Bob Dylan, The Pogues and a good drum intro key to David Bass's soundtrack

In the first of a new series, David Bass – a keen drummer in his spare time – reveals the go-to tracks that score his life as a jockey

When I'm getting psyched for a race I listen to . . .Tommy Gun, by The Clash

When I was younger I loved punk music (I've mellowed a bit since and broadened my taste) and there are still lots of Clash songs that could get me going, but this one stands out. As a drummer myself, it's the drums at the beginning that get me revved – and Joe Strummer was one of the greats!

When I'm celebrating a winner I listen to . . .Sally MacLennane, by The Pogues

The Pogues are popular at this time of year – they wrote probably the best Christmas song of all time in Fairytale of New York – and the Irish really know how to have a good time. This is very typical of the Celtic folk punk style that always puts me in a good mood and helps me celebrate anything, not just a winner!

When I'm annoyed about a loser I listen to . . . Demons, by The National

I saw them for the first time at the Hammersmith Apollo recently and they're one of those bands who can bring out all sorts of emotions – melancholy in an enjoyable sort of way, I suppose. If ever I'm depressed about a race gone wrong, this song sums up my mood. The lyrics are dark too: "When I walk into a room I do not light it up. F**k. So I stay down with my demons." The depression doesn't last too long, though!

*Warning, video contains explicit content

When I'm stuck in traffic I listen to . . .Pure Comedy, by Father John Misty

I hate traffic. I'm very impatient and I usually need to listen a song that puts me in a philosophical mood. This one is about how crazy the modern world is. It's quite political and funny at the same time – and very topical at the moment with Donald Trump in charge.

When I'm relaxing at home I listen to . . . Mr Tambourine Man, by Bob Dylan

I got into him a couple of years ago and although a lot of people don't like his voice, I enjoy putting a Dylan record on at the end of the day and really listening to it. This song is just about my favourite from the album Bringing it All Back Home. The lyrics are pure genius, real poetry from the man who won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

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