Napalmpom’s unconditional love

This week Calgary rock ’n’ rollers Napalmpom will release their debut full-length album. Produced by Lorrie Matheson The Unconditional Love of Napalmpom is an 11-track tribute to well rock ’n’ roll. As such ahead of their release show at The Palomino on Friday October 17 we asked the members of Napalmpom to tell us about some songs that they unconditionally love.

P.J. Lavergne vocals:

Weezer “Only In Dreams”

“A classic from my teenage years. I can’t think of a single instance in my life where that build up to the coda hasn’t given me goosebumps.”

The Cult “She Sells Sanctuary”

“My friend Dan Winnick used to sing this at karaoke every week. Ahaha. Always makes me think of him. I wish he sang better songs. It was either this or Spacehog.”

Craig Evans guitar:

The Kinks “You Really Got Me”

“’Cause I’ve been trying to rewrite it for years. A triumph of economy in both notes arrangement and chord structure (rumoured to be the first song to use power chords). Plus the lead is a monster. Riffin’ — the lead was played by Jimmy Page not Dave Davies.”

The Who “Anyway Anyhow Anywhere”

“The original noise pop. What’s that? Your new song needs another part? Don’t confuse matters by adding cumbersome ‘notes.’ Just ride a wave of squealing feedback to sonic satisfaction.”

Shawn Petsche guitar:

Sonic’s Rendezvous Band “City Slang”

“Better known for his work in the MC5 Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith absolutely owns this perfect piece of raw propulsive soulful Detroit rock ’n’ roll. The outro solo is just a few simple notes repeated a whole bunch but it is a goddamn revelation.”

Roky Erickson “The Interpreter”

“Roky wrote unapologetic and delightfully odd songs (understandable given his history with electroconvulsive treatment) but through the power of hook-filled rock ’n’ roll music and his incredibly expressive voice managed to invite you into his head not leave you listening at a distance. This is my favourite of the bunch with a lead guitar part that I will forever chase. Soundchecking with his band before his first Canadian show ever remains pretty much the highlight of my life.”

Ian Baker bass:

Queen and David Bowie “Under Pressure”

“I get angry every time I hear ‘Ice Ice Baby’ because for a split second I am tricked into thinking I am going to hear one of my favourite songs. Love is such an old-fashioned word.”

Texas Is The Reason “Back And To The Left”

“It wasn’t my favourite song at the time but if there’s one song that sticks with me from the late ’90s it’s this one. It has come to represent a musical coming-of-age for me and the intro is perfect.”

Matt Bayliff drums:

Black Flag “Six Pack”

“One of my all-time favourite bands one of my all-time favourite songs. For me it’s everything that’s right with rock music perfect amounts of bravado and nihilism.”

Napalmpom “Guided by Volume”

“Maybe it’s cheesy to pick your own song but when the band all comes in together it just makes me want to do high kicks and play air guitar. I like the song so much that I got the tattoo.”