Over the course of five critically acclaimed albums, Hot Chip have implanted themselves into the hearts of the British public, with their unique blend of electronica, quirkiness and way with an understated hook.
Now frontman Alexis Taylor goes it alone to release his second solo album - the first on the legendary Domino label. Entitled Await Barbarians, it's out this week and maintains the high standard of all of his releases, enticing the listener in with a range of sounds and styles.
We caught up with Alexis to discover his Ultimate Playlist, and the stories behind the songs. Read on for the ultimate novelty song (in French), a pop-reggae classic and a legendary old school house record.
Await Barbarians is out now. Buy from Domino here
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Favourite Ballad
"Lord Ronald by Alasdair Roberts - It's a ballad in the true sense of the word and, without fail, it makes me cry on the final line of the song every single time I hear it. A son realizes who has poisoned him, whilst on his deathbed, talking to his mother. No spoiler alert needed here, just have a listen."
Favourite movie soundtrack song
"I love Odetta singing the traditional spiritual Motherless Child in Pasolini's film Il Vangelo Secondo Matteo. It is a pretty brave, moving, and almost comical moment, to play that song in relation to Jesus."
Favourite song from your childhood
"Pass The Dutchie - Musical Youth. I used to run around my parents living room dancing to this, Paul McCartney's Check My Machine and Flatt and Scruggs' Foggy Mountain Breakdown, when I was about 4 or 5. The joy these songs gave me and my brothers was quite amazing - I remember weekends feeling like weeks as we danced crazily to these and other 7-inches from my parents' collection."
Favourite song that no-one else has heard of
"Just For A Little While by Dan and Vince Sipprell. A great heartbreaking and tender song from two friends whose band used to play gigs with us. I would like to compile a set of songs that I love that have never had official release."
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Favourite club anthem
"Follow Me by Aly-Us. It's beautiful in its optimism and serious in its message; simple in construction, irresistible in its melody and phrasing. And it's a massive banger with only about 5 sounds in it."
Favourite song to hear at a wedding
"Here Comes The Bride. It is helpful in letting you know what's what and where you are up to in proceedings."
Favourite novelty song
"The Birdie Song in French. I heard this recently at a Spanish holiday resort and my daughter danced to it every night. This original French language version has a funky beginning."
Favourite lyric from a song
"You're all just pissing in the wind/You don't know it but you are/And there ain't nothing like the friend/Who can tell you when you're pissing in the wind", from Neil Young's Ambulance Blues. I can relate to that statement. Apparently his manager said it to him and Crosby, Stills and Nash. It may not have been his intended meaning but I also think Neil was better off without them!"
Favourite current song
"Moodymann - Hold It Down, because of its swagger, effortlessness, swampy and sultry sound, I love this song. I would love to see Moodymann making a track, to understand the process..."
Favourite song from your own music
"I like Musical Food from Rubbed Out. I find it hard to make something minimal, an 'ambient' piece of music. But this one satisfies me even if no one else thinks I should be making instrumental music! I made it for Payne and Relph's film of the same name and it was on the telly. A proud moment."
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(Images: Brian Deran/Rex)
