Songs On Repeat: February 2025

Ed:

Teenage Fanclub – Sparky’s Dream (1995)

Taken from the Glasgow quartet’s fifth studio album, the sweetly disarming Grand Prix. Sparky’s Dream was the sound of bassist and co-vocalist Gerard Love coming into his own as a songwriter with an exhausted paean to a girl just too far away, bolstered by ascending Byrds harmonies, images of space and summer, and the solid weight and heft of a band playing at their peak.

The Wedding Present – My Favourite Dress (1987)

“Some rare delight in Manchester town,” sputters David Gedge, consolidating his status as Morrissey heir apparent. Quintessential Northernness and kitchen-sink heartbreak were familiar touchstones, but the Weddoes’ excellence was built on Gedge’s bluff relatability and those frantic guitars.

The Raconteurs – Steady, As She Goes (2006)

Originally released as a limited-edition vinyl 7-inch, this debut single was heavy-rocking swamp soul, with an angular new wave beat. At its heart, however, was lightness of touch, a vulnerability that led to remarkable interpretations from both Adele and Corinne Bailey Rae.

Fleet Foxes – Sun It Rises (2008)

This opening track from the eponymous debut album by the Washington baroque collective set out the group’s stall perfectly, bringing 21st century production voltage to a canny blend of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young harmonies, late-‘60s UK folk rock, and a lyrical simplicity that hinted at a new kind of pastoral idealism. It wouldn’t be long before others followed in their wake.

The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter (1969)

The undeniable magic of Gimme Shelter is hard to pin down; all aspects of the song seem to marry perfectly from the fervid guitar riff, courtesy of Keith Richards, to the overwhelming beauty of Merry Clayton’s backing vocals that, at times, reach a shriek that sends shivers down the spine.

Kempsey:

I think my listening habits this month is just me hyping up for when I go to see You Me At Six on Sunday, after all it’s their last ever tour.  The list does have a sprinkle of my favourites this month and something new by Inhaler.

You Me At Six, Rou Reynolds-  No Future? Yeah Right (2023)

You Me At Six - Room To breathe (2014)

Creed - One Last Breath (2001)

Inhaler - Eddie In Darkness (2025)

Ghost - Rats (2018)

You Me At Six - MAKEMEFEELALIVE (2021)

Scott:

Biffy Clyro - Wolves of Winter (2016)

Black Stone Cherry - Like I Roll (2011)

Biffy Clyro - Flammable (2016)

Jake Bugg - Kingpin (2013)

Black Stone Cherry - Don’t Bring Me Down (2020)

Amy:

Mumford and Sons - Rushmere (2025)

The vocals in the first few seconds of this one get me every time, absolutely stunning. So good infact that despite never really being a Mumford and Sons fan I pre-ordered the Blood Recs liquid filled album on the strengh of just how good this song is.

The Wonder Years - There, There (2013)

Llama Farmers - Big Wheels (1999)

These two were my turntable buying tracks - the gritty fuzz of Big Wheels and the quiet start into loud of There, There were both perfect speaker tests.

Raging Speedhorn - Every Night’s Alright for Fighting (2025)

A bit sludge, a bit punk, a bit brutal and a bit fucking good! Check out the music video too for a touch of retro wresting fun! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJyG8b2tXWw

Silverstein - Confession (2025)

Loving Silverstein a lot this year and Confession off new album “Anibloom” is incredible!

Crapsons - Stick a Fork in Me (I’m Done) (2024)

Obviously my favourite gnarly Birkenhead punks had to make a reappearance! This song as become my go to everytime I’ve had enough!