Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

Too Good To Be True: Tom Robinson’s Favourite Albums

The erstwhile punk frontman and now radio presenter and all-round man of music distils his sprawling record collection down to his 13 finest albums

Tom Robinson is a champion of music. All of it. That which you have heard before and that you are yet to hear. In true John Peel style, he is a fan, first and foremost, and will listen to pretty much anything and everything. After, well, let’s just say a few years in the music business, he still maintains a passion where those of his peers may have become jaded. A huge supporter of LGBT rights, Tom has at times cut a controversial figure when standing up for what he believes in. Best known for his tracks ‘Glad To Be Gay’ and ‘2-4-6-8 Motorway’ with the Tom Robinson Band, his music writing has taken him through four decades and many changes. Now a BBC Radio 6 Music DJ well known to many, his Saturday night show, a platform for many BBC Introducing new bands, is a favourite for music lovers. Likewise, with his Fresh On The Net blog he showcases new artists online every week and encourages bands to submit music.

While his wealth of knowledge could have yielded a lengthy favourite albums list, for the benefit of readers, he’s picked a mean 13 – listen, and enjoy. I certainly did.

Tom presents The Tom Robinson Show on 6 Music, every Saturday night from 9 p.m. to midnight, and Now Playing @6 Music, every Sunday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Click on his image below to begin scrolling through his choices

First Record

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