I'm a big fan of singers singing in their native accent. Only Billy Bragg can sing a Billy Bragg song.

This John Lee Hooker cover version just makes me want to bop.

Which one to choose? This one I think captures him at his most raw and unaffected. Sheer enjoyment.

Working with text everyday it's my job to interpret and illuminate. Jolie Holland completely captures Yeats' poem. Spellbinding.

Patti Smith – Redondo Beach

After listening to Patti Smith read her memoirs I fell in love with her music. A completely unique and idiosyncratic voice and artist. 

A couple of white guys originally wrote this, but Paul Davidson's version is for me the original and that guitar riff is just sublime.

I just did not relate to Brian Ferry and his entourage in the 1970's, I was too young and it seemed like 'Dad Rock' to me. But revisiting it, now that I'm a Dad and in my forties.... it makes perfect sense. I don't even mind the Saxaphone.

I've heard these chaps deliver an amazing live performance. It's on my 'to do' list before I get too old.

Jane Birkin... need I say more?

The 1980's were my formative years... Matt Johnson and his brother Andy (Dog) Johnson were a huge influence on both my art and musical tastes. Jools Holland performs on the piano and I do on occasions like to 'air piano' along to this.