Q+A – THE FIVE RECORDS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT with Raúl Sánchez of Magic Dirt

Shane | 26 May 2021 | Reply

THE FIVE RECORDS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT with Raúl Sánchez of Magic Dirt

The must-see Australian 90’s indie festival SPRING LOADED is currently travelling around Australia with a colossal lineup including Grinspoon, You Am I, Regurgitator, Jebediah, Magic Dirt, Frenzal Rhomb, Custard, The Fauves, The Meanies, Tumbleweed, Screamfeeder, Caligula and MC Lindsay ‘The Doctor’ McDougall.

Magic Dirt guitarist Raúl Sánchez shares the five records he can’t live without.

Catch SPRING LOADED at these dates:

Magic Dirt by Ian Jennings

1. The Sex Pistols – Nevermind the Bollocks

This is the record that started it all for me. When I was 13 a friend put on “God Save The Queen” and well, the world was different from then on. Til then I’d been listening to my parents records but now I knew who I was, who I wanted to be! I dunno, that punk angst just resonated with me and I knew what I wanted to do: Play guitar in a punk band!

2. Nirvana – Nevermind

I guess this was like the second coming. I was very lucky to turn 18 when this was out and I got to see them a year later. Every track on this album is spotless, it’s got it all and the production is to die for. I still don’t know what the hell he is singing about but I think that’s the appeal.

3. The Cramps – Bad Music For Bad People

I was a late comer to The Cramps, but I’ve never looked back. Their dumbed-down tongue-in-cheek sleaze is very appealing, [and] they do what they do and they don’t give a shit. Poison Ivy is the baddest motherfucker in Rock ’n’ Roll – and she knows how to dress. I dig all their records but if I had to choose one, this is it.

4. Rowland S Howard – Teenage Snuff Film

When I first heard this record I didn’t know what to make of it, but that darkness and the mystery drew me in and crept up on me. Mystery is something that is kinda lacking nowadays, and this records oozes it out til you are dangling on a vast sticky dark web, it’s beautiful. The arrangements are so spot on and the guitar playing impeccable, just enough of everything. You can hear all the experience in Rowland’s voice and you know he means every word.

5. Sonic Youth – Goo

I know this is their ‘pop’ album and a lot of people would say “Daydream Nation” is better… yeah, maybe, but you put on this album and try to sit still! You can’t, it’s infectious and full of amazing guitar sounds and noises sculpted into pop songs! What?!? That is a massive achievement. Track after track you are hip-shakin’ and singing all the words, well at least I am. “I can never forget you…”

…and some Honorable mentions: Hole – Live Through This, Midget – The Toggle Switch, Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue, The Scientists – Blood Red River, The Wipers – Over The Edge, Fugazi – Repeater, Tumbleweed – Theatre of Gnomes, The Clash – London Calling, Bikini Kill – Rebel Girl, The Ramones – Ramones