iain Baker, who seems to treat his instrument with disdain, hammering the keys as if he is punishing it for some past misdemeanour, flinging it around (it rarely rests on the stand) and standing as far away from it as his outstretched arms will allow.

And then there is frontman Mike Edwards. You'd be hard pressed to find a less likely frontman. Tall and gangly he looks less like a pop star and more like a pole jumper who took a wrong turn in the corridor and has inexplicably ended up on stage.

Yes they are a great live act and brim full of enthusiasm and energy, rattling through their sings like their life depended upon it....

And if you are up for it, that is exactly what you get on their debut album. All of the songs are excellent, from the hit single 'Info Freako' to the less well known 'Someone To Blame'. They are played at a loud and breakneck speed that is more akin to a live gig than a studio recording. Listening to the twelve songs in one sitting can be quite exhausting and is the nearest thing to hearing the real thing. And this is not an age thing either, before you make such a harsh comment, as I've always found this since buying the album in 1989.
But it is a blast and, providing you are in the right frame of mind and have the energy to match, a great pick me up.

Pretenders - The Pretenders

....following on from my theme of indecipherable lyrics, what on earth does Chrissie Hynde sing during 'Brass In Pocket'? Something like "Gonna Use My Style, Gonna Use My Sudsip". What? Anyway, that isn't the point of this particular blog.
Listening to early Pretenders songs always reminds me of the festive period. It is a tenuous link but a persistent one - The simple reason is that in 1987 I got 'The Singles' album for Christmas, this being a best of album by The Pretenders. S'Funny how things like that can just stick.
Our paths first crossed in 1979 when I was an avid listener of the Top 40. I would sit with my mono tape recorder in front of the radio and record the songs coming out of the speakers. Not very high tech and vulnerable to picking up shouts of my Mam telling me tea was ready! Tsscchh tell that to the kids of today and they'd have trouble believing that we were so primitive. During this period 'Brass In Pocket' was a huge No.1 hit and featured regularly on my recordings.
I didn't acquire the debut album until relatively recently and I wish it hadn't taken me so long. It is fab. All of my favourite ingredients are present; jangly guitars, bouncing bass, top drums and a unique voice. Probably one of the most distinctive voices in rock. Apart from the singles, if you are only going to listen to one track then pick 'Tattooed Love Boys' and tell me you don't hear the influence on numerous modern bands. A classic rock album.

Heaven Or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins

I swear down that when I first heard this album I though the lead vocalist was singing in a foreign language. Admittedly I had copied a mate's CD onto a cheap hissy C90 but even so.....
After several listens through I started to hear what I thought were proper words....but even then I wasn't sure. I'm still not. Even if you do manage to make out the odd word here or there, it still won't make sense. I don't think it is supposed to. I wish some bands that write bloody awful lyrics would take the same approach. Don't believe me? Take this recent example from pop sensation 'One Direction'... 'Baby you light up my world like nobody else. The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed'. Convinced? You should be. I could go on. But I'll spare you the anguish. If they had taken the Cocteau's approach and mixed the vocals way back in the mix I would've been spared the risky business of driving down the motorway whilst trying to stuff an empty Mars Bar wrappers into my ears. Yes I appreciate that I could've turned the radio off but that would've been admitting defeat.
I suppose I could, in this modern age go off and Google the lyrics to this album it. But I feel that might somehow spoil the fantastical feel of the album. Once you accept Liz Frasier's voice as just being another instrument, rather than straining to decipher the lyrics, you can let the music do the talking, as it were.
I've not heard anything else by the Cocteau Twins, either before or after this album, but I can't imagine them being able to top this album. Lovely chiming flanged guitars, double tracked vocals and melodic base lines give this album an ethereal feel. Listen to it and don't try and understand it and I promise you'll get on fine together.

Disintegration - The Cure

I think it's fair to say that 'Disintegration' is not a party album, unless of course you like to go to parties where the revellers shuffle around, stare at the floor and grumble to themselves about how miserable they feel. Maybe you do, in which case this is the very album you need to kick start your misery-fest.
Now before any Cure fans out there, and I'm thinking of one in particular, take umbrage at that, I have to say that I really like this album. A lot. In fact I would go as far as to say that it's magnificent, glorious, melacholic and feels very comfortable in its gloomy outlook. There are some lighter moments on the album, for example the lead single 'Lullaby' which reached number 5 in the singles charts, but even that talks about being eaten by The Spiderman. Somehow I just can't imagine that ever winning X-Factor!
Not all Cure albums are like this. In their poppier moments, you might even feel your feet start to move and the corners of your mouth start to lift. Don't worry, this is normal and you are not ill - it's called happiness.
Although I really like this album, I never really 'got' The Cure. Despite the efforts of the aforementioned Cure fan, who has played me most of their albums several times over the years, I've just failed to make that connection. I do like a lot of their albums but there just seems to be something missing for me. Maybe it was the hair or lipstick? Who knows.
Anyway, I've got to go and give this one more listen today. I am feeling far too happy and that just won't do!

Hup! - The Wonder Stuff

...and so from one of the most over-rated bands to one of the most under-rated.
So I was standing there in HMV in Middlesbrough, during a break between classes at Poly, starting at the cassette of the newly released Wonder Stuff album Hup! I had heard of some of the tracks from the previous album and really liked the single 'Don't Let Me Down Gently'. But would I like the album? Mmmm I really was not sure and wandered around the rest of the store deliberating. I paced up and down, looking at the racks and racks of cassettes and CDs absent mindedly. I was going to be late for the next class so I grabbed the cassette, rushed to the counter, bought the album and ran up Linthorpe Road to the Poly. Why was I so reticent? Absolutely no idea.
So after all that did I like the album? ...... well I've lost count of how many times I've seen The Wonder Stuff or Miles Hunt (and Erica Nockalls) live. I was there at Bescott Stadium in 1991 with 18,000 other fans, we saw them twice in one week in 1991, we were there at their 'farewell' gig at The Pheonix Festival, we were there for the reformation tour in 2000 and many times since. I have seen Miles Hunt in Leeds, York, Newcastle and Thirsk. Many times. I've bought pretty much their entire catalogue, including singles. Can't miss any B-sides can we!
....so it is safe to assume that I liked Hup! Poppy, funny, guitars a-plenty, great tunes and great to sing along to. The Groove Machine in full flow. So let's hear it for one of the great British bands. Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup!

MTV Unplugged In New York - Nirvana

Brace yourself - I'm about to make two controversial statements. Ready?

1/. Nirvana are probably one of the most over-rated bands of all time. Apart from a couple of decent albums what have they done? Not a lot and let's face it, part of their legacy is in no small part due to the fact that the lead singer committed suicide.

2/. Their so-called benchmark album, 'Nevermind' is average. How did stealing The Pixies blueprint and shouting a little bit louder make it such a revered recording? See item 1/. above. Perhaps.

Still with me? Good then I'll continue.
Now you might get the impression that I don't like Nirvana but you couldn't be further from the truth. Like any self respecting 20 year old, when grunge was at its peak I too had a checked shirt, torn jeans and plimsolls. (Ok so I didn't have the angst that I was supposed to carry around, but this was in short supply in Hartlepool). And I had the studio albums. They were good rock albums. No more, no less.
This MTV Unplugged album is, in my opinion, their best album by far. By removing the heavy guitars and drums the songs are allowed to breathe, becoming more emotional in the process. In between the songs the banter between band members (in particular Kurt Cobain) and the audience is genuinely light hearted. The acoustic setting makes for an intimate recording. This album is a real gem.

Definitely Maybe - Oasis

I owe a lot to this album, along with Blur's 'Parklife'. More of that later though.
I'd not been living in Leeds long when my Dad, who has always had his ear close to the ground musically, mentioned that there was this new group playing at a small venue in the town centre and perhaps I should check them out. I didn't - there must've been something good on telly that night! Anyway, as you might've guessed, that band were Oasis. Obviously they went on to sell quite a few records and become more than a little popular. I'd missed out big-time and have been kicking myself ever since. To catch them in their ascendency would've been amazing.
In fairness, I only really like this album and the follow up 'What's The Story (Morning Glory)?' as they became a cross between a Beatles tribute band and a pastiche of themselves. Eventually they would blot their copy book with me by pulling out of a support slot with R.E.M. They were too small to be anything but headlining acts, apparently.
So why do I owe a debt to this album? In 1994-1995 I went through a bit of a rough patch and had problems driving alone. It became a very stressful and nervous experience. The solution I found was to play this album at a loud volume; the sheer swagger and confidence of the songs giving me strength to get from A to B.
And what songs they are! Full on Rock 'n Roll. It is hard to pick a favourite track but if pressed on the matter I would have to say 'Columbia' tops then all - a driving rhythm, distorted guitars and great vocal make this Oasis' best song. The others are almost as good though.
Ignore their later albums, public squabbles, questionable ethics and overblown public image and listen to the first two albums. Fresh, vibrant, relevant and masterful. So let's hear it ........Shhhiiiinnne!

Help - Various Artists

I don't know if I'm allowed to include compilation albums in this project...... Well it's my project so I guess I can do what the bally ever I like!
This album always reminds me of Whitby. Huh? I hear you ask. Well we were having one of our regular Friday's off - we used to take the day off from LCC and head up to my parents, stopping off somewhere en route, before arriving on Teesside. We would then head off for a few pints and some food in the Fox Covert. It was a lovely way to end the week. Lovely that was, until it was taken over by the owner of a pole dancing club......
Anyway, on this particular occasion, we had headed over to the east coast town of Whitby where I bought the album in Woolworths. Don't ask me how I remember this stuff!
As compilation albums go, this one is a cut above. It was all recorded on one day, mixed the following and then in the shops by the following Saturday. Pretty impressive. Contributing artists range from Radiohead to Paul McCartney, Johnny Depp to Manic Steet Preachers. Not that you would know it from the CD - it was recorded so quickly that the track listing was not confirmed in time to make it into the CD sleeve.
I've listened to it a couple of times today and it really does hold together. Quite a feat, all for charity.... And Whitby was never far from my mind.

Dummy - Portishead

I think that those in the know classify this album as Trip-Hop. Whatever.
It is, though, an super cool and laid back record but definitely an acquired taste. It is almost too cool for its own good. I bought this album shortly after its release on the strength of the lead singles 'Numb' and 'Sour Times'. Although these are representative of the album, a whole 45min of slow paced, drum heavy and ambient music does wear a little thin. That said, taken in short doses the songs are original enough to maintain interest.
The album is often cited in top lists from the 1990s and quoted as being one of the best British albums. I can't quite see that but popular music is a broad church. In its defence it did win the Mercury Prize in 1995. If that is indeed a defence!
If you are tempted to give it a listen, then do so in short bursts and I'm sure you will find it an engaging and original recording. If you must listen to it in one sitting, be patient and have some vibrant pop music ready to pick you up afterwards!

Captain Swing - Michelle Shocked

This was one of those albums that I played to death when it was released and then have not touched since. (Actually I did hear it at one of SD's friends house about ten years ago but I had drunk too much red wine so it doesn't count!)
Anyway I was intrigued to see how it would fare nearly twenty years later and....... not too bad actually. Not as good as I remember it but still a fun listen. The album wanders all over stylistically from blues to jazz to swing but is better for it. None of the tracks are as good as 'Anchorage' but that would be a tall order indeed.
We've seen Michelle live - at The Irish Centre in Leeds many years ago. I seem to remember that it was a good night out...but then nights in The Irish Centre usually were!

Wild Wood - Paul Weller

I'd forgotten just what a brilliant album this was! Yes I knew it was very good but the brilliance had become somewhat dulled in my memory. Each sing just fits - from the opening riff of 'Sunflower' to the whimsical 'Moon On Your Pyjamas'. It is definitely a summer album bur that is no bad thing. To listen to it in the depths if November it brings forth memories of summer camping trips and long light evenings.
I was too young to appreciate 'The Jam' and when 'The Style Council' cane along I was in serious mode and, quit frankly, they were a little lightweight so they were duly ignored. I would've been destined to ignore Paul Weller's solo output as well but thankfully I heard the track 'Wild Wood'. I had heard and liked a few tracks off his debut solo album but 'Wild Wood' was in a totally different league - a classic acoustic guitar riff leading the way and a laid back, summery vocal. There's that summer theme again!
The album will always remind me of buying our first house in Headingley as it was played a lot around that time.
It reminds me of our first neighbours as faint bars and rhythms of the album could be heard from the adjoining room.
It reminds me of visiting friends in Hull, prior to seeing him live at the ice rink and DC burning pizzas because he had 'decided' to grill them. Tsscchh!
It reminds me of being at the Pheonix Festival in 1993 and witnessing him playing like his life depended upon it. He was truly on fire that evening.
Finally it reminds me of driving up to the Lake District where we would meet up with the lads from Hartlepool for a camping weekend - it was 1994 and the album was on regular rotation on the car stereo during that summer.
(It never ceases to amaze me how music can instantly transport you to places long since forgotten).
I am really pleased I chose this album today.

Equinoxe - Jean-Michel Jarre

In the cannon of popular music you can't get any less rock 'n roll than Jean-Michel Jarre, yet his popularity is so massive that he has sold over 80m albums. And not all of them in France. I have been a long time fan of electronic music as it combines two of my passions; technology and music, and Jarre was the front runner in this field. My Dad had the 'Oxygene' LP and it would occasionally be heard around the house, but it was not until 'Rendezvous' was released in 1986 that I started to really take notice. This was them compounded we went on holiday to France. Not that we saw him or anything but the shops were full of his records. Even the supermarkets, which was unusual at the time, sold his albums.
I eventually bought a keyboard and the opening to this album was the first (and last!) piece of music I learnt to play. It is such a beautiful phrase and reminds me of the first drops of rain - the prelude to a storm perhaps. Maybe this was intentional on his part but take a listen and you'll see what I mean.
Although 'Oxygene' is probably his most well known this is a more rounded suite of music and a relaxing way to start the weekend.

Southside - Texas

[Saturday 26 Nov 2011] As soon as I saw 'I Don't Want A Lover' on The Chart Show early in 1989 I knew that it ticked all the right boxes; guitar driven, blues tinged, pop hooks.... and a female singer. Now that was unusual. In fact I am struggling to recall any other young rock band at that time that was fronted by a woman. (I'm sure there are plenty but it's the end of a long week and it's early in the morning so please forgive me).
The album followed in March of that year and received heavy rotation, in radio parlance, on the car stereo. I think most of us loved the album, although KC did comment once, whilst driving around the country lanes that surrounded Hartlepool, that it was good except the drums were rubbish. I hadn't heard such a load of cods wallop in all my years. The album was perfect.
Prior to the album coming out, Texas did a small UK tour and played The Riverside in Newcastle. Of course we all hurriedly bought tickets (without any thought to transport as usual) and our very accommodating parents agreed to drop us off and pick us up again. With this being our first gig, we had no idea when it would finish do agreed to be collected from Central Station at 11:00 pm. Oops. Mistake number 1. The concert did not finish until nearer midnight but as we were enjoying it so much we did not even think about leaving early. Mistake number 2. When we eventually did leave, clutching out merchandised T-Shirts, we decided to take the Metro which would carry us swiftly to our rendezvous. Mistake 3. It was shut. We eventually arrived well after midnight to be greeted by a less than happy parent. It was outrageous behaviour but at least the gig was good!
Texas or course went on to bigger things but this album will remain a favourite due to the memorable events that surrounded it. I've enjoyed my revisit to Southside but twenty two years too late, I have to agree with KC - the drums are rubbish!

Solitude Standing - Suzanne Vega

Making a lie of the difficult second album syndrome, 'Solitude Standing' is arguably Suzanne Vega's best album. It certainly was her most commercially successful, but experience tells us that this is not always a good thing!
Probably the most well known song on the album is 'Luka', which I had bought on cassette single. Remember them? What a bad idea. It is though a great song and an unlikely topic for a hit single. About a year ago I was reading some reviews of her live concerts and one fan actually posted this, "It was a fabulous concert and Suzanne even played 'Luka', such a beautiful song and it could've been named after me as I am also called 'Luka'". Mmmm I can't help but think she missed the meaning of the song.
We have seen Suzanne Vega on a couple of occasions and each time they have fabulous intimate affairs, especially the concert at Leeds City Varieties in 2000.

Tunnel Of Love - Bruce Springsteen

I really dislike Prefab Sprout. On the face of it this may seem like an odd opening statement in a blog about Bruce Springsteen but I can explain. Honest!
I became a Springsteen fan around the time of 'Born In The USA' and as usual this was a serious business. Here was an artist who recorded straightforward honest music that related to everyday people and the live they were trying to lead.
The, seemingly without provocation (or at least I thought so at the time) Prefab Sprout released 'Cars And Girls' and in it took several swipes at Springsteen and his (in their eyes at least) naive views of the world. Well, as you can imagine, I was outraged and decided, on the strength of that one song, I would boycott their music for ever. I can't say I have missed out on much!
The Sprout can't have heard this album as it is very reflective, dealing with themes of separation, loss, love and..... well maybe a car or two. I must say it came as a bit of a surprise - the tone was stripped back; acoustic guitars and muted drums were the order of the day with a country feel to the whole album. And it's fantastic because of it. The timeless sound of the music means that it has not dated one bit, unlike its predecessor.
Finally, I am lucky to have a picture disc CD of this album - I got it as a gift for Christmas that year. A gift that keeps on giving as it has not been far from the CD player ever since.

OK Computer - Radiohead

In 1997 Radiohead, in releasing this album, proved that concept albums were still a relevant form of recording. Sort of. The band have repeatedly refuted this claim but there is a definite theme running through the album; consumerism, alienation, globalisation, networking and transport - modern life in fact.
For those able to stomach nearly an hour of such themes, the album is a magnificent tour de force and it's inclusion in lists of all time greatest albums is no surprise.
Personally, it will always remind me of my first construction site posting. During the summer of 1997 I was transferred from the office to a site based team in Leeds City Centre. Boy did I kick up a fuss because I did not want to go. Why should I leave the comfort of an office to work on site? So I was virtually forced against my will. This album accompanied my on my daily commute; a walk to Burley Park station, train into the city centre and then a walk to the site offices. The sun always shined. And I soon began to love my life on site and never, whilst at LC at least, never went back to an office.
Radiohead would follow up this critically acclaimed album by.... well not bothering really. Kid A, released three years later, was the sound of a once great band disappearing up their own sense of self importance. I've not heard that album in a while so maybe I will give it an airing as part of this project..... If I have plenty of patience and coffee it might just be possible!

The Harrow & The Harvest - Gillian Welch

.......well it had to be didn't it? We're just on our way back from seeing Gillian Welch & David Rawlings in Glasgow and I am still beaming from ear to ear. It was simply a stunning concert - 'simply' because there were just the two performers, two guitars and a banjo. SD was right when she said the vocal performance reminded her of Simon & Garfunkel - the richness of the music that they created belied the fact that there were only two of them.
Upon waking this morning I just had to hear some of the songs again. This album, like the others before it, showcases their immense talents. This album though has a more beautiful melancholy than the others. Their voices sound absolutely amazing in harmony with subtle guitar fills from David Rawlings. Anyone who is unconvinced should take a listen to 'The Way It Goes' or 'Silver Dagger'.
If there is anything to feel sorry for today, it is that it has taken me so long to see them perform live. Even when this tour was announced I prevaricated as there wasn't a date that fitted in perfectly with my schedule. Didn't they know how busy I was?
I don't know why I dithered as I have been a fan ever since hearing 'My Morphine' on a recording that my Dad was given by a colleague. Well better late than never and I certainly won't be so reticent when they return to the UK. In the meantime I'll have to be content with their recorded output and a couple of live bootlegs that have 'appeared' in my collection. Right that's the end of the gushing, I'm off to listen to the album just one more time before I end my journey. Catch you on further down the trail.......

Kelvingrove Baby - The Bathers

You could be forgiven, based up the title of this album, that this was Glasgow's answer to U2's Berlin recorded album.
It couldn't, however, be anymore different. Instead of hard edged industrial sounds this album is warmer, smoother - soothing.
We're currently travelling by (late running) train up to Glasgow to see Gillian Welch in concert so it seemed apt that I listen to this album today. It turned out to be a perfect choice. Looking out of the window at the crisp but cold morning, this album is the aural equivalent of wrapping yourself in a blanket, or plunging into a warm bath. Either comparison will suffice.
I would like to think that the warmth this album gives off will last me through the rest of the day, and looking out over the north sea as the low winter sun shimmers on the still water it might just do that. Who knows what the weather will hold for us today. Sun, rain or something in between?
Ah well - for the time being at least I can kick back and lose myself..... Glasgow is a while off yet.

Once Upon A Time - Simple Minds

When we were growing up music was a very serious business. Very serious indeed. It wasn't life and death - it was much more important than that.
We all had our favourite bands and we discussed endlessly their relative merits. The problem was that, unlike football, there was no way of measuring one against the other. Very unsatisfying. It stayed that way until a scoring system was created. I can't recall who it was, PW or KC being the most likely culprits, but a scoring system was devised where bands were pitted against each other - a face-off if you like. Everything was compared and scored; best album, best single, best album artwork, best singer..... you get the idea. Eventually after pouring over the stats a definite winner was declared. Obviously there was a massive margin for error (or fiddling) but it entertained us for hours on end.
So it eventually came time to measure the two heavyweights of stadium rock. The stage was set for a final showdown between U2 and Simple Minds! Tension filled the air as it had often been argued that one was better than the other. Fights had very nearly broke out and friendships ruined. Sure U2 had some mildly entertaining hits but the ace up the sleeve in the Simple Minds camp was 'Once Upon A Time'. A bombastic, hit laden album designed for arenas and vastly superior to any of U2's output - it all but guaranteed a win. Not a single duff track and thumping head splitting production racked up the points. U2 were destined to lose out big time and lose they did. Simple Minds were going to dominate for years to come......
.....then U2 released 'The Joshua Tree' and it was game over.
I still argue, with myself mainly, that Simple Minds had the far superior earlier catalogue, peaking with this ace album. Come to think of it, U2 haven't faired so well recently - I think it's time for another face-off........

Young Forever - Aberfeldy

Are Aberfeldy the Scottish Beautiful South? Quirky, slightly melancholic lyrics - Check. Pop Hooks - Check. Male/Female harmonies - Check. Dodgy album artwork - Check
This album was recorded around a single mic with no overdubs. Given the relative complexity of the arrangements this is nothing short of amazing. Not sure the Beautiful South could've done that.
Whatever they are, this debut album from the Edinburgh band is different enough to stand out from the crowd. Quite laid back, mellow and melodic - the perfect way to start a weekend in Scotland. Still not sure about that artwork though. What were they thinking - take a look for yourself below!

Supergrass - Supergrass

"This is ageless pop music" said Q Magazine, at least they did according to the sticker in the front of the CD - and having listened to it again I can't fault their statement.
Supergrass must be one of the most overlooked British bands and it is a real shame that they have called it a day. The music they made is chock full of pop hooks, melodies and wonderful British eccentricity - bicycle pumps feature somewhere on this album.
We managed to see the band for free when they played the Stockton-on-Tees Riverside festival in 2009. Unfortunately, as we had elected to travel by train, we had to leave during the encore. It was though a wonderful experience to be able to view 'Pumping On My Stereo' whilst standing on a bridge over the River Tees.
I can't help but feel that we are losing bands like Supergrass and replacing them with identikit boy/girl groups churning out bland hit after bland hit...... or maybe I'm just getting old!

Kick - INXS

As the nights drew in, or in times of inclement weather, we used to congregate in each others houses and one of the favourite haunts was the attic of PW's house. Tucked away at the top of the house, it was far away from the domain of adults and we could make as much noise, within reason, as we liked. What made it even cooler was that the ladder into the roof space was accessed from one of PW's wardrobes. Flippin' brilliant or what! A bit like the bat cave might've been if Bruce Wayne had been brought up on a council estate in Hartlepool rather than a multi-millionaire's mansion.
Anyway I am digressing. So we used to congregate there and play snooker, read books, shoot the breeze and listen to records. This album, and others from INXS were in almost constant rotation, occasionally interspersed with Bon Jovi's 'Slippery When Wet' and Big Country. It was a great place to hang out and PW was a willing host, or at least he was until someone defaced one of his 'Oor Wullie' books. After several laps around the snooker table, being chased by PW brandishing a snooker cue, the perpetrator disappeared down the ladder and out of the house. I am not sure to this day whether the lifetime ban has been lifted but I can confirm that they are on speaking terms!
Although I am not a huge INXS fan, this album contains their classic hits. Definitely pop in nature, this record contains probably their best tracks and certainly their biggest hits. PW used to argue that the earlier INXS albums were better but I think that was him being contrary. If he stopped brandishing the snooker cue long enough he might see that he was wrong!

Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits

In 1985 my Dad, who was always keen to have the latest gadget, came home with some new black boxes. It was a Trio hi-fi (who would later become known by their real name Kenwood) and within the boxes there was this new bit of kit called a CD player. I remember seeing this on Tomorrow's World a couple of years previously but now we had one in the house. Cool!
Inextricably linked to this purchase was 'Brothers In Arms'. A truly digital album whose rim hits sound so thin and precise that they could almost be used to cut diamond. And no matter how loud it was turned up there was no audible hiss (well nearly!). But for all of the technological trickery, there are two memories of mine that are linked to this album.
The first is of me lying in the floor in front of the gas fire at my Nana's one Sunday afternoon listening to the album on my Walkman and marvelling at the guitar part in 'Ride Across The River' - deciding there and then that I wanted to learn how to play the guitar.
The second is of a home movie of my friends miming to 'Money For Nothing'. It was probably the finest line up in rock history - Dave on the drums (foot stool), Shaun singing (hair brush) and Yosa playing the iconic guitar part (bed pan). It was quite a sight and if any of them upset me it's going straight on YouTube!
Of all my albums this is one of those that has influenced me a great deal; igniting my love of the guitar, giving me a greater appreciation of strong lyrics in songwriting and establishing my fondness for albums over individual songs.

L.A. Woman - The Doors

It started with a movie. In 1991 a bunch of us went to Middlesbrough to see the new Oliver Stone film, 'The Doors'. To say I loved it was an understatement and I immediately set about collecting anything that was 'Doors' related; Books, CDs, videos, posters and T Shirts. You name it.
I was actually already aware of 'The Doors' through our Thursday trips to the Gemini but the movie tipped me over the edge!
The obsession reached a peak when in 1992, during an Inter-rail trip, Rid and I insisted that we visit Paris so we could 'meet' Jim - well his grave anyway. Arriving at his grave was a strange experience - the place was packed! A whole range of people were at his side; dopers, slackers, punks, hippies and 'regular' types. (I apologise for the dated stereotypical labelling but it was the only way I can describe the scene). There was an air of deference - or there was until JG read his head stone and blurted 'Douglas? His middle name is Douglas?' and started laughing. Needless to say, we made a quick exit.
Although all of their albums are worth a listen, this is by far the most approachable. It's a very bluesy affair and less prone to psychedelic doodling; 'Love Her Madly' and 'Riders On The Storm' being the most well known tracks here.
As for the movie that started me off? Well it is rubbish isn't it? Mostly fictional but since when did that get in the way of a good story?

Bryter Layter - Nick Drake

If say, for example, you were up until 1:30am chatting, drinking and eating and did not sleep well at all, then this would be the perfect album to play the following afternoon.
Not that I would do any of those things of course, but if I did......

Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman

11 June 1988 and a twenty five year-old woman walked out onto a stage in front of 60,000 people with just a guitar and her voice. Without any ceremony she launched into three songs and the crowd went silent. In that moment, Tracy Chapman demonstrated the power that a can be wielded by a guitar and a voice and in doing so went from an obscure singer-songwriter to a household name. It is a moment that I will never forget.
PW and I had decided long before this date that we wanted to attend the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Party Concert at Wembley - not due to any political reasons but because our beloved Dire Straits were topping the bill. As usual our very accommodating parents bought the tickets and dropped us at the bus station where a coach would take us down to London. It was our first 'proper' gig and what an event it was. Looking back, we were so fortunate to have seen such a wide range of performers including Simple Minds, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Midge Ure, Al Green, Bryan Adams, Whoopi Goldberg, UB40. Eurythmics, Bee Gees, Fry and Laurie, Eric Clapton, Johnny Marr, Dire Straits and Salt-N-Pepa. Ok maybe not so much that last act! It was though a roster of the big acts from the 1980s.
But surprisingly, what I remember from that day is not the big-names and headline performers but how this unknown singer-songwriter stood up and sang her songs; even doing a second set to save the organisers' embarrassment when Steve Wonder refused to play as a hard disc containing his backing tracks had gone missing.