Following the release of his latest single 'Moon Under Water' we caught up with singer-songwriter David Barr to find out what influences his eclectic sound. If you enjoy Barr's picks be sure to check out his latest single at the end of the article.
1. The La’s - Timeless Melody
"Anyone who knows me knows how much I love The La’s. Lee Mavers is an absolute genius songwriter and to be honest it could have been any La’s track on here. But Timeless Melody maybe just edges it as my favourite. My previous band used to cover it, and I think the vocal melody is second to none. It truly is timeless. There’s something in the air in Liverpool for sure as John Lennon & Lee Mavers in my eyes are the greatest songwriters of all time. I’m sure Lee Mavers once said, “What we are doing really is capturing something from a different dimension and harnessing it in a material net.” I think this song definitely came from a different dimension. It’s special."
2. Alex G - Bobby
"I absolutely love this song. It’s simple but so bittersweet and poignant. The violin riff sounds Celtic so being Scottish maybe that’s why it hits me so hard. It’s like when I hear bag pipes I feel a huge overwhelming sense of pride and emotion. It’s the same with this song. I’ve probably listened to it a hundred times, but I’ve never gotten tired of it. It’s one of those songs I wish I’d written."
3. David Bowie - Cracked Actor
"Cracked Actor. Another true great and an absolute icon. He’s who I’m named after so it would be a disservice not to include a Bowie track. The guitar sound is so dirty and full of attitude. Exactly how electric guitar should be! A real raunchy rock n roll sound. The song is about an ageing Hollywood star’s encounter with a prostitute. It’s the epitome of Sex, Drugs and Rock n roll."
4. Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye
"Another songwriter in a league of his own. I used to listen to the Grace album in art class at high-school in Dunfermline, Scotland. The album would transport me to New York where it was recorded. The record is so atmospheric and haunting. I think it was my art teacher who introduced me to it. This is the stand out track on the album. It’s like three or four songs rolled into one and it blows my mind. It’s a masterpiece. The main riff when the song kicks in really grabs me… It’s wistful but also full of hope."
5. Gorillaz (Feat Moonchild Sanelly) - With Love To An Ex
"I’m a huge Damon Albarn fan and the ‘Song Machine’ album was my lockdown record of 2020. That year I left Scotland and moved in with two friends in Santa Barbara, California. I was very fortunate and for me 2020 was an amazing year full of change, adventure and new experiences. This song takes me back to that period and fills me with so much nostalgia and fond memories. The song itself is full of menace and swagger. It’s got a great groove and such a unique vibe."
Listen to David Barr 'Moon Under Water'
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