Music Riffs: The First and Latest Albums Bought by Lee Griffiths, singer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Solid Air
John Martyn
THE PROBLEM with calling John Martyn folk - and people also make this association with my music - is that you'll be thinking of beards and kaftans. Martyn is a normal, working-class geezer who isn't afraid to sing falsetto with sincerity. His lyrics are about personal experiences. They inspired me. I wasn't good at much at school; I wasn't a star sportsman or anything. But I could sing. One day my mate was singing "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley - it wasn't lovely - and so I took over. The room fell silent. I will never forget that reaction. When I write, the motivation is always playing it to friends, it's a good way to express feeling. It's natural magic.
OK Computer
Radiohead
I LIKE Radiohead, it's innovative music. I think "Fake Plastic Trees" is one of the best songs I have heard (since The Beatles's last record). It is not over-produced, has good lyrics, and it'll last. There is no such thing as democracy in a band, but Radiohead come pretty close; the songs are written on acoustic guitar, and then band members add their own instrument to fit. It's gorgeous. There must be music like this to stop people listening to dance music; something more wholesome than the glam pop in the charts. Sometimes the lyrics are Radiohead's downfall. I don't like the student, flowery way of putting something across. It's much better to be simple, like "Creep", which is sarcastic and direct. Save the flowery language for the people with beards and sandals.
Lee Griffiths's "Feeling The Strain" is out now on ZTT. His debut album is out at the end of the month
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments