Hamza Arnaout: Songs That Give Me Goose Bumps – Playlist Special 2014

The guitarist with Jordanian indie outfit Autostrad picks 10 tracks that hit him hard.

Hamza Arnaout
Jad Oakes
By Hamza Arnaout
Aug 04, 2014

1. “Satta Massagana” The Abyssinians
I heard this song for the first time watching a great Jamaican movie, Rockers. Three brass players on the streets of Kingston with killer harmonies.

2. “Thriller” Michael Jackson
This song was released the same year I was born, and I have a deep belief that my mother used to listen to it while she was pregnant, because I’ve been dancing to it ever since. That bass line!

3. “Night Nurse” Gregory Isaac
I was introduced to Gregory Isaac’s music in London five days before he died, and later found out that he’d been living just 10 minutes away from where I was staying. Rest in peace cool ruler.

4. “Qanabel Modee’a” Boikutt
From the moment I heard it, I knew this song would shape the Arab hip-hop scene. And it did. Egotistical, aggressive and challenging – and that’s exactly the attitude the scene needed back then to be able to progress.

5. “Something About Us” Daft Punk
The simplicity of a love song. I’d just broken up with my girlfriend when this was released.

6. “Forever Loving Jah” Bob Marley
It’s Bob Marley. What can I say, really?

7. “Theme From ‘A Fistful of Dollars’” Ennio Morricone
My dad is obsessed with Westerns. By the time I was six I had watched almost every Sergio Leone movie. Ennio Morricone is a true inspiration for me. That trumpet intro is epic!

8. “Helef El Amar” George Wassouf
They call George the Sultan of Arabic music. I’ve always been influenced by his voice and his music. A true legend, and a true rock & roller. Yes! A rock & roller.

9. “Suicidal Thoughts” Notorious B.I.G.
No..no...notorious!

10. “Milkcow’s Calf Blues” Robert Johnson
You will never understand the true essence of rock & roll if you don’t dig deep into Robert’s recordings. This guy sold his soul to the devil for the blues. You feel me?

 

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