My pub juke box

Related tags Elvis presley

Paul Smith, the executive director NOCTIS (formerly BEDA) chooses his favourite tracks Here's the list in alphabetical order (by band), not...

Paul Smith,

the executive director NOCTIS (formerly BEDA) chooses his favourite tracks

Here's the list in alphabetical order (by band), not favourites

— that would be too hard.

1. Planet Claire

The B-52s

Formed part of the soundtrack to my student clubbing at Spiders Nightclub in Hull — played at many a midweek goth night.

2. The Saturday Boy

Billy Bragg

A genius piece of songwriting from the Bard of Barking — contains one of the most poignant lines in pop: "I never made the first team, I just made the first team laugh..." I was hooked from the first time I heard BB on a John Peel session in 1983.

3. England's Irie

Black Grape

The football song that should have been England's anthem — knocks 3 Lions for six. A soundtrack to the heady days of Euro '96.

4. Autobahn

Kraftwerk

Played to me by my next door neighbour Carl, a club DJ, when I was about 12. I've been a massive fan of Kraftwerk ever since.

5. A Case of You

Joni Mitchell

This was played on my wedding day to Rachel, in 1998. Simply a beautiful song.

6. Mystery Train

Elvis Presley

Elvis from the early days, long before the jump suits, the on-stage karate moves and the burgers. Spent many Friday nights, when I lived in London, driving up north listening (repeatedly) to the King in my mate Simon's car.

7. House of Cards

Radiohead

A rare band that just seems to get better and better with age. This song is from In Rainbows, their latest. I always have at least one Radiohead CD in my car.

8. Too Much Too Young/Ghost Town

The Specials

A band I have always adored (Terry Hall, above). It's a photo-finish between these two songs — can't decide which I love most.

9. Way Down in the Hole

Tom Waits

A work of genius from Tom Waits — the greatest performer I've ever seen live. It also happens to be the signature tune to The Wire — one of the most powerful pieces of TV drama ever made.

10. ReAl by Reel

XTC

The first band I ever saw live, when I was 14. This song remains one of the best

from the band's 1979

Drums and Wires album.

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