These are the posts from my Crucial Tracks profile for the last few days.

23 May 2025 - What song best matches the energy of today?


“Nem Vem Que Nem Tem” by Wilson Simonal

I guess the energy of this song is laid-back and cheerful, which is the energy I aspire to.

When I’m not being laid-back and grumpy.



“Nem Vem Que Nem Tem” by Wilson Simonal on Apple Music

22 May 2025 - What song best captures your current phase of life?

“The Last Time” by Andrew Oldham Orchestra

It was between this and the Redskins' Keep On Keeping On (just for the title)

As time passes, I’m becoming aware that there are things I’m possibly not going to do again!

I prefer this version to either the Stones' original or the Verve song that nicks a bit of it



“The Last Time” by Andrew Oldham Orchestra on Apple Music

21 May 2025 - If today were a genre, what would it be? Pick a matching song.

“Bradman” by Paul Kelly

The first Test Match of the summer starts tomorrow, so for me today’s genre is cricket songs.

Somewhat regrettably, my favourite cricket song is Australian

I particularly like the line in ‘Bradman’ that ‘fortune used to hide in the palm of his hand’



“Bradman” by Paul Kelly on Apple Music

20 May 2025 - What’s a remix or cover you like more than the original?

“Hello” by Alaine

There are a number of covers I could pick. Virtually any Elvis song, for example. Although I’ve heard many of the originals and liked them, I like Elvis' versions more…but because his versions are so familiar they often don’t feel like covers, especially given singer-songwriter-ing wasn’t as much of a thing at the time.

Instead I’ve picked a song from one of my favourite micro-genres - reggae covers.

This is the Adele song, not the Lionel Ritchie. Adele’s original is marvellous, but I listen to this one more often



“Hello” by Alaine on Apple Music

19 May 2025 - What’s a song that grew on you over time?

“Part Time Punks” by Television Personalities

I saw this band a couple of hundred yards from where I’m sitting now.

I was underwhelmed. They probably weren’t angry and aggressive enough for the stroppy teenage me.

The incident of the evening was that my mate Ged got on stage. I never did the spitting thing but a lot of other punk rockers at the time did, and Ged allegedly contracted hepatitis or something

Anyway, I wasn’t fussed then, but I love this song now



“Part Time Punks” by Television Personalities on Apple Music

18 May 2025 - What’s your favorite deep cut from an album?

“Reconsider Baby (Elvis R&B Version)” by Elvis Presley

I’m a big Elvis fan, and I’ve said, when asked, that this is my favourite Elvis song. It often is.



“Reconsider Baby (Elvis R&B Version)” by Elvis Presley on Apple Music

17 May 2025 - Share a song you feel was ahead of its time.

“Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley



“Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley on Apple Music