The Grants: Alan McGee's new favourite band...

“In his Guardian column he said: “The Grants recall the great period where bands like the La's, the Bunnymen, the Teardrop Explodes and Wah! Heat were making the scene.�
Now he’s got them a packed schedule of London gigs, and the support slot for The Charlatans upcoming tour.
I caught up with singer/songwriter Chris Grant this week to find out more about the music that’s inspiring the band.
He says: “Right now on my iPod I’d say my top tune is The Funeral by Band Of Horses. I first heard this band on Zane Lowe's show last summer on the way to rehearsals in my car I thought they had a atmosphere about them that grabbed my full attention, which is rare for me. They are my favourite American band right now.
“It’s alright ma I’m only bleeding by Bob Dylan. I usually just put my Dylan collection on random and enjoy whatever comes on but I have been starting my Dylan sessions with this of late. Probably the best song ever to be fair.
“Supersonic by Oasis. I’m not going to pretend I’m all arty and say I listen to French dance music! Oasis still own it and they know it there has been no challenge that’s come close as of yet. This tune motivates me to take that crown, and I’m certainly en route to snatching it.
“Shine On by House Of Love. Alan McGee had something to do with this band years ago. I don’t know if they were very big it doesn’t really interest me but I do like this tune. Its sort of how I work ¬- I don’t go nuts digging for rare copies or buying everything a band have ever done if I like a tune. I just like it and keep it in my mind, not my iPod, although yes this is in my iPod.
“Mercy by Duffy - I’m really trying hard to accidently on purpose bump into this girl right now. I think her voice is refreshing in the female spectrum of things. It’s very real and from the heart and she is sexy and performs live like a singing angel on a hen night with the girls. She is cool for a girl singer which I find rare to be honest. I’m certainly following this career with selfish interests.�
The Grants play The Zanzibar on April 18 and support The Charlatans at
Liverpool Carling Acadamy on May 11, along with a packed schedule of gigs in London. For details see www.myspace.com/thegrantsrock.