The Mekons are a British punk rock band that formed in Leeds in the late 1970s. Over the course of their more than four-decade-long career, they have become known for their eclectic and experimental sound, as well as their politically charged and socially conscious lyrics. With a discography spanning over 20 albums, it can be hard to choose just a few standout tracks, but here are our picks for the top 10 best The Mekons songs of all time.
Our list includes classics like “Where Were You?”, a scathing critique of political apathy and complacency, and “Memphis, Egypt”, a unique fusion of punk, country, and African rhythms. We also included more introspective tracks like “Waltz”, a slow, mournful ballad about the difficulties of life, and “The Curse”, a haunting meditation on the loss of innocence and the passage of time.
Other highlights on the list include “Empire Of The Senseless”, a surrealistic and poetic critique of modern society, and “Hard To Be Human Again”, a powerful and emotionally raw track about the struggle to maintain one’s humanity in the face of adversity. These songs and more showcase the range and depth of The Mekons’ music, and why they remain one of the most influential and innovative punk rock bands of all time.
1. “Memphis, Egypt”
“Memphis, Egypt” is a song by the British punk rock band, The Mekons. It was released as a single in 1983 and later appeared on their album “The Mekons Rock ‘n’ Roll”. The song is a unique fusion of punk, country, and African rhythms, showcasing the band’s eclectic musical style.
The lyrics of “Memphis, Egypt” are a playful and surrealistic mix of references to ancient Egyptian history and contemporary American culture. The song opens with the lines “I met her in Memphis, but she was from outer space. / She said, ‘I’ve come to warn you of the human race.'” The song then proceeds to weave together images of Egyptian pyramids, Elvis Presley, and the American South.
Musically, “Memphis, Egypt” features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus that will get stuck in your head for days. The song’s use of African rhythms is particularly notable, with the percussion and bassline adding a distinctive groove to the track.
Overall, “Memphis, Egypt” is a standout song in The Mekons’ catalog, showcasing their ability to blend different genres and styles into a unique and catchy sound. It’s a fun and quirky track that will leave you tapping your toes and singing along to its infectious chorus.
2. “Ghosts Of American Astronauts”
“Ghosts Of American Astronauts” is a song by The Mekons, an English post-punk band that formed in the late 1970s. The song was released in 1988 on their album “So Good It Hurts” and stands out for its poetic and political lyrics, as well as its haunting melody.
The song reflects on the aftermath of the Space Race, with its focus on the astronauts who were hailed as heroes but whose experiences left them feeling disillusioned and disconnected from society upon their return. The lyrics convey a sense of isolation and sadness, with lines such as “We came back alone, our hands full of moon dust, but our minds as empty as a lunar crater.”
Musically, the song is stripped down and atmospheric, with a mournful guitar melody and sparse percussion that create a sense of unease and uncertainty. The vocals are delivered with a sense of detachment that echoes the feelings of the astronauts described in the lyrics.
Overall, “Ghosts Of American Astronauts” is a poignant and thought-provoking song that captures the emotional toll of the Space Race and the disillusionment felt by those who participated in it. The Mekons’ ability to convey complex emotions through their music is evident in this haunting and evocative track, which remains a standout in their discography.
3. “Thee Olde Trip To Jerusalem”
“Thee Olde Trip To Jerusalem” is a song by The Mekons, a British punk rock band formed in the late 1970s. It was released in 1985 on their album “Fear and Whiskey” and is one of their most popular and enduring tracks.
The song takes its name from a historic pub in Nottingham, England, which claims to be the oldest inn in the UK. The lyrics describe a night out at the pub, with its colorful cast of characters and raucous atmosphere. The song captures the sense of community and camaraderie that can be found in a good pub, as well as the sense of escape and release that comes with a night of drinking and revelry.
Musically, “Thee Olde Trip To Jerusalem” features a driving rhythm section, twangy guitar riffs, and a sing-along chorus that is sure to get crowds moving. The song’s catchy melody and energetic performance make it a staple of The Mekons’ live shows and a fan favorite.
Overall, “Thee Olde Trip To Jerusalem” is a fun and rowdy track that captures the spirit of a night out at the pub. Its memorable chorus and infectious energy have made it a classic of the punk rock canon and a standout in The Mekons’ discography.
4. “Waltz”
“Waltz” is a song by The Mekons, a British punk rock band known for their eclectic and experimental style. It was released in 1986 on their album “The Edge of the World” and stands out for its haunting melody and poetic lyrics.
The song is a slow, mournful waltz that evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics describe a scene of two lovers dancing in the moonlight, with the world around them fading away. The song’s melancholic tone and evocative imagery create a sense of bittersweet beauty that is both romantic and haunting.
Musically, “Waltz” features sparse instrumentation, with the focus on the vocals and the simple, repetitive melody. The use of a waltz rhythm adds to the song’s dreamlike quality, as if the lovers are caught in a timeless moment of beauty and despair.
Overall, “Waltz” is a poignant and introspective track that showcases The Mekons’ ability to convey complex emotions through their music. Its haunting melody and poetic lyrics create a sense of wistful beauty that lingers long after the song has ended. It’s a testament to the band’s versatility and creative vision, and a standout in their discography.
5. “Hard To Be Human Again”
“Hard To Be Human Again” is a song by The Mekons, an English post-punk band known for their political and poetic lyrics. The song was released in 1989 on their album “The Mekons Rock ‘n’ Roll” and stands out for its raw emotion and introspective lyrics.
The song is a powerful meditation on the difficulties of life and the struggle to maintain one’s humanity in the face of adversity. The lyrics describe a sense of disillusionment and despair, with lines such as “Every day is a struggle just to keep from falling apart” and “It’s hard to be human again when you’re living on the edge of the world.”
Musically, “Hard To Be Human Again” is a slow, brooding ballad with a mournful guitar melody and sparse percussion. The vocals are delivered with a sense of raw emotion that underscores the song’s themes of struggle and despair.
Overall, “Hard To Be Human Again” is a deeply introspective and emotionally powerful track that captures the rawness and honesty of The Mekons’ music. Its themes of struggle and despair are universal, and its message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity resonates as strongly today as it did when the song was first released. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to create music that speaks to the human experience and touches the soul.
6. “Empire Of The Senseless”
“Empire Of The Senseless” is a song by The Mekons, an English post-punk band known for their politically charged lyrics and experimental sound. The song was released in 1985 on their album “Fear and Whiskey” and stands out for its poetic and surrealistic lyrics.
The song is a meditation on the complexities and contradictions of modern society, with lines such as “The empire of the senseless is alive tonight, All around the world in every town.” The lyrics describe a world in which reason and logic have been replaced by chaos and confusion, and the only way to make sense of it all is to embrace the madness.
Musically, “Empire Of The Senseless” features a driving beat, twangy guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus that will get stuck in your head for days. The song’s use of African rhythms and electronic effects add to its otherworldly quality, creating a sense of disorientation and unease.
Overall, “Empire Of The Senseless” is a powerful and thought-provoking track that captures the complexities and contradictions of modern life. Its poetic and surrealistic lyrics, combined with its eclectic musical style, create a sense of disorientation and unease that is both unsettling and exhilarating. It’s a standout in The Mekons’ discography, and a testament to the band’s ability to use music as a tool for social commentary and political critique.
7. “The Curse”
“The Curse” is a song by The Mekons, a British punk rock band known for their politically charged lyrics and experimental sound. The song was released in 1985 on their album “Fear and Whiskey” and stands out for its dark and haunting melody.
The song’s lyrics describe a sense of loss and desperation, with lines such as “When I was young I had no sense, But I didn’t care, I was someone else, And that was fun, but now I’m cursed.” The song speaks to the struggle of growing up and losing one’s sense of innocence and wonder, and the sense of despair that can come with that loss.
Musically, “The Curse” features a slow, brooding melody with sparse instrumentation and haunting vocals. The use of accordion adds to the song’s mournful quality, creating a sense of longing and sadness.
Overall, “The Curse” is a poignant and introspective track that captures the complexities and challenges of growing up. Its haunting melody and poetic lyrics create a sense of wistful beauty that lingers long after the song has ended. It’s a standout in The Mekons’ discography, and a testament to their ability to use music as a tool for emotional expression and introspection.
8. “Millionaire”
“Millionaire” is a song by The Mekons, a British post-punk band known for their eclectic and experimental sound. The song was released in 1991 on their album “Curse of the Mekons” and stands out for its satirical and politically charged lyrics.
The song is a biting critique of the excesses and inequalities of modern society, with lines such as “A millionaire on the run, from his wife and family, And his private army, They follow him wherever he goes.” The song speaks to the greed and corruption that are often associated with wealth and power, and the ways in which these forces can tear families and communities apart.
Musically, “Millionaire” features a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat that give the song a sense of urgency and energy. The vocals are delivered with a sense of biting sarcasm that underscores the song’s themes of social critique and political resistance.
Overall, “Millionaire” is a powerful and thought-provoking track that captures the spirit of The Mekons’ socially conscious music. Its satirical and politically charged lyrics, combined with its infectious melody and energetic performance, make it a standout in the band’s discography. It’s a testament to their ability to use music as a tool for social commentary and political critique.
9. “Space In Your Face”
“Space In Your Face” is a song by The Mekons, a British post-punk band known for their experimental and politically charged sound. The song was released in 2019 on their album “Deserted” and stands out for its infectious energy and raw emotion.
The song is a raucous and upbeat track that celebrates the joys of living in the moment and taking risks. The lyrics describe a sense of freedom and exhilaration, with lines such as “I’ve got space in my face, and nothing to lose, And no one can tell me what to do.”
Musically, “Space In Your Face” features a driving rhythm section, catchy guitar riffs, and a sing-along chorus that is sure to get crowds moving. The vocals are delivered with a sense of raw emotion and enthusiasm that underscores the song’s themes of liberation and empowerment.
Overall, “Space In Your Face” is a powerful and uplifting track that captures the spirit of The Mekons’ punk rock ethos. Its infectious energy and catchy melody make it a standout in the band’s discography, and a testament to their ability to create music that speaks to the human experience and celebrates the joys of living in the moment.
10. “Where Were You?”
“Where Were You?” is a song by The Mekons, a British punk rock band known for their socially conscious lyrics and experimental sound. The song was released in 1978 as a single and later appeared on their debut album, “The Quality of Mercy Is Not Strnen.”
The song’s lyrics are a scathing critique of political apathy and complacency, with lines such as “Where were you when they needed you, In the days of protest, In the days of unrest?” The song speaks to the importance of political engagement and resistance, and the ways in which collective action can bring about meaningful change.
Musically, “Where Were You?” features a driving beat, raw guitar riffs, and shouted vocals that give the song a sense of urgency and energy. The use of saxophone adds to the song’s anarchic quality, creating a sense of chaos and rebellion.
Overall, “Where Were You?” is a powerful and politically charged track that captures the spirit of The Mekons’ punk rock ethos. Its scathing lyrics and raw energy make it a standout in the band’s discography, and a testament to their commitment to using music as a tool for political critique and social change.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
