CHANGE THE RECORD: Mark Sharp

Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves have had a crazy couple of years. Releasing single after single to then selling-out Saint Luke’s in Glasgow. Not to mention the band also supported Lewis Capaldi in his recent Scottish tour in Scotland’s largest indoor Arena. Here, lead singer, Mark Sharp takes me through his top five albums.

Album 1: Otis Blue - Otis Redding

No one’s voice compares to Otis Redding’s voice for me, the big man had some pipes on him! He delivers every word with sheer passion and raw emotion from the soul and that’s certainly an element I try to take onboard from him and try emulate when writing or performing. You can’t not feel something when you listen, you’re either dancing or greeting simple as that! Otis Blue is my go to album, it’s timeless and works for every mood.

Album 2: Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys

There was always going to be an Arctic Monkeys album in here and it could’ve been any to be honest but in terms of importance and the impact it had on me growing up then their first two albums were a huge for me! Probably the first band that I really listened to their lyrics and could fully relate to and when you’re 16/17 having that emotional connection to a band it’s everything to you. But between the two Favourite Worst Nightmare nicks it for me. Proved the first album wasn’t a fluke and that this band were the real deal! I became obsessed with lyrics and songwriting after that then joined a band.

Album 3: Searching For The Sugar Man - Rodriguez

This album is actually the soundtrack to the documentary Searching For The Sugar Man about Rodriguez’s life and if you’ve not seen it get on that s**t right now! It’s one of the greatest, yet maddest stories ever told. The use of different instrument sounds and wee effects on some of these tracks are just class and a treat for the ears. It’s put together so well... and again just like most of these albums I’ve chose, the lyrics have a big impact on me, they’re real and he really paints a picture with every story told. A bit like Dylan and honestly this guy is up there with him for me. If you’re a fan of Bob Dylan then you’re a fan Sixto Rodriguez.

Album 4: Best of Bowie - David Bowie

I wouldn’t normally pick a Best Of album when asked for favourite albums but when we’re talking about why they’re important to me then I had to get the Best Of Bowie album involved. Hit after hit man! I was about 11 years old and my mum and dad got me this album for Christmas (could’ve been from Santa... can’t really remember) but I had no idea who it was or why they gave me it and when I asked, my maw said that I sing his songs around the house all the time. Clueless to this I stuck it on and knew every word to about eight of the songs on it so I obviously had great taste from a young age ha ha. I still listen to those songs today and they’re just as good they were when I first heard them.

Album 5: Definitely Maybe - Oasis

Growing up in the 90’s you couldn’t not be aware of Oasis, they were getting played everywhere and never off the tv or front page of the paper but it’s not until you get into your teenage years before you can really appreciate the music and this album has a way of connecting with that age group with every generation that follows still to this day! Like a lot of people I know, Oasis was the band that made me want to play guitar. The first song I learned was Talk Tonight that was quickly followed by Live Forever and Married With Children which are big hitters on this album so this one definitely played a big part for me getting involved with music. As well a couple chilled out acoustic numbers it’s got some real feel good Rock & Roll tunes that could bring out the rebellious side of a nun! Don’t try and tell me sister Janet hasn’t put the earphones in, parka hoodie up and swaggered down the Main Street! Ha ha we’ve all done it!

Keep update with all of the bands movements via the links below.

Spotify

Instagram

Twitter