Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

10. Black GrapeIt’s Great When You’re Straight… Yeah

It’s a weird one this, I don’t know why I chose this. But the singles were great. It’s a good record throughout but I’d rather have an album with three really good songs on, or four ot five ones than an alright one with songs that are consistent. And I like Shaun Ryder. This thing where the Happy Mondays were thick versions of the Stone Roses… I think it’s the other way round in some ways. Lyrically and in terms of modern use of language… and I guess I was also happy he hadn’t died, and I thought Kermit was a really good rapper on it. There are some brilliant lyrics, and I like the way the styles go together, the high energy mixed with weird things that just came out of Ryder’s head. And somehow it was meaningful.

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