The Drive Mix
by DJ Chopmonkey (AKA Steve Abrams)
“some of tunes that have really grabbed me over the years within genres like New Wave, Britpop, Soul and Power Pop”
Click here or on the cover art to open the playlist in a browser window
Check back and we’ll add Steve’s notes on what each song means to him and why he picked it. (I think we added an extra song at the end - sorry Steve! We couldn’t resist a Supergrass song with Coffee in the name.)
I met Steve years ago at various scooter events but have only got to know him and become friends over the past year or two after he and Patti signed up for the Sparkplug Autopilot Coffee Club at a market. (It was fun running into Patti, one of the first scooter friends I met in Toronto, after so many years!)
It turns out they live not too far from Sparkplug HQ which means they often get deliveries from me instead of our local delivery service. And that means that we get a chance to talk about coffee, beer, marketing, scooters, music, cottages and other important stuff on their porch or sidewalk.
Steve is a fun, smart and entrepreneurial guy - I’m super excited to see his newest venture, Harmon’s Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer, shaping up. Follow Harmon’s and try it once it launches later in 2021! Scroll down the page for links and more info!
But first, brew up a coffee and give DJ Chopmonkey’s Drive Mix a listen. Hit it!
Q&A with Steve Abrams
What was your inspiration for this playlist?
I listen to and play all kinds of music, but these are some of tunes that have really grabbed me over the years within genres like New Wave, Britpop, Soul and Power Pop; it’s pretty heavy on UK content!
Each song evokes a memory from a different period in my life. When I was ten, I listened to a program on WNEW in NYC called “Scott Muni’s Things from England”. That show was my introduction to British music and I’ve been partial to it ever since. Of course, I love country, rockabilly, jazz, reggae and a ton of other styles. Always looking for new music for inspiration.
How would you describe your coffee style?
If it’s good coffee, no milk needed!
What do you love about coffee?
Aside from the flavour and aroma, how it makes me feel. A few cups of good joe and I’m invincible.
How does coffee fit into a typical day for you?
First thing every morning, I grind some Road Trip beans and make a pot. Even the dogs know they won’t be fed until I get my coffee.
What’s the most memorable coffee you’ve ever had?
Stove-top espresso made on an old gas stove in a squat in Amsterdam – summer of ’91. I lived on hand rolled cigarettes, coffee, and beer. That was fun. Can’t believe that was 30 years ago!
Also, we used to park our scooters in front of Caffe Reggio on MacDougal Street in the West Village. Drank lots of cappuccino there while posing with my mod friends!
How do you make coffee at home?
Automatic coffeemaker with grinder
Do you have a coffee tip or secret to share?
If it’s pre-ground – one heaping tablespoon per cup plus one extra. That’s the secret.
What do you love most about Sparkplug Coffee?
Road Trip is hands down my favourite blend. It’s balanced and very drinkable. Plus it really picks me up in the AM!
We know you’re a scooterist. Tell us about your ride!
I still own the same Vespa P200 I’ve had since ’89. It’s gone through a few incarnations but has kept it’s current red with blue/green flames since ’94 (I think). Oh yeah, it’s a chopper too!
We love your playlist - how can we get more of you?
Follow Harmon’s Non-Alc Craft Brewing on IG at @harmonscarftbeer. New Toronto-based non-alcoholic beer launching in September!!
I’m also a Board Member of Environmental Defence Canada. Follow @EnviroDefence to learn more about the organization and all the fantastic work they do.
Steve is so awesome that he gave us notes on why he picked each song!
Dream Time - The Jam - This was the first Jam song I ever heard when I was 10 years old. British import show on WNEW in NYC. Life changing.
Telephone High - Fictura - Cheap plug! This was a band I was in back in the late 90's. Fun tune.
Grand River - The Britemores - I played lap steel on this one back in '15. Detroit garage rockers featuring my buddy Johnny Chan on vocals. Love this song.
Under the Sun - DIIV - Great shoegazing band from Brooklyn NY! Dig it.
Pyjamarama - Roxy Music - I spent all my loose change playing this song over and over on a jukebox on Ave B
Projects - Ash - This was my "getting ready to go out" on a Friday night song.
(Get A) Grip (On Yourself) - The Stranglers - Uptempo classic I love to run to these days.
Going Out - Supergrass - This song kicks ass. Another song I'd blast before hitting the town.
He's Not a Boy - The Like - Love this band. This whole album was amazing. Shame they didn't get bigger. I think the drummer was the daughter of a guy from the Attractions.
Far - Longpigs - Saw these guys open for Suede. Then their tour van was broken into and all their gear got stolen.
Timeless Melody - The La's - This song makes me happy. Mumford & Sons wish they could have been these guys.
Yesterday's Love - Any Trouble - Great powerpop songwriting from a band that deserved more attention. Probably overshadowed by Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson.
Pain Killer (Summer Rain) - Turin Brakes - Infectious tune that came with an explicit lyric warning. Yikes!
The English Roses - The Pretenders - Another album that changed my life as a ten-year-old. This song gives me chills
Chemical World - Blur - One of the great guitar licks of the 90s
Needles in the Camel's Eye - Brian Eno - Apparently Eno picked random words for the lyrics. Who cares!
Song of a Baker - Small Faces - This song gets me every time. Is it Ronnie's voice? The harmonies with Steve? Sure…
I Can Hear the Grass Grow - The Move - Fantastic song from a bunch of incredibly talented guys. I think it's about taking too much asprin, but I could be wrong.
My Enemy - Afghan Whigs - Black Love is one of the greatest thematic rock albums ever. Sue me.
Gold Edges - Mr. Gnome - Newer band from the UK. I think it's a husband and wife duo. Great tune
Gates of Steel - DEVO - Another tune from my pre-adolescence that still holds up. I am a devolved spud.
Vegetable Kingdom - Pell Mell - Bought this CD (Interstate) for a dollar on the street in 1991. Unreal instrumentals that I always will love
Great DJ - The Ting Tings - My kid got me into these guys. Great song.
Tippi-Toes - The Meters - I used to cover this tune in Skinnerbox back in the early 90s. The Meters greatest hits is essential listening
Better Use Your Head - Little Anthony & The Imperials - Northern Soul classic!! Little Anthony!!!!
Party Chambers - Style Council - Mick Talbot at his stylish best. Love this melody. If you hate the Style Council, tough noogies.
Somebody Stole My Thunder - Georgie Fame - The Cult of Clive lives on. Love this groove
Big Bird - Eddie Floyd - One of my all-time favourite songs. Always gets me dancing
Nothing But a Heartache - The Flirtations - Another Northern groove I dig so so much
Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) - Frank Wilson - My last Northern tune on this playlist. You're welcome.
Strawberry Letter 23 - The Brothers Johnson - The bridge on this tune (sampled by a ton of west coast rappers) makes me wanna be an astronaut
Give It Up or Turnit Loose (REMIX) - James Brown - This song either makes me wanna rob a bank or win a nobel prize depending on my mood. Featuring Bootsy/Clyde rhythm section. Wait for the breakdown - then you'll know.
