I am sure we will be unanimous in praising this list …

The 2026 inductees have been announced. These are the inductees for 2026 (performers):

Phil Collins Billy Idol Iron Maiden Joy Division/New Order Oasis Sade Luther Vandross Wu-Tang Clan

Was discussed on the latest WIYE podcast but I think they misunderstood that you have to wait 25 years for consideration, then each year inductees are limited and for somebody like Phil Collins, this will be his 2nd time, first with Genesis, now solo.

I know the whole thing is fairly ridiculous but the building itself in Cleveland is worth a visit to see some of the amazing photography, videos and general memorabilia. Apparently Peter Hook is overjoyed, I wonder if we will see a proper New Order reunion at the ceremony. That would appear to be unlikely, but you never know.

Multitasking this morning, doing a 5km park run before turning up at my local independent store dripping in sweat. Probably only about 3 things I was slightly interested in, got The Who A Quick One double LP, mono for original album then additional tracks on the 2nd disc. Nicely coloured vinyl and a decent package. Pressed in Germany which is normally a good sign.

May check another store later for Springsteen live album, but I can live without it

Masterpiece or unlistenable drivel?

First night of tour in Minneapolis last night.

I am interested, my childhood story (or part of it) in the comments)

Not a review, just a heads up about this release. Glenn and Chris wrote this “concept album” when they were teenagers in the mid 70s, it was never released until now. This is a recent recording of those songs and, to these ears, it is completely wonderful.

See comments

Pulp do ABBA, pretty well I thought

… and it’s a bit troubling.

She details being forcibly removed from the family home at 14 and sent to a rehabilitation centre of sorts, she was thousands of miles away from home when her father passed away. See comments for more

I know from personal experience that parenting teenage girls can be challenging and tough love is sometimes needed. This seems rather draconian and Victorian though.

Hope he’s ok.

And I hope @jaygee is ok, haven’t seen him here for a while.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neil-young-cancels-european-summer-tour-1235512283/

Just as I thought my admiration for Mark Carney couldn’t get any higher, he has announced that London Calling is his favourite album of all time. When pushed by the Canadian press corps that in fact they had “no hits”, he said “I don’t give a fuck it’s a magnificent album”

So what else? Power, Corruption and Lies could apply to many, but fits Trump pretty well.

David Cameron expressed a love for The Smiths, but possibly The Queen is Dead for Liz Truss as she got rid of her within 2 days of taking office.

I imagine Gordon Brown might love The Proclaimers. For Boris Johnson possibly Confessions of a Window Cleaner soundtrack etc etc

It has always been scandal after scandal with him, yet he kept being brought back into senior positions. Always an accident waiting to happen. Surely those who are or want to be running the country should display better judgement?

Made me proud to call myself a Canadian. I have had dwindling faith in all politicians for many many years. This restored some faith. If we compare it with the speech of the other North American leader who was present I am happy he was representing the country where I have made my home.

Ok it can and probably will all go wrong, but someone in a senior leadership role has some integrity it would seem

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mark-carney-speech-davos-rules-based-order-9.7053350

Based on a post on the Hoffman forum, someone asks if 300 albums are enough especially as one increases in age with finite time to play them all.

I probably have something like 3000 albums on either CD or vinyl, 99% of the CDs are ripped to hard drive, most of the ‘jewel cases” have been thrown out/recycled, so they can be stored in much less space. The vinyl (and box sets) takes up a lot of room. At some point in the next 2 or 3 years, God willing, I will downsize and I don’t think I can take everything with me. I rarely play physical CDs except for new ones, I stream them on my home server, or even use a paid for streaming service (YouTube music). Vinyl gets played now and then, usually when I take an evening and spin them throughout.

I am thinking of reducing the vinyl albums to something like 150 to 200 crucial ones eventually. How many physical albums do you need?

Let’s make a cut out and keep guide containing rules of thumb of how to enjoy our favourite artists.

My first one in the comments.

Just for the hell of it and having a slow day here, I analyzed first 8 days of the year until now, possibly one of the quietest times of the year to see how busy it is and how frequently people post. See comments *

* includes Wordle stuff

The Rolling Stones toured the US last in 2024, there were apparently plans to tour Europe this year that were then pushed to next year to coincide with a new album. According to a couple of good sources this isn’t now going to happen and their touring days are over. Obviously this had to happen one day and it is incredible they continued for so long even soldiering on after the sad loss of Charlie a few years ago

I saw them 29 times over a period of 42 years in 8 different countries. In arenas, huge stadiums, and I was also very lucky to see them several times in small theatres. First one was Wembley Stadium in 1982 with a bunch of school and university friends, last time Browns Stadium in Cleveland 2024 with my daughter. Some of the most memorable music related nights of my life. Some nights better than others, but I never saw a really bad show. Thank you Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie and everyone else who sailed in her

My excellent podcast app Pocket Casts produces a Spotify type summary each year around this time. I spend more time these days listening to podcasts than music I think, my top 5 according to total listening time are in the comments. What are yours?

Another one! Press release follows …

VAN MORRISON IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE HIS BRAND NEW ALBUM, SOMEBODY TRIED TO SELL ME A BRIDGE

Set for release through Orangefield Records, Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge delivers a spirited, unfiltered blues experience from an artist whose connection to the genre runs deep. The album blends Morrison’s trademark grit and lyricism with the unmistakable emotional weight of classic blues, resulting in a collection that feels both timeless and fiercely alive. Available on CD and released on Friday 23rd January.

Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge, marks a confident return to the sounds and traditions that shaped much of Morrison’s musical identity, paying homage to the legends who defined the blues genre with fresh interpretations of classics made famous by B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Leadbelly and more.

Morrison is joined by some of the most respected figures in modern blues, including Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Elvin Bishop, and long-time musical collaborator John Allair, along with other long-standing collaborators, David Hayes, Bobby Ruggerio, “Friends Along The Way” associate Mitch Woods, Anthony Paule, leader of the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra and the renowned Larry Vann on drums. Their combined contributions bring » Continue Reading.