Are Queen Latifah, the Lovin’ Spoonful, and Guns ‘n’ Roses sounding like a broken record? Are the Eagles, Drake, and Smokey Robinson just too familiar? Well Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie … the levy was dry, so we handpicked a collection of songs evocative of a stroll through the basement of Great Britain’s finest musical museum. So put on a knees-up with your mates, or just bum out on your own, to gen up on some brilliant pop-rock-reggae-folk-psychedelia-soul-country from our fellow English-speakers across the pond.
“Dreadlock Holiday,” 10 cc, Bloody Tourists
Wish you were on that holiday with those tourists?
“Atrocity Exhibition,” Joy Division, Closer
Partially inspired by the 1970 J. G. Ballard collection of “condensed novels,” bassist Peter Hook describes the guitar part as making “it sound like somebody strangling a cat”.
“Getting in Tune,” The Who, Who’s Next
Completely improvised in the studio. Pete Townshend was one of those people to document his daily life in song.
“The Ghost in You,” Psychedelic Furs, Mirror Moves
We all have one.
“Frankly, Mr. Shankly,” The Smiths, The Queen is Dead
Another narration on the sad life of fame.
“Win,” David Bowie, Young Americans
Seems you’re trying not to lose.
“I Believe,” Tears for Fears, Songs from the Big Chair
I can’t deny that I, sadly, am not a Virgo. 😉
“Ascension Day,” Talk Talk, Laughing Stock
L8r. I’m out.
“Lucifer Sam,” Pink Floyd, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
Be a hip cat, be a ship cat, ooooo-oh…
“Shine a Light,” The Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street
(Just don’t listen to the Phish cover.)
“White Room,” Cream, Wheels of Fire
Wait in this place where the shadows run from themselves. At least you won’t be alone.
“Ballad of Big Nothing,” Elliott Smith, Either/Or
This song really makes a statement. We hope it inspires you.
“Hateful,” The Clash, London Calling
Hate the system (but keep up your grades, kids, and don’t forget to go to college and get a degree with a promising prognosis for your career).