Great column from Lucy Kellaway in today’s FT about why there are so few pop songs inspired by the workplace.
She cites Sheena Easton’s Morning Train but laments on this being an ode to commuting rather than an incisive snapshot of the working day. Whatever the merits, the video and studio performances are classics.
Even domesticity has had a go at attaining musical heights of late. 101 Housework Songs offers us treats like I Want To Break Free, Manic Monday and – poignantly in the depths of a recession – I Will Survive.
So surely the modern workplace can offer us something to inspire musicians? We spend enough time in it after all.
Here’s my PR top 10, in no particular order, for consideration:
- Fleetwood Mac, Sweet Little Lies
- Spandau Ballet, True
- Dead Or Alive, You Spin Me
- The Jam, News Of The World
- Eurythmics, Would I Lie To You?
- Green Day, I Want To Be On TV
- Elton John, Tell Me What The Papers Say
- Brutal Truth, Media Blitz
- Girls Aloud, No Good Advice
- Bros, When Will I Be Famous?
