As one half of Two Lone Swordsmen alongside Andrew Weatherall, Keith Tenniswood is responsible for some of the most genre-bending dance music ever made. In his solo guise as Radioactive Man, Keith’s music sticks closer to classic electro territory. But, as his Top Tracks proves, his tastes are just as eclectic as ever.
What’s the first record you ever bought?
Aside from Pinky and Perky, I think it was Depeche Mode’s ‘People are People’ on 7″ in 1984. I remember taking it to a party, trying to impress a girl. It didn’t work…
The first time you heard electronic music?
I can remember my mum singing along to Kraftwerk’s ‘The Model’ somewhere in the late 70s. But after watching a documentary about the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, I realised that most kids’ programmes had weird electronic theme music back then. Very bizarre and sometimes well dark like the Doctor Who theme by Delia Derbyshire.
Your favourite ever record?
Thats a tricky one, ’cause theres just too much music to pick one, but I don’t think I could live without the Natty Dread album by Bob Marley. Lee Perry had a lot to do with the production but was never credited, so I read. ‘Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)’ is a fave. Just a really good feelgood album.
The guaranteed floor-filler?
Recently it’s been ‘UR Presents Footwars’ by Agent 038 on Underground Resistance. A really simple beat and bassline and a vocal – “you make me jit!” – which is pure Detroit electrofunk. I don’t think the full track’s online anywhere but you can hear clips on the Submerge site.