Tim Burgess's Honest Playlist: A Musical Journey from Northwich to New Order
In a revealing interview, Tim Burgess, the charismatic frontman of The Charlatans, delves into his personal playlist, offering a glimpse into the songs that have shaped his life and career. From early childhood memories to defining musical moments, Burgess's selections paint a vivid picture of his eclectic tastes and deep-rooted passions.
Early Musical Memories and Record Store Adventures
Burgess recalls his first single purchase at the tender age of six, seeking out Long Haired Lover from Liverpool by Little Jimmy Osmond. He bought it from Rumbelows on Northwich High Street, a store that sold washing machines, TVs, blenders, and, intriguingly, the Top 40 7-inch singles at the back. This early foray into music set the stage for a lifelong obsession with records and melodies.
Lyrical Obsessions and Record Market Encounters
One of Burgess's inexplicable talents is knowing every lyric to songs by Steve Ignorant from Crass. Over the years, he has run various stalls at record markets, where one fan challenged him by singing Do They Owe Us a Living? to test his knowledge. Burgess effortlessly recited the lyrics from start to finish, showcasing his deep immersion in punk and industrial music scenes.
Falling in Love with Music and Cream Cakes
At age 12 or 13, Burgess heard My Girl by Madness at Anne's Cake Shop, a moment that sparked his first musical love. The romantic cascading piano of the song stuck in his mind, almost as much as the fantastic cream cakes served at the shop, blending sensory experiences into a cherished memory.
Overplayed Classics and Musical Fatigue
Like many music lovers, Burgess goes through phases of getting tired of songs after listening to them too many times on repeat. Despite acknowledging their genius, he can no longer listen to Move on Up by Curtis Mayfield or Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan due to overexposure, highlighting the delicate balance between admiration and saturation.
Party Anthems and Madonna Obsessions
Burgess has always been obsessed with Madonna, particularly loving Deeper and Deeper, which also shares its title with a song on The Charlatans' latest album. He notes that this track references The Perfect Kiss by New Order and Hand in Glove by the Smiths, showcasing his appreciation for musical connections and influences.
Secret Loves and Abba Admiration
In a candid admission, Burgess reveals that he likes to give everything the benefit of the doubt, including secretly enjoying SOS by Abba. He emphasizes that there is no embarrassment in liking such pop classics, challenging notions of musical elitism.
Life-Changing Tracks and New Order Fandom
The song that changed Burgess's life is Blue Monday by New Order. Although it wasn't the first New Order song he knew, hearing it at age 16 made it sound like it was from the future, inspiring him to believe that anything was possible. This experience turned New Order into his favourite band, and he proudly became a New Order groupie, a pivotal moment in his musical journey.
Emotional Resonances and Funeral Plans
Burgess shares that Wasn't Born to Follow by Carole King is the song that makes him cry, tapping into deep emotional currents. For his funeral, he chooses There Goes a Tenner by Kate Bush, a lesser-known single that he enjoys singing along to while driving. He hopes everyone will sing their head off in his honour, blending personal preference with communal celebration.
Unexpected Choices for Intimate Moments
In a surprising twist, Burgess selects Discipline by Throbbing Gristle as the best song to have sex to, showcasing his affinity for scary industrial noiseniks and adding a layer of intrigue to his playlist.
Current Projects and Tour Dates
The Charlatans' latest album, We Are Love, is out now, and the band is touring from 24 April to 6 May. Fans can explore more on topics related to music, honest playlists, and features, as Burgess continues to share his musical insights and passions.
