It is generally accepted that favourite songs are, at the moment of re-hearing them again, ‘definitely and positively one of my favourite songs in the world, like, ever’'. But the reasoning behind such classification and favouritism is often hard to explain...
Craftily, presumptively and stab-in-the-darkily, I have formulated a unique formula which may help put your finger on what it is exactly that makes each song definitely and positively one of my favourite songs in the world, like, ever.
The formula is simple:
AmA x zI x nG
AmA – Where, when and how were you when you first heard it?
zI – Does the song, video, or lyrics represent or remind you of something?
nG – What makes the song different?
Multiply these factors together and the reason for it being so magical is suddenly clear.
For example:
Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip – Look for The Woman...
Definitely and positively one of my favourite songs in the world, like ever because...:
AmA – I first heard this song on a sunny afternoon at a festival and was therefore drunk. My friend told me to come along and see Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip, and with some minor Strongbow bribery and major stumbling, we made it to the stage. I was in a happy place.
Zi – For me, this song is beautiful. It’s a perfect mix of cunning lyrics and a beautiful comforting chorus. My favouritest of favourite bits is towards the end of the song when there is a turning point; the song slows and the lyrics change into self questioning, ‘but then surely that I’m still in love with you, means there’s something we can do, to get us through and to pursue, a brand new point of view, of how this gap grew, between me and you...So there’s a weight over me....’.
nG – This song tells a story. It’s about someone completely different, with nothing I can really relate to, but it is a story with a beginning middle and end, and is told simply and beautifully.
Every time I go to see Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip play, I think they are geniuses. The lyrics, the song...it’s a mix of little things which make it AmAZinG.
Wawaweewah...take a listen to this magical, beautiful Radio 1 Live Lounge session by Labrinth, Tinie Tempah and some rather sophisticated-looking classical singers.
Personally, I would call it a tasty little hotpot of acapella, soul, electro and 'urban' music with a sprinkling of orchestral strings...yum.
Meet fresh British band, Scoundrels. Influenced by ‘50s soul, roots, doo wop and classic rock,’ they are Ned on vocals and guitar, George on guitar, Billy on bass and Joshua on drums.
The four school friends were scooped up in London by Seymour Stien (who also signed Madonna, The Ramones) and carefully placed in Lafayette, Louisiana to record their debut album. Louisiana would apparently give the band the melting pot of blues, gospel and soul they needed to concoct a mix of British rock, to American jazz.
And it worked.
Scoundrels, chosen as their name ‘because it was better than Carpet Lickers,’ have developed a fresh sound. Their songs are catchy, and tell a story. They are an old-new, American-British, blue-rock band with something special to add.
