After discovering Spotify about a month ago, I have been re-discovering a lot of my favourite old music.
The most memorable songs in the soundtrack of my life so far are listed below – and available on a Spotify Playlist.
The Dubliners “Whiskey In The Jar” – My Gran was probably the first influence to my musical taste. I grew up listening to Irish folk music, most memorably the gravely tones of Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners. This was the first song I ever learnt all the words to. I can still remember the excitement of getting the vinyl records out of their sleeves.
Eric Carmen “Hungry Eyes” – My mum LOVES the film Dirty Dancing. When I was small, she used to watch it in the evenings when I was in bed. I used to lie in bed, listening to the washing machine (on late to take advantage of the cheaper electricity) and the fantastic sound track of the movie.
Blondie “Denis” – We lived with my Grandparents several times when I was growing up – for varying periods of time between house moves. My uncle lived at home and his musical taste was a big influence on me. He had more records, tapes, CDs and videos that I could get my head around. He also had huge speakers on shelves in the corners of his bedroom. I can remember listening to him playing Blondie while I was in the bath. Denis is the song I remember most vividly.
Scarlet “Independent Love Song” – The first single I ever bought. I bought it on tape from ASDA in Swindon and it cost 75p. I think it’s still in my old room at my parent’s house.
Let Loose “Crazy For You” - Richie Wermerling, Let Loose’s lead singer, was probably my first boy band crush. I was devastated that they were kept off the #1 spot with this song by Wet Wet Wet and “Love Is All Around”. In researching this post I was a bit disappointed to see that Richie now looks a bit rough.
Texas “Say What You Want” – I can remember listening to this song on the school bus. It was the first Texas song to really register on my radar. I have been a big fan of Texas and Sharleen Spiteri ever since.
Buddy Holly “Rave On” – My mum and I used to sing along to a Buddy Holly tape in the car. We had voices and everything… Good times!
Semisonic “Delicious” – Semisonic supported Texas on their Greatest Hits tour. I saw them in Bournemouth and loved them from that moment on. This track was incredible live, the whole audience joined in. Semisonic’s drummer, Jake used to blog on their website. That was the first blog I ever read – I didn’t even realise what it was at the time.
B52s “Love Shack” – This reminds me of my high school Leavers’ Ball – and especially my sixth form teacher crush!
Christina Aguilera “Dirrty” – This was my pulling song while at University. Guys just seemed to find me on the dance floor when this was on.
Reef “Place Your Hands” – I wasted two years at University pining after one guy. He couldn’t have been less interested in me, but I couldn’t see it. Anyway… he danced with me to this song once and it put me in a right spin. I now can’t listen to it without cringing with embarrassment.
The Streets “Could Well Be In” – I really wanted to pick the whole album, “A grand don’t come for free”, but settled on this track. The album reminds me of an ex-boyfriend. Whenever I listen to The Streets, I am sat in his room in his student house. It’s dark except for a row of fairy lights along the ceiling. There is a small fan heater making the room toasty warm and we’re having a minesweeper marathon (you remember that game!).
Green Day “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – When I first started driving, there was a Green Day tape in the car (the little red Renault Clio that I now drive to work every day) and I used to listen to it wherever we went. I can’t hear Green Day without instantly being transported to that time.
The idea for this post came from the book “No One Cares What You Had For Lunch” by Margaret Mason. Thanks to my twitter friend, @amykate for recommending it.
Image of Blondie Pin from teamstickergiant.
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