Khashoggi

Song from the first album you ever bought/listened to?

Michael : Guns N’ Roses – My Michelle

The first album I really remember hearing all the way through is Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Appetite for Destruction’. I’ve gone for ‘My Michelle’ which has one of the all time great opening lines.

Jess: Spice Girls – Spice Up Your Life

I was obsessed with the Spice Girls growing up and loved this album. If I’m being honest, I still love this song now!

A song you wish you had written?

Michael: The Pogues – Rainy Night in Soho

This was a tough one but in the end I’ve gone for Rainy Night in Soho by The Pogues, written by the great Shane MacGowan who far too many people only know for Fairytale of New York.

Jess: Pulp – Common People

I’ve always been a Pulp fan however over the years, my appreciation of this song has grown more and more. All hail Jarvis Cocker!

A song that inspires you?

Michael: The Beatles – Here, There and Everywhere.

My favourite Beatles’ song.

Jess: Charlotte Gainsbourg – Songbird in a Cage

This song was written by Paul McCartney and I’m obsessed with it. It always inspires me to write every time I hear it, the piano part always gives me goosebumps.

Last song you purchased?

Michael: Elvis Costello – No Flag

The last album I bought was Elvis Costello’s new one ‘Hey Clockface’ so I’ve gone for the single ‘No Flag’ from that. I could quite easily have filled most of this list with Costello haha!

Jess: Gorillaz feat. Leee John – The Lost Chord

This song is from the Gorillaz’ latest album, ‘Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez’ and it’s SO good! I’m a big fan of Damon Albarn and this entire album is awesome.

A song that makes you feel nostalgic?

Michael: AC/DC – Girl’s Got a Rhythm

I remember my dad having the ‘Highway to Hell’ album in his van when I was a kid and this was track 2 off it, you don’t hear it very often so it always reminds of being in the van with him. Plus Angus Young was my first guitar hero!

Jess: Ace of Base – All That She Wants

This song reminds me of the early 90s in every sense, as soon as it starts I’m transported back to childhood. Such a classic tune too!

Your favourite sing-along song in the shower?

Michael: Leonard Cohen – Bird on the Wire

For some reason I always sing fairly morose or deep songs in the shower so Leonard Cohen tends to feature a bit!

Jess: Ella Fitzgerald – ‘Round Midnight

I have no idea why but when I’m in the shower, I always try and attempt to sing this. Focusing particularly on Ella’s improvisations which are no easy feat!

A song that confirmed your love for music?

Michael: Queen – Now I’m Here

Queen is one of my favourite bands and I remember this being the first track on a random compilation album I had when I was young and absolutely loving it.

Jess: The B-52’s – Love Shack

I remember hearing this song and seeing the video for the first time, I just kept thinking, ‘Wow! I want to be a singer’.

A song you put on when getting ready for a big night out?

Michael: Eddie and the Hot Rods – Do Anything You Wanna Do

Just a stone cold punk banger.

Jess: Blondie – Call Me

Yep, this track is the perfect accompaniment for getting ready to go out. Love it! Also a punk banger I suppose!

The song do you put on repeat if you’ve just had your heartbroken?

Michael: Glenn Campbell – Wichita Lineman

Just one of the most beautiful written songs ever, everything about it is perfect.

Jess: David Gray – This Year’s Love

A lovely song to listen to when you need a good cry.

Your worst guilty pleasure song?

Michael: Taylor Swift – Blank Space

It’s a great pop song!

Jess: Little Mix – Break Up Song

This is off Little Mix’s latest album which is genuinely helping me get through lockdown.