5 more songs about London

Here are 5 more tracks for you to bob you head to while you explore London’s streets. The city has a seemingly endless collection of biographical records. Plug in your headphones again and take in a historic and cultural lesson of life in the Big Smoke.

View the recent blog on top 5 songs about London

1: The Jam - Down in a Tube Station at Midnight

Writer: Paul Weller Label: Polydor (UK) Producer: Vic Coppersmith-Heaven

The 1970’s urban decay is felt throughout this record. People generally consider today’s London to be a liberal place. However, Paul Weller paints a picture of a time when far right violence was more prevalent.

You will likely feel sympathy for the lyrics’ hapless protagonist. The story portrays a man suffering a beating from National Front thugs in an empty tube station. Still, there’s a mystery as to why Weller wrote the words “I put in the money and pull out a plum”.

I first felt a fist, and then a kick I could now smell their breath They smelt of pubs and wormwood scrubs And too many right wing meetings

2: The Kinks - Waterloo Sunset

Writer: Ray Davies Label: Pye 7N 17321 (UK), Reprise 0612 (US) Producers: Ray Davies

Originally written for the 60’s Merseybeat, this song was intended to be called ‘Liverpool Sunset’. But have you ever seen Waterloo at sundown? It’s beautiful! It’s easy to see why songwriter Ray Davis swapped Merseyside for The Swinging City.

This song reminds us that romance can be found in many places. Including dizzy, busy places with “millions of people swarming like flies”.

People so busy, makes me feel dizzy

Taxi light shines so bright

But I don't need no friends

As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset

I am in paradise

3: The Clash - London Calling

Writers: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones

Label: CBS

Producers: Guy Stevens

Punk legend Joe Strummer takes the news phrase “This is London Calling” from UK broadcasts to occupied countries during World War 2 and adds a modern twist. Followed by its titular announcement we’re left with string of complaints of social ills felt in 1970s Britain.

This is a “must have” for your collection of classic British records.

London calling, now don't look to us Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust London calling, see we ain't got no swing 'Cept for the ring of that truncheon thing

4: Underworld - Born Slippy .NUXX

Writers: Rick Smith, Karl Hyde, Darren Emerson Label: Junior Boy's Own, Wax Trax! Producers: Rick Smith, Karl Hyde, Darren Emerson

You might remember this from the awesome soundtrack for the film Trainspotting. Despite featuring in a flick about heroin addiction in Edinburgh, Born Slippy is about alcoholism in London.

The lyrics to this dance hit echo the ramblings of a drunk man. Our protagonist leaves a pub, chats to a blonde woman and tries to make it home to Romford. If you're needing the party spirit, listen to the extended live version!

And look at me your mom Squatting pissed in a tube- hole at Tottenham Court Road

5: Squeeze - Up the Junction

Writers: Chris Difford Glenn Tilbrook Label: A&M Producers: Squeeze, John Wood

This is kitchen sink realism at its best! The lyrics tell a biography of a man in working class Clapham Junction. He falls in love with a woman, they have a baby, he spirals into alcoholism and she leaves him.

Despite the grim storytelling, you may find the record uplifting. Particularly due to its sense of humour and unapologetic use of British slang.

I never thought it would happen

With me and the girl from Clapham

Out on the windy common

That night I ain't forgotten