My pub juke box
Mark Hastings
communications director at the British Beer & Pub Association, chooses his favourite tracks
First record bought:
Led Zeppelin II
Musical memory: The joy of music is that every day there's a new tune and a new memory.
The memories are myriad, but seeing the Sex Pistols at a small sticky-floored pub in early 1977 was one of those big tipping-point moments. Narrowing down to 10 faves is virtually impossible, but hopefully this list represents a bit of a musical journey.
1. WHAT'S GOING ON?
Marvin Gaye
Early Motown, Stax and Northern Soul were important musical touchstones of my teens. This tune's laid-back harmony belies a searing lyric about inner-city turmoil, social breakdown and armed conflict: as on-the-button now as when it was released.
2. WHEN THE LEVÉE BREAKS
Led Zeppelin (pictured below)
The band who made the first record I ever bought. This is the legendary band at their best from one of their later albums. Blues in the soul, rock in the heart, with a classic sparse but thumping John Bonham drum foundation.
3. IN A RUT
The Ruts
Could be the Clash, Sex Pistols, the Damned, Buzzcocks, Souxsie, Lurkers or XTC — but this is pure punk on a platter.
4. BILL IS DEAD
The Fall
The Cure, the Smiths and this lot were at the core of my soundtrack to the early to mid-1980s. This track has a haunting hook of a melody coupled with classic Mark E Smith vocal performance.
5. FOOLS GOLD
Stone Roses
This classic late 1980s tune from the "Madchester" mullahs is a purple-hazed prelude to the 24 Hour Party People era. It captures perfectly the anticipation of, and build up to, a big night out.
6. ODYSSEY TO ANYOONA
Jam & Spoon
The first dance anthem played at my wedding — and an abiding memory of ocean sunsets on a perfect palm-fringed beach in Mauritius.
7. YOU'VE GOT THE LOVE
The Source, feat. Candi Staton
The Second Summer of Love - 'nuff said.
8. COWGIRL
Underworld
An upfront, full-on, in-your-face, joyous, pumping tune, which never fails to get a dance floor heaving.
9. 3 AM
Marcus Intalex
A track that encapsulates the energy and mood of a club
at... 3am!
10. FADE
Solu Music feat. Kimblee
Time for a wind-down and chill-out track — what to choose? This gets my vote, but I also love Protection, by Massive Attack, which reminds me of the emotional rush at the births of my daughter and son.
And Lark Ascending, by Vaughan Williams, is the essence of England. This tune is the pure pleasure and optimism of a bright summer beach — kids playing, hot sun on the face, warm breeze washing over you and cold beer in the hand.
