My pub juke box
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.