Playlist 13.08.12

Do an online search on the significance of the number sequence 4-11-44 and some remarkable ideas appear. Most of these are connected to the illegal numbers racket in America and the seemingly mystical importance of these digits. Some of the other theories are plainly rude. Whatever the rationale, this sequence has been inspiring songwriters for more than 130 years. Some of these songs have made fun of African-American culture and others have been defiant with their jazz, blues and salacious fun.

Pete Wylie released 'Fourelevenfortyfour' on his 'Sinful' album in 1987. He was writing well at the time and he uses the numbers analogy to describe his girl - impossibly beautiful like Dylan's legendary Johanna and loaded with contradictions. You would bet on it, every time.

Blur - Girls And Boys (Parlophone)

Jack White - I'm Shakin' (XL)

Dr Feelgood - All Through The City (Grand)

Gaslight Anthem - Mulholland Drive (Sony)

Eugene McGuinness - Sugarplum (Domino)

Blur - Under The Westway

Cedric Has A Name - Empty Avenue (white)

Jimmy Cliff - Children's Bread (UMC)

The Wonderstuff - There, There My Dear (IRL)

Betty Wright And The Roots - In The Middle Of The Game (white)

Amidships - The One (white)

Deer Tick - Clownin Around (Loose)

Bobby Womack - Love Is Gonna Lift You Up (XL)

PartTwo

New Order - True Faith (Factory)

Flipron, Neville Staples - The Comet Returns (white)

The Flaming Lips - Children of The Moon (Bella Union)

Houndmouth - Penitentiary (Rough Trade)

Slim Gaillard - A Tip On The Numbers (Proper)

Wah - Fourelevenfortyfour (Castle)

Soak - Fingers Crossed (white)

Bobby Womack - If You Don't Want My Love (Charly)

Sean Rowe - The Lonely Maze (Anti)

The Specials - Do Nothing (Two Tone)

Van She - Idea Of Happiness (Modular)

Cocteau Twins - Heaven Or Las Vegas (4ad)

Kindness - That's Alright (Polydor)