Mad Dogs and Englishness

With Spotify now enthroned as the music server of choice within these walls, we thought it might be helpful if we shared this collaborative playlist with you. It won't work if you don't have the Spotify app installed, though.

These are some of the finest English tunes – plus a few from elsewhere in the Union – from across the years and all firm Stately favourites. Perhaps the silken thread tying them together is a streak of eccentricity and a certain outsider attitude. Except for the Wings track which is just there for its beauty.

Whether it's the scrappy splendour of the Blue Aeroplanes in full flight or the Durham ache of Prefab Sprout, we salute their devotion to the unswerving path. Viv Stanshall, Kevin Ayers and Robyn Hitchcock, as English as Belisha beacons. Doll By Doll, Jesus And Mary Chain, Caravan, Hawkwind and Yes who were not afraid to rock. Just stick it on random and you'll see what we mean.

These are the artists who have helped subliminally shape our music. These are the foundations of our stately home...

Viv Stanshall,

ginger pisshead savant