In this ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks.

This time ridiculously talented producer, singer and songwriter Jessica Winter has shared her aptly somber selection of 'Songs For A Funeral' ahead of her imminently arriving debut EP Sad Music.

Songwriter and twisted pop aficionado Jessica Winter has been at the beating heart of London's underground music scene for as long as we can remember. Showing bagfuls of promise with serial band efforts over the years, Winter inked a deal for herself with Warp Publishing back in January and is showing no signs of looking back. Whilst her production role in fellow TMR faves PREGOBLIN has regularly demonstrated her for penchant for big beats and catchy vocal melodies, recent solo outings including List Picks 'Play' and 'Sad Music', saw Winter embracing her inner darkness and pushing the boundaries of what pop music can be.

Introducing the playlist Winter said: "In this morbid 2020 I thought a fitting playlist would be songs you might play at a funeral. I have a few of my own suggestions and a few collaborators opinions. I hope you enjoy them".

(Photo Credit: Nan Moore)

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1. SPARKS - Number 1 Song In Heaven



This song is Scott Rimington’s suggestion; Scott writes songs with me and this is one of our go-to’s for inspiration. Sparks have attempted to create the number one song in heaven. I don’t think anyone else has done this?! Sparks, renowned for playful and twisted lyrics, warn the listener that death is approaching, also the music video is one of our favourites.

2. JACQUES BREL - Ne Me Quitte Pas



On a more serious note, Jacques Brel delivers one of my all time favourite performances in his song ‘Ne me quitte pas’ (don’t leave me).  He delivers raw emotion, you can hear the pain and suffering in every bar, in the video the sweat trickles down his forehead and you are right there with him until the song is over. When the song is over you are thanking God that you either over that heart break or that someone else has gone through what you’re going through. Thank you Jacques Brel.

3. Nina Simone - I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)



This song butters you up then slays you in two with an opening lyric "I get along without you very well, of course I do". Quickly followed by "except when soft rains fall and drips from leaves then I recall the thrill of being sheltered in your arms" - sometimes it’s too much to bear but when you’re feeling particularly morose, this can accompany an evening perfectly.

4. Judy Garland - Somewhere Over The Rainbow



A smash hit that stands the test of time, this song of hope and tragedy reduces anyone and everyone to tears when attending a funeral.

5. Cilla Black - Step Inside Love



This is my good friend and visual collaborator Nan Moore’s suggestion. I hadn’t listened to it before but on my first listen it was as heartbreaking as it was uplifting and it made me feel like death was just like a home coming and a hug. Opening lyrics - "step inside love, let me find you a place, where the curse of the day will be carried away, be the smile on your face, we are together now and forever come my way".

6. Smog - Dress Sexy At My Funeral



This is my producer Larry Hibbitt’s suggestion. I think association by lyrics is apt; "dress sexy at my funeral my good wife, for the first time in your life……wink at the minister, blow kisses at my grieving brothers....." It’s the first I’d heard of Smog and turns out it’s just one guy with many more amazing songs. It has a real Velvet Underground sound world who I love.

7. Kate Bush - This Woman’s Work



"I should be crying, but I just can’t let it show. I should be hoping but I can’t stop thinking of all the things I should’ve said that I never said. All the things we should’ve done though we never did.  All the things I should’ve given but I didn’t. Oh, darling, make it go.  Make it go away". Each time I’ve had to sit on a pew and stare at a loved one's coffin, those lyrics in some shape or form have run through my mind and I know these words have probably run through everyone’s mind when they have lost someone they cared. Hearing this song gave me solace and helped me come to terms with premature good byes.

8. Jake Thackray - The Last Will & Testament



Jake Thackray seamlessly translates the demeanour of every Nannie & Grandad across Britain with the no fuss, keep calm and carry on war time attitude. "I want no great wet weepings, no tearing of hair, no wringing of hands, no sighs, no lack-a-days, no woe-is-me’s and none of your sad adieus.  Go, go go and get the priest and then go get the booze, boys… when I snuff it bury me quickly, then let carousels begin - but not a do with a few ham sandwiches, a sausage roll or two and "a small port wine please”.

9. Jessica Winter - Sleep Forever



I wouldn’t recommend this song for a funeral but it is linked to death; I wrote this when my Nannie died, she visited me most nights in my sleep. The waking each morning was too painful as it felt like I was repeating losing her all over again. I was stuck in a loop for quite a while and there this song was born. I later found out that this is a common part of mourning and it turns out a lot of people also experienced something similar.

10. ABBA - Like An Angel Passing Through My Room



This song is my uncle, John Winter’s choice. This song gives us goosebumps and was written in 1981. Frida and Benny only recently announced they were divorcing and the whole song sums up finality. "Love was one prolonged good bye".

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Sad Music will arrive via Roya Records this Friday 22^nd May.

More info here. 

-Holly Mullineaux