Soundtrack To My Life - Ange

I've really enjoyed pulling Ange's Soundtrack To My Life together - probably because it is full of the music I love too. The internet makes the world a much smaller place and after a chance meeting on one of the social media channels we found out that we both hail from Lancashire and some of Ange's family live in the village where I was born and bred. How's that for random? More about Ange at the end of this blog post but for now, here's here music and memories...

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Queen - Killer Queen

Apart from being an amazing song, when I was a child, we as a family lived in South Wales which was a 4-5 hour journey away from my birthplace in Lancashire. When we visited extended family, or went on any extended car journey, Queen's Greatest Hits was always the album of choice. I can't listen to this song without thinking of my dear departed Dad at the wheel as we all sang along. Happy days.

Soft Cell - Tainted Love

I've been a lifelong Marc Almond fan and this was the song that started my obsession with this much under-rated, highly talented man. I've met Marc on numerous occasions and I can genuinely say he's one of the nicest people I've ever met. We share a wicked, ascorbic sense of humour and he is a fellow Cancerian. I totally "get" him and what he's about and LOVE his music which covers a multitude of styles. Most people will know him from his hits, but he is SO much more than that.

(Editors note: Tainted Love has embedding disabled on YouTube so here's a live version)

Tubeway Army - Are Friends Electric?

Picture the scene; a 10 year old me is watching TOTP and along comes a heavy synth sound and an interesting androidman singing about things I just don't understand. I was hooked! I was an avid Gary Numan fan from that point onwards, although my love for his music waned from 2002 til now when he changed his musical style (although his latest album Splinter has recaptured my interest). I not only went to the concerts but also lucky enough to be invited to the after show parties too. This song was also the choice for the end of Numan discos... everyone would gather in a circle and sing the song a la hokeycokey! It will always be part of my history.

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Happy House

I first heard this played in 1980 on my clock radio. Mike Read was the DJ. Years later I met Mike and told him that he was responsible for introducing me to Siouxsie; "well I've never been accused of that before!" he guffawed... quite. I have a real love of this woman; she's strong and feisty and doesn't suffer fools gladly, bringing them swiftly to account with a well placed word or facial expression. I've had the absolute privilege to meet her twice; once in 1988 and then in 2009. She was completely charming and gracious on both occasions. I love her and her music without reserve.

Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence

I love DM and have done since they released "See You" in the early 80's and whilst this isn't my favourite DM song, it is the most memorable. I remember dancing to this with my first husband whilst he uttered the words "all I ever wanted, all I ever needed, is here in my arms". Despite all the crap he put me through when we divorced, this song will always have a special place in my history. I can't hear the words without thinking of the better times we shared.




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Find out more about Ange and her writing on her website, her blog and her Facebook page. You can follow her on Twitter too - she's @vodkaangel22.  View all previous Soundtrack To My Life entries by clicking on the mix tape to the right.  If you want to participate in 2014 please complete this form and I'll be in touch very soon.