FEATURE:
Flip the Record Over:
IN THIS PHOTO: The Beatles
The Best B-Sides Ever
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IT may appear irrelevant in an age where we are…
IN THIS PHOTO: The Beach Boys
neglecting physical formats and getting our music from streaming sites – but there is a lot to be said about the humble single. There was a day when people used to buy singles and there would be a B-side – I am aware I sound quite patronising; as though this was hundreds of years back. It does feel like a product of an older time but, happily, there are modern artists putting out B-sides. This might be because there is a bit too much material around – not strong enough for an E.P./album but too good to waste – or the chance to retain some of music’s history and tradition.
To me, it allows the listener to hear those less-than-perfect tracks that were cut at the same time (as the album-worthy gems). Because of this, and looking back at some terrific music, it is a chance to show why B-sides should be brought to life. I collate those overlooked songs that definitely stick in the mind…
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Fleetwood Mac - Silver Springs
A-Side: Go Your Own Way
Year of Release: 1976
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Revolution Song
A-Side: Ballad of the Mighty I
Year of Release: 2015
Bruce Springsteen - Shut Out the Light
A-Side: Born in the U.S.A.
Year of Release: 1984
The Beatles – You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)
A-Side: Let It Be
Year of Release: 1970
Primal Scream - Velocity Girl
A-Side: Crystal Crescent
Year of Release: 1986
The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
A-Side: Wouldn’t It Be Nice?
Year of Release: 1966
Radiohead - Talk Show Host
A-Side: Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Year of Release: 1996
Oasis - Half the World Away
A-Side: Whatever
Year of Release: 1994
Booker T & The M.G.'s - Behave Yourself
A-Side: Green Onions
Year of Release: 1962
Joy Division – These Days
A-Side: Love Will Tear Us Apart
Year of Release: 1980
The Smiths - How Soon Is Now?
A-Side: William, It Was Really Nothing
Year of Release: 1984
Franz Ferdinand – Shopping for Blood
A-Side: Darts of Pleasure
Year of Release: 2003
The Beatles – I Am the Walrus
A-Side: Hello Goodbye
Year of Release: 1967