Sheer Momentum: Jack Barnett of These New Puritans' Favourite Music

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

13. WireSend

To me, this is Wire. This is the one that had a big effect on me. I’m not so familiar with the earlier ones. When I was at school I bought a really cheap CD boxset of the first three albums, and I really liked them, but this was so formative. I just love the minimalism of it. Punk bands are supposed to have three chords, aren’t they? But a lot of these songs have two, or one, or none. Two chords and this sharp, intense rhythm. 

I think Colin Newman has got an incredible, incredible voice. He’s a great shouter, which is an underrated skill. It almost sounds like three different people singing at the same time when he does his shout. And you really believe it as well. I can’t shout, and it’s to my detriment. It’s an important life skill.

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