My Favourite Album with Smithy from The Fires Below

My Favourite Album with Smithy from The Fires Below

What is the album?

Queens of the Stone Age 'Songs For The Deaf'

Why is it your favourite album?

Not only are some of their best, well-known songs on this Album, it is a masterpiece that's over 20 years old and has stood the test of time. The musicianship, writing and energy are at their peak, and the captivating radio concept that merges this saga together is unapologetic creative genius. If you've not heard it, stick it on right now.

How does it make you feel when you listen to it?

As a whole, it feels like you go on a real journey, on a desert highway. The album is escapism, transporting your mind to some Americana road movie that you watch on repeat with pleasure. It has highs and lows, a lot of humour and creates a unique atmosphere that epitomises the band's origins that can't be replicated.

How do you feel when you hear the songs from that album played live?

Luckily, the band still play a lot of these songs Live simply because they are absolute bangers and their most well-known songs. If they didn't play 'No one Knows', 'Go with the Flow' or finish their set with 'Song for the Dead' at a gig then fans would feel a bit cheated. These days it takes a lot to get me in the moshpit, but I'll do it for QOTSA, I think last time I nearly lost a shoe, luckily I got it back at the end of the gig, otherwise the walk home would have been a soggy one.

What is your favourite track and why?

'Go with the Flow' is not only my favourite track on this Album, it is also my favourite song ever. It is pure rock driving energy mixed with beauty and emotion. It has possibly the best ever music video of all time as well.