The Toronto Star called him ‘the best young guitarist in the country’, and he joined Sarah McLachlan’s band at 19. Luke Doucet has since gone on to release solo work, including the highly praised Blood’s Too Rich (Six Shooter, 2008), as well as albums with the rock band Veal.
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers / Don’t Do Me Like That This song makes me feel like I’m five years old (which I was when it came out) but also reminds me of how great Tom Petty is as a writer. It sounds fresh to me. Not that radio would play it if it were a modern song (it’s too organic and human sounding), but I would listen to it.
Miss Derringer would be the soundtrack to a roller coaster ride in the tiny town that Beetlejuice pops out of. If Beetlejuice was made in 2009 and his merry townsfolk were the members that surround frontwoman Liz McGrath. Their album, Winter Hill, was released via Nickle and Dime Records and Triple X Records.
Shangri Las / Past, Present, Future I love the Shangri Las. They are one of my all-time most influential bands. This song is great because it is so heavy handed. This woman is talking about something terrible that happened to her, and we’re not sure if it’s some sort of assault, or just the horror of lost love. It’s done in this super over the top way and is so sincere it’s great.
Firekites, from Newcastle, Australia, have a beautiful album, The Bowery, which is earthy, organic and delightfully unrefined. Across the gentle folky acoustic-based songs you can hear the subtle sound of the fingers sliding across the guitar frets, the gently whispered vocals, which hint at secrets and cheeky serenades, and the sense of soulful introspection that tangles itself elegantly amongst its minor chord tapestry.
Whitest Boy Alive / Golden Cage This song really is a stand out for these guys. Clearly captured instruments knitting sharply together, great lyrics, amazing film clip.
Former Split Enz frontman and Crowded House band member Tim Finn has delivered his most intimate album to date with his latest release, The Conversation. Recorded at Roundhead studios in Auckland and featuring just vocals, guitar, piano and violin, the record was co-produced by former Split Enz member Eddie Rayner.
The Kinks / Waterloo Sunset A perfectly formed melody with lyrics that contain just the right amount of yearning and apprehension. I read an interview with Ray Davies where he talked of how he was ill as a boy in hospital near Waterloo bridge. The nurse used to wheel him out on to the balcony to watch the sunset. The musical arrangement and production details provide a sublime context for the half-recommended, half imagined narrative. Probably my favourite song.
My Secret Playlist is a music discovery website and weekly email publication. We invite our favourite bands and musicians to give us the rundown on their eight favourite songs right now. These are their words on the music that inspires them.
