London songsmith Eugene McGuinness learned his craft listening to the greats, from Sheffield crooner Richard Hawley to Canada’s finest, Neil Young. He released his eponymous debut album in 2008 on Domino imprint Double Six, showcasing his unique brand of lyrical fantasy and stylistic guitar pop. Last month he followed this up with sophomore set The Invitation to the Voyage, a more self-assured release rich with allegory and big pop hooks.
We wondered what Eugene had been listening to recently, so asked him for the tracks he currently has on heavy rotation:
John Cale - Dying on the Vine
I keep coming back to John Cale’s solo albums, especially Fear, but I have a live recording of this song.It’s just a very simple and powerful tune.
Sly and the Family Stone - I Cannot Make It
Iggy Pop or Liam Gallagher should cover this, but I’ll probably end up doing it. The attitude is sneering with swag - if that’s possible.
The Vines - Ride
The Vines are underrated. The harmonies are beautiful and the guitars are vicious. Also, get on a song called Homesick, Lennon would love it.
Richard Hawley - Bang to Rights
This is an early song from him. I love everything he does, he’s a bit of a brutal romantic is Hawley; a Sheffield Teddy boy who sounds like Nat King Cole.
Primal Scream - Shoot Speed Kill Light
I’m constantly blasting XTRMNTR out the headphones. This song is one of the most relentless, euphoric wig outs in the universe.
MIA - Bad Girls
This tune is blinding, but the music video is out of this world.
David Essex - Rock On
It’s unreal, I can’t really think of anything that sounds remotely like it. Mad. You need it.
Neil Young - Don’t Cry
I don’t know much about his grunge thing, it’s not my thing really. But this has that heavy guitar but with a really stunning melody.
We wondered what Eugene had been listening to recently, so asked him for the tracks he currently has on heavy rotation:
John Cale - Dying on the Vine
I keep coming back to John Cale’s solo albums, especially Fear, but I have a live recording of this song.It’s just a very simple and powerful tune.
Sly and the Family Stone - I Cannot Make It
Iggy Pop or Liam Gallagher should cover this, but I’ll probably end up doing it. The attitude is sneering with swag - if that’s possible.
The Vines - Ride
The Vines are underrated. The harmonies are beautiful and the guitars are vicious. Also, get on a song called Homesick, Lennon would love it.
Richard Hawley - Bang to Rights
This is an early song from him. I love everything he does, he’s a bit of a brutal romantic is Hawley; a Sheffield Teddy boy who sounds like Nat King Cole.
Primal Scream - Shoot Speed Kill Light
I’m constantly blasting XTRMNTR out the headphones. This song is one of the most relentless, euphoric wig outs in the universe.
MIA - Bad Girls
This tune is blinding, but the music video is out of this world.
David Essex - Rock On
It’s unreal, I can’t really think of anything that sounds remotely like it. Mad. You need it.
Neil Young - Don’t Cry
I don’t know much about his grunge thing, it’s not my thing really. But this has that heavy guitar but with a really stunning melody.
