As every student knows, a liking for the Smiths, Radiohead and Pulp can be a badge of pride, confirmation of your status as a romantic intellectual loner. If you’re a Tory MP, however, it rather suggests that you’re either not listening to the lyrics properly – what do you make of all that stuff about class resentment – or view listening to music as a slightly disturbing form of self-flagellation.
In an attempt to appear more human, the Tory party has released information about the musical tastes of some of its better known members[1]. Alex Petridis muses on the effects this might have on the artists’ careers.
Oh, and whilst we’re talking about Tory music. Roxy Music won the lifetime achievement award at last night’s Q Awards ceremony. In his acceptance speech, Bryan Ferry dedicated the award to his “brave son Otis” (one of eight pro-hunt protestors arrested recently for invading the House of Commons). He was booed and jeered by his fellow musicians.
[1] This is all relative of course. There’s hardly anyone left in the Tory party that anyone has heard of.