Amsterdam: The music that gets us through the week...

Singer Ian Prowse - Schooldays Over by Damien Dempsey
"Magnificently sung by Damo, written by Salford's finest Communist Ewan McColl, taken from Manchester to Dublin by the uncrowned king of all Ireland Christy Moore and popularised by the late Dubliner Luke Kelly. How could this song fail!?"
Fiddle player Anna Jenkins - Alas I Cannot Swim by Laura Marling
"I love this story with its simple lyrics and melody, and with its breakdown into a barn dance halfway through! Sweet longings about being on the side where the grass is greener. Gorgeous."
Guitarist Johnny Barlow - Star Of Bethlehem by Neil Young
"This song inspired me to write The Weight On Me. That's a good a reference point as any. ''Maybe the star of Bethlehem wasn't a star at all''. Get onto that."
Bass player Paulie Hagan - The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver by Elbow.
"Elbow are one of those bands who specialise in music that has a uniquely northern grimness about it (see Doves, Cherry Ghost and Richard Hawley), whilst managing to somehow make drinking in working men's clubs, betting on horses and working in a crane sound quite romantic.
"Musically it reminds me a lot of Shine On by Pink Floyd which is no bad thing. Definitely the most deserving Mercury Prize winners in years."
Keyboard player Doctor Kevin Spurgeon - Sha La La by Al Green
"Best voice in the business and back on tour - can't wait to see him."
Drummer Deian Elfryn - Crazy B***h by Buck Cherry.
"It's a rock and roll song that has some dirty words in it about a crazy girl sleeping with a guy.
"It moves you and its deffo a driving song with cool melody and a catchy chorus. It makes me pull a face like a bull dog!"
Amsterdam play the Carling Academy Liverpool on December 6. For more information see www.myspace.com/amsterdamhq.