Top Picks: John Robb’s Favorite Singles
John Robb has significantly impacted British music since his emergence in late-70s Blackpool. At that time, he was the bassist and frontman of The Membranes, a crucial post-punk and noise band. Simultaneously, Robb was establishing himself as a writer and music chronicler, starting with his own fanzine, Rox, before moving on to publications like ZigZag, Sounds (even securing the first interview with Nirvana), Melody Maker, among others.
In 2010, Robb ventured into independent music journalism, co-founding Louder Than War. Alongside this endeavor, he authored various books, from the extensive history of goth in “The Art Of Darkness” to biographies on Manchester icons like The Stone Roses and Oasis. His latest book, “Punk Rock Ruined My Life: And Other Stories,” functions as a memoir, delving into Robb’s rich musical life and is set to be released by Manchester University Press next month.
To celebrate the launch of his memoir, Robb curated a Baker’s Dozen, highlighting 13 singles that have left an indelible mark on his life throughout his musical journey. He shares, “Born in 1961, my immersion in pop culture coincided with the era of 7-inch singles, where a single track could make the ultimate statement more effectively than an entire album can even today.”
Robb’s upcoming book, “Punk Rock Ruined My Life: And Other Stories,” is available for pre-order and will hit shelves on 12 May. Furthermore, he will kick off a spoken word tour across the UK from 7 May, featuring special guests such as Steve and Paul Hanley, Stuart Braithwaite, and Pauline Murray. For those interested in attending, complete details can be found on his website.
Delve into Robb’s Baker’s Dozen selections by starting with the ‘First Selection’ below. As he reminisces about the transformative impact of various singles in his life, it becomes evident that the essence of a well-crafted single track has the power to transcend time and space, making a profound impact that surpasses the mere consumption of music. John Robb’s journey through music is not just a personal anecdote but a testament to the enduring power of musical expression and its ability to shape identities and eras.