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Liz Hutchinson



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Published Date: 22 January 2008
THIS week's Tracks of My Years comes from ex-pat Liz Hutchinson.
The former Ballymena girl is currently living in London and works for Clifford Chance, one of the biggest law firms in the world.
"I jokingly tell people that I am very high up in it - on the 27th floor to be precise! I work with really nice people and the facilities are excellent," Liz says.

She added: "I intend taking a year out to do a round the world trip, probably in late 2008/early 2009. My brother Phillip and my sister Caroline are also here in London and I see them every week."

Like most contributers to Tracks of My Years, Liz said it was difficult choosing her Top 10.

"I have a Top 10 for different things - a Saturday night, when I'm chilling or on a lazy Sunday afternoon. However, I've listed the songs that I'll love to listen to for a long time to come," she said.

My Top 10

1. This Year's Love – David Gray - This is one of my all time favourite songs and belongs at the top of the list. It's a really moving love song with a simple piano backing. Despite having recorded this song in a London basement, his voice is unique and amazing and the melody is uplifting. David Gray is such a talent and deserves every bit of recognition he receives.

2. Eyes - Rogue Wave – I first heard this on the hit TV show Heroes and haven't been able to get it out of my head since. It's a real feel good song with a great melody. The soft vocal talent of lead singer Zach Rogue really comes out in this song compared with the rest of the album and he has the range to reach some very high and pretty notes. The only down side to this song is the short length at only two and a half minutes.

3. Rock Star - N*E*R*D* – This song reminds me of my sister Anna for the reason that we both appreciate it best when played at a very high volume! It's one you can dance and chill out to and always helps to kick start a party. It's my favourite track off the album, blending funk, rock and hip-hop. Rock Star truly says it like it is about the posers in society without any holding back. I don't even like rap music but this group can explore new sounds which are exciting, unique and original. Jason Nevins also does a great remix of this one.

4. Look After You - The Fray – The Fray had to be somewhere on my Top 10 but choosing just one song from their album was quite tricky. In the end I went with this ballad because of its meaningful lyrics and great piano/guitar combo. I first came across The Fray in 2006 before they were widely known in the UK and since then I've seen them perform live in two low-key gigs in London. I'd admit, they are not the kind of band you'd listen to in order to cheer yourself up – yes, the music is pretty dark but powerful.

5. Cartwheels - The Reindeer Section – The Reindeer Section are a Scottish indie rock super-group formed in 2001, bringing together a total of 27 artists including Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody. This song is off their second album Son of Evil Reindeer. It's an emotional song and Lightbody's low and glassy vocals fit perfectly with the simple melody and inquisitive lyrics. The album is one of tenderness, melancholy and understated excellence and whether you're into indie pop or not, it deserves a listen.

6. Two - Ryan Adams - In my opinion, Ryan Adams is one of the best songwriters and musicians around today and this song from his ninth album proves it. The experiences, pain, and self-loathing going into this track are evident in every line. Basically, he writes great songs, he sings them with an emotional honesty and a slight twang, he means to get his song across and he wants to entertain.

7. Give It to Me - Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado – I've no idea how many times I've played this song – it's been permanently burned on my ipod screen for weeks now and I'm still not bored of it. It's catchy and addictive and unlike most R&B tracks, the melody isn't monotonous. I'm a huge fan of Nelly Furtado as a solo artist so I had no doubt that this combination would work really well.

8. Rooftops - Don McCloskey – This is a great break-up song and it's not depressing! I love everything about this track – the witty lyrics, the upbeat melody, the abrupt end. Don McCloskey is a singer songwriter from Pennsylvania, USA who draws inspiration from folk singers, conmen and junk mail. His wit and charm are transparent and available to all listeners and is sure to put a smile on your face.

How do your Top 10 songs compare? Send your Top 10 to lorna.mckay@jpress.co.uk Those chosen for publication will receive a £10 HMV voucher

9. Earth Angel – The Platters - I'm a big romantic so I love listening to all 50s music. This track is one favourite amongst many from this era. It's so enjoyable and easy to listen to and helps you forget the worries of the day. My mum and dad grew up in the 50s so they've definitely played a part in why I like this kind of music.

10. Sweet Jane – Cowboy Junkies - Not many people will have heard of
the Cowboy Junkies. They are a Canadian country group formed by siblings Michael, Margo and Peter Timmins. Sweet Jane has been referred to by fans as the band's signature tune. Margo sings it beautifully and I think it is one of the calmest, smoothest and most relaxed songs I've heard in a while. What's amazing is that the album was recorded live, using a single microphone, cost $250 to make and was completed in one day. If that's not talent, I don't know what is.

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  • Last Updated: 29 January 2008 12:03 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Ballymena
 
 

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