My six best albums- Bruce Foxton
BRUCE FOXTON, 57, was bass guitarist with The Jam and then with Stiff Little Fingers. He is touring with his band From The Jam and releases a solo album, Back In The Room, on Monday (www.brucefoxton.com).
THE BEATLES: Revolver
(EMI)
I like the diversity and the innovation. It’s quite psychedelic and there are great tunes.
George Harrison’s guitar work is fantastic. People thought The Jam’s Start was very Taxman-influenced.
All I can say is that we were listening to Revolver a lot on tour.
THE FOUR TOPS: Reach Out
(Motown)
I was influenced by Motown and songs such as Standing In The Shadows Of Love and Bernadette.
My brother was a Mod and had this album on his tape recorder when I was learning guitar. I started strumming and recorded right over Reach Out I’ll Be There. He wasn’t impressed.
They were a breath of fresh air, the excitement and energy, the not giving a monkey’s
THE KINKS: Something Else
(Sanctuary)
The Jam covered the track David Watts. I was on holiday when it charted and had to come back to do Top Of The Pops.
Other artists were pulling up in limos and I got off the bus. What a fantastic writer Ray Davies is.
I love songs that tell a story. I wish I could write something such as Waterloo Sunset.
TALKING HEADS: Stop Making
Sense
(EMI)
A fantastic live album, the one where his jacket gets bigger and bigger; so clever. I’m a big fan of David Byrne and bass player Tina Weymouth.
There are great tracks: Psycho Killer, Burning Down The House, Once In A Lifetime, songs you can sing 30 years later.
THE WHO: My Generation
(Polydor)
The Who were a big influence on The Jam. This album is non-stop power, energy and melodic pop songs. I was knocked out by John Entwistle’s bass playing and they still cut it today.
I got to tour with them a few years back. Their image was also key. They looked so sharp.
SEX PISTOLS: Never Mind The B******s
(Virgin)
When The Jam were breaking on to the scene we saw The Pistols at the 100 Club and it was an inspiration.
They were a breath of fresh air, the excitement and energy, the not giving a monkey’s.
It’s a big wall of sound and God Save The Queen, Anarchy In The UK and Pretty Vacant are classics.