Jeremy Vine, the presenter and journalist, has revealed the songs that have defined his life, from the Psychedelic Furs to Barry Manilow, in a candid interview ahead of BBC Radio 2 in the Park. His playlist spans teenage heartbreak, a Damascene conversion to David Bowie, and a secret love for a cheesy 70s ballad.
Teenage heartbreak and the Psychedelic Furs
Vine's first musical love was sparked by unrequited affection. He recalls: "I loved a fellow sixth-former, Sarah, at school. It was unrequited. She kissed me once at the end-of-term party. I came home at 5am and played Love My Way by the Psychedelic Furs 18 times in my bedroom as the sun came up and my adult life began."
His karaoke choice is Losing My Religion by REM, a song that once cleared a bar in the US. He jokes: "I'm looking for another chance to let rip on it, although Stan by Eminem might be better. He sings one note, and it's the only note I have."
Unexpected lyrics and party anthems
Vine admits to knowing every word of Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town by Kenny Rogers, praising its narrative: "The narrator has been left paralysed by the Vietnam war and is begging her not to go out looking for someone else, while accepting he cannot give her what she needs."
For parties, he once danced with Rylan Clark to Shackles (Praise You) by Mary Mary. "He has snake hips and I felt arthritic by the end," Vine says, "But I would go again if I had Rylan on hand."
Songs that resonate and those he hides
Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi is a track he can no longer listen to, having played it an estimated 2,000 times. He explains: "The line 'they paved paradise and put up a parking lot' is far too similar to the story of human behaviour, which is sad."
Secretly, he adores Mandy by Barry Manilow, despite its reputation. "It's soppy, melodramatic, silly, and I absolutely love it," he admits. "The key change towards the end is a car crash, but I don't care."
Life-changing music and funeral choices
David Bowie's Sound and Vision was a revelation at age 12. "I thought it was so weird and brilliant that he doesn't even start singing until halfway through," Vine says. "The opening lyrics 'Blue, blue, electric blue …' are what awakened me."
Joan Baez's Diamonds & Rust brings him to tears, reflecting on her relationship with Bob Dylan. For his funeral, he has chosen Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle, adding: "She would have to sing it live for my friends and family. And tone it down a bit. Perhaps I'll try to book her."
BBC Radio 2 in the Park takes place at City Park, Stirling, on 11 and 13 September.
