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| Photo by Henry Ager |
Recently I had a chat with Bristol-based singer-songwriter Joe T. Johnson. Joe's music is truly authentic and has an Indie / Folk feel to it. From featuring in Fred Perry's Subculture to playing at Glastonbury Festival and Bristol's O2 Academy this is the beginning for him. We caught up and had a chat about five albums from five decades that influenced his music and style.
60's - Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles (1967)
Joe - My first album is from the 1960's called 'Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' by The Beatles. This album captures and defines the time and was also the first record I ever bought. The artwork is iconic with a great psychedelic feel to the whole vibe. Also when I bought the vinyl it came with cardboard cutouts of a moustache, army badges and other Beatles bits. I loved that.
70's Never Mind The Bollocks - Sex Pistols (1977)
Joe - One of my favourite albums of all time is 'Never Mind The Bollocks' by the Sex Pistols. I admire the raw energy behind the record its incredible. I love everything about it, Johnny Rotten's lyrics and vocal delivery are something that inspired me massively. I love the sleaze punk "Vivian Westwood" fashion style, the rough edge British punk sound mixed with pop art style creating that iconic album cover! It's everything I ever wanted in a record.
80's Rum Sodomy & the Lash - The Pogues (1985)
Joe - In 1985 The Pogues "Rum Sodomy and the Lash" was released. Way before my time but still I really connect with the album. The combination of poetry, music, Irish and punk touches my soul and will forever be a timeless classic!
90's Nevermind - Nirvana (1991)
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| Photo by Henry Ager |
Joe - I love so much music from the 90's. For me, one album that stands out would be 'Nevermind' by Nirvana. This album still sounds like the future of rock music, the whole production style of 'Butch Vig' really made that album pop! Great songs like 'Smells Like Teen Sprit' defined the era making this album an all-time favourite.
2000's Back to Black - Amy Winehouse (2006)
Joe - 'Back to Black' by Amy Winehouse. I was pretty young when this album came out so I never really listened to it properly until recently. It really blew me away! Surely one of the most iconic singers of all time, with a superb voice. After listening to this album I started listening to Amy's other albums like 'Frank' and understanding her roots in Jazz music. It was a fun time when London's Camden scene was popping off with The Libertines and The Mighty Boosh happening funny times!
Joe's debut EP 'English Elegance' is available in Rough Trade.
Follow Joe here
Instagram - @thejoetjohnson
Twitter - @thejoetjohnson_
Spotify - Joe T. Johnson
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