A regular reader has been in touch to tell us about the Wigan Diggers’ Festival, held on Saturday 12th September. It’s one of those quietly brilliant community events: free music, poetry, films, talks — all celebrating Gerrard Winstanley (1609–1676) and the 17th‑century True Levellers, better known as the Diggers.
For anyone unfamiliar, Winstanley was a Wigan-born religious reformer, political philosopher and activist. He and his followers occupied common land that had been enclosed and planted crops to feed local people. Their belief was simple and radical: private property should be abolished and land held in common. Winstanley famously declared that “The earth was made a common treasury for all!” — a line that still resonates today.
From redistributing land, we move on to redistributing genres. This week’s list ranges from classical to rockabilly, folk-bluegrass to Hawaiian, and a few stops in between. As always, a version of this Song List goes out every Wednesday on Facebook, with a slightly later posting on this website.
We begin with Beethoven — and end with The Skids — with plenty of musical detours along the way.
Ludwig Van Beethoven – ‘Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight” In C Sharp Minor’
Beethoven wrote this in 1801 and dedicated it to his pupil Countess Giulietta Guicciardi. The nickname “Moonlight” wasn’t Beethoven’s — it came later, from critic Ludwig Rellstab, who said the first movement sounded like moonlight on Lake Lucerne.
Black Cat Trio & Donna – ‘Roll Over Beethoven’
Chuck Berry’s 1956 original was a rock ’n’ roll landmark, famously telling classical purists to “roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news.” This cover leans into rockabilly energy, keeping Berry’s rebellious spirit intact.
Lou Deleuze – ‘Ce Monde’
A modern chanson track with a reflective, almost philosophical tone. Deleuze’s work often blends French pop with folk influences, and this song sits firmly in that tradition — melodic, melancholic, and quietly political.
Fu Manchu – ‘Blue Tile Fever’
From the Californian stoner‑rock veterans. Fu Manchu’s sound is rooted in fuzzed‑out guitars, desert‑rock grooves and surf‑skate culture. ‘Blue Tile Fever’ is a nod to pool‑skating — a subculture they’ve always championed.
Buddy Holly – ‘Heartbeat’
Released in 1958, this was one of Holly’s last singles before his tragic death in 1959. It didn’t chart highly at the time, but it’s become a staple of early rock ’n’ roll — simple, catchy, and unmistakably Buddy.
Indigo Girls – ‘Galileo’
A 1992 folk-rock classic exploring reincarnation, self‑reflection and the idea of learning across lifetimes. The title references the astronomer Galileo Galilei, used as a metaphor for questioning and enlightenment.
Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole – ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’
Recorded in one take in 1988, IZ’s medley of ‘Over the Rainbow’ and ‘What a Wonderful World’ became globally beloved. His gentle ukulele and warm vocal delivery turned a familiar song into something timeless and deeply emotional.
Elvis Presley – ‘Suspicious Minds’
Written and first released by Mark James in 1968, but it was Elvis’s 1969 version that became a worldwide hit. James’s original lacked the punch and arrangement that Elvis — and producer Chips Moman — brought to it.
Rollins Band – ‘Move Right In’
Henry Rollins’ post‑Black Flag outfit specialised in muscular, groove‑driven rock. ‘Move Right In’ showcases their heavier, more aggressive side — tight rhythms, spoken‑word intensity, and Rollins’ trademark confrontational delivery.
The Dead South – ‘These Boots’
Canadian folk‑bluegrass with a gothic twist. The Dead South mix banjo, cello and dark humour, and ‘These Boots’ is a great example of their storytelling style — rustic, rhythmic, and slightly mischievous.
Bob Seger – ‘Wait For Me’
Seger, best known for his work with the Silver Bullet Band, has a knack for reflective ballads. ‘Wait For Me’ is one of his later-career gems — understated, heartfelt, and beautifully sung.
The Skids – ‘A Woman In Winter’
From the Scottish post‑punk band’s 1981 album Joy. The Skids blended punk energy with art‑rock ambition, and this track shows their melodic, atmospheric side — a wintery, dramatic piece with Stuart Adamson’s unmistakable guitar work.
