After a lifetime in London, Archie Faulks compiles us a playlist of tracks to play in the capital throughout the summer.
We premiered Tenterhook’s “What I Like” a little while back and have been watching his every move since. Londoner Archie Faulks is best known for his falsetto tones and his folk-tinged pop tracks. While Archie gears up for his show at The Lexington later this month, he’s made us a playlist of all the songs he’ll be listen to in the sun in between practices along with anecdotes on what they mean to him.
Matt Simons – “Catch & Release (Deepend Remix)”
I stumbled across this remix on SoundCloud and was instantly caught by Matt’s voice. It has a real honesty and pure tone, which I love. The beat and instrumental has a bouncy summery feel but doesn’t damage the bittersweet nature of the song. The two combine perfectly to create this gem.
Culture – “Two Sevens Clash”
A close friend of mine introduced me to Culture when I was 18. Before then I hadn’t really listened to much reggae, but these guys dominated my headphones for a good month last summer. The whole album is based upon the prediction of Jamaican politician Marcus Garvey. He believed that on July 7th 1977 there would be chaos all around the world. This album is musically outstanding and also had a huge influence on the reggae scene followings its release.
HONNE – “All In The Value”
Awesome vocals, great song and super smooth sound. These guys are the real deal; I picked this song but in all honesty it was difficult to choose. Every tune is on point and I can see these guys blowing up this year. Turn this on when you take your summer romance to bed.
The Growlers – “Graveyards Full”
I saw The Growlers play Scala in 2013 and it was one of the craziest shows I have ever been to, crazy performers. Californian sunny rock is the perfect soundtrack to anyone’s summer.
Hiroshima – “One Wish”
Although the song may make your cringe a little at first, it really grows on you. It’s a blast from the past – way before my time but one I wish I could have been around for. I love the 80’s groove and jealous of all those who were able to experience the nightlife. Hiroshima use many traditional Japanese sounds with the koto being key to the band’s sound. The fusion in their sound makes them stand out for me.
Faul – “Happy Endings”
This isn’t my typical summer song, but there is something about the sexy trumpet line which puts vivd images into my mind. I can imagine driving an open top car, sun beating down and wearing a pair of really nice sunglasses. Unfortunately, I have neither a car nor a really nice pair of sunglasses but who needs them when you have this song.
Dancing Years – “We Danced Last Night”
I saw these guys supporting my friend Eaves at the Sebright Arms in London. They blew me away with their live sound and writing. This song builds beautifully and is one for a lone glass of whiskey sitting on a balcony on a summer’s evening.
Dire Straits – “Sultans of Swing”
When I was busking around Europe aged 18 this was the most popular song my band covered; hence for that reason I associate it with happy times playing in foreign cities. Mark Knopfler’s voice always does something to me and particularly on this song. He sings ‘Check out guitar George he knows all the chords’ so when I play this song I pretend to be guitar George and that makes me happy.
Blondie – “Call Me”
This song doesn’t really need an explanation. Debbie Harry is incredible and wrote some of the most recognizable music of all time. This song can be played in any situation and enjoyed.
Filomena Moretti – “Jeux Interdits”
The author of this stunning piece of music is still widely debated; for me this makes the song even more special and it evolves with every performers interpretation of it. One of the few songs that will send shivers down my spine with every listen. This is a song you play to after your summer love takes the easyjet flight back from Zante…
You can listen to all Archie’s picks in a Spotify playlist here: