Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

9. Various ArtistsThe Greatest Thirties Collection (Disc 3)

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Al Bowlly…I love this 30s music. I quite often gravitate to that kind of melody when I write – I think somehow I’ve got the sounds deep inside. The Ink Spots, the swooping strings, the trumpets, that’s where I go naturally when I’m left to my own devices. And it’s music for dancing. I love dancing! I spent most of my teenage years dancing to rock and heavy metal in rock clubs, though. Bad Company, Jefferson Airplane, oh God, yes, they were the best. I did try and get into ballroom dancing once but my husband would never get back from work in time. The woman teaching it would come round and slap us on the legs, too. [laughs] Not good enough! 


PreviousNext Record

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today