Dave Howell, Music for Beaches 2ser107.3 every Sunday
Always searching for the perfect song, DJ Dave Howell brings us music that is “mostly chilled-out, mostly electronic, sometimes Balearic, but always beautiful.”
Photo: Neil Thompson @monocaptus (in front of Dan Marshall’s BAD Poster)
It all started at the age of 7 when his dad brought home a record player and a pile of 7-inch singles of The Kinks, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who. A Specials gig in 1979 sealed the deal: Dave’s life was going to be all about music, and he moved down to London to be part of the music industry.
With roles in publishing, record companies, and distribution, Dave was also able to enjoy classic clubs such The Wag Club on Wardour Street and to dance through the 1988 “Summer of Love” where acid house brought peace and love to the various music tribes. The Balearic sound and open attitude from Ibiza clubs and bars such as Space and Sa Trinxa continue to be a big influence on his music.
Looking back over the years, Dave shares with us the Top Ten albums that play a huge part in shaping the sound and feeling of Music for Beaches:
1. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
The first record to move me to tears. It's a masterpiece and sounds as fresh and relevant as when it was released in 1971. Quite simply the best record ever made.
2. The KLF - Chill Out
The KLF captured the after-party vibe perfectly with 45 minutes of inventive and atmospheric brilliance. Another record that still sounds perfect and even Elvis gets a look in.
3. Global Communication - 76:14
These boys were completely ahead of the game with this timeless slice of ambient electronica.
4. Brian Eno - Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks
The ambient godfather at work with this genre defining release from 1983.
5. Nils Frahm - All Melody
The modern-day Mozart delivers his finest record, in my opinion at least. A must-see live experience as well, which is impressive given the chilled vibe.
6. The Orb - The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld
Another after-party classic from 1991. More genre-defining brilliance and the source of the MFB intro and outro sounds.
7. Chris Coco & George Solar - Island Vibration
Capturing the sound and feeling of the chilled-out side of Ibiza, two of the world's finest DJs, musicians and producers deliver this momentous album.
8. Massive Attack - Teardrop
Blue Lines is their best album but Teardrop is their best song. And oddly enough the best bit of the record is where there is no sound at all... for a fraction of a second.
9. Paco de Lucia - Entre Dos Aguas
A classic from the flamenco master which appeared on the Cafe Del Mar Vol 2 album in 1995. The first 6 Cafe Del Mar compilations were compiled by Balearic royalty Jose Padilla. These are a huge influence for MFB and they still sound fantastic, so are well worth checking out.
10. Specials - Specials
Known to all as The Specials, their first album from 1979 is the soundtrack to multi-cultural Britain in the 1970's. It's vibrant and exciting and sounded like nothing else when it was released. Their live shows were the best I've ever seen with everyone dancing and dripping in sweat. The best British band ever if you ask me.
Music for Beaches is on 2ser107.3 every Sunday.