Do You Remember What The Music Meant? - Shitdisco

"Embracing faults and mistakes is the only way to bear my own record collection."

Shitdisco

Joe Reeves from Glasgow dance-punkers Shitdisco talks TV On The Radio, Wire and, um, N-Trance.

What was your first musical memory?
One of two moments. Either dancing to EMF’s ‘Unbelievable’ at my uncle’s 40th birthday party. I was about seven or eight and I tried to skid on my knees and ripped my Joe Bloggs jeans in half. Or, dancing to ‘Monster Mash’ by Dr. Demento at Christmas. I was about seven or eight at the time and I thought I was having some kind of epiphany. I love that song.

What was the first record you ever bought?
‘Bad’ by Michael Jackson was the first record I ever owned, but the first one I ever actually bought was ‘Set You Free’ by N-Trance. Shocking, I know. The high vs. the low of pop music.

What three records could you not live without?
Bobby Orlando - Freedom in An Unfree World
Daft Punk - Homework
TV On The Radio - Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes

Who were the first band you ever saw live?
The Prodigy. I had seen gigs before, friends’ bands and small shows, but this was the first really big gig. I had no idea what was happening to me. The first song started and as the crowd surged forwards I got lifted completely off the ground. For about 10 minutes – two or three songs – my feet were levitating. Next level fear, but it was amazing fun. Also, it turns out, that was the first gig their live drummer, Keiron Pepper, ever played with them and as a nice twist of fate, he ended up playing on a couple of tracks on our album.

Who is your all-time favourite artist or band?
Soft Cell.

Are there any artists who have surfaced recently that you absolutely love?
Loads. Mit from Cologne. They’re a bit like a three-piece Daft Punk, but a bit like us, they’re sort of rough around the edges but totally spellbinding live. Haunted House & Gay Against You, both from Glasgow – friends of ours and well worth checking out. Also, loads of new French stuff – Kavinsky & Para One especially.

What three albums do you reckon every discerning music lover should own?
Clor by Clor
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret by Soft Cell
Pink Flag by Wire

What three tracks would you nominate for the best mix tape in the world?
“Rumble” by Link Wray
“Let’s Dance” David Bowie
“Number One Song in Heaven” by Sparks

What record would you use to seduce someone?
‘How Soon is Now’ by The Smiths

What piece of music moves you to tears?
‘Staring at The Sun’ by TV On The Radio, or ‘Master & Everyone’ by Will Oldham.

Are there any embarrassing records in your collection?
All of them. Embracing faults and mistakes is the only way to bear my own record collection.

What was the last record you bought?
In Flagrante, Wronger Than Anyone Else

Can you estimate how many records are in your collection?
Too many shit ones. Minus the shit ones, there’s probably only about four.

Which of your own songs are you most proud of?
‘Disco Blood’. It’s both a paean to the music I love, but also a cocky nod to how naff most of it is. It’s also a song about AIDS, but not many people know that. Beware.

SHITDISCO PLAY MISH MASH @ MYNT, BELFAST ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SHITDISCO

This article first appeared in AU35, April 2007.

Issue #51 - I Told You This Would Be A Good Issue

Featuring Biffy Clyro, Of Montreal, Duke Special, Frightened Rabbit, Cold War Kids, Jay Reatard, Pat Mills, and more.