Camden's Unsung Heroes - Mayor Jonathan Simpson in search of musical talent

 

PUBLISHED: 10 February 2011
by TOM FOOT

DJ, music collector – and Mayor of Camden – Jonathan Simpson has drawn up an official playlist of the songs that have helped mark Camden as the capital on the country’s rock ’n’ roll map.

But the record junkie wants your help to add to his eclectic mixtape.

To coincide with his Unsung Heroes award scheme, co-sponsored by the New Journal, he has compiled a list of his 24 favourites on the music website Spotify. 

He says the tunes reflect how Camden has forged its legendary reputation. 

His awards will culminate in a ceremony at the Roundhouse on March 4.

Readers can take part by nominating a musician, promoter or teacher – anybody with a musical connection who has helped keep Camden number one in the charts. It is open to all and the scheme has not cost any public money, thanks to sponsorship from Bulldog, Apollo and Argent Limited.

As an added extra, the Mayor is offering two tickets to see Soul II Soul at the Roundhouse for the best suggestion for an addition to his playlist entered by Monday February 28.

Cllr Simpson said: “Camden is famed across the world for its live music and for the many bands who were started here or have played gigs in the borough, as well as the many songs that reference Camden. 

“Help me capture the sound of Camden’s past and present by making your recommen­dations for the ‘ultimate Camden playlist’. It’s incredible how much music is connected with Camden and I am looking forward to hear about your favourite Camden songs and why they mean so much to you.” 

To enter, log on to www.lovecamden.org/camdenplaylist
 

The Mayor has started the playlist with these songs, together with his reasons why:

1. Soul II Soul ­– Back to Life. Jazzie B and Soul II Soul remain a Camden phenomena – running their Funki Dread clothes empire from Camden Town. This was the soundtrack to 1989.

2. Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry on Their Own. Back to Black’s best track by far. How many tourists spend the evening at the Hawley Arms hoping to see Camden’s tabloid queen?

3. Morrissey – Come Back to Camden. Morrissey’s affectionate lament to Camden long after he left Primrose Hill to live in the US.  

4. David Bowie – London Boys. Recorded at the Decca Studio in Broadhurst Gardens in NW6. A London song with firm Camden heritage

5. Dusty Springfield – Goin’ Back. The white lady of soul was, in fact, born in Fordwych Road, West Hampstead. 

6. Coldplay – Yellow. Not a Camden band in origin but their first gigs were in Kentish Town and Camden. Now Chris Martin and his wife are famous the world over.

7. Prince – Sign of the Times. Before he became The Artist Formerly Known As... the Purple Prince had a shop in the heart of Camden Town over the road from the Stables.

8. Pet Shop Boys – King’s Cross.  A sad song which could be about the sadness of the King’s Cross station fire or the Aids crisis in the 1980s.  One of their best song writing moments.

9. Kirsty MacColl – England 2, Columbia 0. Kirsty’s songs were like mini soap operas.  This one starts out in a Belsize Park pub. Was it the Sir Richard Steele?

10.Belle & Sebastian – Mornington Crescent. A Scottish band writing a love song about the gateway to Camden Town. 

11. Loudon Wainwright – Primrose Hill. Rufus’s dad lived in the area for a period and writes a song which sounds distinctly American, yet talks of a musicians life in the borough.

12. Madness – One Step Beyond. The nuttiest sound off the street. The band most associated with Camden and the Dublin Castle.  

13. Suggs – Camden Town.  Suggs’ reggae song about the heart of Camden Town.  You can do anything you want to... never a truer word said!

14. Blur – For Tomorrow. The band most closely associated with Brit Pop write about Primrose Hill again in the lead single to their second album.

15. N-Dubz – Better Not Waste my Time. The former Haverstock School pupils have become a huge success over the past 11 years. 

16. Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze. Played one of the most legendary gigs of his career at the Roundhouse. 

17. The Doors – Break on Through. Their only ever UK gig was at the Roundhouse on September 6, 1968. 

18. Motorhead – Leaving Here.  Lemmy and the kings of New Wave Heavy Metal played their first gig at the Roundhouse in support of Greenslade.

19. Madonna – Burning Up.  Madonna’s first UK concerts saw her play The Camden Palace (now Koko). She returned there to launch her Confessions on a Dance Floor album in 2005 bringing the High Street to a standstill.

20. Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant. While not being able to play when they formed, the band rehearsed constantly at the Roundhouse.

21. The Smiths – London (From Rank). The Smiths legendary live album was recorded at the former National Ballroom in Kilburn High Road.

22. The Darkness – I Believe in a Thing Called Love. A night out in The Good Mixer used to not be complete without seeing Justin.

23. Mystery Jets – Diamonds in the Dark.  Delancey Street features in a recent song looking back at a relationship. 

24 Hazel O’Connor – Eighth Day. Hazel’s Breaking Glass movie features many landscapes around Camden including The Camden Palace (now Koko).