Gan On caught up with roadrunner and t-shirt extraordinaire Joe Mcfadden to get the top 5 North East tracks he’s been known to blast while printing tees at Merch Bitch.
We dig into his selection…
Ian Black’s Slug started strong with 2015’s ‘Ripe’, with tunes like this one and ‘Cockeyed-rabbit Wrapped in Plastic’ marking an accomplished debut album. It’s the right level of grungey and theatrical, with that trademark Blackie robotic distortion sound driving each guitar part.
‘The Punk is in the Detail’ – Little Comets
Hebburn’s finest, Little Comets are one of the more prolific and consistent North East bands. Never one to duck from the tough topics, this track makes reference to the lack of justice for Grenfell but our sympathy towards fascist regimes. Real sh*t.
Joe has definitely gone shallow with this one, but it’s worth remembering this track was propelled Maximo Park into mainstream success and worldwide recognition. This was a huge one for the indie scene and made bowl hats cool for a brief period in 2007.
‘Hard Times, Good Times’ – Hyde and Beast
‘Hounds of Love’ would establish that Sunderland bands are good at doing covers. But Hyde and Beast’s stylish and inventive cover of Zoo’s 1971 single, complete with brass section, has to be the coolest cover ever to come out of Sunderland—perhaps the coolest cover ever.
‘Hunger’ – Frankie and the Heartstrings
Blending rockabilly with clangy indie guitar pop, Frankie and the Heartstrings stamped their sonic identity with this certified banger in 2011. Playful and energetic live, this title track scored FATHS a TV ad with Dominos and onto Soccer AM with Patrick Kluivert, both of which they’re still dining out on. RIP Dave Harper.
If you’re in need of quality merch, you should email Joe or visit www.merch-bitch.com