Brendan Murphy’s Vibe Box
The Vibe Box is a chance for members of the Madrid international community to make their very own play list. For any of you that missed out, here is the first every Vibe Box, from one of Madrid’s most recognisable personalities: Brendan Murphy.
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Hocus Pocus by Focus
The song that started me on the road to rock n’ roll. A demon anthem from a Dutch band which was aired in the early 70’s when I was being weaned off Gilbert O’ Sullivan. It was also the first concert I was allowed go to on my own, though my mother collected me. Definitely a number to listen to with the headphones on and the volume at max, oh and you can air-guitar too.
Aria from ‘La Wally’ sung by Wilhelmenia Fernandez
From a great French film called ‘Diva’ which I used to go and see several times at the late-night in the Alphaville when I first came to Spain when there were no DVD’s and the only English-speaking videos were ‘Muzzy’, this operatic piece HAS to be heard at full volumn, as my neighbours will testify, it gives you that back-of-the-neck tingling sensation – impresses the ladies in the morning too.
Mysterious Traveller by Weather Report
When I went to art-school, among the several new sensations I was introduced to was Jazz/Funk/Rock or however you want to pigeonhole it, but this track started me off on a long spree and a great vinyl collection - Joe Zawinul, Al Di Meola, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and the brilliant Jaco Pastorious among others.
Cena Recalentada by Golpes Bajas
I arrived in Spain in the mid 80’s when it was the ‘Golden age’ and this was my first Spanish cassette. I used to listen to it on a walkman played through car speakers and a little booster amp bought in the Rastro. Germán Coppini led this band and added a personal vocal style before going off to do dreadful things to great commercial acclaim.
Bitch Dub by Linton Kwesi Jonson
As an Irish person, London is a second home, and during many visits during the 70’s and 80’s and I was brought to Brixton where I was introduced to a whole range of musical and culinary delights – Dancehall, Rocksteady, Ska, Reggae and me favrit, Dub. Them were the days when a kebab was a ting to behold.
Cavan Potholes by Sharon Shannon
I had the priviledge of meeting this great musician recently when she played in Madrid. This was my first track every night when I started my shift in the Rover and what a great way to start. The woman is a marvel on the diatonic, a sort of squeezbox, we can’t forget our roots, and the lady likes cider.
The Sweetest Girl by Scritti Pollitti
Everyone has that memory album sparked off by a song, the smell of a mown lawn or burnt spaghetti, this is my romantic choice. After splitting up with my girlfriend, something I wasn’t too happy about at the time but you get over it – ha! She dumped me, yet all men are bastards?
Summer in Siam by The Pogues
Raw drink-powered celtpunk has kept me going through many a long night in the Rover. This is a personal favourite, Shane McGowan’s signature vocals and the video’s good too. Another personal anecdote; I was in a dressing room alone with him and we polished off a bottle of port while shootin’ the breeze. I asked him what his favourite Pogues track was and yes, it’s this one.
Persian Love by Holger Czukay.
One of my favourite tracks of all time from one of my favourite albums of all time; ‘Movies’. This is one of these ‘knock on’ effects, someone had turned me on to a band called ‘Can’ and some pre-internet investigating got me a copy of this jewel. I have played this to so many people over the years and (nearly) everyone just has to go out and get it. Spread the word.
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And here is one of the tracks for you: