After taking a summer to concentrate on creating quality #content for a famous golfing holiday website, Young Tommo has returned to the playing throng of BCC, much to the adoration of his balcony-based public.
His submission to take part in the Wheels of Steel has been in the queue for months and even took a lot longer to prepare than that.
Matt has put together ten of the best album openers in existence. Quite a fitting theme - best openers - for one of the ten best openers in the current selection pool for BCC 2nd XI, if Lamby is at three or Rocket isn't available.
Or Bryce isn't playing. Or Rehan is with Lancs.
Or Qas is in the firsts. Or Tate is drunk. Or JOB isn't pinch hitting. Or Kelly isn't doing it. Or Brunty...
HERE'S MATT'S BEST OPENING TRACKS!!!1
Theme: Favourite album openers.
Genre: 80s indie and pop, Britpop, Rap
Length: 40 minutes.
Crossfade: 0 seconds.
Q&A
When and where's the playlist best listened to?
My daily getting ready playlist. Other than that, down the club annoying Blakey into the early hours.
The playlist's on, what are we drinking and what are we eating?
Seen as we’re down at BCC, it’ll have to be Carling. Definitely not Warsteiner, unless you want tears. Bottle of WKD for the bar steward.
Which track(s) had to be on there?
The Prince track could’ve warranted a place on the funky intro alone. Hell of a tune. Also, since seeing Squeeze at a young age with my Dad I’ve thought they were ace and Pulling Mussels is my favourite track of theirs.
Which track(s) might people have never heard of?
All pretty popular choices. The lesser well-known tracks are probably Our Bovine Public and for people my age, Pulling Mussels.
Is there a theme or anything?
Ten of my favourite album openers. Proved very difficult to whittle it down to just ten tracks, had to leave some belters out.
Describe your playlist in a few words...
Something for everybody that features tracks from some true music icons.
A BIT ABOUT EACH TRACK
Age Of Consent – New Order – Power, Corruption & Lies
Formed in the demise of Joy Division and the suicide of frontman Ian Curtis, New Order were one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the 1980’s. Taken from my favourite album of theirs, you’ll find yourself humming the somewhat addictive bassline for the rest of the day.
Kinky Afro – Happy Mondays – Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches
Signed to the famous Factory Records, Happy Mondays were a massive part of the “Madchester” scene in the 80’s and early 90’s. Ryder wrote the lyrics after a skin full of lager and took inspiration from British soul band Hot Chocolate, seemingly a winning formula.
Hello – Oasis – (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?
This choice could have been either of the opening tracks from the first three Oasis albums. Both, Rock ‘n’ Roll Star (Definitely Maybe) and D’ya Know What I Mean? (Be Here Now) are mega, but Hello trumps them for me, especially the live versions. Noel Gallagher samples a touch of Gary Glitter’s (can I say that?) hit, “Hello (It’s Good to Be Back)" on the final chorus.
Brianstorm – Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare
Urgent, loud and chaotic genius. The perfect tune to follow up from their hugely successful, first album “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” and instantly put any doubters that they could do it again, back in their place. Heavy drums, heavy bass, heavy guitars… You name it, this track has it.
Our Bovine Public – The Cribs – Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever
Having seen them twice recently, I couldn’t leave them out. The three brothers over the years have developed a reputation, well known for their recklessness on stage and their amazing live shows. This track sums them up well for me, noisy and rough round the edges yet, absolutely brilliant.
Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) – Squeeze – Argybargy
Viewed as one of Squeeze’s catchiest songs, the 1980 released track tells the tale of the different walks of life on a seaside holiday in the UK. The lyrics are based on singer Chris Difford’s own experiences, and features piano from Jools Holland.
Modern Love – David Bowie – Let’s Dance
Bowie’s FIFTEENTH studio album wasn’t regarded as his best work by a long shot, however if the whole of “Let’s Dance” had sounded like this, there could have been few complaints.
I Wanna Be Your Lover – Prince – Prince
Intended for “Forget Me Nots” singer Patrice Rushen, Prince was 21 when he released this track in in 1979. Taken from his self-titled second album, his flamboyant and unique style hadn’t quite detached himself from the disco genre at this point, little did the world know what a treat they were in for.
Never Too Much – Luther Vandross – Never Too Much
Great track taken from an outstanding album featuring vibrant, bouncy up-tempo tracks whilst still leaving plenty of room for slower and more intimate numbers. Good listen all round.
Straight Outta Compton – NWA – Straight Outta Compton
A track taken from one of the greatest, most influential hip-hop albums to ever be produced. Well known for their controversial lyrics and actions, the group were said to have redefined the direction of hip-hop with this album.