Source: Matt Barnes
Welcome to the world of fantasy albums where music fans are put to the test to decipher their ultimate collection.
The rules are simple(ish): they can’t repeat an artist, and to just make it that little bit more interesting they have to use the same track number from another album. For example, Track 1 could be the opening track of the incredible Stone Roses’ debut ‘I Wanna Be Adored’. Track 2 could be Blur’s ‘Song 2′ – you get the idea.
This month’s fantasy album has been curated by Arkells’ front-man Max Kerman.
Arkells have just released their fifth album Rally Cry and are currently on their UK tour, after a successful stint opening for Frank Turner earlier in the year. Back home in Canada they have previously won Juno awards for best group and album; they enjoyed a number one hit with Knocking at the Door this year which became the anthem for the Canadian Winter-Olympic team. They are renowned for being an incredible live act and seem to be on a non-stop tour that has lasted the last decade, constantly trying different musical styles, but always keep being Arkells. Check them out when you can.
Here are Max’s choices for his Fantasy Album:
Track One: Phoenix – Lisztomania
“This is an all time pop song, and sonically changed the landscape for how indie rock and pop artists sound. This record really kick started a new era that had many imitators. From Katy Perry to Arkells.”
Track two: Chance The Rapper – No Problem
“This was the best record of 2016, and this song gets me SO fired up if I’m at a party.”
Track three: Constantines – Nighttime/Anytime It’s Alright
“The Cons are legends in my mind, and are a big part of how we sounded and performed in the early days of our band. We wouldn’t be Arkells without the Cons.”
Track Four: Beatles – I Need You
“Needed a Beatles song, and any would do, so I went with a George Track. Help was the fist album I ever knew. My dad showed it to me when I was 3 years old and have listened to it countless times.”
Track five: The Killers – All These Things I’ve Done
“This is the song I wish I wrote. What a sing-a-long. My fave Killers tune.”
Track six: Kanye – Monster
“Kanye at his best. The guest features are insane. The production is insane. The song is literally a monster.“
Track seven: Kacey Musgraves – Love is a Wild Thing
“This record goes down SMOOTH. It feels the same way as listening to a Fleetwood Mac hit. And I love it.”
Track eight: The National – Start a War
“The minimalism in this song is cool. There’s not a ton of lyrics, but each word matters.”
Track nine: Taylor Swift – Love Story
“I’ve been on board with Taylor since pretty much the beginning. She really knows how to write a song. Of all her hits, this might be my favourite.”
Track ten: Bruce Springsteen – Darkness On The Edge Of Town
“Fave Bruce song, and love how it’s the title track and album closer.”
An eclectic look at the music that inspires Max Kerman, no surprises to see The Killers and Bruce Springsteen, as they are woven into many of Arkells’ finest moments.
For more news on Arkells’ latest tour or releases you can check out their homepage here. Or follow them on social media: @arkellsmusic
Rally Cry is available now at all good streaming sites and music stores.
Check out their chart topping Knocking at the Door below.
