Inspired by Karen Buck’s recent guest article and in need of distraction from terror attacks and road traffic rows, I’ve dug three songs of London from my memory and located them on You Tube. Each takes an ambivalent view the capital, its wonders and its flaws. The first, by Luke Jackson, comes from his 2008 album And Then Some. It’s at the top of this small pile because it comes with the best visuals – a terrific video by Murray John. Play loud.
Next, Elvis Costello from his 1994 album Brutal Youth, London’s Brilliant Parade:
And finally, David Bowie: The London Boys (1967). From before he was big.
Three portraits of fragments of the city in their times. Your suggestions welcome.