Music Guide for Episode 6

Vashti Bunyan – Diamond Day
Audio Networks – Hard Rock
The Human League – Love Action
Art Brut – Good Weekend
Experimental Dental School – Oakland Lake Legz
Asobi Seksu – I’m Happy But You Don’t Like Me – One Little Indian
Diskettes – Art
Tujiko Noriko – White Film – Mego
High Places – Jump In – Thrill Jockey
Susanna and the Magical Orchestra – Believer
Electrelane – After The Call
John Lennon – Instant Karma
Dodos – Walking
Liars – Mr You’re on Fire Mr – Mute
Robert Wyatt – Just As You Are
Grouper – Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping
Gloria Jones – Tainted Love

Music Guide for Episode 3

Mapaputsi – Kleva
DJ Zhao – Kwaito
Buraka Som Sistema – Luanda Lisboa
Kanda Bongo Man – Lela Lela
Skinned Teen – Pillow Case Kisser
Barry White – Gonna Love You
Toumani Diabate – Bi Lamban
Mamadou Cissokho – Kora composition
Kanda Bongo Man – Sango
Kanda Bongo Man – Isambe
Fat Segal – Desperate Housewives
Fat Segal – Class Drumming
Gregory Isaacs – Rumours
Tom Tom Club – Genius of Love
Buraka Som Sistema – Sem Makas
Various Production – Diver
Aphex Twin – Untitled 10
Bhundu Boys – Ring of Fire
Mapaputsi – Kleva
Eye Adaba – Dramatico
Buraka Som Sistema – Yah

I think we’ve beaten Vampire Weekend here by smuggling more African music into mainstream teenage culture than they’ve ever done. Go Skins.

Mapaputsi – Kleva – Sheer
The episode begins with Thomas dancing to this track, it came out on the awesome Sheer Records, who are based in South Africa and were the guys who first put out DJ Mujava’s ‘Township Funk’. If this episode came out a year earlier you know that we would have put that track in the show.
I found this Kwaito track on a mix by a guy called DJ Zhao.

Buraka Som Sistema – Luanda Lisboa – Fabric

This time we get some Portuguese interpretations of Angolan Kuduro courtesy of BSS. I voted BBS’ live show as one of my highlights of the 2008 – you seriously should go to see them.

There’s some library music then in the shop – I hoped to play a Bollywood soundtrack or some Hindustani classical music, but you know budgets and everything.

Kanda Bongo Man – Lela Lela
After a bit of circumnavigation we’re finally in The Congo. The legendary Kanda Bongo Man reinvented the genre of Soukous by adding more guitar solos and shortening the overall structure to create Kwassa Kwassa which is basically a funner version of Soukous. I think Vampire Weekend have a song with the same name and it is the first of three times we use KBM.

Skinned Teen – Pillow Case Kisser – Wiiija
Skinned Teen are the greatest Riot Grrrl track of all time – it’s the kinda music I would imagine Effy would listen to.

Barry White – Gonna Love You – Universal
During my write up of series two I mentioned a CD called ‘Toby Welch’s Ten Sure-fire Guarantee To Score Love Songs’. Here we took one of the songs off that and played it when Angela is having sex with Steve.

Toumani Diabate – Bi Lamban – Rykodisc Toumani Diabate is the greatest Kora musician in the world today – he released an album called The Mande Variations last year and here we play his most famous composition Bi Lamban.

Mamadou Cissokho – Kora composition
We got in one of the UK’s leading Kora musicians to specially compose some music for us. If you like what you hear you should also check out his uncle Jali Fily Cissokho. They’re both amazing players and we use Mamodou’s compositions quite often throughout the episode.

Kanda Bongo Man – Sango
Thomas is listening to more of the brilliant KBM as Johnny White visits his flat.

Library Music – A guy called Ian Hughes produces some ‘authentic’ ‘Djembe’ drumming for a bit of tension for us here. For that little bit of extra information for you I originally wanted to use something from a CD called Drums of Death – Field Recordings in Ghana, which was released on the Avant Japan label, but I was unsure as to who owned the copyright in the recording so I had to change it. How’s that for a dull incite into life as a Music Supervisor?

More Mamadou Cissokho Kora playing as well as a Fat Segal composition which he calls ‘fingers’.

Kanda Bongo Man – Isambe
As Thomas starts school we get our third and final KBM track of the episode.

Fat Segal – Desperate Housewives
Apparently this is a little dig at Desperate Housewives – I’m not sure how or why but you should message Fat Segal on Myspace for more info.

Fat Segal – Class Drumming
FS does the little mechanical whir beneath the class drumming. I need to note that so that he can collect royalties.

The next 4 uses of Kora music are all by Mamadou Cissokho – I’d like to be able to tell you that it is Merv (the actor who plays Thomas) playing but that would be wrong, he’s a talented guy but not that talented.

Gregory Isaacs – Rumours – Greensleeves
This classic early Dancehall tune comes in when we sense the first sparks between Pandora and Thomas.

Tom Tom Club – Genius of Love – Universal
Has anyone noticed how the music in Skins is generally quite new then all of a sudden a track from 30 years ago pops up? This track by the Tom Tom Club is a great use of that approach if I do say so myself.

Buraka Som Sistema – Sem Makas
As we enter the club my favourite track from Buraka’s debut EP is playing.

Various Production – Diver
This is VP’s own interpretation of minimal techno for this classic track and is also the first white label 12″ to be featured in Skins. Various Production are a great act and they have a new album out soon – you should look out for it.

The Rap
Fat Segal did the beat (notice the part where he tries to be Rustie) the English part was written by a guy called Isaac Ssebandeke and the French part (rapped by Thomas) was written by a guy called Eymeric Fouchere. It’s yet to have an actual name – anyone got an idea?

Aphex Twin – Untitled 10 – Warp
Aphex’s Selected Ambient Works II is an absolute masterpiece. Without a doubt it is one of the most important records ever made for me – it really helped in that transition to loner music guy. Here we use it for a bit of tension as Johnny White sets out his plans.

Bhundu Boys – Ring of Fire – Cooking Vinyl
The Bhundu Boys were big Favourites of John Peel and here they cover Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’ for humorous results. You may also know The Bhundu Boys from Peep Show as Tony and Toni argue about who owns their CD when they are breaking up.

Mapaputsi – Kleva
This is the same song that Thomas dances to at the beginning at the episode, we’ve deemed it to be Thomas’ favourite track, so he plays it to celebrate overcoming Johnny White.

Asa – Eye Adaba – Dramatico
Asa is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who plays over Thomas’ exit. I found her as she won some MTV Africa awards for best female artist a few years back.

Buraka Som Sistema – Yah
Over the end credits we use Buraka Som Sistema for the fourth time – I will have to check but I think they now have the record for the most tracks ever in Skins. If that isn’t indicative of our love of BSS then I don’t now what is.

Music Guide for Episode 2

Quick List

Motorhead – Ace of Spades
U2 – I Will Follow
Pink Floyd – Great Gig in the Sky
Queen – Don’t Stop Me Know
101ec6 – Counter Stroke
Pink Floyd – One of These Days
Skallywags – It’s Dead
Robbie Williams – Millennium
Eve – Tambourine
Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
Fleetwood Mac -Songbird
Billy Idol – White Wedding
Marillion – Kayleigh
Fat Segal – Lake Control
Son Lux – Break

By no means your average Skins episode and that includes the music. If you were watching the episode with your parents they’ve probably told you the name of most of these tracks by now. If not, read on.

Motorhead -Ace of Spades – Warner Music
It’s Cook’s birthday and he’s proclaiming himself to be ‘The Ace of Spades’ – there’s all sorts of appropriate imagery to derive from that if you wanna think about it a bit – I can’t be bothered to tell you but you should be able to work it out yourself.

U2 – I Will Follow – Mercury
As we step into Keith’s pub we are given a snapshot of what middle-aged men who read Uncut and Mojo call ‘proper tunes’. This is by a band called U2 you may have heard of them.

Pink Floyd – Great Gig in the Sky – EMI
Prog gave us some ridiculous records (I use ridiculous as both a positive and negative term) and also the genius that is Soft Machine and Robert Wyatt. Although Keith’s cool he wouldn’t listen to Soft Machine so we had to make do with Pink Floyd instead.

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now – EMI I’ll claim this an homage to Shaun of the Dead – we didn’t steal their idea honest. 10lec6 – Counter Stroke – Fiat Lux
10lec6 are an awesome Parisian band, who I heard years and years ago on Resonance FM. Unfortunately they haven’t really gone on to do much but they’ve got a new album out soon and should begin to get some exposure.

Pink Floyd – One of these Days – EMI
More Pink Floyd is playing outside the pub – I have nothing left to say about them.

Skallywags – It’s Dead
Everyone knows and loves Skins office legend Chris Lynd right? Well these guys are his mates and he almost became their guitarist. Here’s what he has to say about them: ‘The Skallywags were one of my favourite ever bands. Raucous, (that’s a good thing Alex) aggressive and grubby, and their shows were something else… They’ve evolved quite a bit over the last couple of years into a much darker band – A Third Warning. You should definitely go see them, as long as you don’t mind getting blood on you.

THE PARTY

Inbetween the famous tracks I’ve inserted loads of library music – this is because the series producer Chris Clough would punch me in the face repeatedly if I dared to step over-budget, as Chris used to play rugby I always aim to be on budget. Some people also think library music is cool – they’re clearly not talking about what we’ve put in here but it’s certainly interesting nonetheless.

Robbie Williams – Millennium – Chrysalis
Robbie is from the lovely north Midlands city of Stoke-on-Trent, a true world city. Stoke is home to some of the best things in the world: Rory Delap’s throw in, Lemmy from Motorhead, Oatcakes, Neil Morrissey, Anthea Turner, me…

Eve – Tambourine – Polydor
When Eve’s ‘Tambourine’ comes on everyone gets excited and begins to dance including Effy who does the best impression of Toby’s dancing I’ve ever seen.

Survivor – Eye of the Tiger – Sony BMG
Taken from the awesome Rocky films – this introduces Johnny White onstage.

Fleetwood Mac – Songbird – Warner Music UK
The Butcher pulls out one of his favourite non Sigur Ros tracks for Johnny to serenade Kayleigh to. More library music continues until we hear the next track.

Billy Idol – White Wedding – Chrysalis Records Ltd
Company Pictures legend Clare Sefi loves Billy Idol almost as much as she loves Arsenal FC. One of her favourite songs ever is played as Cook is on a mission.

Cook sings Barry Manilow’s I Write the Songs – Sony BMG
There’s an episode of Friends where at Barry and Mindy’s wedding Rachel sings ‘Coca Cobana’ – that is pretty good – but I think this will go down as TV’s greatest karaoke performance of a Barry Manilow song ever.

Marillion – Kayleigh – EMI
Over XMAS I was watching Magic’s Top 50 Power Ballads Ever with my mum and brother and this came in at number three – whilst I would argue that this isn’t actually a power ballad – there is no arguing that this is a great musical moment. Apparently Skins Chief Exec Bossman Bryan Elsley came up with the idea at 3am whilst working with The Butcher.

Fat Segal – Lake Control Fat Segal is back and he’s been asked to do some more ambient composition – it’s to tell you Skins is getting dark and serious you know.

Timbaland – Scream – Polydor
This is the best thing that Timbaland’s released in a long, long time (besides his sampling of Crystal Castles for that 50 Cent single) coupled with Nicole from Pussycat Dolls and gyrating naked women we’re onto a winner.

More library music then plays in the rest of the brothel.

Son Lux – Break – Anticon
Anticon isn’t just a label for geeky indie hip-hop – recently they’ve branched out and Son Lux is their best new artist. This is the standout single from the album At War With Walls and Mazes and my second favourite track Ever released on Anticon – the first is Alias and Tarsier’s ‘Dr C.’

Fat Segal – Lake Control
We go all serious on you again as things get tense between Freddie and Cook.

Motorhead – Ace of Spades – Warner
Cook doesn’t seem to give a shit and he ends his awesome day by singing the same song he began the day with.

SOURCE

S2E10: Music Guide

Alex: Sorry I’m a bit late with this.

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SOURCE: www.skinslife.com

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The last music guide until the next series – but fear not. We’ve got plenty of stuff planned over the coming months to keep you interested…

The Toes – Chrome Radio Rocks – Opening Track

The episode’s director, Charles Martin, opens the show with a track by a band i know nothing about. It’s quite good though, isn’t it?

Gravenhurst – See My Friends – Sid gets back home

In my write up for episode 4 I said that Gravenhurst did a fantastic cover of a Kinks song and here it is! This is from their ‘Fire in Distant Buildings’ album and is their second track to feature in Skins.

Blondie – Heart of Glass – Bryan from Spaced (Chris’ Dad) talking to Sid (His name is Mark Heap. Do your fucking research, Alex. Ed)

Sid’s mum has probably been listening to Magic FM and the lazy fucker can’t be arsed to turn it off. In my opinion ‘Atomic’ (the track used in Trainspotting) is by far their best track.

Elliot Smith – Between the Bars – Michelle and Jal in bed.

James ‘The Slasher’ Hughes (Editor of this episode) gets in one of his favourite songwriters into the show to add some poignancy to the moment.

Charlie Parr – Track 4 (from Rooster/King Earle) – Michelle/Jal in the zoo/aquarium

We used this track in episode 5 and we now re-use our favourite Bluegrass musician to remind us of Chris. Check the track below

Boccherini – Minuetto – Funeral directors track

The guy from The Fast Show (Jon Thompson is his name. Honestly. Ed.) talks to Bryan from Spaced and many other cool comedies (this is now only mildly amusing. Ed.) whilst a piece of classical music that is used in ‘Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls’ is played in the background. Viewing everything through the lens of pop culture’s great innit? (HA HA HA HA HA HA. Ed)

Girls Aloud – Sound of the Underground – Car Chase track one

My little sister Paige (hello!!) bought this when it was released and i probably played it as much as her. It’s a pretty amazing track and Girls Aloud are one of the best girl groups of all time. We also used it as Toby fancies Sarah Harding and really, really, really wants to meet her. We figure now we’ve used her track he’s just that little bit closer to realising his dream.

The Everydays – Untitled – Playing on the Radio

Rich Stephenson is the lead singer of this upcoming rock revival act.

Britney Spears – Ooops I did it again – Second car chase track

After Toby realised that Sarah Harding’s getting married he thought he’d try the easier target of Britney Spears. I know she’s having a hard time at the moment, Toby but that’s a bit desperate isn’t it? (This time tomorrow, Alex will be on the dole. Ed.)

Mascagni – Raging Bull theme tune (amongst other things) – Funeral directors, track 2

Two famous people sit around whilst a famous piece of music from a famous film is playing; perhaps in series three we’ll have as many pop culture allusions as Spaced. I certainly hope so.

Tom Middleton – Sea of Glass – Chris’ funeral

Tom Middleton’s a pretty cool guy; he’s worked with Aphex Twin, produced one of the key ambient albums of all time as Global Communication and his label Universal Language Productions was the first to release Matthew Herbert’s tracks, now his music’s in Skins. In short; I’m jealous.

White Stripes – 7 Nation Army – fireworks song

After Tony nods, they play Chris some White Stripes in tribute.

Micah P Hinson – Wasted Away – Bryan from Spaced talks to Jal

We last heard Micah P Hinson at the end of Skins series one episode 8; he generally works well when you want the whole strummy, downbeat, acoustic guitar vibe.

Modern Lovers – Modern World – Cassie in New York

Dude, check the Slasher’s editing in time with the opening drum roll. That’s some pretty cool stuff. What’s also cool is using once again a bit of good ol’ Jonathan Richman.

Maps – Sid/Tony/Michelle in the Car

Maps is a guy called James Chapman who releases music that’s inspired by cool bands like Spacemen 3, Broadcast and Low.

Tom McRae – I ain’t scared of lightning – Tony says goodbye to Sid

Some more singer-songrwriter-y stuff courtesy of The Slasher as Tony says goodbye to Sid. Who thinks The Slasher should write a guide to singer-songwriters on the site???

MGMT – Time to Pretend – Sid in New York/End Credits

In the final all out assault on England, MGMT get their track into the show. These guys look set to be pretty big over the next 6 months so keep your eye on them.

Keep popping back and checking out what we’ve got coming up and thanks for all the comments this series. Roll on series 3…

S2E08: Music Guide

Althea and Donna – Uptown Ranking – Opening Track

One of the best Reggae tracks of all time, the episode’s editor Dan ‘The Butcher’ Gethic likes it so much that he named his daughters Althea and Donna. (note: this obviously isn’t true. Ed.)

Dizzee Rascal – Jus a Rascal – First Dizzee Track

Back when i was in 6th form, Dizzee was one of the most exciting things around. It has taken the teachers 5 years to learn about him and once they have he’s a washed up hack who goes to wank clubs in Mayfair, DJs Nirvana and pillories the spirit of early 90s Texan Hip-Hop legends UGK. How the mighty have fallen.

DJ Assault – Ass n Titties – Posh Kenneth’s Ringtone

Not only is Posh Kenneth the best looking Skins character and potentially a superstar with his MC Toby Welch moniker, he also has the most famous Ghettotech song of all time as his ringtone. Amazing.

Dizzee Rascal – Fix Up Look Sharp – 2nd Dizzee Track

More old school Dizzee plays and everyone gets depressed about the shocker that was his third album. Things like your A Levels seem trivial in comparison.

Eluvium – Genius and Thieves – Piano bit when Jal’s depressed

The clever ones out there may think Eluvium is a geological term. The cool ones will know that Eluvium is also the recording name of Portland, Oregon based musician Matthew Cooper, who releases awesome piano based minimalist compositions on the Temporary Residence label. If you knew both then well done.

Pat Kelly – How Long – Jal and Chris have a meal

Wow, this episode is pretty much an introduction to Reggae. The Butcher once again gives us a classic track. I might draft him in to write a guide to Reggae if everyone’s interested…

Gregory Isaacs – Objection Overruled – Jal rejects Chris

Chris isn’t very bright is he? If he wants to seduce Jal he should have chosen a track from Toby Welch’s ‘Top 20 Surefire Seduction Tracks’ which is due to be released on Universal next month. Even i can barely resist Toby when he plays those songs.

Stage Coach – School’s out – Playing on Cassie’s radio leading into classroom scene

Plaiyng on Cassie’s radio are upcoming indie band ’stagecoach’. For those in London you should check them out as they’re playing a residency at Kilburn’s The Good Ship soon.

Herve – La La Land – Jal goes home

Jal walks home to some contemporary UK hip-hop

Aqueduct – Five Star Day – Songs leading us to the arcade.

Aqueduct is the amazing David Terry from Seattle. He releases his albums on the wonderful Barsuk records.

Mad Professor – Your rights/My rights – dub track

Skins creator Jamie Brittain introduced me to legendary Dub artist The Mad Professor and i’m very, very thankful to him for that. It seems as though Reggae/Dub is following Jal around telling her to give up on classical music or something.

CDK – Untitled – Playing in Jal’s house

After the success of MC Toby Welch it seems as though south London’s CDK are getting big in Bristol as Jal’s brothers are playing their track. Perhaps they’re going to sign them to their record label, i certainly hope so. Catch them at the London date of the Skinslife tour. There are rumours MC Toby Welch will be there…

Fat Segal – Swimming Swan Part Two – Jal depressed

Swimming Swan is stolen from the line of a Percy Shelley poem. Fat Segal shows us how well educated he is by referencing it.

Eluvium – Genius and thieves – Recurring track

Once again we use Eluvium as Jal continues to sit around.

Carl Maria Von Weber – Clarinet Concertino – Jal’s clarinet piece

Jal goes all high culture on us and continues to reject anything not written by central Europeans in some castle 200 years ago.

Althea and Donna – Uptown Ranking – Recurring track

The presence of Reggae still looms over Jal as she has a big decision to make whether to go to the super cool Rooted Records and immerse herself in Bristol’s Dubstep scene or to continue in the dead end that is classical music.

Stars of the Lid – Requiem for Dying Mother Pt. 1 – Long ambient piece

Stars of the Lid take inspiration from legendary Post-Rock acts like Labradford and fuse it with neo-classical minimalist composers such as Gyorgy Ligeti and Arvo Part. They’re playing a few gigs in May and myself and The Butcher will certainly be there.

Low – Sunflower – Chris in hospital

We use more of the wonderful Low. This is taken from arguably their best album ‘Things we lost in the fire’.

The Uniques – My Conversation – End Credits

The Butcher rounds of his tour of classic Reggae with this track. I’d like to be able to say that next week episode 9 is entirely based around my favourite Crunk tracks of all time, but that would be a lie.

SOURCE: www.skinslife.com

S2EO6: Music Guide

More commentary with an exclusive interview with every lonely suburban housewife’s favourite laptop musician/auteur Fat Segal!!!!!!! Also there’s a new composer who is working for Skins. Even i don’t know who it is, but i’m trying my best to find out. Rest assured Skinslife readers will be the first to know.

The Good, The Bad and The Queen – Greenfields
Damon Albarn in good album shocker! who would have thought it? Harry Enfield (Episode 6 director and general hero to me when i was ten years old) includes several tracks from their rather awesome album to act as a general template to the episode…
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Wobly Tech – Supreme Idiot Techno Mayhem / Pipe Down, Perkins / One for the Slags Two for the Wags.

Who is this mystery composer? Rumours are going round the Skins office that it’s Toby. Whoever it is, the track works great. I’d like to think the music used in this club is us trying to be clever in anticipating the revival of late 90s trance and hard house and in anticipation of that ever happening what do people think of the term nuphoric?
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Yomanda – Sunshine – Club track
In a homage to Kevin and Perry Go Large, Harry includes some classic euphoric house. You should be able to find stuff like this on ministry of sound compilations from 1998.
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Amen Uk – Passion – Club track
See above.
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Fat Segal – Me Gut

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Buraka Som Sistema – Wah (Tony comes out of the toilet)
The DJ in the club has changed and has started playing some up to date stuff without any sense of irony. Buraka reinterpret Angolan Kuduro through the lens of other urban dance music like 90s Detroit Ghettotech.Fact Magazine called this track the best 12" of last year and you can see why with this brief snippet. They’re playing at the Hoxton Bar and Grill and Fabric this week so everyone in London should make their way down to it. I’ll certainly be there.
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Depeche Mode – I Feel You (Tony and Sid stare out)
Boy, can you feel the tension? This is from Depeche Mode’s 90s period when most people had stopped listening to them. Thankfully however Skins head-honcho Bryan Elsley didn’t stop and was able to include this awesome track in the show.
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Fat Segal – St Mary’s Hospital is amazing.

This is the first of many uses of Fat Segal’s wonderful St Mary’s track. Check out my mini interview with him:
Alex; You tend to write a lot of tracks for party scenes, but for some reason not this episode. How often do you go clubbing and what are your favorite clubs?

Fat Segal: Rarely. They are too loud. I prefer darts.

Alex: Are you worried about Wobly Tech stealing your job?

Fat Segal: No

Alex: Right. Tony’s theme shows a distinct influence from the New York Minimalists like Steve Reich and Phillip Glass. Would you say this is true and in what way did it aid you in structuring the track?

Fat Segal: Thats a kind comparison. Its only recently that I’ve really started to gravitate towards that kind of approach, something Bryan (Skins creator)introduced me to. We were essentially just trying to pick out the rhythm of Tony’s journey, a gentle rhythmic backbone to his progress, with slight development where it felt right. It was quite difficult to suppress my ever present urge to throw a 210 bpm hyper-programmed slice of amen over the top and call it a day. But since I did that track I’ve found myself honing and simplifying things, for the better. Quite nice really.

Alex: Phillip Glass famously wrote the theme tune to Candyman do you aspire to work on any TV shows besides Skins? Many people believe Hollyoaks could do with a new theme tune….

Fat Segal: Want to release a record on some label first, then maybe more TV. What is ‘Hollyoaks’?
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Vampire Weekend – Walcott (Tony arrives at Uni)
My friend Marissa went to University with Vampire Weekend. They introduced her to loads of cool music like Dirty Projectors, Rachel’s and Old Time Relijun which she in turn passed on to me. That’s one of my few claim to fames besides being in the glowing company of Internet Mogul Toby Welch almost every waking hour.
This episode’s editor James Hughes chose this track, which may or may not be about a footballer who has yet to live up to his hype….
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The Good, The Bad and The Queen – Greenfields (Tony walks around uni some more)
Harry’s template is set firmly in place as Tony wanders around probably just as confused as we are.
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Broadcast – Valerie (Tony and Beth (that’s her name!!!!) walk around uni some more)
Broadcast are one of my favourite bands ever. For me, they’ve never made a bad track and this is the first of many that you’ll be hearing throughout the series. It’s taken from their amazing Haha Sound album which came out on Warp some years ago…
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The Good, The Bad and The Queen – Greenfields (Tony and Beth drifting in the pool)
Need i say any more about GBQ except it still works well and that Harry picked up some fantastic shots here. I don’t think Skins has ever looked so pretty.
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7HZ- fub Fup – The group leading Tony away from the pool
7HZ are from Leeds and reference the inventive side of late 90s Post-Rock like Gastr Del Sol, Dirty Three and Labradford there’s no Mogwai to be seen here. They recently released a split with the rather awesome David Thomas Broughton. Kudos goes to James Hughes for the find. Check out their record label here.
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Holy Fuck – K Rhythm Pt 1 (Tony and Beth running away)
Mixing krautrock rhtyhms and improvised electronica Holy Fuck make amazing music. This is from their debut EP on Dependent Records.

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Bonzo Dog Band – Jollity Farm (Matt and Toby’s room)
An interesting fact for you here, the characters Matt and toby are directly modelled on Fat Segal aka Matt Simpson and Skinslife editor Toby Welch. The resemblance is uncanny really and we would have got them in to do real life cameos but apparently they made demands that would make Beyonce look humble. (This is a load of crap. I don’t smoke a pipe and Matt does not look that good naked. Trust me. Toby)
Anyway Harry Enfield chose this track, i’ve absolutely no idea how to describe it but check out the link above…
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DJ Vadim – Sufferin Blue (getting stoned)
Getting stoned means you have to listen to trip-hop? Weird, eh?
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Bonobo – Ketto (getting stoned and tatooed)
Did you know that if we stayed in Tony and Matty’s room for
a few more scenes we would have heard other stoner favourites including Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ and Portishead. It’s true you know.
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The Good, The Bad and The Queen – Greenfields (Tony gets some)
The culmination of Harry’s GBQ template. an interesting fact for you here, the girl who plays Beth employed Fat Segal as a bodydouble.
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Sparklehorse – Sad, beautiful world (Tony on train)
Tony’s back, but he’s not a brash, cocky twat like before. He’s thoughtful, sensitive and a myriad of other adjectives mums generally use about their children. Or to put it another way; he’s no longer a Ben Schiffer he’s a Toby Welch. (I Love you, Alex. Toby x)
James Hughes’ lo-fi indie hero Sparklehorse makes the scene even more poignant.
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Holy Fuck – K Rhythm Part 2 (Club)
More of the wonderful holy fuck.

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Lambchop – Is a woman (Tony leaves club)
Editor James Hughes continues with the alt-country propaganda with the inclusion of Lambchop. Check the beat change in here. I really like it.
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Ramones – Oh, oh i love her so (End Credits)
Although the Ramones’ lasting influence is more over fashion than music (i wonder what Sid, Susie and Edward have to say about that) and even though they were supporters of Ronald Reagan they’re still actually quite good.

SOURCE: www.skinslife.com

S2E05: Music Guide

Minotaur Shock – Muesli (Chris sat in teacher’s office)

Skins are good friends with Dave Edwards aka Minotaur Shock. This is taken from his old album Maritime on 4AD. You should keep an eye out for his next release later this year.

Ben Says: Dinosaur (sic) Shock are a great new band from Bristol. Alex is a cock from Stoke.

Charlie Parr – Track 4 (Chris and Jal talking)

Legendary bluegrass musician Charlie Parr keeps the energy ticking over here. Buy all of his stuff, move to a wood, start wearing socks with your sandals and grow a beard if only to annoy the perpetually face-hairless Skinslife editor, Toby Welch.

Toby says: Alex is a cock from Stoke…

John Fahey – Yellow Princess (Chris and Josie comedic montage)

Wow Ben Schiffer is funny when you give him two months to sit around watching DVDs to steal jokes for his script. Playing over this montage is Yellow Princess from John Fahey’s 60s period. In the 90s he had a kind of renaissance with musicians like Jim O’Rourke (of Gastr Del Sol, Sonic Youth and many many other bands fame) and Cul De Sac’s Glenn Jones, it’s when he produced his best work and i’ll try to get it into Skins for you soon.

Beck – The Information (We go to the ads)

The only way I’d ever let Beck on the show without kicking and screaming is if he keeps his Californian Scientoligist mouth firmly shut. Here he does and the random guitar work sees us out to the break to give us a brief respite from Ben’s jokes.

Camera Obscura – Keep It Clean (1st track in club)

Whilst Ben gives us a sly bit of social satire on the state of the perennially easy target of the ‘Emo’ Camera Obscura are playing in the background. They’re one of my favourite indie pop bands and you should buy more of their stuff from Elefant records.

Madder Rose – Ultra Anxiety (Upbeat track)

Woo, the party is beginning to kick in and editor James ‘The Slasher’ Hughes gives us some raucous indie rock from his youth. Then on stage appear…

We need Leads

We Need Leads play indie rock with a touch of Ska, but thankfully not like Less Than Jake. As Ben mentioned above i’m from stoke and have always been kinda jealous of Scousers. They’ve got a lot more going on for them. More songs of theirs continue whilst we’re in the back of the club. Also check out this link.
Jonathan Richman – When she kisses me (Chris and Jal get it onnnnnn…)

Ben isn’t all about cheap gags at the expense of people he wipes off his shoe as he leaves his west London mansion to get a taxi to Heathrow for his weekly holiday, sometimes he can get all emotional. We use the legendary Jonathan Richman over Ben’s touching scene.

Ben Says: This is a lovely song for a lovely moment… Chris and Jal’s first kiss. An interesting fact is that Jonathan Richman was the guy who sang the songs in ‘There’s Something About Mary’. Alex only decided to use this track after I told him that.

Ben Harper

More slightly left-field singer-songwriter-y stuff. There’s another singer-songwriter that i know of who makes some excellent stuff. Check it out here.

Luther VanDross (At the estate agents)

More crap to make Ben’s scene funnier as we laugh at the idea of Luther Vandross being on the radio. Please note how the nobhead estate agent guy dances in time to the music, it please the episode’s editor James ‘The Slasher’ Hughes very much.
Also check out the similarities with Trainspotting when Renton moves to London and becomes an estate agent. I can’t believe we didn’t make more of Ben’s reference.

Louis Armstrong – West end Blues (Vaughan takes people round a house)

The music here is used to highlight the contrast between Vaughan (that’s his name!!!!) and Cmhris’ exploits. This is taken from Louis Armstrong’s later vocal period.

Kid Koala – Basin Street Blues (Chris as an estate agent)

Kid Koala may creep scarily close to being part of backpacker hip-hop, but who cares about that this track helps us to juxtapose Chris’ rather awful first attempt in a comedic fashion. Well done Ben!

Dandy Warhols – Shakin (Jal and Chris get it on)

I think it might be the law for TV makers to have to include a Dandy Warhols song at some point. You should check out their wikipedia page here to to see why.

Ben Says: A couple of months ago, I told Alex that he should check out ‘The Dandy Warhols’, he’d never heard of them and now they are his favourite band. Also, for the record, I told him to use Arcade Fire in ep 4 and you know how everyone likes ‘Come Pick Me Up’ by Ryan Adams at the end of ep3? Well that was my idea too.

David Sylvian and Ryuici Sakamoto – Forbidden Colours (Chris falling asleep and Cassie peeling an apple)

Ex-Japan member David Sylvian teamed up with legendary film composer Ryuichi Sakamoto to create this amazing track. It’s one of my favourite songs of the 80s and was only a matter of time before I got it in somewhere.

Moira Stewart – Top Ten Beers (Chris is doing well montage)

Moira Stewart make joyous indie pop that was just perfect for this scene. You should check out the following links such as their label’s website and this.

Ben Says: When Moira Stewart’s not reading the news or double dropping yokes like a mad one, she creates dance tracks like this in her bedroom. I think Alex met her in the chill-out room of The Egg in Kings Cross, so that’s how this ended up in Skins.

Bjork – I see who you are (Cassie speaks to Jal)

This is from Bjork’s massively underwhelming Volta album. I remember being really excited about it; guest spots from Timbaland, Chris Corsano, that dude from Lightning Bolt Brian Chippendale, Konono no. 1 and others basically read like a list of the coolest musicians in the world. Oh well this is one of the better tracks from the otherwise disappointing album.

Fat Segal – Red Lid and Agent Duck (Chris’ Party)

You know how I promised that Fat Segal would write us an indie pop anthem? Well he hasn’t been persuaded to do that yet but he is still churning out party bangers faster than we can keep up with him. you should check the drum roll he uses in one of the tracks, he was very proud of that.

Gogol Bordello – Occurance on Border (Chris nailing Angie)

The episode’s editor James ‘The Slasher’ Hughes has been
fallingover himself trying to get Gogol Bordello’s brand of ‘Gypsy Punk’ into the show and he finally got round to it. It’s thankfully not like Dan ‘The Butcher’ Gethic’s obsession with Sigur Ros though.

The Rakes – All Night Disco Party ( Party before we go to the ad break)

An indie party anthem from a few years back. I can almost picture my friend Andy’s skinny limbs badly dancing to this as I type.

King Creosote – Fly by the seat of my pants (Everything’s going wrong montage)

I think Ben Schiffer must have been watching loads of Top Gun and Rocky films whilst he was writing this as I can’t recall another Skins episode so reliant on the classic technique of the montage. All I can say is Rocky 4 has my favourite montages, especially when Rocky’s training in the snow, what does everyone else think? Fence Collective chief singer songwriter (not in the twatty Australian gap year student sense) takes us through with a rather amazing track.

Ben Says: This is the perfect soundtrack to the sight of Nic Hoult in Water Wings and a pair of Speedoes. Hopefully on the extras for series 2 you’ll see the deleted scene where Alex stood in for Nic and scared the children stiff with his one gigantic, deformed testicle.

Calexico – Untitled 4 (Tension music for Jal’s meeting with Chris)

I once saw Skins series one veterans A Hawk and A Hackaw support Calexico. A Hawk and A Hacksaw as always were amazing but Calexico weren’t great, they played loads of random alt-country stuff. However if they did more tracks like this I probably would have really liked the gig.

Guts – The Living is easy – (End Credits Montage)

SOURCE: www.skinslife.com

S2E04: Music Guide

Spektrum – Kinda New
Spektrum are cool. Ricardo Villalobos remixed their track ‘Freakbox’ which is basically the ultimate seal of approval as far as I’m concerned. ‘Kinda New’ is a great way to kick off what is in my opinion the episode with the best music yet.

 
Tony sings Mousse T’s ‘Horny’
Tony seems a bit of an idiot when he sings this song. But more importantly what’s the name of that song that he sings in ‘About a Boy’? That was pretty cool. Answers on a postcard, please.

Sigur Ros – Untitled
See the episode 3 music guide for our editor Dan “The Butcher” Gethic’s explanation as to why we use Sigur Ros in the episode.

Gravenhurst – Hollow Man
Like I’ve said many times before I’m quite bored of most guitar music, Gravenhurst, however, are another exception. This is from their last album called ‘The Western Lands’. If you’re really into this band you should also check out the ‘Fire in Distant Buildings’ album, it included a rather amazing Kinks cover, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since The Raincoats covered ‘Lola’ and that was in the early 80s. All of their albums are available from Warpmart.

Once inside Michelle’s Step-Dad’s house you should check out the really bad jazz that is playing. It’s from a library CD called Audio Networks (they sell music to the telly) for all of you obsessives out there…

Klezma Villanova – Dancing Bear

Klezma Villanova are an upcoming band from Twickenham. Influenced by Ska/Metal/Klezma and Punk they’re sure to get big soon so check out their myspace for more info. We also have some extra tracks of theirs for you to listen to, this one’s called ‘Swashbuckle for Honeysuckle’:

Electrelane – At Sea
Electrelane’s break up at the end of last year was shit news as they’ve been a favourite of mine for ages. Their live shows were getting better all the time and ‘No Shouts, No Calls’ was one of last year’s best albums. This is the first of two tracks that we use from the album.

Beach House – Auburn and Ivory

You know how I just said Electrelane made one of my favourite albums of last year?
Well, Beach House’s eponymous debut was also one of the best. We use three tracks from this album in the episode and they’re all streamable here on Skinslife. They’re releasing their second album soon on the very cool Car Park Records.

Henry Mancini – Lujon
Something classical. Not really sure to be honest. Google it…

Pavement – Rope and Carrot
Pavement are the ultimate indie band. If you haven’t developed a mild obsession with them there’s little chance you’re be a proper music geek (which is perhaps a good thing, it’s hard work…) Also lead singer Stephen Malkmus’ solo track ‘Pink India’ namedrops the wonderful city of Stoke-on-Trent, which is something that I’ll always be thankful for. They see us up to half time…

Electrelane – In Berlin
More of the amazing Electrelane to begin the third part of the show. They’re playing on the radio in the car. I’ve no idea which character chose it but my money’s on Anwar, he’s always been the coolest.

Arcade Fire – keep the car running
Arcade Fire are the world’s biggest indie band. It was only a matter of time before they were featured in Skins. Also check the rather literal title; ‘Keep the car running’ whilst they’re driving in a car, geddit?

Animal Collective – Fireworks

Animal Collective are easily one of the best bands of the decade. I don’t know anyone who’d think otherwise and when I played them to the episode’s editor, Dan ‘The Butcher’ Gethic, he got very excited and decided that maybe Sigur Ros weren’t needed for this scene. This is taken from their seventh album Strawberry Jam, which is available from Domino Records. Look out for more Animal Collective tracks in later episodes.

Beach House – House on the Hill

Once again we use Beach House.

Battles – Atlas
Wow, this episode’s music list almost reads like a list of the best songs of last year. This is taken from Battles’ excellent debut ‘Mirrored’ from arguably Skins’ favourite label Warp records. You should buy the album as well as their EP’s from Warpmart.

Scarlett and Sketch – If you’re not the one
This is by far my favourite sappy song ever. If I didn’t have a shit singing voice, this would be my karaoke song of choice. Daniel Bedingfield has kinda disappeared since this song, but who cares; it’s great.

Beach House – Childhood

Yet again, we use Beach House.

Sigur Ros – Untitled
Dan gets his way again as we use Sigur Ros for the fourth time in two episodes…

XTC – Stupidly Happy
XTC came from the poppier side of Post-Punk, whilst bands like Pil and The Pop Group were pushing boundaries XTC were content to sit back and make classic guitar pop.

The Stranglers – Skins Deep
I’ve absolutely no idea about The Stranglers. My original plan was to let the episode’s editor take you through it. However he’s a busy man and he couldn’t do it. So i called my mum, Gillian – all she said was that they dressed in black and were a punk band. Oh well. Maybe Dan may be less busy in the week and be able to tell us something about them and why they’re in the show.

SOURCE: www.skinslife.com

S2 E03: Music Guide

Episode Three, Series Two

Lyrics Born – I Changed My Mind
Sid’s a geeky, middle class teenager so it’s only natural that he’d be into indie hip-hop. Lyrics Born follows in that whole indie hip-hop tradition where turntablism is deemed an art-form, crate-digging is an actual verb and people run scared of the developments in hip-hop since Wu-Tang’s first album. I feel it really grates after a while. However if you’re into checking out some more stuff Cage is my favourite; he was dissed on the first Eminem album and everything.

Sigur Ros – Takk
Dan Gethic: “I really wanted Sigur Ros in both Episodes 3 and 4. Although Sigur Ros is a fairly well established band now, I feel that there was no other band of choice for the moments used.”

Dan Gethic (one of the show’s editors) loves Sigur Ros more than anything in the world. If it were up to him Skins would be entirely soundtracked by Sigur Ros. Usually we are able to convince him otherwise, but here, finally, is an episode where it works. (Note: Dan claims he also likes reggae and acid house so what I wrote may not be entirely true).

Fat Segal – 85069896

Everyone’s favourite, Fat Segal, shows his versatility with an ambient composition recalling bands such as Stars of the Lid and Pan Sonic. We use this a lot throughout the episode. It’s pretty amazing what our Fat Segal is capable of and who knows he may write an indie pop song for us next…

The Hats – Skillers

The Hats are getting quite big on the Bristol music scene. So big in fact that they scored a support slot for the fantastic Crystal Castles. The Hats have started recording their second E.P. entitled ‘Big in Malta’ which you’ll be able to hear from March 22nd on their website.

Crystal Castles – Alice Practice
Crystal Castles are one of the best live bands around at the moment so it’s absolutely amazing to have them in the show. Their remix of The Klaxons’ ‘Atlantis to Interzone’ is brilliant live and this (their first single) is the stand out track on their forthcoming debut album. Check out the single on Trouble Records. (We’re trying to get an exclusive stream of the track as we speak, so watch this space…)

Sigur Ros – Untitled
Yet again Dan was able to use his favourite band. This is from before they signed to a major label and got really predictable.

Ryan Adams – Come Pick Me Up
If Wilco are the experimentalists within alt-country Ryan Adams would be considered the garage rocker. After the emotional turmoil of this rather amazing episode Sid refuses to let himself be down and he goes to get Cassie back to the sound of Adams’ upbeat, alt-country.

Thanks to Alex @ www.skinslife.com

Episode Two Music Guide

Series Two Episode Two

Aqualung – Good Times Gonna Come

SkinsLife head honcho Toby loves Aqualung almost as much as he loves pink shirts. This track plays like an AOR interpretation of post-Mogwai Post-Rock when Post-Rock became all about crescendos and nothing else. However, it suits the mood of this episode and works well as a soundtrack to Sketch acting weird around Maxxie, so two thumbs up to Aqualung from me.

LCD Soundsystem – North American Scum

Fancy dress parties are always awful, especially if they’re full of drama students. To coincide with the ‘Osama the Musical’ theme, drama teacher, Bruce (Shane Ritchie) has chosen the rather topical North American Scum to show he’s hip to what the kids are listening to nowadays.

Robert Palmer – Addicted To Love

Sonic Youth, under the guise of Ciccone Youth, covered this track in the 1980s. I actually quite like the original as well, even though it has some horrible connotations attached to it. I won’t say what they are but you know what I mean and we exploit them to the max (Thanks go to my mum, Gillian, who introduced me to music like this!). Elsewhere at the party we play a few of Fat Segal’s party tracks. The guy’s so prolific, he just won’t stop composing amazing tracks for us.

Laura Cantrell – Bees

Laura Cantrell is one of Skins’ favourite female singer-songwriters. You should really check out her debut album ‘Humming by the Flowered Vine’, which contains this track. There’s another country-ish, American singer songwriter called Miranda Lambert who you should also check out if you like this kind of stuff.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Spread Your Love

The Jesus and Mary Chain are a particular favourite of mine and BRMC follow their blueprint very closely. Sketch has just spent the night with Maxxie. Well, sort of. BRMC soundtrack her waking up and once again recounting Maxxie’s morning routine.

The Kills – Fuck The People

More classic indie rock from my youth that got me into all of the good stuff from twenty years ago. If you like this you really should check out Royal Trux.

Oneida – All Arounder

Oneida are cool. They’re one of my favourite guitar bands and need more exposure. They should be bigger than everyone else in the episode but they’re not. Buy all of their albums (there are only from Jagjaguwar and you’ll see why Oneida are one of the best indie bands around.

Julian Ronnie – Osama The Musical

Fat Segal has been hogging all of the glory recently but Skins also has another composer – Julian Ronnie – who wrote the whole musical. He has very kindly let us stream it this week, so be nice and don’t nick it!

Today

The opening track to the musical and Maxxie’s chance to shine, that is until Sketch interrupts.

Boogie Woogie Bagel Boy

There’s very little we actually hear of this track, but it hints at some absolute genius on Julian’s behalf; bagels are dancing, the stock market’s rising and everything seems fine. Until the plane hits…

Then Came The Day

The concluding track to a rather fantastic musical; i’ve never been to Grease, Cats or Blood Brothers, but Osama the Musical is the best musical I’ve ever seen. Hands down. This track WILL stick in your head. Probably for ever…

Cat Power – Hate

When we said Laura Cantrell was one of our favourite singer-songwriters, it’s because Cat Power’s our favourite. This track is taken from her 2006 album ‘The Greatest’ and it pretty much sums up the entire episode in every possible way. For me, this is the stand out track, not just of the episode, but the series so far.

SOURCE: http://www.skinslife.com/blog_posts/216

S2E01: Music Guide

Straight from www.skinslife.com. Many thanks to Toby.

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J.S. Bach – Trocatta and Fogue in D Minor

We thought we’d try to trick you and begin the new series with some organ music so you’d think Tony had died. Most of you probably already knew this wasn’t the case, but the track works as a nice introduction to the next track…

Segal – Maxxie Dance

Skins composer Fat Segal gave us this exclusive track to begin series two. Showing a clear influence by the 2006/7 era of Dubstep wobble bass mixed with the ‘double time’ rhythms of classic Darkside Jungle acts like Goldie’s Rufige Cru Fat Segal is surely going to be very big very soon.

Grizzly Bear – Knife

Arguably the standout track from their Warp Warp debut Yellow House I feel that Knife is the only track that could perfectly illustrate the emerging friendship between Maxxie and Tony. Moving on from the lo-fi influence of The Microphones, Grizzly Bear take in Neil Young and Mercury Rev influences for this incredible track.

These Animal Men – Flawed is Beautiful

These Animal Men are a band people should check out if they like the early Manic Street Preacher stuff. Since the end of the last series it’s not just Tony whose had bad experiences, Sid’s lost his best friend and his girlfriend. This track’s used to show the anger that both Tony and Sid have pent up.

Julian Ronnie – Dog Dance

Bill Bailey and his dog dancing to country and western? Never would I have thought that this would be a part of Skins’ music but it strangely works.

Johnny Cash Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues

Maxxie and his Dad have just had an argument, they may appear different on the surface but when you think about it they’re remarkably similar. Maxxie’s clearly nicked one of his Dad’s records and is playing it to make himself feel better.

Day One – Bad Before Good

Skins like to emphasise its Bristol roots and Day One were one of the bands to come out of its Trip-Hop scene, following in the footsteps of Portishead and Massive Attack to a wider following. They’re now signed to One Little Indian and released their last album in the autumn. Taking in newer jazz influences Maxxie dances to this track to let out all of his frustrations after a hard day as well as to prepare for the excitement of the Warehouse Party.

Posh Kenneth aka MC Toby Welch (prod by CDK) – In Her Face

Posh Kenneth takes the rave by storm as he takes on his MC Toby Welch alias to spit his favourite bars whilst girls hang off his arms.

DJ Shadow’s – Organ Donor/Artifact

DJ Shadow’s revolutionary take on instrumental hip-hop in the late 90s still sounds important ten years later. Since then he has immersed himself in the north Californian ‘Hyphy’ scene for his album The Outsider to produce tracks such as Artifact.

Tunng – Engine Room

I’m a big fan of stuff like Tunng, The Books and stuff that comes out on labels like Leaf. We use this track to take a bit of a breath from the rave as we see Tony getting ready to leave the house.

Segal – Maxxie dance (reprise)

Once again we use Segal’s track as Maxxie runs away from the council estate bullies.

Feist – Limit To Your Love

After taking a key role in the Broken Social Scene and Peaches albums from a few years back, Feist has moved on from her indie and electroclash background to write traditional great pop songs.

Asobi Seksu – Thursday

Asobi Seksu give legendary shoegaze acts like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive a sugar-y pop update showing a clear influence by Shibuya-kei acts such as Cibo Matto and The Pizzicato Five. This ends the episode on an upbeat note as Tony has taken yet another step to recovery.