National Album Day 2019: Songs To Remember by Scritti Politti

I met Green Gartside once…at Green Man Festival in Wales…he posed for some pictures I took…I was gobsmacked and could not think of two words to say to him. For me it was a totally overwhelming experience just being face to face with him. I had just listened to him talk about his experiences with Scritti Politti and songwriting and lack of self confidence in his own later work and why he virtually stopped recording his songs after 2006.

So here in a field on the side of a mountain were two people confronted with lack of self believe and a camera in between us. In moments like that though, I go back to music in my head and maybe several albums from that era come to mind, Prefab Spout, The Waterboys might be contenders but for this National Album Day 2019 I have chosen Songs To Remember by Scritti Politti.

The album was a big change in direction for Gartside and the “group” who even at this stage were ever-changing. Gone was the “punk-esque skankings” of early recordings and in its place the most sublime set of songs with beautiful melodies and well thought out lyrics. When I first heard the double A side single of Asylums in Jerusalem & Jacques Derrida I thought it was Paul Simon gone in a new direction, the structure of the songs alone worthy of the comparison.

Songs To Remember is full of musical influences from around the planet from the New York Disco stomp of Sex to the ballad dream reggae pop of Sweetest Girl. I love all the tracks on the album but if I have to go for my favourite it would be Rock-A-Boy Blue and Green Gartside’s early take on himself and the music industry.

I learnt to live with the beats in the bar
Made me sick with repetition
I learnt to love that one note samba
No surprise or definition
I guess I can learn to love what I used to
If you can get used to just getting used by…

Green if I met you now I still would not know what to say to you.. but you have been a big influence on my life. But that is too cheesecake..isn’t it?

Songs To Remember by Scritti Politti, 1982, chosen by Simon Jay Price

Brontës Unveil Self-Titled Debut Album Packed With Pop Hooks And Raw Honesty

Glasgow’s rising indie outfit Brontës have officially released their long-awaited self-titled debut album, arriving today. A bold introduction to the band’s evolving sound, the record captures both their playful pop sensibilities and a newfound emotional depth.

Janet Devlin: Embracing The Chaos And Owning The Narrative

Sitting in a London studio amid the constant churn of filming, editing, releasing, and preparing for another run of live shows, Janet Devlin is exactly where you’d expect her to be: in motion. Even before the conversation properly begins, she’s laughing about the whirlwind surrounding her latest release.

Louise Aubrie Unveils ‘Midnight Calls’, Bridging London Grit With LA Glamour

London-born indie rocker Louise Aubrie returns with her striking new single Midnight Calls, a bold and cinematic introduction to her forthcoming sixth studio album LFA. The track not only marks the beginning of a new era for Aubrie, but also reflects the transatlantic life that has come to define her artistry.

Unpeople Return With Defiant New Single ‘Clouds’ Ahead Of Huge Festival Run

UK heavy risers unpeople have unleashed their ferocious new single clouds, marking a powerful return for the four-piece and further cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting emerging forces in modern heavy music. Out now, the track arrives alongside an equally striking visual, showcasing the band’s uncompromising vision.

Lastelle - Takedown Festival @ Portsmouth Guildhall (Rebecca Cairns)

Takedown Festival 2026 – Saturday: Atmosphere, Ambition And A Glimpse Into Heavy Music’s Future

If Friday had been centred heavily upon the good old-fashion riff, then Saturday very much favours a focus on...

Asovmel - Takedown Festival @ Portsmouth Guildhall (Rebecca Cairns)

Takedown Festival 2026 – Friday: Honouring Legacy, Fuelled By Riffs

Taking place over two days (Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April) and three stages at the Portsmouth Guildhall, Takedown...

Atlus Unveils Deeply Personal Debut Album ‘Art Of Letting Go’

Rising country crossover artist Atlus has officially released his label debut album Art Of Letting Go, a 15-track project that marks a defining moment in his rapidly ascending career. Out now, the record captures a raw and unfiltered look at the experiences that have shaped him both personally and artistically.

CQ Wrestling Share Reflective New Single ‘Finish Line’ And Detail UK Headline Tour

Brighton duo CQ Wrestling have unveiled their powerful new single Finish Line, the latest preview of their forthcoming second album Resistance, due for release on 22nd May.