Reflecting on a Decade of Music: Jason Applin shares his top 10 songs from The Gymkhana…
Jason Applin has been a fixture in my musical journey for close to three decades. From his early days in Bennet during the Britpop era to his more recent projects like The Gymkhana, Applin’s music has been a soundtrack to different chapters of my life. The Gymkhana, consisting of Applin, Matt Dyson, and Patrick Hannan, features a host of talented guest artists, making their debut album, “Follyfoot 71-73,” a rich tapestry of sounds. This concept album, inspired by the 1970s children’s TV show of the same name, weaves nostalgic narratives with pastoral indie-folk melodies in a warm, psychedelic, and eccentric fusion that is a delightful departure from the mainstream.
Looking back at his formative years, Applin shared ten songs that have been landmarks in his musical odyssey. His earliest memory of music includes Johnny Cash and Chicory Tip, setting the tone for a lifelong affinity for diverse sounds. Showaddywaddy’s Greatest Hits marked his initiation into buying records, a sentimental journey often traced back to Aerco Records in Woking. Growing up in a household filled with music, Applin’s love for KISS as a teenager shaped his early taste in music, igniting a passion that endured over the years. The first live concert that he attended, Gladys Knight, rekindles fond memories, despite his younger self not fully appreciating the soulful classics like “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
Reflecting on his entry into the music scene, Applin fondly recalls playing in a band with Craig Logan from Bros, a fleeting stint characterized by youthful exuberance and rock n’ roll dreams. Influenced by the Smiths, Applin’s musical journey took a new direction, embracing indie sounds that resonated deeply with his artistic sensibilities. Bennet’s musical trajectory was shaped by bands like Blur, signaling a departure from mainstream sounds to a more experimental and idiosyncratic approach to music-making.
Having released a new album, Applin’s perspective on creating music has evolved into a more leisurely pastime, one that brings joy without overshadowing other aspects of life. This relaxed approach allowed him to explore new facets of his musicality, like playing the bass on the latest record, signaling a willingness to experiment and grow as an artist. The overarching theme of English oddness pervades his musical influences, whether it’s the avant-garde stylings of Robert Wyatt or the quirky charm of Caravan.
Despite his affinity for the classics, Applin appreciates the work of contemporary artists like Billy Reeves and Crayola Lectern, drawn to their unique take on music that resonates with his preference for English eccentricity. These artists represent a modern-day embodiment of the offbeat charm that has always intrigued Applin throughout his musical voyage. As he continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of music, Applin’s foray into nostalgia with The Gymkhana’s debut album serves as a poignant reminder of the rich tapestries that music weaves into the fabric of our lives.