The IdeasTap Team's Blog

Nothing quite captures the pure joy of a mind-blowing, life-affirming, head-spinning live set like a grainy YouTube video. Here’s to the songs that take us back to the most perfect gigs of our lives…

Rosie:

Montezuma / He Doesn't Know Why by Fleet Foxes

“Both of my brothers and our friends, whisky in a plastic bottle, hypnotic harmonies, a mesmerised crowd in a valley in Wales. It's got to be in my top 5!”

Sebastian:

Sexual Healing by Hot 8 Brass Band

“EASY! These guys refused to go on stage at the Big chill 2008 until they'd had what they wanted to eat, which wasn't on site, so we had to send a landrover to the local service station to get it (over 15 miles) then they came on played this.

It was sunny, we had copious amounts of cider, sunburn and a golf buggy. Good times”

Joe:

Untitled #8 by Sigur Rós

“I remember the end of this song. Turn your volumes down.”

Ben:

Never Ever by All Saints

“I've been to 3 gigs in my life, The Corrs, All Saints and Kings of Leon. So, it's obvs going to be this.

I guess this came close though, that screen blew my mind.”

Amelia:

The Boy in the Bubble by Paul Simon

“If only this shaky camerawork could fully capture the heady brilliance of that night on a beach in Alabama with one amazing new friend. What I’d give to be back there…” 

Nell:

54-46 Was My Number by Toots and the Maytals

“When I went to see Toots he refused to go on stage until he'd been paid, in cash, in full and he'd been given permission to smoke on stage.

He was also dressed like a massive, Jamaican bell boy in a maroon velvet set.”

Sarah:

Good Vibrations by Brian Wilson 

“Bri-wi had a cup of tea, a tremoring hand, and the worst shirt I have EVER seen. Still the most talented person I have ever been in a room with.” 

Cathy:

That Time by Regina Spektor 

“Saw Regina Spektor at Latitude a couple of years ago. Stunning.” 

Laura:

Slackjaw by The Bluetones

“Well apart from seeing Chris De Burgh and The Trogs at an evening hosted by Jasper Carrot at the NEC in Birmingham… the one that takes me back was The Bluetones at Glastonbury when we were 16 – particularly this song.” 

Vicky:

Insomnia by Faithless

"I've seen Faithless live 4 times and they totally smashed it each time. Nobody can top Maxi Jazz when it comes to working a crowd and the man is 55!"  

James:

Brown Paper Bag by Roni Size/Reprazent

Seeing these guys at the Astoria (RIP) when I was 17 was pretty awesome.

Rachel:

Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

"Easy. Massive Attack at Brixton Academy on my 15th birthday" 

Listen to our playlist on Spotify…