A welcome return to Jukebox courtesy of the great Nick Davies, who runs the artist-led risograph print studio, Prt Scr Press, currently based in Exeter Phoenix. Nick has just launched Loophole Supplements - free quarterly editions showcasing curious art, design, thought, and culture from Wales & South West England. We’re eager and excited to get our hands on the first issue, featuring artist, Ryan Curtis, who has taken as his point of departure the Devonport Mast in Plymouth.
A keen print enthusiast, you can read all about Nick’s thoughts on the future of publishing in our current issue, The Impossibility of the Word.
Loophole is available from a range of participating galleries in Wales and the South West. Listen to this sweet playlist and then go pick up a copy.
A mix of personal favourites and what I’ll pretentiously call ‘curatorial balancers’.
Nick Davies
Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here
My music taste is varied; whatever suits the desired mood. I’m New Here by Gill Scott-Heron is appropriate for any mood. Melancholic, but also uplifting and hopeful. He was a top guy in his youth and this album secures the fact he saw that through to his old age. RIP.
Napalm Death – You Suffer, But Why?
There’s not much to say about this song. Generally, I like the ideas behind songs as much as I do the melodies or grooves. You Suffer, But Why? sums up pure youthful rebellion and a proper “fuck you, why should I!” attitude that I admire (in the right doses).
Talking Heads – Seen And Not Seen
Talking Heads are a brilliant band and Seen And Not Seen is one of those songs that just sneaks up on you lyrically. You can just put it on and let be whilst you contemplate ‘your path’.
Gang of Four – Damaged Goods
Gang of Four are pure funk and gristel on this album. Damaged Goods reminds me of returning to my home town in Rhyl after art college. What a stonker of a tune.
ALASKA – Kylie
Moving on from one Leeds band to another. ALASKA pretty new with only a 3-track EP independently released, but their groove is good, as is their EP’s packaging (yes, I buy albums based on their covers…)
Half Man Half Biscuit – Totnes Bickering Fair
What can I say? HMHB are what they are. I love this song. Although Totnes is a wicked place, I really enjoy the provocation HMHB will place onto anyone’s shoulders. We all need some mild irritant in our lives after all… (Just to say, I was at this gig, which was mostly full of Dad’s with their reluctant sons).
Jarvis Cocker – From Auschwitz to Ipswich
If there’s one song that lyrically sums up why I want to risk having no pension when I reach 65 (or maybe 70) it’s this one. “If your ancestors could see you standing there, they would gaze and wonder at your frigidaire. They had to fight just to survive, so can’t you do somethin’ with your life”.
I would’ve chosen the bonus track from this album, but I feel it may be a bit too inappropriate…
Stetsasonic – Talkin’ All That Jazz
Just to pull us back from the Jarvis apocalypse: when this bassline is followed by their drum beat and dare anyone not to be nodding their head. Maybe it’s just me… “You said it wasn’t Art, so now we’re gonna rip you apart..” Kapow.
Coldcut – Mr Nichols
OK, so if Stetsasonic gave us our groove and bop, here’s a song for contemplating. The mood is somber, but the scope is vast. “Only the birds fly first class” Just beautiful.
Psy – Gangam Style
Just to balance out my pretention, here’s that song. This year’s Crazy Frog, Psy. I like this… I’m not ashamed… I want to be able to dance like that.
