A dark-edged trio hailing from London, White Lies take sonic cues from the likes of Joy Division, the Teardrop Explodes, and Echo and The Bunnymen. Indeed, the three musicians are so committed to the UK’s post-punk scene that they signed with Fiction Records, a Polydor imprint best known for its ’80s releases by the Cure and the Associates.
The Beatles / 1962-1966 and 1967–1970
Okaaaay, so they’re just Beatles compilations, but they represent my earliest memories of enjoying music. From the time I was very young, these albums were constantly sat in their cassette cases in the glovebox of my family car. So whenever we went anywhere, they were on the stereo. And I guess they may have been the first step in musical life.
Secret Machines / Now Here Is Nowhere
My favourite sounding album ever. Its a bit loose and a bit scrappy in places but it is brilliant throughout. The drum sounds are incredible, and a true inspiration. I love that such an awesome album has been built around these colossal and simple drum patterns. It’s just jaw-droppingly good. And the first song, First Wave Intact, is the best opener to any album ever in my opinion.
Blonde Redhead / 23
Co-produced by the brilliant Alan Moulder, who mixed the White Lies record, this album has some of my favourite production ever. Lots of rhythmic percussion holds together waves of massive guitars and floaty synths, while indecipherable lyrics are not so much sung as they are breathed over the top of it all. Brilliant songs and melodies, and incredible playing.
Talking Heads / Stop Making Sense
This live album is something Harry, Charles and I bonded over when we first started trying to write songs. The songwriting is brilliant, as is the live show itself, but really this album is important to me for showing us, as a band, what can be achieved with a bit of thought. Over sized suits and all.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds / Live at the Paradiso
OK, this is actually a live DVD, but it still counts because you could turn off the screen and still enjoy this concert immensely. Nick Cave’s lyrics have always been straight from the heart, but you can really feel his passion and anger on the live stage. It’s very hard to imagine how a group of very lanky, very hairy Australian men can make music sound sexy, but these recordings prove it to be possible.
My Bloody Valentine / Loveless
As a live act White Lies are constantly trying to achieve a greater live sound. It’s about getting the perfect balance between volume and restraint. This album should be heard LOUD. Even played at full volume, as it rips layers from your poor bleeding ear drums, everything sounds under control and restrained. A great achievement, plus great songs.
The Knife / Silent Shout
It’s very hard to make electronic music sound emotional, but The Knife do so brilliantly. This album is based on such icy, glacial foundations and sounds, that a lot of the tracks are genuinely a bit frightening. This album sounds different from anything else I’ve heard and it’s completely refreshing.
School of Seven Bells / Alpinisms
This is my favourite new record out at the moment. It has a fantastic ethereal dream-like state to it, and the vocals and melodies are beautiful. I’m very excited to have these guys supporting us on tour in May. They sound different from most other bands out there at the moment.
No related posts.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
His playlist does reflect the sound of White Lies. I liked it as it isn’t pretentious.