Trade consultant Phil Dixon chooses his favourite tracks
Christmas Day 1963 brought with it a Dansette record player, closely followed by The Buddy Holly Story LP. My next two albums were With The Beatles and, somewhat embarrassingly, TV Western Themes by Johnny Gregory & The Mike Sammes Singers! In making my choice, I have tried to avoid the politician's approach of adding Wagner, Winehouse and the Arctic Monkeys to appear cool and cultured. Musically, I am a child of the '60s and '70s and will forever remain so.
1. First We Take Manhattan
Joe Cocker
Sheffield's contribution to the world dominates my CD collection. Like Joe, I discovered this Leonard Cohen song via Jennifer Warnes' 1987 album Famous Blue Raincoat. Lyrically, it's complex and just great to sing along to when stuck on the M6.
2. Sunshine Of Your Love
Cream
A summer holiday in 1968 without parents, highlighted by an innocent romance with a sweet girl from Virginia Water in the (Bournemouth) sunshine of a first love — Messrs Bruce, Clapton and Baker produced some great songs, but this one simply has special memories.
3. Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd
The band was named after a gym teacher (Leonard Skinner) who disapproved of long hair. This riposte to Neil Young's Southern Man and Alabama is almost apologetic. Apparently singer Ronnie Van Zant began writing the tune after listening to Young's albums on the road.
4. A Change Is Gonna Come
The Neville Brothers
Sam Cooke's 1965 civil rights anthem would be next to balance my conscience after the homage to Alabama. Aaron Neville's haunting vocals do justice to the emotion of this protest against oppression and segregation.
5. Fortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival
John Fogerty wrote this on the day of his discharge from the US Army in 1967. It has to be one of the most bitter and angry attacks on privilege ever recorded.
6. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Marvin Gaye
Producer Norman Whitfield created one of the greatest intros as the rattlesnake tambourine conveys the dreaded rumour that a love affair is over. If the word masterpiece could ever apply to a pop song it would be to this Tamla-Motown classic.
7. Lawyers, Guns and Money
Warren Zevon
One to sing along to, as opposed to Werewolves of London where I would have to join in the howls and be asked to vacate the bar!
8. Blazing Saddles
Frankie Laine
Mel Brooks' spoof western is a favourite film as is the irreverent theme song. In the pre-karaoke days of the 1970s I would, after (at least) four pints of draught Bass, attempt to rediscover my former choirboy days (see left, below) by murdering this tune in the Earlsdon Cottage, Coventry.
9. Forever Young
Bob Dylan
After Joe Cocker, Mr Zimmerman dominates the CD rack. I play this regularly in the car as it equates to my philosophy on life and helps me come to terms with the aches and pains of growing old disgracefully.
10. Sympathy for The Devil
The Rolling Stones
This song is stipulated in my will! It is to be played at the moment of my departure from the world. It's also a real Yorkshire choice as its length represents terrific jukebox value!