4. Electric Light Orchestra

I love Electric Light Orchestra, because they’re so silly and lovely. Their lyrics tap into the everyday; just the sort of things you have as your thoughts, but you would never admit, because you want to come across as more intelligent. They’re really honest: ‘Hello, how are you, have you been alright? it’s a lonely, lonely night.’ They’re the kinds of lyrics they use. I love their backing vocals, ‘I’m taken! I’m taken!’ I mean, why would they be there? I mean it’s just beautiful. There’s something great fun about ELO, you always smile as soon as they come on, as soon as you hear those robot voices and things.

There’s no ELO in Dead Can Dance, though. I think that Brendan [Perry] would absolutely have me thrown out, if he thought that I suggested that there was any ELO in Dead Can Dance. He’s not a fan, let’s put it that way! But I love them, because sometimes you don’t want to have a heavy trip. Imagine it’s 2am, the party’s almost over, but ELO just gets everyone up and dancing. They have such a lovely vibe.