Following the release of their latest single 'Changin' Wind and their recently announced support slot with The Who as part of their upcoming 'The Who Strikes Back Tour'. We caught up with Dean Fairhurst, the mastermind behind Rock outfit 'Standin' Man' to find out more about what tracks inspire him. If you like Dean's picks be sure to check out Changin' Wind at the end of the article.
1. Within You, Without You - The Beatles
"Argh, The Beatles of course. More specifically for this pick it had to be Within You, Without You which was written by George. This has lived rent free in my head for centuries it seems. It’s certainly the most poetic work George ever created in my eyes and the most interesting. Coming from what the Beatles had done before and fusing, in essence, the cultures of Afro American blues, RnB and rock and roll and then with this, the Indian influence I think this track in particular paved the way for bold, cultural influences to be accepted in the creation of new music."
2. Mr Tambourine Man - Bob Dylan
"If there’s any song that can define Dylan for me, I think it would be this song. In many ways he has been a biblical figure in modern music. His ability to influence his audiences by a turn of phrase so poignant, surely makes him some form of deity. Even in this video performed in 1964 at such a young age he seemed so wise beyond his years and his ability to reflect of life through his songs as if he had roamed the land for a lifetime. He conjures visceral images with words, sung with a voice that seems centuries old. Whilst the musicality of this song is that of a folk song it takes you ‘on a trip’ like a song from a psychedelic rock band with numerous layers of sound. "
3. America - Simon & Garfunkel
"The line in this song ‘Kathy, I'm lost, I said, though I knew she was sleeping
I'm empty and aching and I don't know why’ always hits me like some gargantuan thunderbolt straight to the heart every time I hear it. How this song is so poetic and creatively describes the search for the American dream fascinates me. I’ve always aspired to write a song like this. The lyrics read like some great novel and the harmonies are simply haunting. While John Lennon very humorously called Paul Simon the singing gnome I think he was petrified by Simon’s colossal capabilities as a songwriter."
4. Can't You Hear Me Knocking - Rolling Stones
"From the Riff to the way Jagger snarls on this song ignites inside of me an overwhelming need to declare war on mediocrity. It’s such a slick, cool as fuck song to strut to. Hearing this come on, on your headphones while you’re walking anywhere makes anyone feel like their John fuckin Trovalta. The jam at the end with Bobby keys on saxophone blowing the roof off whilst Mick Taylor and Keith Richard’s do their weaving is spellbinding. If anyone can make a song like this, that evokes the same vibe is a monstrous artist in my eyes."
5. The Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along With Watchtower
"I think this is the pinnacle of covers. From an aspirational point of view, if you are to cover Bob Dylan, which many people have, this is how it’s done. I’ve heard this version millions of times and it still blows my socks off every time I hear it. He was a master at his art and a force to be reckoned with. The production on it is fierce and the band's performance on it is exceptional. Just Jimi’s guitar work on this incites hell raising. I always loved the use of it I’m the film Withnail & I. This song has to be played at full volume in a vehicle with the windows down always."
Watch Standin' Man 'Changin' Wind'
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