Playlist: Troy Reilly, Guitarist for Beijing Beatles

"Playlist" is a regular column in which we ask Beijing personalities about their musical tastes and recommendations.

Which character from a song would you most like to meet?
John Lennon in the song “Nowhere Man.” Probably written about himself. I can completely relate to this song at this point in my life. It would be comforting right now to meet John and share a like-minded moment in time.

What would be your dream cover of a song?
I am quite a religious AFL (Australian Football League) fan. Recently I spotted English pop star Robbie Williams wearing a Carlton Football Club Guernsey backstage at a UNICEF concert online. So how about taking this concept one step further and have one of my favorite singers of all time, Chris Cornell, update my beloved Richmond football club’s theme song with a rocking cover of “We’re from Tigerland”?

What is your favorite music video?
The video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" which was named Video of the Year at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. This video still brings back fond memories for me as Kurt was the voice of my generation, marking the beginning of a new decade in which alternative rock ruled the airwaves in Australia.

What record are you most embarrassed about having on your iPod?
I am most embarrassed about not owning an iPod!

What is your favorite TV theme tune?
"Goodies, goodie-goodie-yum-yum" ... sing the opening of "The Goodies" to anyone over 35 and they'll get a faraway look in their eye ... I can just see it now – giant kittens destroying China World and three men in flares riding around China on a three-seated tandem!

Which artist would you most like to go for a drink with?
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll – don’t ask me why!

What song would you want to be played at your funeral?
Who wouldn’t want “My Way” by Frank Sinatra played at their funeral? Then again, by choosing this approach towards life, I don’t know how many people would be in attendance at my funeral!

If you were a boxer, what would be your entrance music?
"Thunderstruck" by ACDC. "And I knew there was no turning back (Thunder)"!

TROY REILLY’S 5-SONG PLAYLIST

"Come Together" by The Beatles
The message rings true for me each time Don Lemmon (our lead singer) cries out at the end of the second verse “One thing I can tell you / Is you got to be free.” Working a nine-to-five job almost did my head in, so freeing up the most valuable asset we have in life – time itself – means a lot to me, as does this particular line in this song.

"Get Back" by The Beatles
Another cover that I enjoy performing, especially the bluesy lead guitar parts that I have had to interpret in the absence of the funky keyboard solo from Billy Preston.

"Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye
I was blown away by Walk Off The Earth’s cover of this song – five people playing only one guitar.

"The Wealth" by John Devlin
John plays the part of Raul McCarthy in our band. He has just written a great album titled “Contraplans.” Such a great opening line: “Help yourself to the wealth – if you don’t, they will / We should have seen it coming but they left us with nothing.” I am sure there are plenty of people around here feeling the same way nowadays.

"Alive" by Pearl Jam
One of the most influential rock bands of all time. I used to attend many of their concerts in Melbourne. They inspired me to start playing electric guitar.

Catch Troy and the Beijing Beatles at Temple Bar on Nov 9.

Click here to see the November issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photo: courtesy of Troy Reilly