Guy Garvey interview: 'The West Wing is the best TV ever made'

The Elbow singer gives his favourite music, film, TV and books picks

Elbow's Guy Garvey performs at the London 2012 Olympic closing ceremony (Getty Images)

Music

I've just been introduced to Can and in particular a tune called “Vitamin C” and I can’t stop listening to it. Also the new Milagres album Violent Light – it’s got almost a Scott Walker-y drama to it. There is a polished vitality to it. It is just a dramatic and romantic band.

Television

I’m re-doing The West Wing for about the seventh time. It’s the best telly made. Also I, Claudius - with Derek Jacobi. It’s TV from a different time but brilliant performances.

Films

I watched The Consequences of Love by Paolo Sorrentino after a friend introduced me to the director’s work. Over the last six months I’ve slowly been going through Sorrentino’s work. It’s really powerful. I also saw Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World starring Russell Crowe. I think it’s one of the best films ever made but there is some terrible music dubbing in a couple of scenes when Crowe and Paul Bettany are playing violin and cello together.

Books

I’m reading Faber and Faber Poetry Essentials. I’ve been dipping in and out of poems by poets including Simon Armitage, Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, TS Eliot, Wendy Cope, and Sylvia Plath. I’ve also just started reading Mr Palomar by Italo Calvino – I read his book of short stories Cosmicomics before.

Elbow will be playing V Festival in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire on 16 & 17 August. (www.vfestival.com)