The Friday Music Shuffle (21st August 2026)

As summer turns to autumn – and that’s only ten days away, kids – let’s console ourselves with the memories of a great, albeit drought-stricken, summer and listen to some music.

As ever, my music device selects ten songs from my collection, entirely at random, and I tell you what it’s chosen. All I ask you do is to listen along, which simply involves clicking on the song title.

Here goes, then, and I hope you find something you like.

1. Moonraker by Shirley Bassey. And we begin with a frankly below par Bond theme from 1979.
2. I Want You Back Again by The Zombies. Back to 1965 and a little-known gem from the band’s superb back catalogue.
3. Raindrops (Encore une fois Pt. II) (Fonzerelli Edit) by Sash! · Stunt. Electropop, Euro House, Eurotrance – call it what you will. Great though, from 2008.
4. Living On An Island by Status Quo. Honestly? I love Quo, but this is a low. What were they thinking about it? This was the original Frantic Four, too.
5. If You Were In Love by Boston. Hmm, this isn’t great either. From 2013’s otherwise rather good Life, Love & Hope.
6. Villa Rose (live) by Blur. All the way back to 2024 for a banger from Damon and the chaps from their Live At Wembley Stadium long player. Brilliant.
7. Land Of 1000 Nights by Mahogany Rush. Yes, I know Frank Marino was a serious Hendrix rip off artist, but this from 1975’s Strange Universe LP is great.
8. Lion’s Den by Midlake. Now we’re in 2025 for a simply gorgeous song from A Bridge To Far. One of the best and most underrated bands on the planet.
9. Giles Of The River by John Kay. That rarity, a Steely Dan song written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, and given away, here to John Kay, lead singer of Steppenwolf. Kay’s solo album My Sportin’ Life from 1973 is fantastic. If nothing else, PLEASE listen to this song.
10. Cherry Blossom Clinic Revisited by The Move. This is absolutely bonkers – and brilliant – from the band’s 1970 LP Shazam. Roy Wood at his most inventive. Some Bach in this, too.

A little patchy today, I am sure you would agree, but no doubting this week’s Desert Island Disc, Giles of the River by John Kay. Not even a close decision.

That’s it, folks. Have a good week till next week.