Steely Dan, ZZ Top, Brian Eno: Chicago-based singer-songwriter and pianist Neal Francis shares the tracks that inspired his forthcoming third album, Return To Zero.
An erudite combination of old and new, of homage and variety, Chicago-based talent Neal Francis is a breath of fresh air in the contemporary industry. Inspired by times of old whilst feeling continually fresh and inventive, the singer-songwriter-pianist has sharpened his approach across his career, and comes into the run up to his third studio album as vibrant and adept as ever, sharing stellar teaser singles such as “Need You Again” and “What’s Left Of Me”.
His forthcoming record, Return To Zero, will take influence from sonic movements across generations and genres, and Wonderland wanted to celebrate such; below, Francis rounds up 10 tracks that drove forward his sound.
Listen to latest single “Need You Again”…
Check out Neil’s On Repeat…
Chris Cohen – “Green Eyes“
Listening to Chris’ music always makes me want to fire up my 8 track and start recording. It’s timeless and deep and interesting. I have our old roadie David to thank for turning me on to his music.
Dorothy Ashby – “Drink“
I don’t think I’ll ever create one of these playlists without including Dorothy Ashby. I celebrate her entire catalog, but especially the three records she made in Chicago for Cadet Records in the late 60s and early 70s. This cut comes from the last in that trilogy “The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby.”
Brian Eno + John Cale – Lay My Love
I heard this on an episode of “Northern Exposure” when I was nine and haven’t stopped listening. I love both these artists.
The Miracles – Love Machine
My fiancé and I watched “Up in Smoke” recently, and I got back into this song. I’ve been making the band dance to it with me in the green room before our shows to get ‘in the mood’. The groove really feels mechanical, like some sort of machine….
Pixel Grip – “Diamonds”
I heard this track on Lumpen radio while driving around Chicago and bought their record Arena. They are a Chicago group and I really hope to catch them live.
ZZ Top – “Legs”
My manager at the UPS store used to argue that sans vocals and lead guitar, the ZZ Top album Eliminator would be a badass Industrial record. I have to agree. My friend Bob recently gave me this on a 45 so I’m back into this song. Fun fact: One of the first concerts I ever attended was ZZ Top and Ted Nugent at Tinley Park when I was in 6th grade.
Gary Numan – “Metal”
I’ve been listening to this record on planes a lot lately. The synth tones on here are monstrous. Although Gary looks and sounds like he defected from Kraftwerk, he’s an Englishman.
The Pointer Sisters – “He’s So Shy”
I was into the Pointer Sisters’ record Steppin’ for a long time before Kellen turned me on to the Richard Perry produced “Special Things”. I love the sounds on this recording and the melodic references to “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)” by Betty Everett.
Sparks – “Wonder Girl”
I was really excited to learn about Sparks about a year ago. I had existed in ignorance of them for so long. This is the first song off of their first LP, and in my opinion one of their best tunes.
Steely Dan – “Kings“
Mike Starr and I have been busting out “The Dan” on late night drives since at least 2013. This one is a deep cut that I love. Mike probably would have picked Doctor Wu. Next time I’ll just choose 10 Dan songs.
