Top tracks from our wonderful supporters - edition #3 - Phill Brown
He recorded Hendrix’s ‘All Along The Watchtower’ and Jimmy Page's solo on ‘Stairway To Heaven’. But what does he listen to?
Greetings
Our new regular feature explores the music tastes of our friends, colleagues and supporters. Let’s see what floats of legendary recording engineer Phill Brown's boat.
If you haven’t heard of Phill you must check him out. His memoirs—originally published in 2011—have just been rereleased with updated material, spanning his 50-year career.
It’s the best Rock ‘n Roll book we have ever read and is available to buy now from Hawksmoor Publishing with free UK shipping.
We asked Phill to pick ten of his favourite songs plus two of ours. Before we delve into his world, we must indulge ourselves in one of our most loved pieces of his work.
Spirit Of Eden by Talk Talk was recorded over a period of twelve months in almost total darkness and after numerous conversations over the years he told us it was probably the most difficult album he has ever been involved in.
He is a real music fan and has bought all our vinyl releases—putting his money where his mouth is.
We tried to get him across to mix our last record STARLITE.ONE but sadly he fell ill just before the dates. We hope to have him here for our next record which should be ready by the end of this very turbulent 2025.
Music is our life, and we are really interested in the songs you love. If you'd like to contribute, just mail us!
Much love
Suzy & Simon
Phill’s picks
I have had three lists so far and very difficult to pick just 10 tracks. So Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Peter Gabriel and the Beach Boys did not make it to the final list.
I am heavily into lyrics and so my choices are biased. These are tracks I listen to on a regular basis.
Running up that Hill | Kate Bush
Apart from Wuthering Heights, I love almost everything by Kate Bush.
Great lyrics and instrumentation – she creates wonderful worlds – like going through the doors to Narnia.
What’s Going On | Marvin Gaye
For me, one of the best albums ever recorded has great lyrics and wonderful musicians: James Jamerson is the boss. Lyrically, this song is almost more relevant today—a wonderful album and track.
Making Plans for Nigel | XTC
I have always loved this track – one of the first productions by Steve Lillywhite. Very English… and I love tape-phasing
One World | John Martyn
I don’t know if I am allowed my own tracks… but this whole album is wonderful. One World and Small Hours are really special to me. Recording at 4 am across a lake—can’t get much better. Again, great lyrics and magical guitar.
Another Brick In The Wall | Pink Floyd
A massive Floyd fan—they do everything so well. Great Sounds and Space. Uplifting but dark.
You Are Always On My Mind | Willie Nelson
This guy is so special and has written some wonderful songs. This is a beautiful track, makes me cry every time I hear it.
Insomnia | Faithless
Nothing to do with me, but I remember it pounding through the floor when my son played it on repeat. Great Bass, humorous lyrics, uplifting. Faithless at their peak.
Cannons in the Rain | John Stewart
From way back in the early 70s—a great track and album, a wonderful rich unique voice. Country at its best.
Good Times/ Bad Times | Led Zeppelin
So much power and energy, the first two albums were electrifying.
Imagine | John Lennon
What can one say—great lyrics, sparse instruments, spiritual.
And now two from Suzy and Simon…
Lay it Out On Me | Starlite & Campbell
I love the sound of this track—loads of space and air.
Saving Me | Starlite & Campbell
Great groove, bass and lyrics.