Liverpool’s Circa Waves release new single Young Chasers on Monday (21 July) and play Latitude Festival this Sunday (20 July), yet even as relative newcomers feel the fab shadow of a certain band from their hometown. “Even though The Beatles invented guitars, humour and pop music in 1962, sometimes it’s important to remember the other bands that have come from Liverpool,” notes Sam Rourke. “Here’s a list of some of our favourite songs from them.” He’s not wrong…
The Searchers – Needles & Pins
“We’re all fans of short and to the point pop songs and this is a great example, it says everything in just over two minutes. Also it’s a cover and essentially they just sped up the original which is exactly what we did when covering 1901 by Phoenix.”
The Teardrop Explodes – Reward
“I love it when songs just crash into life from the beginning like this one. Also one of the best band names of all time.”
Echo And The Bunnymen – Seven Seas
“I’ve still no idea what this song means but that’s never really mattered. Even without understanding them the lyrics don’t seem meaningless and compliment the music really well.”
Wings – Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five
“This one is a bit of a cop out as it features the legendary Paul McCartney but since the first time I heard it I couldn’t believe how mad it was. From the way that Paul is singing to that droning synth in the verses. And the choral bits after what I suppose I’ll call a chorus because the structure is all over the place.”
All We Are – Feel Safe
“Admittedly not featuring any actual Scousers in the band but meeting, forming and working in Liverpool means they definitely qualify. They’re creating some of the most interesting pop coming out the city at the moment.”
The Real Thing – You To Me Are Everything
“One of the best baby makers out there. Fact. Also the least ‘Liverpool’ sounding thing on this list.”
Space – Female Of The Species
“This song is so over the top, especially the sudden use of huge string section in the chorus. Also, nobody can deny the opening hook on the steel drum.”
Stealing Sheep – Genevieve
“Another three piece band in Liverpool at the moment, Stealing Sheep make psych/folk with a twist. This song has some great vocal harmonies (a big Scouse trademark) and big hooks.”
Gerry And The Pacemakers – You’ll Never Walk Alone
“Ignoring the football connotations, this song is ridiculous. The chord changes throughout are full of surprises. The fact that thousands of people can sing along easily just shows exactly how good the songwriting of Rodgers and Hammerstein is.”
Bill Ryder Jones – If
“After being involved of some of the biggest songs from the early 2000s (not naughties!) Bill put out a score to an imaginary adaptation of the book If On A Winters Night A traveller by Italo Calvino. This is the title track and it is an incredible piece of music.”
For more head to Circawaves.com.
