Inspiration
Inspiration from Music
Radiohead- Probably the most fascinating band to come out of England in the last 20 years! Some might say depressing but I think that they have an awful lot to say and really strike a chord for me. They have also experimented with their music, notably with the release of their forth album, ‘Kid A’, 2000, which was a big departure from the first three but which still sold successfully. I remember seeing them at a small venue in Cambridge, England after the release of their first album, ‘Pablo Honey’, 1993, and was really struck with the quality and creative use of Thom Yorke’s vocals and the sheer excitement of the guitar work. The best album they’ve ever released? Well, difficult to definitely answer as they all have their qualities, but on balance I reckon it has to be ‘OK Computer’, 1997.
David Bowie- He’s been going so long with such creativety and variety! A massive influence on many other artists. The best album for me is definitely ‘Hunky Dory’, 1971. Also great in Nicolas Roeg’s film, ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’, 1976.
Ella Fitzgerald- What a fabulous voice! Sensuous, silky and showing the signs of a hard life. Too many great songs to list here apart from my real favourite, ‘I Can’t Get Started’ from the album ‘Ella Swings Gently with Nelson’, 1962.
Kraftwerk- The fathers of electronic music. A band of great talent and influenced so many other bands in the eighties. Favourite album is still ‘Autobahn’, 1974.
Morrissey and The Smiths- A whole generation of us identifed with Morrissey’s angst-ridden lyrics and pithy social comment, plus some great guitar work from Johnny Marr. My favourite Smiths album must be ‘The Queen Is Dead’, 1986. We’ve also seen a fantastic return by Morrissey with his latest album ‘You are the Quarry’, 2004.
Public Image Limited (PiL)- After a highly volatile career with the Sex Pistols, John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) left to form PiL and after a few unhelpfully crap reviews, went on to produce some great music. My favourite album has to be ‘Album’, 1986 (issued as ‘Compact Disc’ on CD).
Massive Attack- The Bristol band that helped to start the whole ‘Trip Hop’ movement. My favourite album is ‘Protection’, 1994, with its moody undertones and great vocals from Robert del Naja.
