If we invite someone to share the music that moves them, we get more than a playlist, we get a soundtrack of their life. Here, one of our long term customers and close friend to the store, Peter Kinnaird, takes us on a personal journey through the records that have shaped him, from the rain-soaked corners of Belfast to the sun-bleached streets of Los Angeles.
This is a collection assembled with the same care one might take in choosing the perfect jacket, shoes or pair of strides: each selection considered, each piece earning its place. It spans rockabilly fire and reggae vibes, punk urgency and soul transcendence.
The natural shoulder may find its perfect musical partner in the cool jazz of Davis and Coltrane, but there's something equally right about pairing a well-cut piece of clothing with music that has this much heart, grit, and personal meaning. Both share an appreciation for authenticity over pretension, for craft that endures. Peter’s selections are a testament to the fact that Ivy League clothing befits every wearer, irrespective of musical tastes or subcultural allegiance.
“When Sean and Paul asked me to put together a playlist of some music I love, I jumped at the chance. The record player was always a great friend of mine in my youth and remains so to this day. Whilst these tunes may not be as perfect an accompaniment to the natural shoulder look as messrs Davis, Baker and Coltrane, I hope that they will be of some interest to the discerning John Simons customer. Enjoy.”
1. The Have Nots - X
Wonderfully ominous poetry from Los Angeles’ finest. I am not so sure that I would have ended up in LA were it not for the music of this band and their vivid stories and depiction of that city. Always an inspiration.
2. Draw Your Brakes - Scotty
The Harder They Come soundtrack was massively important to me in my youth and remains so to this day. A couple of months back, I was driving with my 12 year old son and this song came on the stereo; when it hit the chorus we both both sang along in unison. Magical.
3. City Sickness - Tindersticks
A perfect single from Nottingham’s Tindersticks. I always think of this as almost a soul number with singer Stuart Staples sounding like a noir-ish Bryan Ferry.
4. Lovers Who Wander - Dion
Terrific early 60s stomper from the Bronx singer. Swaggering, defiant stuff.
5. The Broad Majestic Shannon - The Pogues
I am a huge fan of The Pogues and Shane MacGowan - it was difficult to choose between so many great songs. I decided on this one - in difficult times I often put this on and it has always been there for me. Can’t ask for more from music.
6. To Love Somebody - Nina Simone
When I need a reminder that there is beauty in the world, Ms Simone is there.
7. The Starless Room - James Johnston
Absolutely exquisite song from the former Bad Seed and integral part of the last two PJ Harvey bands. I am always stunned by the beauty of this one. James was also the leader of London’s great Gallon Drunk.
8. Train Kept A Rollin - The Johnny Burnette Rock and Roll Trio
Absolute stormer from 1956. The son of one of the band members, Dorsey Burnette (brother of Johnny) runs a bakery stand at the farmer’s market near where I live in LA. Sadly I’ve yet to hear this blasting out from behind the cinnamon rolls.
9. Goodbye Johnny - Gun Club
Slice of bluesy, desperate roots from the great Jeffrey Lee Pierce and co. Los Angeles of the early 80s was such a fertile ground for rootsy, punk inspired outfits.
10. Half Past France - John Cale
Paris 1919 is probably my favorite record from the John Cale catalogue. I used to see him quite frequently around Larchmont Blvd in LA; I once introduced myself to him and he refused to shake my hand. Oh well, his music’s appeal remains undiminished.
11. At The Border, Guy - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
The collision of punk and reggae was such a vital part of late 70s Britain. I always felt that this 2001 gumbo of sounds by Mr Strummer et al was kicking the collaboration into the new millennium.
12. Good Woman - Cat Power
My favorite song by the captivating Chan Marshall. Wonderfully soulful. Backing vocals by Eddie Vedder.
13. So Long Baby, Goodbye - The Blasters
I remember seeing these guys perform in London in the 80s and my jaw hitting the floor. Incredible both live and on record.
14. Cyrano De Berger’s Back - The Flesh Eaters
The 1981 album this this particular lineup of the band - A Minute To Pray, A Second To Die is one of the great (somewhat) unsung records of the era. Otherworldy grooves and blasts of noisy jazz. I am not sure exactly what transcendence is but I am pretty sure I experienced it when I saw these guys perform again a few years back.
15. Astral Weeks - Van Morrison
Let’s have Van take us home with this one. I never listened to this song when I was growing up in Belfast but it always makes me think of Northern Ireland when I hear it today. Spiritual stuff.
Editorial Photography by Alex Natt.
