These are probably mine for now…
Depeche Mode. Enjoy The Silence.
Just sneaks in – released in Feb 1990. Pop perfection really. One of those records I can just revisit and never get even slightly bored of.
New Order. Regret.
Euphoric guitar pop is always something I can imagine is very difficult to write – certainly to my ears. As a fan of electronic music, this is as exciting as any electronic track I have ever heard.
Pet Shop Boys. Can You Forgive Her?
So unusual; musically, visually, lyrically. Remember sitting in a working mens club when they performed this on TOTP. Total puzzlement around me – is this for real or joke? Regardless if you were behind the cricket pavilion or the bicycle shed.
Suede. The Wild Ones.
A band that personified the 1990s for me. Imagine Bowie singing this.
Morrissey. Speedway.
I remember going to a gig on my own for the first time to see him on tour in the mid-90s. It was ultra aggressive going to a Morrissey gig, connected to his persona at the time. He came on with a cut drawn on his face and bloody knuckles. Crazy. I’m not a violent person one bit, but it was really scary and exciting to see him around this time. This track still his best.
The KLF. 3am Eternal.
Just magic. I often think Damon Albarn most get most annoyed that whatever Gorillaz do – they’ll never be The KLF.
Placebo. Every You Every Me.
Used to hear this at endless indie nights in dire clubs, that were utterly depressing music-wise. But this track had a different energy to Britpop.
Rozalla. Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good).
When first released, in the Warehouse in Leeds, they would play this track six or seven times during the night. And nobody got sick of it.
Bruce Springsteen. Streets Of Philadelphia.
Still love the timeless beat and heartbreaking lyric.
The Cure. From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea.
Not a single, but a song that goes on a real journey. Highs, lows and all in-between (days). ‘Wish’ is a sublime 90s album.
