Top 5 B-sides

Top 5 B-sides with honorable mentions because narrowing it down to 5 became far too difficult.

1) The Cure- Pillbox Tales – Boys Don’t Cry

   A perfect counter part to Boys Don’t Cry. Taken from the 1986 re-released version of Boys Don’t Cry, the speed and urgency of delivery of the lyrics creates an angst around this song which contrasts with Boys Don’t Cry incredibly. The mix on this song creates a sound of sirens throughout the background heightening the impact of the song delivery.

2) The Courteeners - Trying Too Hard To Score – Not Nineteen Forever

   High in energy to match or even rival Not Nineteen Forever, an anthem to many Courteeners fans, the melody supporting and building the tension which is elevated by Frays’ vocals. This song appears as a burst of aggression and warning with the repeated lyric “you’d best be on your best behaviour.”

3) The Smiths- Cemetery Gates – Ask

    The Smiths, known for their amazing b-sides from Jeane to Suffer Little Children, Cemetery Gates a witty response to the questions of borrowing from great writers “Wilde is on mine.” The lighter melody allows for the lyrics to come across calmly in the manner of which everyone wishes to deliver a response in an argument but very few manage.

4) Arctic Monkeys – You and I - Black Treacle

     You and I with the vocals of Richard Hawley and music of Arctic Monkeys this combination was bound to be impressive but the result creates and effortless record which needs to be played loud whilst driving. A song with the strength of Richard Hawley’s vocals combined with the musical talent of the Arctic Monkeys to create an alliance known as The Death Ramps was bound to make great things.

5) The Stone Roses – Mersey Paradise – she bangs the drums

    Mersey Paradise, the perfect addition and accompaniment to She Bangs The Drums  in sound but complete antithesis in meaning from the idea of things coming together in a perfect singular moment in She Bangs The Drums to the idea of things falling apart in Mersey Paradise. Both songs revolving around one moment. Mersey Paradise is a perfect b-side hidden gem of a song for the impeccable writing to the melody which carries the song to a whole new level.   

Honourable mentions:

 The Libertines – The Delaney –Up the bracket B-side

The Death Ramps – Little Illusion Machine (Wirral Riddler)-Hellcat spangled Shalalala B-Side

The La's - Over -Timeless melody B-side

The Rolling Stones - Play With Fire- The Last Time B-Side

So what are your favorite B-sides?

@Jesskateborden