James Tansley
@tansleyjames.bsky.social
Artist. Decorator. Lost in music… always have been, always will be. Ex-serial music challenge host, now part-time (sort of). #MDANT @tansleyjames on Twitter.
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 20
Scratched Inside |
The House Of Love | 1990
The House Of Love produced so many classic b-sides and the quality threshold remained high throughout their career. The magnificent Scratched Inside was tucked away on CD2 of the re-recorded Shine On.
youtu.be/0XeVehE7STo
Scratched Inside |
The House Of Love | 1990
The House Of Love produced so many classic b-sides and the quality threshold remained high throughout their career. The magnificent Scratched Inside was tucked away on CD2 of the re-recorded Shine On.
youtu.be/0XeVehE7STo
November 11, 2025 at 7:28 AM
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 20
Scratched Inside |
The House Of Love | 1990
The House Of Love produced so many classic b-sides and the quality threshold remained high throughout their career. The magnificent Scratched Inside was tucked away on CD2 of the re-recorded Shine On.
youtu.be/0XeVehE7STo
Scratched Inside |
The House Of Love | 1990
The House Of Love produced so many classic b-sides and the quality threshold remained high throughout their career. The magnificent Scratched Inside was tucked away on CD2 of the re-recorded Shine On.
youtu.be/0XeVehE7STo
#90sTop30 20
Vow | Garbage | 1994
I still think this incredible song is the best thing they’ve ever done. Admittedly it does has some stiff competition but I never ever tire of hearing it, especially the part at 1m 10s when that guitar riff kicks in.
youtu.be/qZsVcoWRIkY
Vow | Garbage | 1994
I still think this incredible song is the best thing they’ve ever done. Admittedly it does has some stiff competition but I never ever tire of hearing it, especially the part at 1m 10s when that guitar riff kicks in.
youtu.be/qZsVcoWRIkY
November 11, 2025 at 7:22 AM
#90sTop30 20
Vow | Garbage | 1994
I still think this incredible song is the best thing they’ve ever done. Admittedly it does has some stiff competition but I never ever tire of hearing it, especially the part at 1m 10s when that guitar riff kicks in.
youtu.be/qZsVcoWRIkY
Vow | Garbage | 1994
I still think this incredible song is the best thing they’ve ever done. Admittedly it does has some stiff competition but I never ever tire of hearing it, especially the part at 1m 10s when that guitar riff kicks in.
youtu.be/qZsVcoWRIkY
#NewWaveNovember 20
Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me) | XTC | 1980
An obvious choice for XTC but sometimes the obvious ones are the best. Nice to see they are getting loads of votes in this challenge so far.
youtu.be/cq-n7rN3H8k
Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me) | XTC | 1980
An obvious choice for XTC but sometimes the obvious ones are the best. Nice to see they are getting loads of votes in this challenge so far.
youtu.be/cq-n7rN3H8k
November 11, 2025 at 7:11 AM
#NewWaveNovember 20
Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me) | XTC | 1980
An obvious choice for XTC but sometimes the obvious ones are the best. Nice to see they are getting loads of votes in this challenge so far.
youtu.be/cq-n7rN3H8k
Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me) | XTC | 1980
An obvious choice for XTC but sometimes the obvious ones are the best. Nice to see they are getting loads of votes in this challenge so far.
youtu.be/cq-n7rN3H8k
These two songs have to be joined as one. It’s the law. Alpha Waves - Always Your Way. #MyVitriol
November 10, 2025 at 1:37 PM
These two songs have to be joined as one. It’s the law. Alpha Waves - Always Your Way. #MyVitriol
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 21
Check Under The Bed | Mansun | 1998
Mansun are another band with form when it comes to consistency regarding their b-sides. The New Wave tinged Check Under The Bed was the b-side of Legacy. It’s since found a home on The Dead Flowers Reject album.
youtu.be/Qm-2kp1SGfc
Check Under The Bed | Mansun | 1998
Mansun are another band with form when it comes to consistency regarding their b-sides. The New Wave tinged Check Under The Bed was the b-side of Legacy. It’s since found a home on The Dead Flowers Reject album.
youtu.be/Qm-2kp1SGfc
November 10, 2025 at 7:56 AM
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 21
Check Under The Bed | Mansun | 1998
Mansun are another band with form when it comes to consistency regarding their b-sides. The New Wave tinged Check Under The Bed was the b-side of Legacy. It’s since found a home on The Dead Flowers Reject album.
youtu.be/Qm-2kp1SGfc
Check Under The Bed | Mansun | 1998
Mansun are another band with form when it comes to consistency regarding their b-sides. The New Wave tinged Check Under The Bed was the b-side of Legacy. It’s since found a home on The Dead Flowers Reject album.
youtu.be/Qm-2kp1SGfc
#NewWaveNovember 21
Homosapien | Pete Shelley | 1981
Buzzcocks man goes solo and with help from producer of the moment (Martin Rushent) comes up with this stunner. It received a BBC ban for it’s lyrical content which was a shame as this should have been a massive hit.
youtu.be/lQa1dGk--xI
Homosapien | Pete Shelley | 1981
Buzzcocks man goes solo and with help from producer of the moment (Martin Rushent) comes up with this stunner. It received a BBC ban for it’s lyrical content which was a shame as this should have been a massive hit.
youtu.be/lQa1dGk--xI
November 10, 2025 at 7:27 AM
#NewWaveNovember 21
Homosapien | Pete Shelley | 1981
Buzzcocks man goes solo and with help from producer of the moment (Martin Rushent) comes up with this stunner. It received a BBC ban for it’s lyrical content which was a shame as this should have been a massive hit.
youtu.be/lQa1dGk--xI
Homosapien | Pete Shelley | 1981
Buzzcocks man goes solo and with help from producer of the moment (Martin Rushent) comes up with this stunner. It received a BBC ban for it’s lyrical content which was a shame as this should have been a massive hit.
youtu.be/lQa1dGk--xI
#90sTop30 21
Nightswimming | R.E.M. | 1992
I played Out Of Time and Automatic For The People so much when they came out that I can barely listen to them now. However several tracks still stand out for me and the gorgeous Nightswimming is my AFTP go to song.
youtu.be/yXX-qpZVrgw
Nightswimming | R.E.M. | 1992
I played Out Of Time and Automatic For The People so much when they came out that I can barely listen to them now. However several tracks still stand out for me and the gorgeous Nightswimming is my AFTP go to song.
youtu.be/yXX-qpZVrgw
November 10, 2025 at 7:21 AM
#90sTop30 21
Nightswimming | R.E.M. | 1992
I played Out Of Time and Automatic For The People so much when they came out that I can barely listen to them now. However several tracks still stand out for me and the gorgeous Nightswimming is my AFTP go to song.
youtu.be/yXX-qpZVrgw
Nightswimming | R.E.M. | 1992
I played Out Of Time and Automatic For The People so much when they came out that I can barely listen to them now. However several tracks still stand out for me and the gorgeous Nightswimming is my AFTP go to song.
youtu.be/yXX-qpZVrgw
I have another Ants single coming up in my #NewWaveNovember list but this one is hard to top. #Zerox
November 9, 2025 at 1:08 PM
I have another Ants single coming up in my #NewWaveNovember list but this one is hard to top. #Zerox
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 22
Find Yourself A Safe Place | Editors | 2006
Early Editors b-sides were amazing. The original release of Munich contained Release and my personal favourite Crawl Down The Wall. The re-release featured another quality track, Find Yourself A Safe Place.
youtu.be/C2qZZLBllpU
Find Yourself A Safe Place | Editors | 2006
Early Editors b-sides were amazing. The original release of Munich contained Release and my personal favourite Crawl Down The Wall. The re-release featured another quality track, Find Yourself A Safe Place.
youtu.be/C2qZZLBllpU
November 9, 2025 at 8:42 AM
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 22
Find Yourself A Safe Place | Editors | 2006
Early Editors b-sides were amazing. The original release of Munich contained Release and my personal favourite Crawl Down The Wall. The re-release featured another quality track, Find Yourself A Safe Place.
youtu.be/C2qZZLBllpU
Find Yourself A Safe Place | Editors | 2006
Early Editors b-sides were amazing. The original release of Munich contained Release and my personal favourite Crawl Down The Wall. The re-release featured another quality track, Find Yourself A Safe Place.
youtu.be/C2qZZLBllpU
#NewWaveNovember 22
I Ran (So Far Away |
A Flock Of Seagulls | 1982
Yes their image was awful (as was a lot of the artwork) but they did make some cracking singles. Modern Love Is Automatic was very close but I Ran just pipped it for my list.
youtu.be/8UqlM0ki0Cc
I Ran (So Far Away |
A Flock Of Seagulls | 1982
Yes their image was awful (as was a lot of the artwork) but they did make some cracking singles. Modern Love Is Automatic was very close but I Ran just pipped it for my list.
youtu.be/8UqlM0ki0Cc
November 9, 2025 at 8:20 AM
#NewWaveNovember 22
I Ran (So Far Away |
A Flock Of Seagulls | 1982
Yes their image was awful (as was a lot of the artwork) but they did make some cracking singles. Modern Love Is Automatic was very close but I Ran just pipped it for my list.
youtu.be/8UqlM0ki0Cc
I Ran (So Far Away |
A Flock Of Seagulls | 1982
Yes their image was awful (as was a lot of the artwork) but they did make some cracking singles. Modern Love Is Automatic was very close but I Ran just pipped it for my list.
youtu.be/8UqlM0ki0Cc
#90sTop30 22
Street Spirit (Fade Out) | Radiohead | 1995
Radiohead hit big with their second album The Bends. So many classics litter the album but closer Street Spirit is possibly the best of the lot. Hauntingly beautiful.
youtu.be/LCJblaUkkfc
Street Spirit (Fade Out) | Radiohead | 1995
Radiohead hit big with their second album The Bends. So many classics litter the album but closer Street Spirit is possibly the best of the lot. Hauntingly beautiful.
youtu.be/LCJblaUkkfc
November 9, 2025 at 8:13 AM
#90sTop30 22
Street Spirit (Fade Out) | Radiohead | 1995
Radiohead hit big with their second album The Bends. So many classics litter the album but closer Street Spirit is possibly the best of the lot. Hauntingly beautiful.
youtu.be/LCJblaUkkfc
Street Spirit (Fade Out) | Radiohead | 1995
Radiohead hit big with their second album The Bends. So many classics litter the album but closer Street Spirit is possibly the best of the lot. Hauntingly beautiful.
youtu.be/LCJblaUkkfc
It’s not until June unfortunately but I only found out about it last week.
November 8, 2025 at 11:05 AM
It’s not until June unfortunately but I only found out about it last week.
#SimpleMindsTop30 Starts 1st December.
22 more days left to get your glittering prizes in order…
22 more days left to get your glittering prizes in order…
November 8, 2025 at 10:02 AM
#SimpleMindsTop30 Starts 1st December.
22 more days left to get your glittering prizes in order…
22 more days left to get your glittering prizes in order…
#NewMusicChallenge 🎧💿
Inspired by the forthcoming book by Simon Reynolds (Still In A Dream), #Reverberations is a month-long celebration of the underground and alternative music scene of the early 80s through to the present day. Indie, Alt-Rock, Shoegaze, Grunge… Guitar evolution and innovation.
Inspired by the forthcoming book by Simon Reynolds (Still In A Dream), #Reverberations is a month-long celebration of the underground and alternative music scene of the early 80s through to the present day. Indie, Alt-Rock, Shoegaze, Grunge… Guitar evolution and innovation.
November 8, 2025 at 9:21 AM
#NewMusicChallenge 🎧💿
Inspired by the forthcoming book by Simon Reynolds (Still In A Dream), #Reverberations is a month-long celebration of the underground and alternative music scene of the early 80s through to the present day. Indie, Alt-Rock, Shoegaze, Grunge… Guitar evolution and innovation.
Inspired by the forthcoming book by Simon Reynolds (Still In A Dream), #Reverberations is a month-long celebration of the underground and alternative music scene of the early 80s through to the present day. Indie, Alt-Rock, Shoegaze, Grunge… Guitar evolution and innovation.
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 23
Jan Leeming | Saint Etienne | 2012
A bonus track on the Deluxe Edition of Words And Music. Yes an actual bonus track, I mean the quality of their material is something else. A typically wistful affair for them but then they do this so well.
youtu.be/PCL1Sl-xXg8
Jan Leeming | Saint Etienne | 2012
A bonus track on the Deluxe Edition of Words And Music. Yes an actual bonus track, I mean the quality of their material is something else. A typically wistful affair for them but then they do this so well.
youtu.be/PCL1Sl-xXg8
November 8, 2025 at 7:48 AM
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 23
Jan Leeming | Saint Etienne | 2012
A bonus track on the Deluxe Edition of Words And Music. Yes an actual bonus track, I mean the quality of their material is something else. A typically wistful affair for them but then they do this so well.
youtu.be/PCL1Sl-xXg8
Jan Leeming | Saint Etienne | 2012
A bonus track on the Deluxe Edition of Words And Music. Yes an actual bonus track, I mean the quality of their material is something else. A typically wistful affair for them but then they do this so well.
youtu.be/PCL1Sl-xXg8
#90sTop30 23
Feel So Different | Sinéad O’Connor | 1990
Troy showcased her ability to carry an orchestral arrangement and Feel So Different hammers that point home. The power, fragility and beauty of her voice is astonishing. And so is this song.
youtu.be/-k6YeLjQDBY
Feel So Different | Sinéad O’Connor | 1990
Troy showcased her ability to carry an orchestral arrangement and Feel So Different hammers that point home. The power, fragility and beauty of her voice is astonishing. And so is this song.
youtu.be/-k6YeLjQDBY
November 8, 2025 at 7:45 AM
#90sTop30 23
Feel So Different | Sinéad O’Connor | 1990
Troy showcased her ability to carry an orchestral arrangement and Feel So Different hammers that point home. The power, fragility and beauty of her voice is astonishing. And so is this song.
youtu.be/-k6YeLjQDBY
Feel So Different | Sinéad O’Connor | 1990
Troy showcased her ability to carry an orchestral arrangement and Feel So Different hammers that point home. The power, fragility and beauty of her voice is astonishing. And so is this song.
youtu.be/-k6YeLjQDBY
#NewWaveNovember 23
Straight Lines | New Musik | 1979
Their excellent debut single. They weren’t around for very long but left us with a few decent singles and three albums which are all worth checking out if you like this sort of thing.
youtu.be/r6ZC63t5jnc
Straight Lines | New Musik | 1979
Their excellent debut single. They weren’t around for very long but left us with a few decent singles and three albums which are all worth checking out if you like this sort of thing.
youtu.be/r6ZC63t5jnc
November 8, 2025 at 7:39 AM
#NewWaveNovember 23
Straight Lines | New Musik | 1979
Their excellent debut single. They weren’t around for very long but left us with a few decent singles and three albums which are all worth checking out if you like this sort of thing.
youtu.be/r6ZC63t5jnc
Straight Lines | New Musik | 1979
Their excellent debut single. They weren’t around for very long but left us with a few decent singles and three albums which are all worth checking out if you like this sort of thing.
youtu.be/r6ZC63t5jnc
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 24
It’s Getting Late In The Evening |
Talk Talk | 1986
The b-side of Life’s What You Make It. Yes it may be termed a b-side but Talk Talk didn’t do throwaway. I wouldn’t tamper with perfection but it could easily fit on The Colour Of Spring album.
youtu.be/fCB38-ZSIQY
It’s Getting Late In The Evening |
Talk Talk | 1986
The b-side of Life’s What You Make It. Yes it may be termed a b-side but Talk Talk didn’t do throwaway. I wouldn’t tamper with perfection but it could easily fit on The Colour Of Spring album.
youtu.be/fCB38-ZSIQY
November 7, 2025 at 7:37 AM
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 24
It’s Getting Late In The Evening |
Talk Talk | 1986
The b-side of Life’s What You Make It. Yes it may be termed a b-side but Talk Talk didn’t do throwaway. I wouldn’t tamper with perfection but it could easily fit on The Colour Of Spring album.
youtu.be/fCB38-ZSIQY
It’s Getting Late In The Evening |
Talk Talk | 1986
The b-side of Life’s What You Make It. Yes it may be termed a b-side but Talk Talk didn’t do throwaway. I wouldn’t tamper with perfection but it could easily fit on The Colour Of Spring album.
youtu.be/fCB38-ZSIQY
November 7, 2025 at 7:21 AM
#NewWaveNovember 24
Message In A Bottle | The Police | 1979
The first three groups I fell for in a big way were Adam & The Ants, Madness and The Police. Reggatta De Blanc was never off my turntable and nor was this single.
youtu.be/MbXWrmQW-OE
Message In A Bottle | The Police | 1979
The first three groups I fell for in a big way were Adam & The Ants, Madness and The Police. Reggatta De Blanc was never off my turntable and nor was this single.
youtu.be/MbXWrmQW-OE
November 7, 2025 at 7:12 AM
#NewWaveNovember 24
Message In A Bottle | The Police | 1979
The first three groups I fell for in a big way were Adam & The Ants, Madness and The Police. Reggatta De Blanc was never off my turntable and nor was this single.
youtu.be/MbXWrmQW-OE
Message In A Bottle | The Police | 1979
The first three groups I fell for in a big way were Adam & The Ants, Madness and The Police. Reggatta De Blanc was never off my turntable and nor was this single.
youtu.be/MbXWrmQW-OE
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 25
We Are So Fragile | Tubeway Army | 1979
The magnificent b-side of Are “Friends” Electric? This wouldn’t have been out of place on one of his early albums or even as a single. It’s that good.
youtu.be/NWDnqUnp-WY
We Are So Fragile | Tubeway Army | 1979
The magnificent b-side of Are “Friends” Electric? This wouldn’t have been out of place on one of his early albums or even as a single. It’s that good.
youtu.be/NWDnqUnp-WY
November 6, 2025 at 7:30 AM
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 25
We Are So Fragile | Tubeway Army | 1979
The magnificent b-side of Are “Friends” Electric? This wouldn’t have been out of place on one of his early albums or even as a single. It’s that good.
youtu.be/NWDnqUnp-WY
We Are So Fragile | Tubeway Army | 1979
The magnificent b-side of Are “Friends” Electric? This wouldn’t have been out of place on one of his early albums or even as a single. It’s that good.
youtu.be/NWDnqUnp-WY
#NewWaveNovember 25
Private Life | Grace Jones | 1980
A change of direction and a change of fortune. A cover of The Pretenders track (keeping synchronicity with all things New Wave), she makes the song her own. The musicianship is top drawer and the delivery is perfection.
youtu.be/sfIRPpIvv2M
Private Life | Grace Jones | 1980
A change of direction and a change of fortune. A cover of The Pretenders track (keeping synchronicity with all things New Wave), she makes the song her own. The musicianship is top drawer and the delivery is perfection.
youtu.be/sfIRPpIvv2M
November 6, 2025 at 7:24 AM
#NewWaveNovember 25
Private Life | Grace Jones | 1980
A change of direction and a change of fortune. A cover of The Pretenders track (keeping synchronicity with all things New Wave), she makes the song her own. The musicianship is top drawer and the delivery is perfection.
youtu.be/sfIRPpIvv2M
Private Life | Grace Jones | 1980
A change of direction and a change of fortune. A cover of The Pretenders track (keeping synchronicity with all things New Wave), she makes the song her own. The musicianship is top drawer and the delivery is perfection.
youtu.be/sfIRPpIvv2M
#90sTop30 25
Found Out About You | Gin Blossoms | 1993
Hey Jealousy was their big hit but I’ve always preferred this slice of jangly guitar heaven. R.E.M.? Never heard of them. 😁
youtu.be/1qB6XdAkkAo
Found Out About You | Gin Blossoms | 1993
Hey Jealousy was their big hit but I’ve always preferred this slice of jangly guitar heaven. R.E.M.? Never heard of them. 😁
youtu.be/1qB6XdAkkAo
November 6, 2025 at 7:15 AM
#90sTop30 25
Found Out About You | Gin Blossoms | 1993
Hey Jealousy was their big hit but I’ve always preferred this slice of jangly guitar heaven. R.E.M.? Never heard of them. 😁
youtu.be/1qB6XdAkkAo
Found Out About You | Gin Blossoms | 1993
Hey Jealousy was their big hit but I’ve always preferred this slice of jangly guitar heaven. R.E.M.? Never heard of them. 😁
youtu.be/1qB6XdAkkAo
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 26
The Sadness In You, The Sadness In Me |
Suede | 2022
This brilliant song was originally a bonus track on Suede’s imperious Autofiction album. Almost New Wave in sound, it’s good enough to be a single. It’s finally found a home on Sci-Fi Lullabies 2.
youtu.be/UKP27Q3otJU
The Sadness In You, The Sadness In Me |
Suede | 2022
This brilliant song was originally a bonus track on Suede’s imperious Autofiction album. Almost New Wave in sound, it’s good enough to be a single. It’s finally found a home on Sci-Fi Lullabies 2.
youtu.be/UKP27Q3otJU
November 5, 2025 at 7:28 AM
#B-SidesandBonusTracks 26
The Sadness In You, The Sadness In Me |
Suede | 2022
This brilliant song was originally a bonus track on Suede’s imperious Autofiction album. Almost New Wave in sound, it’s good enough to be a single. It’s finally found a home on Sci-Fi Lullabies 2.
youtu.be/UKP27Q3otJU
The Sadness In You, The Sadness In Me |
Suede | 2022
This brilliant song was originally a bonus track on Suede’s imperious Autofiction album. Almost New Wave in sound, it’s good enough to be a single. It’s finally found a home on Sci-Fi Lullabies 2.
youtu.be/UKP27Q3otJU
#90sTop30 26
The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead |
XTC | 1992
This magnificent XTC song only reached number 71. The Crash Test Dummies actually charted with it (number 30) and that still rankles today. I should just let that go but I can’t. The injustice of it all.
youtu.be/2Y-wbDRvp9Q
The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead |
XTC | 1992
This magnificent XTC song only reached number 71. The Crash Test Dummies actually charted with it (number 30) and that still rankles today. I should just let that go but I can’t. The injustice of it all.
youtu.be/2Y-wbDRvp9Q
November 5, 2025 at 7:19 AM
#90sTop30 26
The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead |
XTC | 1992
This magnificent XTC song only reached number 71. The Crash Test Dummies actually charted with it (number 30) and that still rankles today. I should just let that go but I can’t. The injustice of it all.
youtu.be/2Y-wbDRvp9Q
The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead |
XTC | 1992
This magnificent XTC song only reached number 71. The Crash Test Dummies actually charted with it (number 30) and that still rankles today. I should just let that go but I can’t. The injustice of it all.
youtu.be/2Y-wbDRvp9Q