Selecting her most influential LPs…*Cold Specks* is the performance name of Al Spx, a Canadian singer with an affecting line in spooked alt-pop. ‘I Predict A Graceful Explosion’ was her debut LP of 2012, long-listed for that year’s Polaris Prize, and this summer she issued her second studio collection, ‘Neuroplasticity’, featuring *Swans*’ Michael Gira.
Here, Spx selects five influential albums for Clash’s *Foundations* series – records that shaped her into the musician she is today. Short and sweet, as befits a woman of few words beyond her songs – which do all the talking she generally needs to.
*Cold Specks, ‘Absisto’, from ‘Neuroplasticity’*
- - -
- *PJ Harvey – ‘**White Chalk’ (2007)*-
“I think this is record is bewitchingly bleak. I was so captivated when I first heard this. I dove right in and immersed myself into the songs for weeks. With every part of me, I love it.”
- - -
- *Silver Apples* *– ‘Silver Apples’ (1968)*-
“Whenever I remember that this record was made in 1968, my mind is blown into a million little pieces. It is an incredibly inventive collection of songs. This is definitely a tour van favourite.”
- - -
- *Doris Duke – ‘I**’m A Loser’ (1969)*-
“Released in 1969, this album was produced by Swamp Dogg. It was completely disregarded at the time of its release. Which is a crying shame because ‘I Don't Care Anymore’ is one of the greatest soul songs I have ever come across. Also, the album title and cover are just f*cking brilliant.”
- - -
- *The Jesus And Mary Chain **– ‘Darklands’ (1987)*-
“I got into this record in high school. I desperately wanted to form a band shortly afterwards, which never worked out because I didn’t know anyone. We play this one on the road all the time. It’s a strong collection of pop songs and one of the few albums I can play over, over and over again.”
- - -
- *Kate Bush** – ‘The Dreaming’ (1982)*-
“This is another hugely underrated record. A courageous, complex, stunning record. There aren’t many words for this one. All I can say is that I highly recommend diving right in.”
- - -
Photo: *Steve Gullick*
Cold Specks’ ‘Neuroplasticity’ album is out now on Mute. She plays London’s Village Underground on September 30^th, *details here*. Full live dates, for the UK and further afield, can be found on *her website*.
*More Foundations features*
*Buy Clash Magazine*
Get Clash on your mobile, for free: *iPhone* / *Android* Reported by Clash 3 hours ago.