Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

7. Johnny CashAmerican IV

This is very apocalyptic. I loved Cash’s early stuff too, ‘Ring Of Fire’ and all that, and I love the chords he uses. I really do love country music a lot – not modern country music, but the old stuff – because it’s so black and white, whereas in my life, and in the music I do myself, everything is infinite shades of grey. I long for a world which is really straightforward. In country music men are men, and women are women, and if you cheat on me, I’ll kill you! I like that. Was I familiar with the original Nine Inch Nails version of ‘Hurt’? No. I can’t bear them. I find it very dissonant and difficult to hear. It’s too loud. I’m like any old lady [LAUGHS]! I don’t want to listen to music with no tune. I don’t like it. But I do love Johnny Cash.

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