X Factor’s surliest alumnus Aiden Grimshaw releases his debut album Misty Eye this week, and even anti-Syco types have to admit that it’s, well, pretty good. Who would have expected the show that created Alexandra Burke to spit out someone who ended up working with Lana Del Rey’s producer? To celebrate Misty Eye’s release, we asked the bequiffed one to send us his summer playlist.
1. Bill Withers – Use Me Up
What a tune, this was a big hit on all the lads’ iPods when I was at home. So much funk you can’t help but snarl your lip and form some sort of funky air band.
2. Sub Focus – Into The Blue
Perfect song for the sun, even better if you’re on a long drive and this comes on shuffle. I have to keep an eye on the speed when a tune like this comes on though.
3. Maximo Park – Going Missing
I probably heard this for the first time in my dads back garden, as soon as the sun come out, the shirt comes off and the tunes go on. Maximo Park are one of his favourites and this is one of mine!
4. Dodgy – Good Enough
Brilliant tune, love these golden oldies. I seem to know all the words and I don’t know how, I blame the parents!
5. Gorillaz – Feel Good Inc
What a song, perfect for the sun and another big hit on my iPod… big fan!
6. Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Scar Tissue
The first album I ever bought was the Red Hot Chilli Peppers Greatest Hits, jumping around my bedroom to ‘Suck My Kiss’ as a little tubster. No doubt this will be getting tanked on my ipod over summer.
7. Alabama Shakes – Hold On
I saw this band at The Great Escape in Brighton, they were really good and the lead singer is phenomenal. This song in particular, I heard it on the radio and instantly started to air drum! Brilliant tune.
8. Nero – Guilt
Great song – perfect for the sun, it’s so aggressive and uplifting.
9. Young MC – Know How
Again, this reminds me of summer at home with my friends. I think it’s safe to say I know every word to this tune.
10. Mumford and Sons – The Cave
Brilliant tune, did this at a few little gigs over last summer and loved it. Big fan of the band, big fan of this song.
Words: Gavin Jewkes