Under the Influence: Tim Burgess

1. New Order – Power, Corruption & Lies (1983)

From the very first time I heard John Peel play Your Silent Face I was in love. Blue Monday was the hit but never made the album (appeared on the US version of the CD) but it was Your Silent Face, Age of Consent and Leave Me Alone that took me from punk rock to electronic art rock/disco. This record never left my turntable for 6 months, shaped my summer of ‘83 and made me who I am today.

2. Crass – Penis Envy (1981)

My love for Crass began with Bloody Revolutions and Feeding of the 5000 but it was the women of the group that changed my life (oh, and one boy called Penny!); Eve Libertine, Joy De Vivre and Gee Vaucher wrote and sang the songs on this album, teaching a young boy from Salford an early lesson about strong, raw, intelligent women. 

3. The Beach Boys – Today! (1965)

I absolutely love the Beach Boys but I choose this as a desert island disc for side two of the vinyl, Kiss Me Baby, She Knows Me Too Well, Please Let Me Wonder and my personal favourite (Dennis Wilson sung) In The Back Of My Mind. It’s absolute genius, with a melancholic beauty.

4. The Beatles – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

I love this recording and to be honest it is my favourite Beatles record. I love the concept. But it’s the songs that kill ya!  Lovely Rita, Getting Better, She’s Leaving Home – it’s McCartney’s masterpiece. Plus Being For the Benefit Of Mr Kite and A Day In The Life from John, just to flesh it out – phew! 

5. Angelo Badalamenti & David Lynch – Soundtrack From Twin Peaks (1990)

The series changed my life, or at least changed the way I looked at life. The music was slow and doomy – 50s diner, sinister finger snaps and shimmering synth. Check out the beautiful title track Twin Peaks Theme and the really sexy Audrey’s Dance. 

6. Joy Division – Closer (1980)

Is it sad to have 2 records made by the same people? This along with Power, Corruption & Lies just goes to show what a huge fan I am of Morris/Sumner/Hook…Ian Curtis died for all our sins, so I have to have Joy Division in there representing vampire rock at its purest. You can’t lie about desert island discs, because you’re gonna be fucking stranded – right?

7. Psychic TV – Force The Hand of Chance (1982)

I love Genesis P-Orridge and had to include one of his many genius records (also check out Throbbing Gristle’s D.o.A, or 20 Jazz Funk Greats). I chose this one because of the reoccurring theme in Just Drifting (For Caresse), the song touches me more than any other Genesis P love songs. Also tracks like Ov Power, Thee Full Pack and Message From The Temple are bangers – uplifting, powerful sonic genius. Add to that the song Guiltless with vocals by Marc Almond (who I also love) and you have a great alternative 8os portrait of debauched life in art.

8. Philip Glass – Solo Piano (1989)

I absolutely love this album; it’s really peaceful and would remind me to look for passing ships in the night. Quiet or loud, it doesn’t matter – I could dance to Metamorphosis 1 through to 5 (it’s just too good not too). Pretty sure it would be minimalist dancing, mind you.

9. Dexys Midnight Runners – Too-Rye-Ay (1982)

Couldn’t make my mind up between this album and the other two Dexys records but I went with this one because of the tracks Until I Believe In My Soul and the incredible Plan B. Also, to be honest, I am a huge fan of Come On Eileen.

10. Bob Dylan – Blonde on Blonde (1966)

Mercurial perfection, jumping from Temporary Like Achilles to Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 through to 4th Time Around, I Want You and Just Like a Woman. This record gave me what I needed to understand and explore America. Basically, Dylan was punk; I have always identified with him. I love his polka dot shirt and hair during this era – the beautiful Bob Dylan. 

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