I’m on the tube, coming back from a few beers with my good friend Paul D. Music a big topic of conversation through the evening. He is a massive fan of Neil Young, Grateful Dead and Americana, as well as metal and some old punk and rock’n’roll. Knows way more than me about the music he loves.

I’ve got a playlist on my iPod – a Nano, as my Classic has problems – with 2,500 of my favourite tunes. Needless to say, it is brilliant. But occasionally, rather than rely on the random choice, you want to pick one out. And when I want an upbeat, piledriving tune there is nothing better than “When Boys Fear to Tread” by Smashing Pumpkins. It’s off the classic double album, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness”. It rocks hard. The riffs pummel; the drums bulldoze – it is irresistible. It took me a while to discover the song; but since I did it has always been one I resort to. Meeting you don’t fancy? Put this on beforehand. You are ready to take on the world.

Is this metal or grunge or rock? I’d say all, and it doesn’t really matter. It is just awesome.  Check the Youtube video, which hopefully plays where you are. Otherwise, check it out somewhere else. If you want a full-on rock statement.