Tricky's Musical Journey Begins with Gregory Isaacs
Tricky, the pioneering trip-hop artist, has shared a deeply personal playlist spanning his life. The first song he fell in love with was Night Nurse by Gregory Isaacs, a track he listened to with his girlfriend when they were 15. They had a daughter together at 17, now 35 and a social worker in Bristol, making the song a permanent fixture in his life.
Songs That Stir Emotion and Memory
Astral Weeks by Van Morrison brings Tricky to tears. It reminds him of his mother and growing up in Bristol. He recalls how his mother dressed him impeccably in every childhood photo, a reflection of the song's lyrics about a mother's care.
The first single he bought was the Specials' album, which he purchased after a bus ride from Knowle West into town. He obsessed over the artwork and sleeve notes, reading them on the way home and listening to the album for three days straight.
Lyrics, Parties, and Karaoke Choices
Tricky can still rap every word of Check Out My Melody by Eric B and Rakim, 40 years later. For parties, he picks Song 2 by Blur, citing its iconic riff. He listened to it yesterday in his hotel room with headphones and hashish.
He has no song he can no longer listen to, noting that classics like Purple Rain by Prince and Fight the Power by Public Enemy remain timeless. For karaoke, he would choose True Colors by Cyndi Lauper, though he has never actually done karaoke.
Morning Anthems and Sex Music Debate
Release Yo' Delf by Method Man gets him moving in the morning. On the topic of sex music, Tricky finds it strange. He says, 'People have been telling me for years: “Me and my partner have sex to your music.” Some people have even said they’ve conceived to my music, which is all very flattering. But I don’t think sex and music even go together, so it’s always seemed a bit weird to me.'
Life-Changing Songs and Secret Pleasures
The song that changed his life was Too Much Too Young by the Specials. Seeing them live with Terry Hall and Neville Staple singing about his own life made him believe he could do it too. He secretly loves Breathe Me by Sia, calling it 'fucking gorgeous,' though he knows little of her other work.
On funeral songs, Tricky jokes, 'I’m never going to die, so there’s no need to think about that.' His new album, When It’s Silent, is out now.
