In The Livin’ Loud Issue, Thom discusses his background in the fashion biz, passion for Bikram yoga and big-ears. Exclusively for i-D Online Mr Murphy reveals ten of his all time favourite music tracks.
Thom’s Top Ten Tracks
It’s Gonna Rain, Steve Reich
If you listen to the full version of this it’s totally hypnotic.
Good Life, Inner City
Super amazing Detroit techno pop from Kevin Saunderson.
Silly Games, Janet Kay
I love this. She’s a bit of a shit singer but in a good way. You wince when she hits the high notes.
Tallawah, White Mice
I only got into this group four years ago and the first New Power Studio collection was called White Mice…
Karma Chameleon, Culture Club
As a child seeing Boy George – looking the way he did and acting the way he did – was amazing. This song was number one for about twenty-two thousand weeks all around the world and everyone loved it. You would see builders singing it on building sites. It made wearing make-up, multi-coloured plaits and smocks all seem okay.
The Body Human, Robert Hood
Dark, black and brutal, really tougher-than-tough Detroit techno at its best. I am a total Robert Hood nut. Unlike other techno DJs, his soulful quality and interest in God comes through right from the Alpha to the Omega.
Arc of the Covenant, Congos
I love the animal noises. This sounds like a walrus waking up in the morning.
Meltdown, Quartz
This reminds me of my brother, Sean, coming home years ago and playing me a tape from Biology In London. Acid House – I was sold! It was a lifeline to London.
Male Stripper, Man 2 Man Meets Man Parrish
The first 12-inch single I ever bought. It still sounds amazing. There was a naked stripper guy on the record cover. My sister lived with a male stripper at the time. I had to make do with the guy on the record cover though…
Love in a Void, Siouxsie and the Banshees
Punk was well before my time, but I always knew older ‘weirds’ and this song and Siouxsie are totally amazing. Punk was such a great time for women; they didn’t have to dress for men or be ‘sexy’, they could just get up there and go nuts. All those women from then – Ari-Up, Poly Styrene, Soo Catwoman, Siouxsie Sioux, Pamela Rooke – are so special.
Photography Benjamin Alexander Huseby
Styling Thom Murphy
