Archive for Midweek Song List

29/04/26 – COUNTER CULTURE – MIDWEEK SONG LIST (147)

April 29, 2026 at 12:44 pm · Filed under Midweek Song List, Music ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

A smiling woman wearing stylish sunglasses and casual clothing, holding a smartphone with earphones, against a light yellow background. Text overlay reads 'MIDWEEK SONG LIST' and the date '29/04/26'.

WELCOME TO the final Midweek Song List of April—hard to believe we’re here already. Before we dive into today’s selections, a few updates from recent weeks.

Last time we dipped our toes into the glitter‑dusted world of Glam Rock. Today we return to the source with T. Rex’s ‘Ride a White Swan’, the 1970 single that effectively invented the genre. Marc Bolan—equal parts mystic poet and rock ’n’ roll sprite—crafted a sound that would soon define an entire movement. A year later came ‘Hot Love’, another early Glam anthem, and suddenly Britain was knee‑deep in platform boots and cosmic swagger.

Back in February we featured ‘Dump the Bosses Off Your Back’ by Joe Glazer as part of our nod to the 100th anniversary of the UK General Strike. Today we revisit it through a superb cover by John Brill, who gives the labour classic a fresh, heartfelt lift.

Now—on to this week’s music.

Many listeners associate ‘Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)’ solely with the Buzzcocks. Released in 1978, it’s one of the defining tracks of British punk: urgent, melodic, and emotionally sharp. But the song has travelled far beyond its origins. It’s been covered repeatedly, even becoming an Amnesty International charity single. Today we’re spotlighting the Fine Young Cannibals’ 1986 version—laid‑back, soulful, and carried by Roland Gift’s unmistakable voice.

Then we have Death In Rome, a band unlike any other. Their speciality is transforming well‑known songs into brooding neo‑folk reinterpretations. Their take on ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’—Joy Division’s 1980 post‑punk masterpiece—is haunting, elegant, and arguably one of the most striking covers ever recorded.

THIS WEEK’S SONG LIST

Anonymous Ulster – ‘Bonfires’
A raw, atmospheric piece capturing cultural memory and tension through minimalist folk textures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJXs0F0HAvo...

John Brill – ‘Dump the Bosses Off Your Back’
A modern, earnest rendition of a classic labour anthem originally sung on picket lines and union halls.
https://youtu.be/gH96zYGD8jQ?si=2dorg8Xln-wX8rxV

Jimmy Cliff – ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People’
Released in 1969, this reggae classic radiates optimism and global unity—one of Cliff’s early international hits.
https://youtu.be/zCJYl9Irayk?si=XIfjVqGz77feAhS0

The Courettes – ‘Shake!’
A garage‑rock explosion from the Danish‑Brazilian duo, channelling 1960s fuzz, swagger, and dance‑floor energy.
https://youtu.be/WGY5s2Ac34s?si=pha3wvXViJ5AV5GU

Death In Rome – ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’
A neo‑folk reimagining of Joy Division’s iconic 1980 single—dark, hypnotic, and strangely beautiful.
https://youtu.be/QLvVcnA-RJg?si=D-PjmGo-YgONPQid

The Fray – ‘How To Save A Life’
The 2005 piano‑driven ballad that became the band’s signature, inspired by a real‑life mentoring experience.
https://youtu.be/cjVQ36NhbMk?si=2Nt-MhaiZsbZN_bL

Fine Young Cannibals – ‘Ever Fallen In Love’
A smooth, soulful reinterpretation of the Buzzcocks’ punk classic—released in 1986 with Roland Gift’s velvet‑edged vocals.
https://youtu.be/-cri0cFonBk?si=qTtT0bau6tn0ZwWP

Madness – ‘Night Boat to Cairo’
A 1979 ska favourite, instantly recognisable for its manic energy, iconic sax riff, and tongue‑in‑cheek storytelling.
https://youtu.be/lLLL1KxpYMA?si=YwS_MA80XZvATDPC

John Mayer – ‘Free Fallin’’
Mayer’s live acoustic cover of Tom Petty’s 1989 hit—gentle, warm, and widely considered one of his best reinterpretations.
https://youtu.be/20Ov0cDPZy8?si=z4z2Chb6zQ75qotS

Polecats – ‘Rockabilly Guy’
A slice of early‑80s neo‑rockabilly, blending retro swagger with punkish edge.
https://youtu.be/SbZg8sF74HY?si=12Z3VOABzpfzYAse

Simple Minds – ‘Chelsea Girl’
A 1979 post‑punk gem from the band’s early catalogue—jangly, youthful, and inspired by Nico of Velvet Underground fame.
https://youtu.be/nj7h70RdI_c?si=cdEbM-E2QPaszCnC

T. Rex – ‘Ride a White Swan’
The 1970 single that lit the fuse for Glam Rock—mystical lyrics, stomping rhythm, and Marc Bolan’s unmistakable charm.
https://youtu.be/skjvDLpeh4c?si=oTTCK6sOksJSM8Ma

We close with a a question.

The question:
Since we’re revisiting Glam Rock—who do you think was the greatest artist or band of the genre?

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22/04/26 – COUNTER CULTURE – MIDWEEK SONG LIST (146)

April 22, 2026 at 3:43 pm · Filed under Midweek Song List, Music ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

A week of under‑sung bands, resurrected genres, talking blues curiosities, theatrical metal, and the uneasy rise of AI‑generated music. As we continue marking the centenary of the UK General Strike, we also ask a larger question: what becomes of human creativity when the machine starts to sing back?

EVERY SO OFTEN a theme emerges not from planning but from the quiet drift of reader comments, side‑notes, and the cultural weather of the week. Last time we reflected on a‑Ha and the strange fate of bands whose musical craft is overshadowed by image, timing, or the fickle whims of the media. That conversation clearly struck a chord.

One reader wrote in to champion The Glitter Band—not for their association with Gary Glitter (a shadow that understandably distorts retrospective judgement) but for their tight musicianship and the broader, often-dismissed Glam Rock movement. Glam, they argued, was never just platform boots and glitter-dusted bravado; it was a theatrical, working‑class art form that shaped British pop far more than it’s given credit for. We’ll return to that in a future themed list.

Another reader suggested that a‑Ha’s under‑rating stemmed partly from Morten Harket’s Nordic beauty, which allowed an image‑obsessed press to pigeonhole him as a “pretty boy” rather than a vocalist of remarkable range and control. It’s a reminder that cultural memory is rarely fair—and almost never neutral.

Meanwhile, our ongoing commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the UK General Strike continues. This week we return to the roots of labour music with a version of Union Maid that predates even Woody Guthrie’s own recording. And from there, we move through psychobilly, soft rock, AI‑generated hymns, and a theatrical metal cover that deserves a stage of its own.

The thread tying it all together?
Authenticity—what it means, who gets to define it, and whether AI can ever truly imitate it.

THE SONGS

Almanac Singers – ‘Union Maid’

https://youtu.be/xpWGixCO_9M?si=OBdTuO4NUJP4nzFk
A return to the source. This 1941 talking‑blues version predates the more famous Guthrie recording and carries the raw, unvarnished energy of early labour music. The Almanac Singers deliver it with a kind of plainspoken defiance—half‑sung, half‑spoken, entirely rooted in the political urgency of its time.

Amelia – ‘Jerusalem’

Jerusalem – Cover by Amelia | Pathways Meme | Music
A heavier, AI‑generated reimagining of Blake’s hymn. The production leans into cinematic weight—broad, swelling chords and a voice that feels almost too polished, too symmetrical. It’s stirring, yes, but also uncanny: a familiar national hymn refracted through a machine’s idea of grandeur.

Black Tartan Clan – ‘Country Roads’

The Black Tartan Clan – Country Roads
A Celtic‑punk detour that transforms Denver’s classic into a stomping, kilt‑swinging anthem. Pipes, grit, and a sense of communal mischief—this is the kind of cover that reminds you how endlessly adaptable folk standards can be.

The Blue Cats – ‘Wild Night’

https://youtu.be/4xjNFGNSrRs?si=t8JCs6gn62bbeIhS
Rockabilly precision with a nocturnal edge. The Blue Cats take Van Morrison’s tune and sharpen it into something leaner, faster, and more prowling—music built for neon reflections on wet pavements.

Elton John – ‘Daniel’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f0TMfQNRk8
A soft, aching classic. Elton at his most restrained, letting the melody carry the emotional weight. Still one of the most quietly devastating songs in his catalogue.

The Meteors – ‘Go Buddy Go’

The Meteors – Go Buddy Go (Official Video 1987)
Psychobilly royalty. Frenetic, swaggering, and proudly unpolished. A reminder that subcultures don’t just survive—they mutate, evolve, and refuse to die.

Oasis – ‘Stand By Me’

https://youtu.be/OMXaGY8J3Eg?si=8MRKtgx2M4uOJJ22
A big-hearted, big‑shouldered anthem from the band’s later period. Less swagger, more sincerity. Liam’s vocal is ragged in the best possible way.

Poison – ‘Every Rose Has It’s Thorn’

https://youtu.be/2GzNHN6hleY?si=ZY-J-YTLhzmyZ4_E
The power‑ballad blueprint: earnest, melodic, and emotionally direct. A reminder that vulnerability was always part of rock’s DNA, even under layers of hairspray.

RAH Band – ‘Clouds Across The Moon’

https://youtu.be/jL8AgEzg5fI?si=0drXbs_k4YSc0-Ze
A cult classic of British synth‑pop. Dreamy, space‑age melancholy with a narrative voice that feels like a radio transmission from a lonely future.

Arz Rattar – ‘This Is Our Homeland’

https://youtu.be/ViecORTyMuQ?si=efM3BL2uq1s7XL7O
Another track that appears to be AI‑generated—anthemic, polished, and slightly too clean around the edges. It raises the same question as Jerusalem: when the machine imitates patriotism, what exactly is it imitating?

The Rock Orchestra – ‘Zombie’

https://youtu.be/6VyMZ976u4s?si=sU5OxeY4Z5zzqzF6
A dramatic, theatrical reworking of The Cranberries’ classic. Strings, percussion, and a stage‑ready sense of scale. Last week’s metal cover was a hit—this one brings a different kind of intensity.

Social Distortion – ‘When The Angels Sing’

https://youtu.be/GOt6EFqUubk?si=feavxVERNmpxKcV8
A bruised, hopeful punk‑rock hymn. Mike Ness at his most reflective, balancing grit with grace.

Closing Question

AI‑generated songs are arriving faster than most of us expected. Some are intriguing; others feel like echoes of echoes. So we end with this:

What future do you see for musicians, singers, and songwriters in an age where the machine can mimic the human voice?
Will artists harness this technology—or will we drift toward a cultural landscape where the organic, the imperfect, and the deeply human become endangered?

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15/04/26 – COUNTER CULTURE – MIDWEEK SONG LIST (145)

April 17, 2026 at 8:56 am · Filed under Midweek Song List, Music ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cover Versions, Quiet Reinventions & Songs That Refuse To Die

Thanks to everyone who’s been sending in ideas for future themes. One reader told us they use this list to refresh their personal playlist each week — which is exactly the kind of quiet cultural cross‑pollination we love. Keep the suggestions coming; the comments section is always open.

Regulars will know that we’ve been marking the 100th anniversary of the UK General Strike by spotlighting worker‑related songs. This week, we continue that thread by looking at cover versions of tracks we’ve previously featured — songs that have travelled across decades, genres, and political moments, gathering new meanings along the way.

We begin move through synth‑pop, glam rock, reggae, soul, and punk‑inflected mischief, and end with a handful of modern reinterpretations that show how a good melody never really dies — it just finds new hands to carry it.

David Bowie – “The Jean Genie”

Bowie’s swaggering, blues‑soaked stomp still sounds like it’s been dragged through the backstreets of a city that never quite sleeps. The riff is dirty, the harmonica is feral, and Bowie delivers the vocal like a man who knows exactly how much trouble he’s inviting. A reminder of how effortlessly he could fuse glam, R&B, and street theatre into something unmistakably his.

Judge Dread – “Skinhead”

A slice of bawdy, tongue‑in‑cheek reggae from the endlessly controversial Judge Dread. His humour was broad, his delivery deadpan, and his affection for ska and reggae absolutely genuine. “Skinhead” captures that early‑70s moment when British subcultures were colliding, borrowing, and reinventing themselves — sometimes chaotically, sometimes joyfully.

Earth, Wind & Fire – “After the Love Has Gone”

A masterclass in smooth melancholy. Earth, Wind & Fire take heartbreak and polish it until it gleams. The harmonies are impossibly lush, the arrangement immaculate, and the vocal lines glide with a kind of resigned grace. It’s the sound of a relationship ending with dignity rather than drama — which is its own kind of ache.

Fiction Factory – “Feels Like Heaven”

One of the great one‑hit wonders of the 80s. Fiction Factory captured something delicate and yearning here — a synth‑pop shimmer that feels both hopeful and haunted. The chorus still lands with the same bittersweet lift it had in 1984, like a memory you can’t quite place but don’t want to lose.

Arlo Guthrie – “Union Maid”

Woody Guthrie wrote it; Arlo carries it forward with warmth, humour, and a storyteller’s ease. His version feels like a conversation around a campfire — part history lesson, part rallying cry. He adds context, lineage, and a reminder that songs like this weren’t written for nostalgia but for organising. A union song that still knows how to work.

Marilyn Manson – “In The Air Tonight”

A surprisingly restrained take on the Phil Collins classic. Manson leans into atmosphere rather than shock, letting the tension simmer rather than explode. The result is darker, slower, and more cinematic — like the original filtered through a late‑night neon haze. It’s a reminder that reinterpretation doesn’t always mean escalation.

Me First & The Gimme Gimmes – “I Will Survive”

The punk‑cover supergroup do what they do best: take a disco anthem and fire it through a confetti cannon of speed, humour, and pure joy. Gloria Gaynor’s defiant resilience becomes something rowdier but no less triumphant. It’s impossible not to grin.

Leo Moracchioli – “Zombie”

Moracchioli has built a career turning pop songs into metal bangers, but his take on The Cranberries’ “Zombie” stands out. He keeps the emotional weight of Dolores O’Riordan’s original while adding muscular guitars and a sense of controlled fury. It’s heavy, yes, but never disrespectful — a tribute that understands the song’s political heart.

Tommy Roe – “Dizzy”

A bubblegum pop classic that spins with the same giddy charm it had in 1969. The strings whirl, the melody bounces, and Roe delivers it all with a grin you can practically hear. Sometimes joy doesn’t need to be complicated.

Jack Savoretti – “Do It For Love”

Savoretti brings his trademark gravel‑and‑velvet voice to a track that feels both intimate and widescreen. There’s a cinematic sweep to the arrangement, but the emotional core is simple: love as an act of will, not just feeling. A modern troubadour doing what he does best.

Isabel Van Gelder – “Die For You”

A rising voice delivering a moody, atmospheric cover with a contemporary edge. Van Gelder leans into the song’s emotional intensity, giving it a sense of vulnerability wrapped in electronic shimmer. It’s the kind of track that suggests bigger things ahead.

And finally…

And a question to close:
If a‑Ha are one of the most underrated bands of their era — and we’d argue they are — who else belongs on that list? And why were they overlooked?

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08/04/26 – COUNTER CULTURE – MIDWEEK SONG LIST (144)

April 8, 2026 at 8:01 pm · Filed under Midweek Song List, Music ·Tagged , , ,

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This week’s Counter Culture Midweek Song List celebrates the enduring spirit of solidarity and rebellion in music — from union anthems and punk defiance to shimmering synth and heartfelt acoustic reinvention. Each track carries its own story of resistance, renewal, or pure creative energy, reminding us that music has always been a mirror to the times.

1. The 4 Skins – “1 Law For Them”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fas4wFgAVU
Released in 1981, this East London Oi! anthem rails against hypocrisy and double standards in society. The 4 Skins were part of the first wave of British street‑punk bands, and this track captures their raw, working‑class anger with chant‑along choruses and pounding drums — a snapshot of Thatcher‑era frustration.

2. Anonymous Ulster – “Corporal James Elliott”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDESrZ7tC38
A haunting folk‑rock ballad rooted in Northern Irish history, “Corporal James Elliott” tells the story of a soldier caught between duty and conscience. The song blends traditional instrumentation with modern storytelling, evoking the tension and tragedy of conflict on home soil.

3. The Business – “Suburban Rebels”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHhx6LqfX6g
From their 1980 debut, this punk classic celebrates youthful rebellion against conformity. The Business became one of the defining voices of British Oi!, and “Suburban Rebels” remains a rallying cry for anyone who refuses to be boxed in by expectation.

4. Depeche Mode – “Halo”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZG0m-1zPBg
A standout from Violator (1990), “Halo” captures Depeche Mode at their creative peak — darkly romantic, driven by synth precision and emotional intensity. The song explores guilt and devotion, themes that have long defined the band’s brooding electronic sound.

5. James – “She’s a Star (Live Acoustic)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGZsaKgO3Rg
Originally released in 1997, this stripped‑back version highlights the song’s tender core. James, best known for Sit Down, use delicate guitar and voice to turn “She’s a Star” into a luminous ode to individuality and quiet strength.

6. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – “Summertime Blues”

https://youtu.be/i0qZnSmkzzQ?si=P7eyq1hjr0gmMXJR
Jett’s fiery cover of Eddie Cochran’s 1958 hit injects punk attitude into rock‑and‑roll nostalgia. Her version, released in the early 1980s, transforms teenage frustration into a declaration of independence — pure, unfiltered energy.

7. Danny McEvoy – “Part of the Union”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_d6BCy1Egs
A heartfelt acoustic reinterpretation of the Strawbs’ 1973 anthem, McEvoy (known as Danny the Busker) brings warmth and immediacy to a song that once topped the UK charts. Its chorus — “You don’t get me, I’m part of the union” — remains a timeless statement of collective pride.

8. Iggy Pop – “The Passenger”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZth4CNaEBA
Written during Iggy’s Berlin years with David Bowie, this 1977 track from Lust for Life captures the restless spirit of travel and observation. Its hypnotic rhythm and poetic lyrics have made it one of rock’s most enduring road songs.

9. Tim O’Brien – “We Belong to the Union!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCN3RAjlaW0
American folk singer Tim O’Brien reimagines the classic labour anthem with Appalachian warmth and fiddle‑driven optimism. His version bridges generations of workers’ songs, reminding listeners that solidarity is both heritage and hope.

10. Slaughter & the Dogs – “Where Have All the Boot Boys Gone”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lQ3LpIsRoI
A cornerstone of Manchester punk, this 1977 single mourns the fading of street culture while celebrating its raw vitality. With snarling vocals and driving guitars, it’s a love letter to the lost energy of youth rebellion.

11. Zepparella – “When the Levee Breaks”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH-_9cwdLug
Led Zeppelin’s 1971 blues epic gets a thunderous revival from Zepparella, an all‑female tribute band known for their virtuosity. Their version honours the original’s power while adding a fresh, electrifying edge — proof that great music transcends generations.

12. Ian Zumback – “Wasted Years”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ilDIAmsJho
Zumback’s acoustic cover of Iron Maiden’s 1986 classic strips away the metal sheen to reveal its emotional core — a reflection on regret, time, and redemption. It’s a moving reinterpretation that turns a stadium anthem into an intimate confession.

Each of these songs — whether punk, folk, metal, or synth — speaks to the same enduring truth: music is a language of resistance and renewal. Together they form a playlist that honours the past while celebrating the creative spark that keeps culture alive. f

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01/04/26 — COUNTER CULTURE — MIDWEEK SONG LIST (143)

April 1, 2026 at 6:07 pm · Filed under Midweek Song List, Music ·Tagged ,

A cheerful young woman with long, wavy hair, wearing sunglasses and a light blue top, holds a smartphone while playfully holding earphones. The background features bold text that says 'MIDWEEK SONG LIST' in blue, along with a colorful logo at the bottom.

A Centenary, a Controversy, a Blast of Rockabilly, and (yes) a Joke)

Welcome to the first Midweek Song List of April — a month that always feels like a hinge between seasons, a moment where the light changes and the world seems to breathe differently. This week’s selection is eclectic even by our standards: a trade‑union anthem, a historically tangled tune, a slice of rockabilly, some modern reinterpretations, and a question for our readers. And, for the first time in the history of this feature (as far as we can recall), we end with a joke. A proper groaner. You have been warned.

We also mark the 100th anniversary of the 1926 UK General Strike, a moment when the country’s industrial heart paused in collective defiance. It feels right to honour that history through song.

THE SONGS

The Cleverlys – Creep

A bluegrass‑comedy collective from Arkansas, The Cleverlys specialise in reimagining modern songs through a country‑fried, tongue‑in‑cheek lens. Their version of Radiohead’s Creep is both musically tight and knowingly absurd — a reminder that reinterpretation can reveal new emotional textures, even in songs we think we know inside out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvvN0XnR_6s

Miley Cyrus – Heart Of Glass (Live)

Cyrus’ live cover of Blondie’s 1979 classic became a viral moment for good reason. Stripped of studio polish, her voice leans into a raw, rock‑inflected power that surprised many listeners. It’s a reminder that pop stars often contain multitudes — and that a great song can survive, even thrive, in unexpected hands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbdRLyixJpc

Deacon Blue – Dignity (Live Acoustic)

A genuine highlight of this week’s list. Dignity has long been one of Deacon Blue’s most beloved songs — a working‑class portrait wrapped in melody. Hearing it performed acoustically gives it a new intimacy, a sense of quiet reflection. And yes, they look impossibly young. Time is a trickster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGh_wGTc_Is

Dropkick Murphys – A Hero Among Many

Boston’s Celtic‑punk stalwarts rarely do subtlety, and this track is no exception. A Hero Among Many blends their trademark pipes‑and‑punk energy with a narrative of sacrifice and solidarity. The band’s long‑standing connection to labour history makes this a fitting inclusion in a week marking the General Strike centenary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTnTM8o1__0...

Erasure – A Little Respect (Live)

One of the great synth‑pop anthems of the late 1980s, A Little Respect remains a masterclass in emotional clarity. This live version showcases Andy Bell’s voice — still luminous, still urgent — and reminds us why Erasure’s catalogue continues to resonate across generations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGI_Wk3ly8s

Larkin Poe – Black Betty

Larkin Poe, the Nashville‑based sister duo, have carved out a distinctive niche with their blues‑rock reinterpretations. Their take on Black Betty is gritty, muscular, and steeped in slide‑guitar swagger. The song itself has a long and complicated lineage, stretching back to African‑American work songs — a reminder of how music carries history within it.
https://youtu.be/NOx0wyEG0bE?si=sRdfkjYSjjGmCGY

Natalie Merchant – Motherland

Merchant’s voice has always carried a kind of weathered wisdom, and Motherland is one of her most haunting compositions. Released in 2001, the song blends folk, Americana, and quiet lamentation — a meditation on belonging, loss, and the idea of home in a world that shifts beneath our feet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2JbLUVt0Z0...

Placid Cactus – Circus

A more contemporary, lesser‑known entry, Circus by Placid Cactus offers a blend of indie textures and atmospheric production. There’s a dreamlike quality to the track — a sense of drifting through a carnival of half‑remembered images. A welcome curveball in this week’s list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6v03ycu2Qg...

Pete Seeger – Solidarity Forever

Recorded in the early 1960s, Seeger’s version of Ralph Chaplin’s 1915 union anthem remains one of the most stirring. Seeger himself was a towering figure in American folk music — a bridge between early labour radicalism and the protest movements of the 1960s. Including this song is our way of honouring the 1926 General Strike’s centenary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8eK9ZXf-Ow

Tom Stormy Trio (featuring Rhythm Sophie) – Rockabilly Rhythm

A joyous burst of retro energy. The Tom Stormy Trio specialise in authentic rockabilly revivalism, and Rhythm Sophie’s vocals add a charismatic spark. This is pure dance‑floor fun — upright bass, twangy guitar, and a wink to the 1950s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCLGqTCm1EE

Tailgunner – Midnight Blitz

A British heavy/power metal band with a sound that unmistakably nods to Iron Maiden’s galloping rhythms and melodic twin‑guitar lines. Midnight Blitz is fast, fierce, and unapologetically old‑school. We know very little about Tailgunner — so if anyone has seen them live, do get in touch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsTQq_8mR8...

Traditional – Dixie Land

A song with a complicated and often misunderstood history. Though later adopted by the Confederacy, evidence suggests it began as a satirical critique of slavery rather than an endorsement. Its journey through American cultural memory is tangled, contested, and revealing — which is why our Arts, Culture, History & Sport strand will be exploring it in a future issue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZI0IHCtV1Y...

AND FINALLY… THE JOKE

Did you hear about the man who was asked to lay new turf on a field for a civil war re‑enactment battle?
He thought sod that for a game of soldiers!

We laughed. We accept full responsibility.

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25/03/26 Counter Culture Midweek Song List (142)

March 26, 2026 at 3:04 am · Filed under Midweek Song List, Music

A young woman wearing sunglasses joyfully holding a phone with earphones in her hands, with the text 'MIDWEEK SONG LIST' in bold blue letters above her.

Since early February we’ve been marking the centenary of the 1926 UK General Strike (4–12 May), spotlighting songs that speak to labour, solidarity and the lived experience of working people. This week’s selection continues that thread while also wandering into unexpected musical territory.

Dropkick Murphys – ‘Worker’s Song’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTafZRecy2k
A perfect fit for our General Strike centenary theme. Released in 2003, this track captures the Murphys’ trademark fusion of punk urgency and Irish folk tradition. It’s a rallying cry, a reminder of the grit and dignity of working lives, and a fitting anchor for this week’s list.

Ludovico Einaudi – ‘Maria Callas’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yIrlWfbg2E
A complete tonal shift. Einaudi offers a moment of stillness — a gentle, contemplative piece that highlights the quiet beauty of classical composition. After the Murphys’ fire, this feels like stepping into a calm room and taking a long breath.

Darko Komljenovic – ‘Enjoy The Silence’ (Acoustic)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9xSbp7fHMk
One of Depeche Mode’s most enduring songs, reimagined with striking simplicity. Many tribute bands attempt DM, but an acoustic version this thoughtful is rare. Stripped back, the lyrics take centre stage, revealing just how emotionally sharp the song has always been.

Hayseed Dixie – ‘Holidays In The Sun’

https://youtu.be/jpNfPP3FKRA?si=2g1YYa9wCeH_hr73
A bluegrass detour through one of the Sex Pistols’ most iconic tracks. Hayseed Dixie specialise in this kind of genre‑bending mischief, and here they turn punk rebellion into something twangy, playful and unexpectedly joyful.

This pairing — Komljenovic and Hayseed Dixie — raises a question we love to ask:
What other cover versions completely reinvent the original by shifting genre?
Send us your favourites.

The Rest of This Week’s Playlist

Avenged Sevenfold – ‘Paranoid’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGwbkmkbTqk
A high‑octane take on a classic, delivered with the band’s usual precision and punch.

The Enemy – ‘Not Going Your Way’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INv1hkPDD4U...
A sharp, driving track with the band’s familiar edge and emotional bite.

Kalandra – ‘Borders’ (Live)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OrRtIxT2jg...
Atmospheric and powerful — the kind of live performance that feels both intimate and expansive.

Megadeth – ‘I Don’t Care’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E4O5VlRYOY...
A burst of Megadeth’s trademark aggression and technical flair.

The Mods – ‘One Of The Boys’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUY_zxDpocg
A punchy, straight‑ahead rocker with classic mod attitude.

Alison Moyet – ‘Nobody’s Diary’ (Live)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mR716IKt-g...
Moyet’s voice — rich, soulful, unmistakable — gives this live rendition real emotional weight.

Sha Na Na – ‘I Wonder Why’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isvK4PzeA4c...
A nostalgic, doo‑wop‑infused slice of pure charm.

The Troggs – ‘Love Is All Around’https://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1838196307/thirdway0c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiLFNqM7BMI
A timeless, tender classic — simple, sincere and enduring.

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