Six Songs of Me: Beth Jeans Houghton

The singer-songwriter picks the music that means the most to her as part of our Six Songs of Me project.

What was the first song you ever bought?

Keep the Customer Satisfied – Simon and Garfunkel

I bought it on cassette in a charity shop when I was 14. I played it so much it got warped. When I hear it un-warped now it sounds strange.

What song always gets you dancing?

L'Ombelico del Mondo – Jovanotti

It's life affirming and tribal with unbelievable drums. My tour manager always plays it to test the speakers before the show and we'll have a little dance. Dancing is good for the soul.

What song takes you back to your childhood?

Camarillo Brillo – Frank Zappa

It was a really hot day and I was in the car with my dad and brother the first time I heard it. I thought it was amazing. My dad used to get in trouble with my mum for playing me Frank Zappa's Have I Offended Someone? I grew up listening to my parents' record collection; I would like to have grown up in the time that they did.

What is your perfect love song?

I Really Want You – Steve Tilston

I have listened to it since I was 16 but I can't listen any more; it's too sad. The words are perfect and I know exactly what they mean. It describes two leaves falling from a tree and they kiss then drift away. Steve Tilston is an unsung musical hero.

What song would you want at your funeral?

Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash

I've already given my mum a playlist of my funeral music. There are a few sad ones in there but Ring of Fire is the funny one. I want to be cremated as soon as possible after I die, as I don't like the idea of being a corpse for long. We've discussed our funerals so they can be exactly as we want them.

Time for the encore. One last song that makes you, you

I Was Not Born to Follow – The Lemon Pipers

If something goes wrong in my life because of someone else, I listen to this. It makes me think that it doesn't really matter because everything I want to do in my life, I can do of my own accord. I do want people to help me or do things with me but if they don't, in reality, all I need is myself to achieve those things.

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Author: Candice Pires

Source: The Guardian

Date: August 20, 2012

Original article: HERE