WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF FANTASY ALBUMS WHERE MUSIC FANS ARE PUT TO THE TEST TO DECIPHER THEIR ULTIMATE COLLECTION
The rules are simple(ish): they can’t repeat an album, and to just make it that little bit more interesting they have to use the same track number from another album. For example, Track 1 could be the opening track of the incredible Stone Roses’ debut ‘I Wanna Be Adored’. Track 2 could be Blur’s ‘Song 2′ – you get the idea? – basically their fave track 1, 2, 3 etc from 10 different albums.
This month we have podcaster/sports journalist Peter Smith. Peter co-hosts The Boys in the Band Podcast, interviewing the musicians who soundtracked the 00’s indie scene. On the show, bands including The Libertines, Razorlight, Babyshambles and The Hives tell tales from their tours, the stories behind their songs, and lift the lid on the highs and lows of their experiences. Peter Smith is also Football Features Editor at Sky Sports.
“The song which perfectly encapsulates – musically and lyrically – the chaotic, talented, and ultimately unbreakable bond between Pete and Carl. Their falling out nearly ended the band; instead it produced one of their finest anthems. “
“Stage rushes were sparked and plastic beer glasses were launched whenever the electric intro riff to Helicopter burst out at Bloc Party gigs. Those who had got on the train at the start will have known it from an early EP but on Silent Alarm it helped set the tone for one of the most exciting albums of the era.“
“Alex Turner, the finest lyricist of this generation, littered Arctic Monkeys’ debut album with brilliant lines. “You’re not from New York City, you’re from Rotherham,” from this track, is one of his cutting best, as he sings about the hipsters and scenesters which packed out the 00’s indie clubs.”
“Amid a debut album featuring sea shanties and experimentation sat this perfect pop track. That bass line, James Skelly’s brilliant voice, the backing vocals, the guitar solo, and the pain of a break-up… it all combined to form an instant classic.”
“The Killers arrived on the scene with their exceptional, hit-packed debut Hot Fuss but while it was Mr Brightside and Somebody Told Me charting highest, the epic All These Things That I’ve Done united audiences at their shows and festivals like no other. Nothing quite summed the 00s up like a sweaty embrace with someone you didn’t know, chanting ‘I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier…“
“A floor filler at indie clubs and a highlight of any Razorlight live show, Rip It Up cherry-picked the best elements of the band, from the distinctive guitars to Johnny’s unique vocal delivery. You can feel the energy and passion punching through the record.”
“The song which ignited it all. Last Nite inspired a thousand bands to try to follow in the Strokes’ footsteps. Few ever came close to getting onto the level of the coolest band on the planet but an entire leather jacket-clad indie rock scene was created on both sides of the Atlantic in the wake of this iconic track from the New Yorkers.”
“Way before Sex on Fire’s stupendous success propelled Kings of Leon into the realms of superstardom and pursuit of more anthems for the masses, they were a dirty rock band with filthy riffs. Molly’s Chambers had the rough, raw edge of authenticity – but also the stylish song craft which would eventually take them to the mainstream.”
“That heavy bass line which pumps all the way through Spread Your Love is the driving force, with simple, impactful lyrics and guitar solos adding layers to this bulldozer of a tune. The only thing I don’t get is why it was tucked away so deep down the album playlist! “
“Nudged into 10th place when Good Old Bill was added to the Maccabees’ debut Colour it In, First Love is a fine way to sign off this playlist. A song typical of the band from the clever, quirky wordplay, to the jolting guitars. Its place among the four-song encore at the band’s incredible Alexandra Palace farewell shows underlined its popularity.”
A very on brand playlist from Peter Smith. If you love all things 00’s indie then you should definitely check out his podcast Boys in the Band by following them on social media and downloading the podcast from your favourite app.
Twitter: @TheBITBpod
Instagram: @boysinthebandpod
Facebook: The Boys In The Band Podcast
You can follow Peter on Twitter: @psmithXI