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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