Music on the move: Pete Wylie
Choosing the perfect soundtrack to a drive
Interview by Frances Timlin
Name: Pete Wylie
Occupation: Rock musician
Drives: 1982 VW Golf
What's on your car stereo at the moment?
The Clash's Westway To The World, Al Green, Shack, HMS Fable and MC5 Roir.
What's your favourite radio channel?
Radio Free Liverpool, which exists only in compilation tapes that I make, called Radio Wah!.
What music makes you drive faster?
The Beach Boys, punk rock such as The Ramones, anything with water sounds that make me want to pee. . .
What music makes you drive slower?
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys, anything I want to hear the end of when I'm nearing my destination.
Are you ever distracted by the stereo?
Yes! When the evils of genetically modified so-called "pop" crawl out of the radio - it should be banned. Also by the sound of emotional genius, such as Elvis Presley's American Trilogy.
What do you listen to on a long journey?
Otis, Love, Beefheart, Spector, Clash, Motown, Elvis, myself, Dexys.
What's your most memorable experience of music in a car?
I recorded some of my latest CD, Songs Of Strength And Hardship, in Memphis and I visited Elvis Presley's home at Graceland. I went in a bright red 1959 Ford Thunderbird, but that paled into insignificance as we witnessed a perfect Tennessee sunrise to the sounds of Elvis's American Trilogy, knowing that soon we'd be in the home of The King.