The Dexys frontman and Celtic Soul Brother number one takes five from us.
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1.) What’s your favorite Beatles song and why?
I’m going to go for “The Long and Winding Road.” That’s the first one that came into my head. I don’t know why. I can’t explain it. It moves me.
2.) Who are three songwriters—living or dead—that you wish you could sit down and write a song with?
None of them. Nobody. That’s the honest truth. I love Burt Bacharach, I love John Lennon, I love loads of songwriters. But I don’t want to write with them. I like to do it our way. Because I express my stuff, and they’ve all got their own character, you know? Dexys songs have got my character, mainly, in them.
3.) If you had to pick one song that you’ve written that you really think sums you up as a songwriter, what would that be?
Well, I’d have to say “This is What She’s Like.” Even though, from a lyrical standpoint, you know the slagging off different people in the early part of the song? I wouldn’t write that now. But yeah, musically and everything, yeah.
4.) Is there one song that you wish you could’ve written?
By someone else? No.
5.) Is there anything you’re listening to these days that you’re particularly digging?
Yeah. It’s boring, but still, I’m listening to Van, from It’s Too Late To Stop Now, particularly “Caravan.” I listened to it earlier. I still think that’s one of the best things ever. Pretty amazing. The other thing I will say is a great band—they’re better live, but were undiscovered. A band called Deaf School. Dexys were quite influenced by them. They made three albums, but probably the first one was the strongest. They were amazing live.
Transatlantic Modern 