Asda Fleetwood - That's More Like It?

Fleetwood isn't for the faint hearted. With more than a hint of the managed decline about the place, 14 years of Conservative misrule has laid waste to towns stripped of much of their former industry, in Fleetwood's case deep sea fishing, that now have little to offer but dereliction, crime, low-expectations, obesity, and faded grandeur that shouts of better times. Nowadays, aside from viewing the Lake District's highest peaks from its promenade, the best thing about the town is the road out, albeit with a respectively nod to the Lofthouse's factory, still churning out all manner of Fisherman's Friends lozenges.

Nevertheless, the weekly shop doesn't do itself, although that probably isn't far off if AI can merge thought patterns with records of previous purchases. A rare trip to Fleetwood beckoned.

Despite the necessity of food shopping, wearily meandering around identikit supermarkets has in recent months taken on a new meaning. I have my doubts that people buy more items if the background music is on point as subjectivity of musical taste is a very personal thing, but I certainly take longer than previously, albeit without spending more than usual.

Interspersed with in-house advertisements, Asda Radio follows the template used by its rivals, as well as Dunelm, the home furnishings purveyor and the 'do I really need that?' emporium Home Bargains. There were perhaps more interruptions than at other supermarkets, which somewhat undermined the musical flow. Nevertheless, some classics from Tears for Fears and Soul II Soul were uneasily juxtaposed with dross - ooh, controversial - from Destiny's Child and Joss Stone:

Tears For Fears - Head Over Heels

Becky Hill (and Matoma) - False Alarm

The Weeknd - Can't Feel My Face

Joss Stone - Fell In Love With A Boy

Soul II Soul - Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)

Destiny's Child - Say My Name

As with every shopping trip that involves listening to music, the above included some foot-tappers in amongst those you wondered out loud if they would ever end. Fleetwood Asda scored a mediocre, could-do-better 6 / 10 from an overall experience that wasn't exactly music to my ears.