'Now That's A Compilation' - Part 1

Last week I had the pleasure of joining Dundalk FM100's Paraic Duffy on his show 'Now That's A Compilation'. I jumped at the opportunity to do the show when he asked me to pick 10 songs that really meant something to me. My only concern was narrowing down all the music that has had such a huge impact on me from the early days until now so needless to say it took great effort and I'm guessing that my mood over the few days of reminiscing affected my choices. If I was to do it again, I could quite easily pick 10 completely different songs. Anyways, on this occasion, I chose the following 10 songs that really have a place of importance in my life so far...

1. Up first was 'When You Were Sweet Sixteen' by The Fureys. I mentioned The Fureys in my last post, such was the impact of them and other Irish bands like The Dubliners as a young child. Whilst it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, for me it brings back very fond memories of being a child and accidental exposure to music that really got stuck in my soul.
The Fureys 'When You Were Sweet Sixteen'

2. Number 2 on my list was the incredible 'Beat It' by Michael Jackson. I had serious difficulty choosing my favourite Michael Jackson track but I recently performed a cover of this and my lead guitar player 'Robbie Fitzgerald' kicked ass with the solo so it has great memories both as a listener and a performer. Michael Jackson to me is the undisputed king of the riffs and it is a massive part of my songwriting to create riffs that make the song instantly recognisable.

Michael Jackson 'Beat It'

3. At number 3 was my teenage agony aunt 'Alanis Morissette' with 'Hand In My Pocket'. 'Jagged Little Pill' was like a bible to me such was the strength of the emotion in her songs. Lyrically, Alanis is a genius to me and really taught me a lot about construction, phrasing, etc.. I chose this song as it sums up my life for the whole of 2011!!

Alanis Morissette 'Hand In My Pocket'

4. Going from one extreme to another, at number 4 is Eurovision winner 'Rock and Roll Kids' by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan. As a Eurovision anorak (pen and paper in hand, scoring all the acts!), this song brings me most joy of all the winners. It was 1994, I was 14 and I just loved everything about the song. The soft combination of the piano and guitar, the catchy melody and the pure simplicity of it.

Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan 'Rock and Roll Kids'

5. Staying with Irish artists, at number 5 is the fast-fingered button accordian maestro Sharon Shannon performing a selection of tunes titled 'The Bungee Jumpers'. Again, I could have picked so many of Sharon Shannon's performances but this just tickles me all over. The only way I can describe it is to use the very common 'Dundalk phrase' ' It's pure class'... Everytime I listen to this, I just feel like I can take on the world!!!

Sharon Shannon 'Bungee Jumpers'

Hope you enjoy this small selection of music....I'll post the next 5 tomorrow x



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