This week it’s the turn of Editor Beth Kirkbride to describe her life in five songs. It’s tougher than it sounds to pick but she’s narrowed it down to five (and we’re really sorry about the inclusion of Taylor Swift …)
Wherever You Will Go // The Calling
How many of you can say that you’ve seen the Northern Lights? I’m guessing not many. I’m extremely lucky to have witnessed the phenomenal natural spectacle on a Geography school trip to Iceland.
Driving around on a coach at four in the morning wasn’t high up on anyone’s to do list but it was ultimately worth it. To stay awake I listened to The Calling’s ‘Wherever You Will Go’ on repeat, mainly because I was infatuated with the boy sat next to me at the time, and he’d introduced me to this version. That evening, the same boy offered me his coat (despite sub-zero temperatures) and we nodded off holding hands in the back of the coach. That’s pretty fucking cute, no?
Don’t Look Back In Anger // Oasis
Everybody tends to describe their music taste as ‘eclectic’ but my Dad’s collection really is: his CD cabinet is home to Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, The Sound of Music Soundtrack and Oasis – and he’ll play them all full blast in the kitchen whilst he makes dinner.
‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ is a track that I grew up knowing the words to, before I ever learnt to appreciate music as an individual. Listening to it now reminds me of dancing round the kitchen with my Dad, shouting at the top of my lungs “AND SO SALLY CAN WAIT, SHE KNOWS ITS TOO LATE AS WE’RE WALKING ON BY”. None of my family can sing, but that’s irrelevant – this is too good a tune not to join in whenever you hear it.
Men’s Needs // The Cribs
I would say there are three concerts you’ll attend that are significant. These are 1) the first gig you ever go to (even if it’s S Club 7) 2) the first time you hear your favourite band live and then 3) the first time you crowd surf/stage dive. My crowdsurfing virginity was lost to the soundtrack of The Cribs, at their ‘Cribsmas’ show in Leeds.
No matter your opinion on crowdsurfers (admittedly it is annoying to have to struggle to keep a fat drunk guy moving in order to stay standing yourself), there’s no feeling like being lifted aloft by complete strangers. Music brings people together in strange ways and the frantic paced ‘Men’s Needs’ by the Wakefield lads reminds me of a moment where I was wholly content. Probably the catchiest riff I can think off, too!
That Kiss // Courteeners
In line with the aforementioned list about significant gigs, The Courteeners deserve a mention for the first time I saw my favourite band live. ‘That Kiss’ sent shivers down my spine when I heard it live in Birmingham, as the band toured with their 2013 release Anna.
The Courteeners were one of the first bands I religiously learnt the words to (along with The Killers and Arctic Monkeys) and hearing this song live was euphoric. Not to mention I saw the band with somebody I really fancied at the time, so that made it even more special.
Fifteen // Taylor Swift
There’s something addictive (and entirely shameful) about listening to Taylor Swift. I might not be the fifteen year old girl who used her hard earned pocket money to invest in the singer-songwriter’s entire discography anymore, but this song is still relatable. It’s about naivety & your problems consuming you in the moment but upon later reflection, realising that they weren’t the be all and end all.
When I was struggling with typical teen issues of a broken heart, friendship drama or general parental angst, Taylor Swift was my go-to gal. I also (as much as I’m ashamed to admit it) might have pre-ordered her upcoming record 1989. Because you know what? I might be 18 in a month but I sure as hell don’t want to grow out of my shouting-into-a-hairbrush-popstar phase.