What does it sound like?: The Coral's first album came out 20 years ago. And a fine album it is. After this, and over the next 8 albums, The Coral went about their business … [Read More...] about The Coral – Coral Island
The Afterword
Musings on the byways of popular culture
Nights In
Danny & The Champions of the World – Los Campeonos En Vivo.
What does it sound like?: Do you remember the Saturday gigs? Meeting up with a couple of mates in the afternoon, a few pints, maybe a curry, or a pizza, and off to the gig. … [Read More...] about Danny & The Champions of the World – Los Campeonos En Vivo.
Jethro Tull – A:A La Mode edition
What does it sound like?: One of the more controversial albums in the Tull canon is the next to receive the deluxe edition treatment, presumably having originally been destined … [Read More...] about Jethro Tull – A:A La Mode edition
The Who Sell Out – Deluxe Edition
What does it sound like?: The Who’s 1967 album is given the Super Deluxe enormobox treatment. And there is a lot to get through. If you are new to this album, this 80 quid box … [Read More...] about The Who Sell Out – Deluxe Edition
Nights Out
Having a laugh with Crowded House
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland Date: 21/03/2021 The recent thread on stand up comedy made me think of Neil Finn. It is rare for a musician of his quality to also be a very funny … [Read More...] about Having a laugh with Crowded House
Was this thefirst music festival of 2021 – Summersalt one dayer
Venue: The Briars, Mt Martha outside Melbourne, Vic, Oz Date: 20/02/2021 Last March I attended Womad NZ, pretty soon after borders shut, doors slammed and the world has never … [Read More...] about Was this thefirst music festival of 2021 – Summersalt one dayer
He Was In Heaven Before He died – A Tribute to John Prine
Venue: The Jazz Cafe, Camden, London Date: 09/12/2020 A night out you say? In London? In late 2020? Well, yes. Thanks to cabaret style table seating, table service for drinks and … [Read More...] about He Was In Heaven Before He died – A Tribute to John Prine
Chester Folk Festival Online!
Venue: Nowhere, yet everywhere Date: 29/05/2020 Nights Out? Are you serious? In the tradition of Russian election results, this is part announcement and part review in that we … [Read More...] about Chester Folk Festival Online!
Features
Forty Years Of Nightclubbing
Tiggerlion on Nightclubbing by Grace Jones, released 11/05/1981
Grace Jones is one of nature’s wonders. Towering at nearly six foot tall with sharp features and an ebony skin tone, she was initially a supermodel, stalking the catwalks wearing Yves St. Laurent and Kenzo. She was Helmut Newton’s, Guy Bourdin’s and Hans Feurer’s muse and appeared on the cover of Elle, Vogue and Stern.
Musically, Grace first immersed herself in Disco. To begin with, this involved attending Studio 54 in New York completely naked. Soon, she hooked up with Tom Moulton, the man who invented the extended mix, and made three surprisingly camp albums, her purring contralto set against beautifully orchestrated music. The best track, a striking version of La Vie En Rose, pricked Chris Blackwell’s ears. The founder of Island Records heard something both terrifying and seductive in that detached monotone and thought he knew exactly what to do with it.
Blackwell’s pitch to become her producer alongside Alex Sadkin was irresistible. He appealed to her inner musician, putting her in a band setting, working in a studio, functioning as a single unit. That band, soon to be known as The Compass Point All Stars, was brilliant: Sly Dunbar and » Continue Reading.
Films
Godzilla vs Kong
Year: 2021 Director: Adam Wingard In the dark cinema and in a very comfortable reclining seat, I had a moment that I think will make me a happier person all round. You see, I was … [Read More...] about Godzilla vs Kong
Mick Fleetwood and Friends – A celebration of the music of Peter Green
Year: 2021 Director: Mick Fleetwood Like live shows add an extra dynamic, so too does seeing a movie of a concert in a cinema rather than at home on the box. Alas for most of … [Read More...] about Mick Fleetwood and Friends – A celebration of the music of Peter Green
From The Manor Born – The Story
Year: 2020 Director: Rob Reed and Paul Harris Definitely not for everyone, this. But thought it was worth flagging here for people who are interested. Basically, it's a four hour … [Read More...] about From The Manor Born – The Story
A Streetcar Named Desire
Year: 1951 Director: Elia Kazan Damn. My NY resolution is to consume more of the classics in one form or another, and the project began strongly with films of A Man For All … [Read More...] about A Streetcar Named Desire
Reads
Official Handbook Of The Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition/Who’s Who Omnibus Vol. 1
Author:Mark Gruenwald, Peter Sanderson/Various These two books are the definitive history of the respective universes up to the dates of these volumes. The original issues were … [Read More...] about Official Handbook Of The Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition/Who’s Who Omnibus Vol. 1
Diaries 2010 – 2015 : Rise and Fall of The Olympic Spirit
Author:Alastair Campbell This excellent series of diaries is now in its eight volume. This period sees Campbell at something of a personal and professional crossroads, having … [Read More...] about Diaries 2010 – 2015 : Rise and Fall of The Olympic Spirit
Decades – Focus in the 1970s / On stage – Iggy & The Stooges 1967-74
Author:Stephen Lambe / Per Nilsen Both of these very different books are offshoots from the long running On Track series, hence the combined review. The Focus title takes an in … [Read More...] about Decades – Focus in the 1970s / On stage – Iggy & The Stooges 1967-74
Beefheart:Through The Eyes of Magic
Author:John ‘Drumbo’ French This is the third edition of this mammoth tome, which actually has been out of print of late, and coincides with what would have been the good … [Read More...] about Beefheart:Through The Eyes of Magic
Games
Game help!
Platform:XBox, PC/Mac Age Rating:3+ Year of Release:2019 Review:I'm in need of a new game or two. This year I have played - 1 PUBG - I like it generally but I feel that I'm up … [Read More...] about Game help!
Nier 2: Automata
Platform:Playstation Age Rating:16+ Year of Release:1949 Review:This batshit crazy Japanese manga-esque RPG explore-and-destroyer has been a game that’s broken through into the … [Read More...] about Nier 2: Automata
Noticeboard
The Electric Brae – free album on Soundcloud
Apologies if this posts twice, but I just tried to post this about an hour ago and it doesn't seem to have worked, so trying again. I've made a wee album and posted it on … [Read More...] about The Electric Brae – free album on Soundcloud
Helstock 2021
20/03/2021 There will be a virtual festival on the evening of March the 20th. It is a grab-bag mystery line up of international artists of the acoustic alt-country and … [Read More...] about Helstock 2021
Reading & Leeds Festivals
27/08/2021 Reading and Leeds are going ahead, apparently. Everyone will be vaccinated by then, of course. Hmmm... Two main stages mean no clashes. I have to say, the lineup … [Read More...] about Reading & Leeds Festivals
Musica Mundi (journeys from the Reform Club)
01/02/2021 Delighted to announce a new fortnightly world music programme - from the UK to Africa, from the Middle East to New Zealand, from Pakistan to Japan. And beyond. On 1 … [Read More...] about Musica Mundi (journeys from the Reform Club)
The Psychedelic Furs tour
22/04/2021 Three dates in Sweden and Norway, then a quick dash round the UK. Much as I dislike the Cambridge Junction, I'll have to go. I've not seen them since 1990. I imagine … [Read More...] about The Psychedelic Furs tour
A Certain Ratio tour
03/11/2021 ACR head out on the road for 13 dates in November. Hare & Hounds for me, vaccine permitting. … [Read More...] about A Certain Ratio tour
