Matt McManamon is the latest artist to take on our Guestlist series and chat about the 10 songs that shaped him and his music. Formerly of The Dead 60s and The Specials, singer/songwriter McManamon is strongly associated with ska, punk, dub and reggae. His solo work, however, is more deeply influenced by his Liverpool Irish roots than it is by sounds that originate from Kingston and The Black Ark.
The Beatles - Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite
If you're from Liverpool & interested in music, as I was... it is not uncommon for The Beatles to be your first port of call. My father had all their albums on cassette, and as a kid I would regularly steal his tapes and listen to them in my bedroom. As soon as he realised I had an interest in this music, he actively encouraged me to listen to them more! At weekends he would often take me out somewhere in and around Liverpool on an access day and we would always listen to The Beatles in his car...
Green Day - Burnout
I remember first hearing this album in Charlie Turner’s (Dead 60s bass player) house. He had received the album on CD for his 13th birthday. I instantly fell in love with the album and we immediately copied it onto cassette so I could have my own copy. I listened to this album over and over again—it was like nothing I'd ever heard before. Fast, melodic, short sharp bursts of pent-up angst. Everything singer Billie Joe Armstrong sang about I felt I could relate to… and when I discovered my limited guitar playing skills were more than capable of playing these songs, I was overjoyed. This album helped give me the confidence to sing and play and to perform live on stage. Some years later, I ended up supporting Green Day at Newcastle Arena. I never expected that!
Oasis - Whatever
I first saw Oasis on MTV at a friend’s house playing ‘Whatever’ live. I was mesmerised by the performance—they just looked so cool and sounded amazing. I quickly sourced a copy of their album and was blown away. I was slightly upset that Whatever wasn't included on the record for some reason; nevertheless, every song was a belter. I felt a strong affinity towards them as they were from the Northwest of England, I was from the Northwest of England, and they all had roots in the West Coast of Ireland (Mayo)—I too had roots in the West Coast of Ireland, also Mayo. They certainly kicked the door open and proved that the underdog can sometimes have its day. I met Liam Gallagher backstage at one of the V Festivals that The Dead 60s had performed at. He was hanging out with his older brother Paul, who I knew fairly well. Liam told me that he thought I had a good voice and that I was a top singer—to say I was thrilled is an understatement!
The Clash - Spanish Bombs
I started listening to this record when I was around 14. With the exception of London Calling and Spanish Bombs (those two songs were constantly getting a rewind), I found I could take or leave the rest of the album. Back then, I don't think I was musically mature enough to get it and understand the songs. It would take another couple of years for the penny to drop… and it dropped from a great height. The Clash are my all-time favourite band. I spent a good chunk of my life attempting to play & sing like Joe Strummer. The likes of Joe, I believe, will never be seen again. Huge inspiration for me & I still regularly listen to this album.
The Specials - Nite Kline
From quite a young age I was aware of The Specials. Two of my older brothers were fans & would listen to their music, so... inevitably it would filter down to me. I knew a handful of tracks, but once I finally sat down & listened to them under my own steam, they became an important part of my life. Every track is a winner, and they are still more than ever as socially important as they were 40 odd years ago. In 2015, I joined The Specials as a touring guitarist, playing mainly UK festivals and embarking on a tour of South America—which was a dream come true. The Specials (along with The Clash) were one of the reasons The Dead 60s even formed, and they are one of the reasons I continue to play as a solo artist today. If it wasn't for my time with them in 2015, which helped me rediscover my love for music again, I very well may have packed it in for good. Massively important & amazing band.
Public Enemy - Don’t Believe The Hype
It was suggested to me by Joe Fearon a.k.a. The Central Nervous System (The Dead 60s producer) that I listen to this album and get into it! I must admit I had my reservations and didn’t pursue his recommendation. I’d never listened to hip hop and didn't think I’d enjoy it… how I was wrong. Joe was so adamant that I listen to it, he bought me a copy and gave it to me. He wasn't suggesting that I attempt to reinvent myself as a hip hop artist—he wanted me to listen to the lyrics, the social commentary, the rhythm, flow & delivery of the vocals, and how the power & presence a vocalist can possess armed with only words. It was a real eye opener for me and I’m extremely glad of his recommendation.
Christy Moore - Missing You
My brother Nicky bought this album as a Christmas present for my mother in the early 90s. She would always have Irish music blasting out of the kitchen whenever she was cooking & baking etc. I didn't dislike Irish music, but I wouldn't pay too much attention—until this album got played to death. It was Irish music, but much more hard-hitting than the ballad groups singing about the hills & the fields that I was used to hearing. This particular performance & collection of songs got the balance just right of humour & seriousness. Although Christy had been on the scene for many years, I found it fascinating how one man and his guitar (long before the unfortunate-looking creature that is Ed Sheeran was even born) was able to sell out an arena not only in Ireland, but in many other countries too.
The Pogues - Billy’s Bones
What an album. This is my favourite Pogues album, although If I Should Fall From Grace with God comes a very close second. I must’ve played this album a million times if not more. Shane MacGowan for me is a musical and lyrical genius, combining traditional Irish with a ferocious raucous punk attitude—ticks all the boxes & more. I've met Shane on a number of occasions & have enjoyed some magical boozy nights with this legend. I even sang backing vocals on the 2012 release of The Rocky Road To Poland, a version of The Rocky Road To Dublin recorded by Shane & my dear friends Cronin to coincide with the 2012 European Football Championships.
The Stranglers - (Get A) Grip
This amazing album would often be played on The Dead 60s tour bus. It would just get me going—the energy, the sleaziness of Jean-Jacques Burnel’s bass sound, Hugh Cornwell’s voice, pounding drums, the whirring keys. I particularly thought the lyrics were great. For me, this was definitely ‘Up & At ’Em’ music. Whenever I listen to this album it always gets me bopping around like a lunatic. Love it!
Shack - Streets of Kenny
In my opinion Mick Head is one of the most underrated songwriters the world has ever seen—brilliant singer, brilliant guitar player & amazing songwriter. I was aware of Shack for many years before actually taking the time to listen to them. Alan Wills, who signed The Dead 60s to his label (Deltasonic), was the original drummer in Shack, but it wasn’t until I was in my early 20s when I moved in with Pete Wilkinson (bass player in Shack, Cast, Echo & The Bunnymen) that I discovered just how brilliant Shack are. Myself & Pete would often listen to Shack as he had their entire back catalogue to hand. I've been a huge fan ever since. Classic Scouse infectious pop at its very best.