My Ultimate Compilation CD

by Nick Ellwood

I'm Nick and I work in press and public relations. What joy it's been to read some of the other lists here, and what sweet agony to compile my own. Did everyone find this? I've realised most of these tracks - dear to me as they are - would probably empty a dancefloor rather than fill it. Too late now, though, to start again. Better press send and have done with it ... So here it is ... The final 12. Bugger, did I not find somewhere for The Smiths?

1. Woke Up This Morning - A3.

This is the essential opening track for the Best Of My Life compilation. It is, of course, the song which accompanies the opening credits to The Sopranos - I still mourn its passing and pray for season seven. It's impossible not to feel a bit like Tony S when you are listening to this - driving to work, ready to make some stops and take care of some family business. Just wish I smoked cigars (and worked at the Bada Bing).

2. Find The River - REM

REM's greatest song from their greatest period in the early 90s - when Athens, Ga, briefly ruled the world. Everything that I once loved about REM is present - aching melancholy, gorgeous melody, a slow Southern sweep, elusive lyrics (you can always add your own here and there). It captures the two summers I spent in Athens in '92 and '93, smoking and riding around with friends Keith and Darcy, discovering Southern oddities like The Tree That Owns Itself, Weaver D's, Wendell Gee's used cars and boiled peanuts sold by the roadside. And meeting Michael Stipe while he was still in his dressing gown. To be young again. To be half a world away.

3. Come Up and See Me (Make Me Smile) - Steve Harley

University days - for some reason this was always playing in the Gardeners' Arms, North Parade, Oxford. Nearly 20 years on, it still makes me want to play a round of Black Jack, light up a Marlboro, be silly and waste away the afternoon.

4. Be My Baby - The Ronettes

The genius of Phil Spector and the Wall Of Sound would have to be in here somewhere. If there's a sexier voice than Ronnie Bennett, I've yet to hear it.

5. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon

For my young son James - the most beautiful baby boy, who has changed my life and brought me such incredible joy and happiness. Every line is a gem - and life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.

6. She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult

Slight change of tempo here. I never did slide around the dance floor in leather trousers to this - but I wish I had. Too late now - or is it?

7. Beware of Darkness - George Harrison

Not only one of Harrison's finest moments, but a song that takes me straight back to The Concert for George at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2002. This was nirvana for Beatles fans - hours of George songs, with Paul, Ringo, Clapton, Jeff Lynne et al on stage. But having our own private box, and copious amounts of wine, made it the concert of all time. I'll See You In My Dreams still makes me tingle all over.

8. Old And Wise - Alan Parsons Project

I've always loved this, despite its sadness. Incredible vocals. Kind of reminds me of a song that would be played at a loved one's funeral. Gulp. Better move on quickly.

9. Don't Worry Baby - Beach Boys

Hard to know why I would pick this ahead of Pet Sounds, but it's my favourite Brian Wilson track. There's just something young, euphoric and magical about it. I once heard it when I was burdened with exam pressures and it really worked its spell on me. The song also conjures up seeing Brian Wilson's Pet Sounds and Smile concerts in the UK - two wonderful nights.

10. Sposa son disprezzata - Antonio Vivaldi (sung by Cecilia Bartoli)

Cold, beautiful, mystical. I love playing this late at night with a glass of something tasty. Also another nod to The Sopranos and the Pine Barrens episode.

11. Blackbird - The Beatles.

The Beatles simply have to feature after 27 years of continual worship. Today it's Paul and Blackbird - singing sweetly amid the chaos of Apple, 1968. Tomorrow, who knows?

12. Fall On Me - REM

The last choice is the hardest of all but they just have to feature again. I've spent more time singing along to this than any other song ever, and I'm still not entirely sure what it's about. Building towered foresight? You bet.

Philip Caren >>