Southampton‘s Band Of Skulls can boast some pretty impressive artwork for their second album Sweet Sour (see below), released today (20 February), and it didn’t cost them a fortune. The impressive canvasses are actually bassist Emma Richardson‘s handiwork, having trained as an artist before joining the band. “Since graduating from Wimbledon School Of Art I’ve continued to paint and draw, alongside being part of the band. The paintings from my degree show were used for the artwork for the band’s first album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey and I have recently completed four paintings specifically for the second record,” she tells Q explaining her playlist selection, Songs To Paint To. “These are some of the songs which were on my playlist while I was working. I always listen to music when I paint, it helps me free up and take more risks.”
Beck – Elevator Music
“I am a big fan of Beck and recently revisited this album. This track has a great bass line and I love the way the words and melody flows over the top. I get a lot done without realising it when there is a solid groove to a song like this.”
The Doors – Crawling King Snake
“LA Woman is my favourite Doors albums because of the raw blues and attitude. This cover is no exception. It has a slink and rawness which is the best music to work to.”
Grinderman – No Pussy Blues
“I remember thinking when this album first came out, Thank god, finally some music with balls! Loud, violent and unafraid. Grinderman is what I have playing in my mind before I go onstage as well as making me taking risks on a piece of canvas.”
Elvis Presley – A Big Hunk O’ Love
“Elvis, what a man! I love the sound of this recording and his vocal is amazing as always. It’s exciting and makes you move.”
The Jim Jones Revue – Cement Mixer
“I’ve been a big fan of this band for a while and this track especially for its grind and distortion. Best at full volume. Great track to draw violent rude pieces of work to.”
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – Talk About The Blues
“Again a stormer of a bass line and big distorted break beat drums that just make you feel bad ass. This is a confidence boost when the painting has taken an unexpected turn.”
Band Of Gypsys – Who Knows
“Hendrix is the best guitarist I have ever heard and this track has sass and soul and it’s about nine minutes which means I can get stuck in to a piece of work with this continuous groove happening.
The Ready Men – Shortnin’ Bread
“A rough and ready slab of garage rock that keeps the working pace up. Great sounding guitar solo in a short and to the point track.”
Spindrift – Speak To The Wind
“This band made and starred in their own western film The Legend of Gods Gun and then wrote the soundtrack. This is my favourite track from it. It swaggers along and makes you feel like you’re in the desert. A very atmospheric song to work to.”
Tom Waits – Get Lost
“This swinging beast is from his latest album, Bad As Me. Great rhythm and lyrics. It has a good sense of humour. Its like he’s giving you a sly wink while singing it to you. This would be a song I’d play when I’d nearly finished a painting.”
Head to Bandofskulls.com for more information and music.
