PLAYLISTS
Francis Plug
Writer in residence

What does it sound like in Francis Plug’s head? Well, now you can find out. For our latest Playlist, we’re very pleased to say that Francis himself has chosen the records that reflect his experience of producing Writer in residence. Over to you, Francis. (Oh! And just click on the titles for some lovely links to YouTube…)

Pikachunes, Nervous. For an aspiring author, or one at the beginning of their career, this song makes all the sense in the world.

Angel Olson, Drunk & With Dreams. “Drunk and with dreams I’m lost out at sea.” Welcome to university life in maritime Greenwich! 

Linton Kwesi Johnson, Inglan Is A Bitch. Due to very poor leadership, England, and wider Britain, is presently in a right state. It’s been pretty shit before, as Linton Kwesi Johnson will probably testify. But right now, in my opinion, it really is very piss-poor.

Len Faki, BX3 (Techno). People sometimes say to me, ‘Francis, why do you dance to German techno when there’s no music?’ Well, there is music, you divs. Music like Len Faki’s BX3. But it’s inside me!

Fat Boy Slim, Star 69. For some reason, I thought of this song when looking at Jane Smiley’s cardigan. She’s won the Pulitzer Prize, you know.

Sex Pistols, Friggin’ In The Riggin’. I couldn’t go past the Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich without thinking of this song. I hope you won’t either.

Kendrick Lamar, Swimming Pools. Imagine your local public swimming pool is full of liquor. Then dive in!

The Fall, British People In Hot Weather. Great to sing when skinny-dipping in the Serpentine Lido, especially with Booker Prize winners and famous art curators.

 The Chills, I Love My Leather Jacket. I sometimes sing this to strangers, in public places, when I want to impress them with my lovely singing voice. 

Spike Milligan, Q5 Piano Tune. If there was a track that summed up my career thus far, it is this poignant piano piece.

  • Paul Ewen’s NOVEL Francis Plug: writer in residence WAS PUBLISHED BY GALLEY BEGGAR PRESS in september 2018. TO ORDER ONE OF OUR SPECIAL LIMITED EDITIONS SIMPLY HEAD HERE.