Uncovering the Sonic Gems: A Musical Journey with Paul Heaton

In a captivating exploration of his musical influences, Paul Heaton, the renowned singer-songwriter behind The Housemartins and Beautiful South, takes us on a personal odyssey through the albums that have shaped his artistic sensibilities. From the glam-rock experimentation of David Bowie to the soulful stylings of Aretha Franklin, Heaton's eclectic taste and deep appreciation for the art of music-making shine through in this insightful interview.

Unearthing the Timeless Melodies that Inspire a Musical Icon

Ziggy Stardust's Celestial Allure

Heaton's musical journey begins with the seminal work of David Bowie, "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars." Recalling the album's impact on his formative years, Heaton describes the record as "really different" and "on the edge of glam rock," yet "totally by itself." The enigmatic lyrics and Bowie's captivating vocal performance left a lasting impression, as Heaton grappled with the meaning behind tracks like "Suffragette City" and "Moonage Daydream." Despite the initial confusion, Heaton was enthralled by the album's ability to influence the fashion and style choices of ordinary people, a testament to Bowie's enduring cultural impact.

The Soulful Stylings of Aretha Franklin

Delving into his early musical discoveries, Heaton highlights Aretha Franklin's "Aretha with the Ray Bryant Combo" as a formative influence. Tracing his path back to the seminal "This Is Soul" compilation, Heaton's fascination with Franklin's artistry led him to amass an impressive collection of her albums. The "jazzy but also very gospel-y" nature of "Aretha with the Ray Bryant Combo" particularly resonated with Heaton, who found himself drawn to the album's upbeat energy and the interplay between Franklin's powerful vocals and Ray Bryant's skilled accompaniment.

The Unsung Brilliance of The Lurkers

When it comes to punk rock, Heaton's choice of The Lurkers' "Fulham Fallout" as a standout album showcases his appreciation for the genre's unsung heroes. While acknowledging the allure of more renowned acts like the Buzzcocks and The Clash, Heaton gravitated towards The Lurkers' debut album, captivated by its raw energy and the band's unassuming stage presence. Heaton's identification with the band's musical abilities and their relative obscurity within the punk landscape reflects his desire to champion the underappreciated and the overlooked.

The Rhythmic Allure of Jamaican Music

Heaton's musical journey takes an unexpected turn as he delves into the world of Jamaican music, specifically the work of Owen Gray. Recounting his youthful exploits of "pinching" bluebeat records from a local record store, Heaton discovered Gray's music, which he describes as a unique blend of blues and a "faint skank." Captivated by the album's free-flowing musicianship and the brass section's dynamic solos, Heaton's appreciation for the raw energy and experimental nature of early Jamaican recordings remains undiminished, even decades later.

The Harmonious Allure of A Cappella

Heaton's musical influences extend beyond the realms of rock and soul, as he highlights the a cappella group The Persuasions and their album "Street Corner Symphony." Recognizing the group's influence on his own work with The Housemartins, Heaton acknowledges the impact of their vocal harmonies and the quasi-religious nature of their repertoire, which inspired Heaton's own forays into a cappella performances. The Persuasions' ability to captivate audiences with their raw, unaccompanied vocals left a lasting impression on Heaton, shaping his own artistic sensibilities.

The Timeless Resonance of Blues

Heaton's musical journey takes a detour into the realm of blues, as he reflects on the profound impact of Silas Hogan's "Trouble." Recalling his teenage years as a "massive blues fan," Heaton found himself drawn to Hogan's electric guitar-driven sound, which he likens to the style of Jimmy Reed. The album's skilled harmonica playing by Moses Smith and Hogan's own late-life discovery as a musician further intrigued Heaton, who continues to revisit the album, testament to its enduring appeal.

The Transcendent Power of Gospel

Heaton's musical exploration culminates with his discovery of "The Gospel at Colonus," a unique blend of Sophocles' "Oedipus at Colonus" and the powerful performances of gospel artists such as The Blind Boys of Alabama and the JD Steele Singers. Introduced to the work by his mother, who recognized Heaton's affinity for gospel music, the album left a profound impact, inspiring Heaton's own creative endeavors, including his 2012 stage show and album "The 8th."

The Enduring Brilliance of Bill Withers

Rounding out his musical journey, Heaton highlights the underappreciated genius of Bill Withers, specifically the album "Making Music." Heaton's personal connection to the track "Paint Your Pretty Picture," which he and his wife chose as their wedding song, underscores the deep emotional resonance of Withers' songwriting. Lamenting the modern era's tendency to reduce Withers' legacy to a few hit songs, Heaton advocates for a deeper appreciation of the artist's multifaceted artistry and humble persona, as captured in the documentary "Still Bill."Through this captivating exploration of his musical influences, Paul Heaton invites us to delve into the rich tapestry of sounds that have shaped his own creative journey. From the glam-rock experimentation of David Bowie to the soulful brilliance of Aretha Franklin, Heaton's eclectic taste and deep reverence for the art of music-making serve as a testament to the enduring power of timeless melodies and the artists who bring them to life.