Moonboots
spent most of his life in record stores, on flea markets and in charity shops. That’s why the record collection of the Mancunian DJ supposedly must be the greatest of the whole UK.
The compilation «Originals» which he put together with sometimes-partner Balearic Mike was released in 2008 on Claremont 56.
At the Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
I don't listen to music to be depressed.
Written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Top 10 favourite records of all time
(EMI, 1965). The first LP I ever listened to on repeat. I was totally obsessed with «Norwegian Wood» for years. Still am. As a kid I was never that bothered about lyrics. When I first heard «Norwegian Wood», it was the first time I'd ever heard a sitar. It is stated as the first example of a rock band actually playing the sitar in one of their songs. The sound of that made me love that track more than anything. So much so that if I ever find a «version» on some shitty easy listening LP, I have to buy it.
(Ode Music, 1971). A girlfriend introduced me to Tapestry. She used to DJ records in a jazzier style than me and used to play «It’s Too Late» all the time. It was a couple of years later when I finally listened to the LP as a whole. Since then I’ve bought most of her 70s releases, but none come near to the perfection of «Tapestry». The lyrics are super deep. Some fucker hurt her in a big way. Possibly my favourite complete LP. There’s not a duff track on it. «It’s Too Late» is truly sublime.
(Korova, 1984). I love the Bunnymen. So choosing one of their LPs is pretty difficult. «Silver» reminds me of a great hot summer. It was the summer of 1984. It was surprisingly warm and I can remember listening to the radio in the garden, alternating between England getting hammered in the cricket and Radio 1. «Silver» stood out from the rest of the pop drivel. The 12“ «Tidal Wave» version is immense.
(Mercury, 1983). I think Tears For Fears get a rum deal really. They were pretty much slagged off constantly in the 80s and 90s and have yet to gain in cred in the 00s. Brilliant odd music, lyrically somewhat pretentious but surely that was the point. Still gives me the chills.
(Columbia, 1968). Truly psychedelic pop at it's finest. The version of «Triad» on the remastered CD from 1997 is immense. David Crosby fought for the inclusion of his controversial song, even for 1967 a risqué song about a ménage à trois. They recorded it but didn’t put it out. Crosby eventually gave the tune to Jefferson Airplane, who included a version on their 1968 album «Crown Of Creation».
(Caytronics, 1975). I first heard «Jibaro» back at a house party. Diesel played it to me. Totally blew my head off as I only knew the Electra version. Another mate of mine told me about the LP, «Angeles Y Demonios», and I went on a massive mission to track it down. When I finally tracked it down, the seller had their other LP too. It’s as balearic as sand between your toes! Vamanos!!!
(Wonderfulsound, 1988). A recent album that’s not left my CD player all year. Brilliant pop music from this Duo from Devon. They should be much bigger though!
(ffrr, 1988). This LP changed everything. Without it, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now. I’ve no idea why the Balearic thing came back though. In Manchester it never really went away. My night, «Aficionado», was always a Balearic night and before that there were always people in MCR running nights with that open minded mentality. I think a lot of the so-called Balearic stuff around todays is bollocks.
(Island, 1970). 1988, Port Grimaud. The soundtrack to a great holiday and a few break-ups since... And the story of Nick Drake is even more tragic, really. The poor chap had a near mental collapse because no one bought his records and now his music is used to advertise Vicks cough medicine in the UK.
(Editions EG, 1987). I saw the PCO play many years in MCR. They played at The Free Trade Hall (where the Sex Pistols played their infamous MCR gig). The venue was half full and me mate Adrian and me were pretty drunk. He fell asleep for part of it but I’d never seen anything like it before or since. At one part they all swapped instruments and played on. Amazing. Simon Jeffes was a true loss. This, for me is their finest recording.
