"Like I said the 1993 tape is my favourite of the seven that we did. One reason is that it simply has the strongest tracks, even now 20 years on I don't think there's a weak link on it.
I was 20-21 in 1993 and really big into music. I'd go into the same record shop in town every week and get the new releases, and there was nearly always at least one gig a week to go to. I made the tapes with a friend of a girl I started going out with, and we'd *generally* agree on the track listing without too much drama.
Even the recording of the tapes itself was a big deal, we'd spend the day deciding what to put on it and then start recording (I wonder how many of your listeners even remember tapes). Musically it brings back great memories. Suede's "Animal Nitrate" is there, and brings me back to my mate's band supporting them in Dublin and drinks with Simon Gilbert (that first Suede album is still a cracker).
The opening track was always what we considered the best song of the year (probably the decision that caused most disagreements every year), and in 1993 it was "Creep" by Radiohead. I can remember them playing a gig in Dublin the night of my first date with that girl I mentioned. There are all sorts of memories like that. I saw so many of these bands either that year or in the preceding or succeeding years. I had actually thought that "Cannonball" was the opening track until I unearthed the tapes again recently!
If I had to pick one track that brings me back I'd probably choose Smokebelch II by Sabres of Paradise, because I was still going through my Screamadelica/Andrew Weatherall obsession (and I still have the tattoo to prove it). There's another Weatherall connection on the tape with "White Love" by One Dove.
And the girl I started going out with that Summer? She's now my wife of 13 years, and the tape evokes such amazing memories of that first Summer together!"
Leftfield – Open Up
Dinosaur Jr. – Get Me
The Goats – Typical American
Sugar – JC Auto
Credit To The Nation - You’re In A Bad Way
The Smashing Pumpkins – Today
William S Burroughs – Words of Advice for Young People
The Sabres of Paradise – Smokebelch II (Beatless Mix)
American Music Club - Dallas Airports Bodybags
One Dove – White Love
Belly – Gepetto
Rahsaan, Gerard Presencers, Us3 - Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)
Nirvana – Heart Shaped Box
Bjork – Big Time Sensuality
The Auteurs – Show Girl
Aphex Twin – Xtal
Shara Nelson – Down That Road
Radiohead – Creep
Suede - Animal Nitrate
Temple Head - Transglobal Underground
Pet Shop Boys – Can You Forgive Her? 2001 Digital Remix
Ice Cube – Wicked
Rage Against The Machine – Bullet In The Head
The Boo Radleys – With I Was Skinny
The Breeders – Cannonball
Digable Planets – Rebirth of Slick
Grant Lee Buffalo – The Shining Hour
Tindersticks – The Not Knowing
