Brian Fallon has released his second solo album, Sleepwalkers, and it’s such a richly varied musical kaleidoscope we figured we’d ask the man himself what he was listening to in the making of it. And he kindly obliged.



Unsurprisingly, he picked a peach of a playlist full of classics, which you can enjoy below. And while you’re listening, why not read all about why these are the songs and artists who inspired the record. Over to Brian…



1. THE JAM – TOWN CALLED MALICE

This song started the whole idea that punk rock can be married to soul and R&B music. This sort of started the whole idea of the record for me.

2. THE WHO – I DON’T MIND

This is another connection from the British R&B invasion, meeting up with American Soul and Gospel.

3. THE KINKS – THIS TIME TOMORROW

Further into the process, I wanted to balance out the rhythmic elements with acoustic material. I love The Kinks and this track was on repeat for a long time while we were making the record.

4. THE FACES – OOH LA LA

Part the Stones and part Bob Dylan, The Faces have always had a great swagger in their rhythm.



5. THE SMITHS – ASK

I loved the chorus effect on Johnny Marr’s guitar. Always one of my favorite bands. We may have borrowed the chorus pedal…

6. THE GRASS ROOTS – LIVE FOR TODAY

I love the harmonies and that distinct ’60s feel on these kinds of songs. Great harmonies and melody.

7. JOE COCKER – A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

When talking about singing on this record I wanted to see how far I could push some of the vocals, Joe was definitely an inspiration to me on how reckless you can be when you let yourself go in a song.



8. JAMIE T – ZOMBIE

Some songs can just be for fun and I love the looseness and how easy a great song can feel.

9. THE CLASH – TRAIN IN VAIN

Crystal clean guitars and a tight rhythm section is a great recipe for a groove in a song.



10. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – OTHER SIDE

People always look at me confusingly when I say the RHCP are an influence. It’s in the backing vocals that John Frusciante does that you can hear here. It’s also in the vocal melody blending in with the beat of the song. To me, the records they did with John are always a source of inspiration.



11. THE JAM – DOWN IN THE TUBE STATION AT MIDNIGHT

The Jam had a big influence on me the whole time I was making this record. I think they were one of the best bands out there.



Brian Fallon’s Sleepwalkers is out now on Virgin EMI