Tricky, the pioneering trip-hop artist, has shared an intimate and candid playlist that spans from his teenage years in Bristol to his current reflections on music and life. In a new interview, the musician—born Adrian Thaws—opens up about the songs that have shaped him, from Gregory Isaacs' 'Night Nurse' to Blur's 'Song 2', and even addresses the peculiar compliments he receives about his own music being used for conception.
The First Song I Fell in Love With
Tricky recalls his first musical love affair: 'Night Nurse' by Gregory Isaacs. He was about 15 years old and dating a Jamaican girl. The couple would listen to the song constantly. They had a daughter together when they were 17, who is now 35 and works as a social worker in Bristol. 'That song has always stayed with me,' he says.
The Song That Makes Me Cry
The track that brings tears to his eyes is Van Morrison's 'Astral Weeks'. It reminds him of his mother and growing up in Bristol. 'He sings about his mum dressing him and showing him pictures, and my mum was exactly like that. In every childhood photo I’m in a shirt and tie and looking proper,' Tricky explains.
First Single and Lyrics I Know by Heart
His first single purchase was the Specials album, which he bought on a bus trip from Knowle West into town. He was obsessed with the artwork and sleeve notes, reading them on the way home and listening to the album for three days straight. As for lyrics, he can still rap every word of Eric B and Rakim's 'Check Out My Melody' off the top of his head, 40 years later.
Party Anthems and Karaoke Choices
The best song to play at a party, according to Tricky, is Blur's 'Song 2'. 'Because of that riff. I still listen to it now. I was listening to it yesterday in my hotel room. I put on my headphones, smoked some hashish and played Song 2,' he reveals. For karaoke, he would choose Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors', though he admits he has never actually done karaoke.
Sex and Music: A Weird Combination
Tricky addresses the common feedback he receives from fans: 'People have been telling me for years: “Me and my partner have sex to your music.” Some people have even said they’ve conceived to my music, which is all very flattering. But I don’t think sex and music even go together, so it’s always seemed a bit weird to me.'
Life-Changing Songs and Secret Favorites
The song that changed his life was 'Too Much Too Young' by the Specials. Seeing them live, with Terry Hall and Neville Staple singing about the life he knew, made him realize he could do it too. His secret guilty pleasure is Sia's 'Breathe Me', which he calls 'fucking gorgeous', though he admits he doesn't know much of her other work. As for a funeral song, he jokes, 'I’m never going to die, so there’s no need to think about that.'
Tricky's album 'When It’s Silent' is out now.
