Following the release of their latest single 'When I Get Home', taken from their upcoming album ‘This Is The Mags’, we caught up with Liverpool indie-rock band The Mags to find out what influences their sound. If you enjoy The Mags picks be sure to check out 'When I Get Home' at the end of the article.
1. John Butler - 'Ocean'
"John is a master of percussive guitar playing and this is his magnum opus. For me, this track symbolises the epic, sweeping nature of life. The changes. The seasons. The love. The grief. It's all here in this masterpiece. The word 'epic' is overused, but it genuinely applies for this song."
2. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean - The First Moonwalk!
"This performance is captivating. What a talent. MJ was one of pop music's best pure performers and this video captures some of that magic. When I was a kid, Michael Jackson was a hero of mine, and even now as an adult, watching him sometimes gives me goosebumps. This performance at the Grammys was the moment he was catapulted into global stardom."
3. Madison Cunningham - Life According to Raechel
"Full disclaimer: I adore Madison Cunningham. This is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I love her voice, the alternative tuning, the story and the honesty. The album version of this track is stunning, but hearing her play solo with the acoustic hits just as hard. I saw her play this live, just her and an acoustic, and I swear it was like time stood still. The whole room just stopped and stared, rapt and transported into this heartbreakingly beautiful dream. Madison represents the very best of what musicians can be and I love and respect her with my whole heart."
4. 10 Guitarists Improvise over the same track
"Paul Davids has been a huge inspiration for me to become a better guitarist. This video of his is a wonderful celebration of the art of guitar playing, the skill, the expression and the variety it holds. Chris Buck's solo is my favourite. Damn, what a player!"
5. The Beatles “In My Life” on rare acoustic Gibson B-Bender
"As a Liverpudlian, of course, I love the Beatles. They are part of my heritage and their music has been intricately woven throughout my life.
'In My Life' is one of my all-time favourite songs and this performance of it by 'Nathaniel Murphy Zeppelinbarnatra' is unique. He's playing acoustically on a rare modified vintage Gibson that allows him to bend the B-string by pulling the guitar down. It's unique. He's an amazing guitarist who weaves melody and harmony together in such a fluid and musical way. I absolutely love this version of one of my favourite songs."
Listen to The Mags 'When I Get Home'