The Beatles - you've got to hide your love away, 1965

"That's me in my Dylan period again. I am like a chameleon, influenced by whatever is going on. If Elvis can do it, I can do it. If the Everly Brothers can do it, me and Paul can. Same with Dylan."

Tame Impala - yes i'm changing, 2015

"In 2013, Kevin Parker was alone. Seclusion was never a foreign feeling to the Australian singer and multi-instrumentalist: he’s a naturally introverted figure who works best free from the commitments of collaboration or the pressure of personal connection. He even made an entire album, Lonerism, based around the themes of separation and isolation. Of all the dense layers of instrumentation and sounds, Lonerism featured only two other musical performers and a number of production individuals that you could count on a single hand. Even these relatively sparse proceedings would be too much. In the spirit of Parker’s own newly found isolation, Currents is a solo album in the truest sense: completely written and recorded, mixed and produced, conceptualised and realised by himself, holed away in a house where his creative impulses would be undisturbed."

Marillion - kayleigh alternate mix, 1985

"Some names just didn't exist a generation ago, but have taken off in popularity. The most famous of these is Kayleigh, which came into existence thanks to the neo-prog rock band Marillion, who had a number two hit with a single of this name in 1985. It was almost unheard of before the song. But since then it has taken hold, especially with parents who grew up with a love of long-haired bouffant power ballads. A few years ago, the name made it to the 30th most popular girl's name in Britain, and it remains popular: 267 children were named it last year. Curiously, though, it has spawned a bewildering sub-sect of names, nearly all of which are unrelentingly bizarre. There were 101 Demi-Leighs last year, seven Chelsea-Leighs and four called Lilleigh, which sounds like a sanitary product."

Swallow - tastes like honey, 1992

"Although they were probably joking when they said it, the British duo of Mike Mason and Louise Trehy pretty much nailed it when, in an interview, they dubbed themselves the “Cockatoo Twins.” The music on Blow fits rather stereotypically into the 4AD stable of cosmic, guitar-based angel rock — so much so it’s almost (almost) possible to overlook the fact that, while beautiful, it is also stunningly derivative. Mason’s churning, phasing-heavy guitar lines, supple melodies and store-bought drum patterns provide Trehy with quite a pedestal for her whispery, cherubic come-on of a voice. Though blissfully enjoyable, tracks like “Sugar Your Mind,” “Cherry Stars Collide” and “Tastes Like Honey” are by-the-book 4AD."

Bee Gees - how deep is your love, 1977

"How Deep Is Your Love" is a pop ballad written and recorded by the Bee Gees in 1977 and released as a single in September of that year. It was ultimately used as part of the soundtrack to the film Saturday Night Fever. It was a number-three hit in the United Kingdom and Australia. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 on 25 December 1977 and stayed in the Top 10 for 17 weeks. It spent six weeks atop the US adult contemporary chart. It is listed at No. 27 on Billboard's All Time Top 100. Alongside "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever", it is one of the group's three tracks on the list. The song was covered by Take That for their 1996 Greatest Hits album, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks."

Rufus Du Sol - you were right, 2015

"You Were Right" is a song by Australian alternative dance group Rüfüs Du Sol. The song was released on 26 June 2015 as the lead single from the group's second studio album, Bloom (2016). The song peaked at number 22 on the ARIA Chart, becoming the group's first top 40 single. The song was certified 2× platinum in Australia in 2017. At the 2015 Australian Independent Record Labels Association Awards, the song was nominated for Best Independent Dance/Electronica or Club Single."

Texas - say what you want, 1997

"Say What You Want" is a song by Scottish rock band Texas, written by band members Johnny McElhone and Sharleen Spiteri. It was the first single to be released from the group's fourth studio album, White on Blonde (1997), and released via the bands record label Mercury Records."

New Order - crystal, 2001

"Crystal" is a song by English rock band New Order. The song was released on 11 July 2001 as the first single from their seventh studio album, Get Ready (2001). "Crystal" entered the UK Singles Chart at number eight, attracting considerable attention and critical praise as the band's comeback single, their first original since 1993. The song also found success internationally, peaking at number three in Canada, number seven in Finland, and reaching the top 50 in Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Sweden. "Crystal" appears as the first track on the album in a version different from the single release, with an extended intro and coda."

Mike Oldfield - man in the rain, 1998

"Man in the Rain" is similar in style to Oldfield's 1983 hit, "Moonlight Shadow", from which "Man in the Rain" borrows sampled drums. An early version of "Man in the Rain" was also written shortly after "Moonlight Shadow". Another early demo version of "Man in the Rain" was recorded for Oldfield's Islands album, with vocals by Barry Palmer; this version later turned into the song "Heaven's Open". "Man in the Rain" was also the working title for the album Heaven's Open."

Moby - feeling so real, 1994

"Feeling So Real" is a song by American electronica musician Moby, released on October 1994 by Mute and Elektra, as the second single from the musician's third studio album, Everything Is Wrong (1995). The song, both written and produced by Moby, features the phrases "sound system rocking my....." (the full sample saying "sound system rocking my sieve") and "set it up DJ!" spoken by Kochie Banton, who also appears in Moby's following single, "Everytime You Touch Me". The guest vocalist for the song is Rozz Morehead."

The Animals - the house of the rising sun, 1964

"The House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional folk song, sometimes called "Rising Sun Blues". It tells of a person's life gone wrong in the city of New Orleans. Many versions also urge a sibling or parents and children to avoid the same fate. The most successful commercial version, recorded in 1964 by the British rock band the Animals, was a number one hit on the UK Singles Chart and in the US and Canada. As a traditional folk song recorded by an electric rock band, it has been described as the "first folk rock hit".

Brady Only - ought, 2022

"Wave function collapse, left in the dark What was meant Versus what was said What was heard against what's happened since."

James - many faces, 2018

"To celebrate International Peace Day"

The New Division - synthetique, 2024

"Synthetique by The New Division offers a captivating blend of dark allure and undeniable intrigue. Its brooding melodies and pulsating beats create an immersive experience that resonates with listeners seeking depth and emotion."

The Radio Dept - bus, 2003

"this song is absolutely amazing....one of many favorites from them."

Such a great song!

Guillemots - who left the lights off baby, 2005

"The imagery of a dog chasing a bone represents the endless pursuit of something that may not truly satisfy us, while the mention of honey that has lost its sweetness could symbolize the realization that appearances can be deceiving. It's a reminder to seek out the essence of what brings joy rather than just the outward trappings of success."

The National - weird goodbyes, 2022

“Weird Goodbyes” was one of the first new songs we made. I was misusing drum machines, as usual, and stumbled onto this beat that got stuck in my head—it felt like something only [drummer] Bryan [Devendorf] could naturally play. We built the song around the beat. Matt's melody and words felt so elegant and moving from the beginning—mourning a loss of innocence and motivation, holding onto memories and feelings that inevitably slip away and the grief we all suffer in weird goodbyes."

Tahiti 80 - the train, 2002

"Tahiti 80’s adventure began in the French cities of Rouen and Paris in the mid ‘90s. Taking their name from a souvenir T-shirt , Tahiti 80 has released 9 acclaimed albums and a number of solo ventures as well! Number 10 album is on its way!"

Bee Gees - secret love, 1991

"Secret Love" is a song by musical group the Bee Gees. It was released as the lead single from their 19th studio album, High Civilization (1991), on 18 February 1991 by Warner Bros. Records. It is an up-tempo song with a Supremes style similar to the 1986 Diana Ross hit "Chain Reaction", which was also written by the Bee Gees. The single reached the top 10 in several European countries, but was not released as a single in the United States."

The Beatles - ob-la-di ob-la-da, 1968

"Paul McCartney began writing "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" during the Beatles' stay in Rishikesh, India, in early 1968. Prudence Farrow, one of their fellow Transcendental Meditation students there, recalled McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison playing it to her in an attempt to lure her out of her room, where she had become immersed in intense meditation. McCartney wrote the song when reggae was becoming popular in Britain; author Ian MacDonald describes it as "McCartney's rather approximate tribute to the Jamaican ska idiom". The character of Desmond in the lyrics, from the opening line "Desmond has a barrow in the market-place", was a reference to reggae singer Desmond Dekker, who had recently toured the UK. The tag line "Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah" was an expression used by Nigerian conga player Jimmy Scott-Emuakpor, an acquaintance of McCartney. According to Scott's widow, as part of his stage act with his band Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, Scott would call out "Ob la di", to which the audience would respond "Ob la da", and he would then conclude: "Life goes on."

Johnny Marr - day in day out, 2018

"Manchester is a bit like the British Amsterdam. The people, they’re kinda friendly, but they are sort of mellow. They leave you to your own thing, I find the Dutch to be very much the same. In Liverpool people are really friendly, in Glasgow people are very edgy, but in Manchester, they just let you be who you are."

Pet Shop Boys - a new life, 1987

"the lyrics of "A New Life" easily lend themselves to an alternative interpretation involving Chinese history. In 1930s the Chinese Nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek instituted "The New Life Movement," which sought to unite China and overcome foreign cultural infuences (including European colonialism, Japanese militarism, and Marxism) through a Chinese tradition-oriented, highly moralistic "neo-Confucianism." Unfortunately, its zealous and often brutal enforcement was oppressive and even fascistic in nature. As a result, it proved extremely unpopular with most of the Chinese citizenry. My site visitor believes that more than just the song's title points toward a possible connection, citing the following lines from the lyrics: 'Stars collect overhead They look down over China and I might as well be dead' Could it be the song specifically mentions China because its narrator lives there during the 1930s and longs to escape from its oppression? In this way, the references to "a new life" might be rather ironic in nature as the narrator wants to escape to a better new life away from "The New Life Movement." Further, the line "It's time to make a move though you don't sympathise" may suggest the narrator's wish to leave behind an ideology with which he or she disagrees."

Fun - we are young, 2012

"We Are Young" is a song recorded by American pop rock band Fun, featuring American singer Janelle Monáe. It is the third track on the group's second studio album, Some Nights (2012). The song was released on September 20, 2011 as the lead single from the album. The song quickly received acclaim from music critics, with many noting the song as a breakthrough for the indie genre and praising the song's catchiness. "We Are Young" attained commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in several countries."

Det Vackra Livet - viljan, 2011

"Inspired by his grandmother's memories and Finland Swedish poet Claes Andersson, Philip Ekström wrote fifteen songs which would become material for the band during a creative outburst in late 2010. The group's first single "Viljan" was released digitally on Labrador Records in January 2011. The group released a ten-track self-titled debut album in May 2011. Det Vackra Livet translates to The Beautiful Life in English."

Dreams On Tape - nineteen ninety-nine, 2022

"Dreams on Tape is an experimental indie project based in Tampa, FL formed in 2020. The band is the moniker of Jake Benfant, who writes and records everything in his apartment. The project has influences including: coming of age films, music documentaries, vintage photographs, modern bedroom and dream pop artists, and psychedelia. The result is a fresh sound with nostalgic roots."

The Flaming Lips - children of the moon, 2012

"The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends is the first album in the "Fwends" series by the American rock band the Flaming Lips in collaboration with a variety of guests."

Moby - lie down in darkness, 2011

"The piano, chords, and the synths here are so dreamy and enjoyable, perfect for a long drive home."

Bee Gees - our love don't throw it all away, 1978

"The universal experience of love and the vulnerability it brings, reminds me that to love is to risk, but also to hold onto the possibility of what could be, even in the face of silence. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit, which clings to hope even when the odds seem insurmountable."

Passion Pit - it's not my fault i'm happy, 2012

"it's intentionally abstract, so there wouldn't be a specific meaning, more of a general feel. And maybe it's just me, but I think the general concept is more about society being what it is"

The Beatles - penny lane, 1967

"Penny Lane" was kind of nostalgic, but it was really [about] a place that John and I knew ... I'd get a bus to his house and I'd have to change at Penny Lane, or the same with him to me, so we often hung out at that terminus, like a roundabout. It was a place that we both knew, and so we both knew the things that turned up in the story."

Noah And The Whale - shape of my heart live, 2011

"There was a week where we did Japan, Australia, Canada and Chicago in eight days. And I hate flying"

El Perro Del Mar - do the dog, 2006

"there are those moments, perhaps in a burst of joy or a surge of self-discovery, where we find ourselves doing the 'Dog' — a metaphorical dance, maybe, where we embrace both the social butterfly and the solitary wanderer within us. It's a dance of being human, of recognizing our need for both connection and personal space, and of celebrating that duality with a carefree spirit"

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - the ship song, 1990

"I never seen the artist tell what the song means to them on this site, it's rare that they even say that in interviews. Very cool song."

Mayer Hawthorne - a strange arrangement, 2009

"It’s heavily inspired by classic soul and Motown, but it’s new music, and it’s also very hip-hop influenced (in that), you know, there’s just as much J Dilla in there as is Holland-Dozier-Holland. And, you know, as far as artists that I’m feeling right now, it’s mostly non-soul artists — like there’s a Norwegian singer-songwriter named Hanne Hukkelberg that I love right now. I really liked the Santogold album. Lykke Li. Uh, what else…and I listen to a lot of stuff like The Smashing Pumpkins and The Police and Steel Pulse."

Liquido - i won't try, 1999

"Liquido was a German rock band formed in Sinsheim, Germany in 1996 by four friends: Wolle Maier (drums, programming), Wolfgang Schrödl (vocals, guitar, keyboards, piano), Stefan Schulte-Holthaus (bass) and Tim Eiermann (vocals, guitar). The vast majority of their songs are sung in English. Their debut single “Narcotic”, recorded in 1997, was a hit in many European countries in 1998. This song was later remixed and became a German, Austrian and Dutch hit for YouNotUs in 2019."

The Thrills - hidden track plans, 2003

"During a trip to San Francisco, they finally decided on the name The Thrills. Back home they went into Sun Studios in Temple Bar to record two tracks, ‘Old Friends, New Lovers’ and ‘Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far)’. In August, they received a call from Alan Culivan who was working for Lakota Records at the time. At the end of October they recorded a Fanning Session which included ‘Plans’ (secret track on So Much for the City), ‘No One Likes to be Upstaged (b-side of ‘One Horse Town’), ‘Car Crash’ (‘Santa Cruz’ EP) and ‘Don’t Play it Cool’. They also played their first gig as The Thrills at the Temple Bar Music Centre supporting Turn. Another support in Whelan’s followed. And around this time, Alan Culivan left Lakota and decided to give it his all as The Thrills’ manager."

Tame Impala - feels like we only go backwards, 2012

"More than 40 years after the rise and fall of Syd Barrett, there's no shortage of bands making lysergic-laced psych-rock. The bomb could drop tomorrow and within a few months the cockroaches would probably be writing songs influenced by Magical Mystery Tour. And yet the form isn't fully exhausted; in fact, as Tame Impala proved on the fantastic Lonerism's best track, "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards", this music can still blow your brain back to its most purely joyous and least cynical recesses."

Suzanne Vega - luka, 1987

"Luka" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, released as the second single from her second studio album, Solitude Standing (1987), in May 1987. It remains her highest-charting hit in the United States, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Worldwide, the song charted the highest in Sweden, peaking at No. 2, and reached the top 10 in Austria, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Shawn Colvin sings background vocals on the record."

Pet Shop Boys - always on my mind cover demo version, 1987

"Always On My Mind (Demo Version) also known as unspecified version, ('Love Me Tender' version) produced by David Jacob."

Sambassadeur - kate, 2006

"Of all the Swedish groups in recent years, Sambassadeur have perhaps the most in common with likely indie-kid preconceptions of Swedishness - no blog-house attitude or hip posturing here."

We Are Revolution - all alone in this town, 2021

"Dminor and Falcon Chest, the two members of We Are Revolution, have dug into their parents record collections as well as exploring the record stores of their hometown to come up with an eclectic mix of the last 30 years of electronic pop music."

The Seekers - cloudy cover, 1967

"Cloudy" is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel from their third studio album, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966). It was co-written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley of the Seekers; that band later covered it on their 1967 album Seekers Seen in Green. The Cyrkle released a version of the song on their 1966 debut album, Red Rubber Ball. The title track, Red Rubber Ball, was also written by the duo of Woodley/Simon."

Darksoft - utopia, 2023

"Darksoft is a singer-songwriter from Portland that makes dreamy alternative rock. Last month he released a new single via Spirit Goth, This Is Pop?"

Fleetwood Mac - mystified, 1987

"The mid-80s were not the kindest time for 60s and 70s rock legends. For every gimlet-eyed operator who successfully navigated an alien and unforgiving landscape of power ballads, crashing snare drums, Fairlight synthesisers and MTV moonmen – the Eagles’ Don Henley and Glenn Frey; Tina Turner – there were scores who seemed utterly lost. It was a world in which the natural order of things had been turned on its head to such a degree that the drummer from Genesis was now one of the biggest stars on the planet. David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed … at best, they ended up making albums that diehard fans pick over for tiny morsels that suggest they’re not as bad as the reputations preceding them; at worst they made stuff they’d spend subsequent years loudly disowning, involving terrible clothes, inappropriate producers, awful cover versions and – in extreme cases – attempts to rap. In theory at least, Fleetwood Mac should have been in more trouble than anyone. The band that reassembled after a four-year hiatus to record 1987’s Tango in the Night was in even greater disarray than usual. The celebrated complications in their personal lives that had fuelled 1977’s 40m-selling Rumours were still taking a psychological toll, as was the band’s celebrated capacity for excess. Singer Stevie Nicks emerged from rehab, free of cocaine but soon to become addicted to clonazepam, a tranquilliser so strong she claimed not to remember a subsequent four-month US and European tour. Nicks rarely turned up to the recording sessions at guitarist and vocalist Lindsey Buckingham’s home studio; when she did, Buckingham banished her and drummer Mick Fleetwood to a Winnebago on the driveway, horrified at the state they were in. Bassist John McVie’s drinking was out of control; he had an alcohol-induced seizure the year Tango in the Night was released. The era was brought to a suitably miserable close when Buckingham and Nicks had a physical altercation after the former announced his departure from the band."

Etienne Daho - au commencement, 1996

"Daho re-recorded the song "Au Commencement" in English as "A New World" for the Anglophone market."

Pet Shop Boys - between two islands, 2012

"Recorded during the Release sessions and very nearly part of that album, this vaguely "tropical" number was deleted during the final determination of the tracklist. The lyrics revolve around an extended metaphor for a failed love affair, described in nautical terms. The narrator and his erstwhile lover—at one point referred to as the "crew" and the "captain," respectively—charted a course between the two islands of the title: the "Island of Lovers" and the "Island of Whores." According to Neil (as reported in the April 2003 issue of the Boys' fan-club magazine Literally), these aren't merely a metaphorical fantasy; they're the names, when translated, of two actual islands off the coast of Estonia. The fact that there's "a very treacherous passage between them" inspired this song."

The Moody Blues - the voice, 1981

"With "The Voice" this whole period of my life was quite a difficult one, I suppose. I was sort of searching and seeking. It was a very insecure time. I think it was for all of us, and it reflected in the album as well. I was trying to relearn a lot of things in my life and set some kind of standard. I didn't feel I had a lot of things in common with a lot of things that were going on around me. I felt apart from it. I was kind of expressing those insecurities, really."

The Thrills - til the tide creeps in, 2003

"From the melancholic opening strains of 'Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)' to the closing bars of 'Til The Tide Creeps In' - and a rather sumptious bonus track - it's one pop confection from beginning to end."

Editors - the phone book, 2013

"When we were recording and looking out over the mountains, it was just stunning."

Swallow - sugar your mind, 1992

"Any early-'90s 4AD release is bound to have certain Cocteau Twins qualities, and Blow is no exception -- unfortunately, Swallow's vaguely danceable grooves add about three cups of water for every cup of pure art-rock influence, and the album comes across as a dated exercise in marginal blissfulness."

Cocteau Twins - cico buff, 1988

"The Cocteau Twins' song 'Cico Buff' is a poetic exploration of love's ephemeral and fragile nature, wrapped in the band's signature ethereal soundscapes. The lyrics, delivered in Elizabeth Fraser's distinctive, almost otherworldly voice, weave a tapestry of emotions that oscillate between the celestial and the earthly. The song opens with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty in love, as the narrator reflects on the fickleness of affection and the vague nature of their partner's feelings. This sets the stage for a deeper contemplation of love's transient beauty and the comfort found in the cosmic order."

Bee Gees - you win again, 1987

"When we get together and write, it's not like three individuals ― it's like one person in the room. Usually, we have a book of titles and we just pick one. I loved 'You Win Again' as a title, but we had no idea how it might turn out as a song. It ended up as a big demo in my garage, and I recorded stomps and things. There was just one drum on there. The rest was just sounds. Then, everybody tried to talk us out of the stomps at the start. They didn't want it. 'Take it off. Too loud! Can we have them not on the intro, just when the music starts?' All this stuff, but as soon as you hear that 'jabba-doomba, jabba-doomba' on the radio, you know it's us. It's a signal. So, that's one little secret ― give people an automatic identification of who it is."

Paul McCartney - through our love, 1983

"The string part contains a message in Morse code. The violins play the high notes in the intro, from start to 6 seconds, spelling out P-E-A-C-E."

The Flaming Lips - mr ambulance driver, 2005

"The Flaming Lips have the uncanny ability to create music that finally lets my life accept some kind of positivity. Even in a sadder song such as Mr.Ambulance Drive, I recognize the morbidness of the situation, but at the same time feel an inspirational power infuse my soul. As the lyrics amalgamate with the sounds I feel introspectivley energized and ready to finally crawl out from underground and embrace the beautiful blue sky. The Flaming Lips are a magical source of musical serenity."

Fleet Foxes - a sky like i've never seen, 2022

"I was inspired by how the film employed unconventional means to arrive at something universally moving, and was struck by all the collisions inherent in the film’s conceit—between species, between hemispheres, between individuals, between the psychological and the natural. In hotel rooms and in borrowed studios, on time stolen from a world tour, I put this song together. It was an honor to be asked to make a song that could serve as an end-cap to this unique and affecting story and to collaborate with Tim again."

Cat Stevens - wild world, 1970

"Wild World" is a song written and recorded by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens. It first appeared on his fourth album, Tea for the Tillerman (1970). Released as a single in September 1970 by Island Records and A&M Records, "Wild World" saw significant commercial success, garnering attention for its themes of love and heartbreak, and has been covered numerous times since its release. Maxi Priest and Mr. Big had successful cover versions of the song, released in 1988 and 1993."

The Thrills - nothing changes around here, 2007

"Nothing Changes Around Here" is the first single taken from The Thrills' third album Teenager. The band sang the track live on the RTÉ One television show "Saturday Night With Miriam" on Saturday 14 July 2007."

Rádio Macau - amanhã é sempre longe demais, 1989

"Rádio Macau is a Portuguese pop rock band, formed in the early 1980's. Their greatest hit is "O Anzol", which was released as a single in 1988. The song is taken from their 1987 album, O Elevador da Glória. "O Anzol" was compared to the The Cure's "Just Like Heaven", released in October 1987."

The Beatles - hello goodbye, 1967

"The song originated when, in response to a question from Beatles aide Alistair Taylor about songwriting, McCartney sat down at a harmonium and asked Taylor to say the opposite of whatever he said. The completed song includes a musical coda, which was improvised by the Beatles when they were recording the track in October 1967. Unimpressed with the composition, Lennon pushed for "I Am the Walrus" to be the single's A-side, before reluctantly accepting that "Hello, Goodbye" was the more commercial-sounding of the two sides. The Beatles produced three promotional films for the song, one of which was shown on The Ed Sullivan Show in America. Due to the regulations against lip-syncing on British television, none of the clips were aired there."

Genesis - it, 1974

"it is that thing that gives something a true meaning. When you cook a very good dish, you've done it perfectly, with lot of effort, creativity, mojo, that dish has it, you've done it. Or when you do an excelent task at work, with lots of dedication, it has it. The lamb has it. The lyrics talk about a lot of things that have it."

William Fitzsimmons - futile devices cover, 2022

"Some of the songs remind me of my childhood. Some of the songs are low-key messages to individuals from my past—and they’re not necessarily positive. Some of the songs are just pure joy. Ultimately, they are all songs I love and respect from artists I think are incredible.”

Surf Rock Is Dead - show me the world, 2022

"Kevin Pariso and Joel Witenberg will tell you they don’t take themselves too seriously. Hence the name of their band, Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD for short). This playfulness informs their music, a hybrid of surf rock, shoegaze, goth, and new wave, through which the duo meditates on the paradoxes of modern life."

The Beautiful South - from under the covers, 1989

"It's about somebody who stays in bed every morning, not so much because of laziness, but in order to cheat the capitalist system. Listen to an even better song Heaton wrote on this theme: 'We're Not Deep' by the Housemartins."

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - anymore, 2017

“Pains was a distinct moment in my life. I started the group when I first moved to New York and completed our last record, The Echo Of Pleasure, shortly before my daughter was born and I moved to Princeton, NJ. From that time forward, I never really felt the same – and the music I was creating didn’t feel the same either.”

Jens Lekman - your arms around me, 2007

"a perfect description of love, with the sweetness shining through in a time of distress, and urging you to look past the difficulties life offers and focus on the positive experiences"

The Radio Dept - falafel, 2002

"Taking their name from a petrol station come radio repair shop in Lund whose sign simply reads 'Radioavdelningen' (The Radio Department in Swedish, no less), Johan Duncanson and Martin Larsson founded the band a few years back and have added Kim Sjolander and Daniel Tjader to the band along the way.Already cherished in their home country, XL Recordings are now ready to unleash their quiet storm on the rest of the world. Their debut album, 'Lesser Matters', is a beautiful record which uses delicate songwriting and distorted white noise in equal measure. They are unlike anything else around, and the better for it, as anyone from Sweden will tell you."

Pet Shop Boys - the lost room, 2023

“It also seems to represent a sort of larger, philosophical or political point, where there’ve been times recently where the world feels a bit lost in terms of the direction it’s going in.”

Castlebeat - wish, 2022

"The end results of all of my albums so far have been like a home-made pie. Maybe a little rough here and there but at least you know that it’s all coming from one person. I don’t think a polished studio sound would suit my music style – I like to blur things with reverb & FX which I’ve found allow me to get away with some more poppy melodic ideas."

Marillion - chelsea monday, 1983

"The lyric idea was spun by seeing a number of people walking about Chelsea on a very, very early Monday morning. And it was these sort of actors that you don't know their names... And they were going down buying the morning Daily Expresses, it was a ritual, and they were looking at themselves in the window, as if to buy the paper was actually a take, it was part of some formal play they were in. It was also about young ladies, who often, sort of like me, live in their bedsit apartments, and they've got their Marks & Spencer's duvets and their collections of books and things. We put the two ideas together and confirmed that with the dreamers that you often get down in London that think that the paths are actually paved with gold. And we came up with this, again typical Marillion depressive vibe thing, where you've got the girl in the bedsit. She'd love to be an actress, but she's never got the guts to sort of make that jump from standard 9-5 into the great big world of entertainment industry."

Bee Gees - wish you were here, 1989

"Musically, the Bee Gees are known for their distinctive harmonies and emotive songwriting, which are both present in 'Wish You Were Here.' The song's melancholic tone is complemented by the music, creating an atmosphere that allows listeners to feel the weight of the narrator's emotions."

Pet Shop Boys - the resurrectionist, 2006

"The song takes its title from a darkly humorous nickname given to nineteenth-century graverobbers who supplied medical schools with cadavers: "resurrectionists". Neil's lyrics assume that same darkly humorous tone, reveling in perverse wordplay, including some rather macabre puns. For example, when two gentlemen in the same trade talk shop, the narrator notes, "We talked the same body language."