What was the Number One single the day you were born?
Elton John & Kiki Dee’s ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ was Number One on both sides of the Atlantic. The No1 album was The Beach Boys ’20 Golden Greats’ and the Box Office Number One was ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ starring Clint Eastwood. A film I’ve never seen..
Earliest Musical Memory?
My mother tells me every time she played the Olivia Newton John single ‘Sam’ I would burst into tears. Similarly, if I was having a tantrum she would put on ‘Message In A Bottle’ by The Police, and whatever I was doing I would just stop, sit, and listen intently.
I don’t remember either of these, although I do accept them to be true.
My earliest memory is still vivid. The date was December 8th 1980, my mothers friend knocked on our door, said something to her, and they both collapsed into each others arms, sobbing uncontrollably. I didn’t know at the time what was going on, but obviously I knew there was something wrong. It’s an image I’ve never forgotten..
Another early memory also concerns John Lennon. I was listening to the radio and there was a documentary on him on the anniversary of his death. 2nd or 3rd, I can’t remember. I was 6 or 7, and had heard many Beatles songs as mum was a huge fan and played them often. The radio documentary played this particular song that I was captivated by. I’m not sure where she was at the time but she hadn’t heard it. So I tried to explain to her it was quite an up-tempo, rocky number. Suggestions included Revolution, The Ballad of John & Yoko, Lady Madonna. It wasn’t any of these.
My quest to find the song resulted in me listening to each and every one of her Beatles albums. It wasn’t on any of them. Did I imagine this song, did I dream it up?
It was some 7 or 8 years later that I heard the song once again. The euphoria! It had been an unsolved mystery for too long. And it was? ‘Give Peace A Chance’’ It never once occurred to me they had played a solo Lennon track..
The First record you bought / owned?
It became apparent to my parents very early on that I had a love for music. They bought a turntable for me aged about 5. I wasn’t allowed to play any of my parents records on it, but mum gave me half a dozen 7” singles she no longer listened to. They can’t have been very good as I can only remember one. ‘Concrete & Clay’ by Unit 4 plus 2’. I played the record over and over and over, to the point where I’m sure she cursed the day she ever gave it to me.
Officially the first song I ever bought was 19 by Paul Hardcastle. I song I loved then and still do now. This song was bought for me though, so the first song I ever bought with my own money was ‘Stand and Deliver’ by Adam & The Ants, 10 pence at a school fair about a year later.
The first album?
‘Fantastic’ by Wham.
Earliest musical hero?
Adam Ant. A great pop star, great image. I lovewd his songs and I loved him.
What song reminds you of your school days?
By the time I started High School in 1987 my obsession with music had reached fever pitch. I’d tape the Chart Show onto cassette every Sunday evening, and video Top of the Pops very Thursday. By ’88 I was spending all my pocket money on music, also washing cars for extra money. By ’90 I was making compilation tapes on a regular basis. By 1991 I was selling these compilations to school mates ( thank the Lord for high-speed dubbing! ).
The years 1988 – 1993 are covered in more detail on my next mix. In answer to the question, the song that most reminds me of my school days is ‘The Only One I Know’ by the Charlatans.
What song reminds you of your first love?
Her name was Sally Anne. I forget her surname. I met her on holiday, I was 13, she 12. I knew her for 4 days, spoke to her less than 4 times. I never kissed her, but it was love! The song that most reminds me of her is ‘Girl I’m Gonna Miss You’ by Milli Vanilli..
Most embarrassing record in your collection?
I have lots, but probably ‘Tarzan Boy’ by Baltimora.
First gig attended?
Morrissey at the Manchester Apollo. December 1992. I’d gotten into this Smiths and Morrissey in a big way the previous year.
Which song reminds you of your College days?
I left school in 1993, and quickly got a job Djing around the area. I still lived at home and would work 3 nights a week, being paid a fortune ( I thought at the time ). I didn’t appreciate College, and only attended half the lessons I was meant to, deciding sitting in a pub or record shopping in Altrincham was a far better way of spending my time. I started College in late 1994. Britpop was all the rage, so I’d say ‘Parklife’ by Blur is the song that most reminds me of these days..
Which band / singer have you seen live the most times?
I’ve seen Morrissey and Blur live 9 times each..
What is the most money you’ve spent on one record?
The Autobahn 12” single by Kraftwerk. It was about £20. I’ve never been more extravagant than that!
What album would you say changed your life?
The Stone Roses debut album. It was released in April 1989, when I was 12. Again I have my mother to thank. A work friend of hers had copied it for her onto one side of a C-90 cassette, telling her she’d like it as it was reminiscent of the Beatles and the Byrds. She did like it and so did I. Within weeks of first hearing it my tastes changed. Out went current faves the Pet Shop Boys, Transvision Vamp and Erasure. Now it was all about the Roses, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, Northside etc
The cassette wasn’t long enough to contain the whole album, so the last track ‘I Am The Resurrection’ would cut off halfway through. It was a full 6 months after first hearing it that I bought the album and finally heard that track in all its glory!
What is your Saturday night record?
Something funky. Parliament, Funkadelic. Maybe Off The Wall by Michael Jackson.
And your Sunday morning record.
Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake.
What album are you currently listening to?
‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ by The Duke & The King. It’s great.
What is your favourite movie soundtrack?
I could pretend to be cool here, and go for a Morricone score or a soundtrack to a Tarantino flick. But I’ll tell the truth instead. It’s Grease!
Who is your favourite male vocalist of all time?
Steve Winwood. He was 15 when he sang ‘Keep On Running’. 15! Have a listen to it, he was fifteen!!
And your favourite female vocalist?
A close call between Kate Bush and Aretha Franklin. They have such a different style. Can I say both?
You can. Which song makes you cry?
‘By The Time I Get To Phoenix’ by Glen Campbell. His delivery of that song makes it superior to any other version.
What if push comes to shove is your favourite album of all time?
I think it’d be ‘Abbey Road’ by the Beatles. It’s just a wonderful album. However there’s about 6 albums by them that could quite easily be my favourite . I have a strong affection toward ‘Rubber Soul’.
And your favourite song?
‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up every time I hear it.
Finally, what song do you want played at your funeral.
Erik Satie. Gymnopedie #1
* Tracks by Olivia Newton John, Baltimora and Milli Vanilli have been omitted due to time constrictions. No other reason. Honest..
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