Nick the Xervantes Civil

Today we are joined by Nick who in his own words, describes himself as a "Wannabe writer. A sort of tall, angular Malcolm Tucker after a Prozac smoothie. A Street End Soul from the raised desk on the left."

1) The Undertones - It's Gonna Happen
First single I ever bought. Got this and Madness - Shut Up on the same day. Always reminds me of growing up and getting into music for myself.

2) Marlena Shaw - California Soul
Found this by accident on a compilation album. Was the song of a certain summer for me. Until I heard it blasting out of the TV for a well known fast food chicken retailer. There's a Colonel of truth to that.

3) Vex Red - Can't Smile
Another compilation find. One of them songs I need to play on a regular basis.

4) John Lennon - Working Class Hero
Proper hero of mine. Grew up just down the road from where he lived and yet he managed to touch the world. I just touch myself. In Tesco. In the bread aisle.

5) Mint Royale - Blue Song
Sounds old and new at the same time. Proper head bobber. Plus the video has Noel Fielding bopping in a Ford Cortina. What more could you ask for?

6) Super Furry Animals - The Very Best of Neil Diamond
A band that has gotten more sophisticated by the year. This is a boss song with a very serious message.

7) Simon and Garfunkel - America
A beautiful song. Just as simple as that. Always reminds me of living in Holland. My dad used to have their greatest hits on in the car as we drove to get the ferry home to England.

8) Duckworth Lewis Method - The Nightwatchman
I think this is a stunning song. So full of gravitas and emotion. Beautifully arranged and superbly written. It is about cricket but it isn't. That takes some doing.

9) Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It
Another growing up tune. Love it. Great video, great song, great band. Reminds me of the video juke box in Cascades. Used to sneak in there for a beer as a youth.

10) The Beatles - Something
Quite simply the greatest love song ever written. (to me anyway)