Che Horgan
Cork-born songwriter Che Horgan, a regular fixture on the Cork music scene in recent years, picks the 10 songs that shaped him and his music.
Formerly of the Wall St Thieves, Che, who released his debut solo album in 2017, was a regular fixture on the Cork music scene.
Playing with such lineups as The Ravens and The Rivets, he enjoyed the cross pollination of working with other musicians and sharing styles and influences.
Che moved to Pula, Croatia in February 2020, one month before the first lockdown came into effect in Ireland.
He now writes, records and releases music independently from his new home. He regularly releases brand new music on Bandcamp at https://chehorgan.bandcamp.com/
Lovesick Blues - Hank Williams (1948) Ironically Hanks first #1 hit is a cover, written by Cliff Friend & Irving Mills (1922). Listening to this timeless classic, it’s Hanks voice that still stands out, along with the steel guitar playing of Jerry Byrd. My first exposure to this song & I was hooked on country music from an early age.
Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers (1957) Also a cover, written by Felice & Boudleaux Bryant went to #1. There’s harmony, then there’s HARMONY that’s only reached by siblings in bands. Don & Phil had a profound influence on my writing & singing.
True Love Ways - Buddy Holly (1960) This song was released posthumously. It’s an absolute classic. Holly’s voice is clear & strong, very different from the rock n roll we’re used to hearing him sing. I immediately think of the crooners when I hear this tune, it’s a testament to his writing & vocal ability. I get lost in the string arrangements and lyrics every time I hear it.
Running Scared - Roy Orbison (1961) In my opinion Orbison was probably the best singer in popular music. This song is strange in the sense that it doesn’t have a chorus, it builds to a huge climax of voice, lyrics and arrangement. My mother is a massive Orbison fan so that’s where I would of heard this song day one & it just stuck out so much.
Masters of War - Bob Dylan (1963) There’s not quite any other songwriter like Dylan, & not quite any other song like this. Dylan is speaking about the “military-industrial-complex” just after Eisenhower left the Oval Office(1961)
I Want You(She’s so heavy) - The Beatles (1969) The last time all four Beatles were in a recording studio together was for the recording of “I want you”. It’s an absolute killer track, based around a simple blues riff by Lennon, has minimal lyrics & ends on an indulgent crescendo. Upon hearing Abbey Road album there’s a couple of songs that stick out & this is certainly one for me.
Amos Moses - Jerry Reed (1970) Jerry Reed is one of my favorite guitar players as well as songwriters. He had a way to tell you a story in just a couple of minutes, wrapped around amazing guitar licks & killer voice. Adequately nicknamed “the Alabama wild man”. Reed was also one of the pioneers of “swamp rock”.
Places in my Past - James Taylor (1971) Mudslide slim & the blue horizon is a classic album by Taylor. It has many classic songs, but this one stands out most for me. His way with lyrics paints pictures in the listeners head, his rhyming schemes are incredible. I keep going back to this song time & time again. Being introduced to this album by one of my brothers it was immediately on repeat.
Ten Years Gone - Led Zeppelin (1975) Producer Rick Rubin described this song as, "A deep, reflective piece, It sounds like nature coming through the speakers." Recorded at the infamous “Headley Grange” this is probably the stand out song on the album “Physical Graffiti”
Handle With Care~The Traveling Wilburys (1988) Written by Harrison but credited to all 5 band members. The Wilburys were probably the best Supergroup in my opinion, they left us with classics like this and many more.
