'Track 21' Soundtrack

and (imo) the best one yet!

Having (late in the day) experienced a surprising upturn in new subscribers, I hope all ‘Challenge 69’ readers, old and new, enjoyed the latest chapter.

We are getting very close to the end now, so for anybody still in ‘catch-up’ mode please remember the full story, from the start, can be accessed via one simple link:

'Challenge 69' - The Story So Far

I have also decided to take a slight break from tradition for this episode’s soundtrack.

Rather than including every single artist/song referenced in the latest chapter, I have instead concentrated my efforts (as it’s long enough anyway!) on just Stuart’s list of his ‘top twenty’ albums of all time. He has, after all, got impeccable taste!

In a recent interview, Clare Grogan of Altered Images (and ‘Gregory’s Girl’) fame, who I have somehow managed to retain a ‘teenage crush’ on for almost half a century, explained that at the time she was looking to form a band she used to keep a copy of the Siouxsie and the Banshees’ single ‘Hong Kong Garden’ in her handbag …

… and if anybody asked, “what music do you want to make?” she would produce the 7”, seek out the nearest record player, play it to the enquirer, and simply reply, “this!”

So, to take my lead from Ms. Grogan; while (regrettably) I may not possess a single musical bone in my body, if you really want to know, “why is there so much (maverick) music in ‘Challenge 69’?”, then the most honest, succinct answer is, “because of this!”

PS Even those who normally avoid the ‘C69’ playlists should really take a listen to this one, it’s a cracker!

(A reminder: ‘Challenge 69’ will return, with more secrets yet to be revealed, on Sat 22nd July.)