Welcome to Midweek Song List (141) — and a small milestone for us. This series has been running quietly but faithfully on the Counter Culture Facebook page for quite some time now, gathering a loyal little community of music‑spotters, nostalgists, and people who simply enjoy a good tune on a Wednesday. We’ve now decided to publish the lists on the website too, so they’re easier to find, share, and revisit.
As ever, all selections are by John Field, whose musical curiosity continues to take us down unexpected paths.
Before we get into this week’s choices, a quick thank‑you to everyone who commented on the last list. We had some cracking feedback on the trade‑union track we featured, plus a surprisingly spirited discussion about drums. It’s always a pleasure to see what sparks conversation.
Marking a Century: The General Strike
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1926 UK General Strike, so we’re opening with a song that has travelled across borders and generations: Billy Bragg’s version of “Which Side Are You On?”
Originally written by Florence Reece during the 1931 Harlan County coal miners’ strike, it’s one of those protest songs that never quite loses its edge. Bragg’s version ties it directly to the 1984–85 miners’ strike here in the UK — a reminder that the struggles of working people echo across time.
This Week’s Highlights
Kings of Leon – “Sex on Fire” A track that’s been welded to radio playlists for years, yet the band themselves seem to have slipped into the background. Are they still active? If anyone knows, do tell — we’re curious.
Anonymous Ulster – “Altnaveigh” With St Patrick’s Day just behind us, this one’s for anyone with an interest in the layered, often painful history of Éire and Ulster. Atmospheric and thoughtful.
The Hillbilly Moon Explosion – “Call Me” For the Blondie fans (and we know you’re out there), this rockabilly reworking is a delight. Bold, stylish, and — dare we say — giving the original a proper run for its money.
Pokey LaFarge – “So Long Chicago” (Live) Warm, nostalgic, and the musical equivalent of stepping into a smoky bar somewhere off Route 66.
Emmanuel Chabrier – “Habanera” Because sometimes you need a little French orchestral swagger to balance out the guitars.
A Question to End On
We’ll finish with a small musical puzzle. Can you think of any other song titles made up entirely of numbers, like “5‑4‑3‑2‑1” by Manfred Mann? There must be more, but none spring to mind. Suggestions welcome.
This Week’s Playlist
Anonymous Ulster – Altnaveigh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z6_MLZt5V4.. (youtube.com in Bing).
Billy Bragg – Which Side Are You On? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbddqXib814
Eagles Of Death Metal – Blinded By The Light https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUw-427_pDU
Eat Bake Sing – The Bold Grenadier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GATIqmJgO4
Emmanuel Chabrier – Habanera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsaOXKy93MQ
The Hillbilly Moon Explosion – Call Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdhnM3sbhRw
The Killers – Mr Brightside https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVlfINuDdKE
Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5raB3IBkck
Pokey LaFarge – So Long Chicago (Live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFgbvyE5Uww.. (youtube.com in Bing).
Amy MacDonald – Born to Run https://youtu.be/Nz4_UHCMqf0?si=zCC5tJrnVFlFC7Bx
Manfred Mann – 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lGLbL5M8kY.. (youtube.com in Bing).
Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM_N2O-gzP4
