Please accept my apologies for the delay in posting – I’ve been in London, for a Memorial Event.
So, at last, please gather round and share your news
Blogger Takeover CXXXVIII
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Genesis – From Genesis To Revelation – 4 CD + 1 Blu-Ray
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What does it sound like?:
Genesis have sold an estimated 100 to 150 million albums worldwide. When this debut set was first released, it sold a grand total of 650 (sales were surely hampered by some record shops filing in the religious Music section). Formed after the break-up of two bands at Charterhouse School when Mike Rutherford and Ant Phillips asked Tony Banks if he would be interested in the vacant keyboard a lot. “Yes, as long as my mate Pete can come along too” And so they set about creating the sounds they wanted to make, developing ideas into songs, and then giving a tape to Jonathan King at a School Open Day where Charterhouse Old Boys returned to their former stomping ground. And there must’ve been something in that tape, as King contacted the band and funded studio time to record demos, leading to a couple of singles, and enough tracks for an intended concept album with tracks linked by instrumental pieces (which was ultimately not realised, but the intent was there). The first couple of singles went nowhere, and both the band and Jonathan King began to lose interest, resulting in Genesis returning to education. Two » Continue Reading.
They sent us along as a surrogate band
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See link in comments… really just another Floyd tribute band, albeit one with Waters son included. I suppose if you’re too old to do it yourself, Waters is 83, keep it in the family! I believe tickets for next summer’s UK shows go on sale tomorrow., but not sure what it offers that Australian Pink Floyd or Brit Floyd don’t. Also a shame they are concentrating solely on the already well mined years from 1973 to 79. When the project was originally announced there was mention of including some solo material but that seems to have fallen by the wayside, and I suppose the period they’ve chosen is the most commercially successful and what most audiences, especially younger ones, will want to hear live.
The CD revival is here
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As various posts have suggested, the CD revival is apace, and the data backs this up.
According to the RIAA – so it only covers the USA – first half of 2026 compared to compared to first half of 2025:
Vinyl unit sales up +20.9%, value up +17.7%.
CD unit sales up +45.7%, value up +58.6%.
Other physical media unit sales up +73.4%, value up +44.9%.
Total Download Revenue down by -12.7%.
As ever, lots of caveats – only the first six months, only covers new and not second-hand, only the USA, it is all dwarfed by Total Streaming Revenue, which is up by +4.7% to $4,890
Other physical media is – I think – mainly cassettes (!) and Blu-Ray, with some eight-track cartridges (!!) and reel-to-reel (!!!).
So new vinyl prices have peaked, CD prices are increasing as sales pick up.
Slightly, but not much, more detail at the RIAA site.
https://www.riaa.com/reports/2026-mid-year-music-industry-revenue-report-riaa/
Eva Marie Saint RIP
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A good innings. One of my first crushes. The obvious musical tribute follows
Lena Martell RIP
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Obituary
Some of you might remember “One Day at a Time” topping the charts during the Punk Wars…
…but she also had her own TV show and appeared in Vegas and New York…
Jeremy Clarkson…I like him
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Loved his work on Top Gear and his farm series has been very educative to many, including me.
Any contrary views?
Live Richard And Linda Thompson Vinyl
Further to yesterday’s post regarding a reissue of “You? Me? Us?” a live double album from the Thompson’s final tour together is being released for Black Friday this year on November 27th
https://www.recordstoreday.co.uk/release/richard-linda-thompson-live-1982-the-final-tour
Everybody Digs Bill Evans
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Year: 2026 Director: Grant Gee
Everybody Digs Bill Evans isn’t your standard music biopic. You know the kind of thing: protagonist suffers tough childhood (poverty, bullying, trauma etc) then struggles to break through as a musical talent before finally doing so and achieving stardom and performing massive gigs for adoring fans, but with it more knockbacks (broken relationships, drug or alcohol abuse, scandal etc) until finally they achieve redemption and glory. I mean, there is some of that here (though sadly not the redemption bit) but the film doesn’t take us through Evans’ life story in that way.
Instead what we have is an intimate chamber piece focussed on just a few months of his life. The film opens with a beautiful sequence recreating The Bill Evans Trio giving one of its legendary performances at the Village Vanguard in 1961. Paul Motian gives subtle discreet backing on drums. Bill Evans and Scott LaFaro weave piano and bass together, locking eyes as well as instruments, and smiling at each other briefly in recognition of the magic they are creating. Ten days later (though the film suggests it is immediately after) LaFaro is killed in a car accident coming home from a » Continue Reading.
Unlikely Supergroups
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The Mahalulu Orchestra (“Shout” in 13/8 – Colin H.)
Archie Fisher box set crowdfunder… is launched
Once more unto the fray…!
I’m in a rush now so will probably write more here tomorrow. For the moment, I’m thrilled to say this is now ‘live’ (for 30 days), having existed on paper since January. Link in the comments.
Richard Thompson You? Me? Us? Reissue
Heads up that Richard’s 1996 lp is getting pressed on vinyl for the first time. Out on 27th November
https://townsendmusic.store/product/you-me-us-lp-double-heavyweight-vinyl
Junior’s first Jazz whisky bar in Tokyo
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A quiet first night in Asakusa and dropped by the Flamingo Club. Going since 1962. Steep staircase in red velvet and brass. A couple of tourists and a local. a big closed of area with jazz albums on the wall. Errol Garner, Cannonball , Ahmed Jamal, Wynton Kelly, Frankie etc. A small plush far linger than it is wide. I ordered a Japanese whisky Cant remember the name what it must have been about $30. Any way the stereo was a massive set up of McIntosh pre and power , T/ table and sacd player. The music was a female jazz singer. I could hardly hear her. Clearly volume never happens because one of the whopping speakers was seated on-top of a glass cabinet for delicate glassware.
And the positioning. The speakers were a good 6-8 metres apart , facing straight out and you are sitting about 2 metres out from them even if you are in the middle.
So all pretty silly really. Expecting better things next time. Hopefully pics in comments.
King Crimson – Islands – 2026 deluxe reissue
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What does it sound like?:
This excellent cd plus bluray set is the latest in an ongoing series of in depth looks at each of the band’s seminal, and dare I say groundbreaking, seventies albums. This time it’s the band’s fourth record, 1971’s Islands, that gets its turn under the spotlight. After the extensive trawl through the archives that resulted in the sprawling Sailor’s Tales box, one might be forgiven for assuming not much would be left to explore from this period of the band’s history. Wrong, there’s still plenty to enjoy here that will undoubtedly provide hours of enjoyment for the devotee. The cd features a new stereo mix by, of course, Steven Wilson, plus a selection of Elemental mixes, of which more later. However, it’s the bluray disc that as usual is the real treasure trove. How about a new Atmos mix, together with a 5.1 version, instrumental versions, and Elemental mixes of the whole album, where long time cohort David Singleton focuses on a particular aspect of each piece and in doing so sheds new light on what might have been. Added to that, there’s the whole of the surviving recording sessions for the album to » Continue Reading.
The Heights
Author:Ian Rankin
Regular Rankin readers may experience a sense of déjà vu with this new novel, which is actually a substantially reworked and expanded update of the 2023 short story The Rise. This is the author’s first standalone novel in over 20 years, and sees the original story stretched to around four times its original length, with the introduction of a number of new characters and plot lines. Stepping away from his usual Edinburgh setting, the story takes place in an exclusive luxury high-rise apartment block overlooking Hyde Park. Among its wealthy residents is a Russian oligarch, a Gulf state princess, a reclusive property developer and a fading actress. When the concierge is found murdered in the lobby, all fall under suspicion, but the police investigation is hindered by uncooperative tenants, legal red tape and international politics. This is a much more substantial work than the original tale, with the newly introduced characters giving the plot much more depth and intrigue. I’m sure a lot of readers will be disappointed that it’s not a Rebus/Clarke novel, but perhaps the author needs a break from those characters to try something a little different. Whatever the reasons behind it, this is essentially » Continue Reading.
On Track – Yes 1968-1991 / The Jesus & Mary Chain
Author:Stephen Lambe, Robin Kennedy
The author has revised and expanded his 2018 single volume look at the long career of Yes, creating two separate books, the second of which will follow anon. This first instalment however covers the band’s imperial period from its inception up to the Union album, taking in the ABWH record en route. It was an era of super creativity with the musicianship and lyrics breaking new ground with seemingly each and every new release. Most will agree the seventies were the high water mark, although perhaps ironically the eighties album 90125 was to provide their biggest commercial success. Stephen Lambe really knows his stuff, and has produced a very readable, well researched and insightful look at each song on each album, and he offers some interesting opinions on primarily the music but also touching on the complex intra band politics. If you’re a fan then you’ll race through this, hopefully while relistening to some of those seminal albums and perhaps picking up on some previously overlooked or forgotten details along the way, and with Jon Anderson having recently completed a rare visit to these shores the timing really couldn’t be better.
I confess that I don’t » Continue Reading.
Is it just me?
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I look at Facebook most days and the “reel” bit has generally been good for silly stuff and football things. In the last week or so this has been inundated with right-wing, AI generated nonsense. I block and I block and I block but it keeps coming. It’s relentless.
So…is it just me?
“Stupid people, as a group, are much more powerful than the mafia, or the military industrial complex.”
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Carlo Cipolla , a “prolific intellectual”, according to the New Republic, wrote The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity in 1976. It’s alarmingly relevant today. Stupidity drove Brexit, elected Trump, and is responsible for the global shit shower. What’s the answer, when those in power and those that put them there, don’t understand the question?
From the article: “When stupid people gain power, exponentially increasing the danger to us all [they] will have at their disposal means of destruction created by the intelligent.”
Good article, makes yer think, innit.
https://newrepublic.com/article/215721/trump-basic-laws-human-stupidity-carlo-cipolla
How Old ?
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Somewhat related to the feeling old thread down there…..
Scanning through the birthdays list in todays Times I see that….
Chubby Checker is 85 years old Lindsey Buckingham is 77 years old
How did that happen ? I always assumed that Chubby Checker was one of the pioneers of Rock & Roll – i.e. before The Beatles. How can he only be 8 years older than Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who came to our attention in 1975ish.
Any other surprises ?
Lady Maisery – 3 voices – 3 instruments – top quality folk music.
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Venue:
Pound Arts Centre, Corsham, Wiltshire
Date: 02/10/2026
Finishing work for the week, and with prime position tickets acquired some while ahead, I was really looking forward to last night’s gig from Lady Maisery.
We are very familiar with Lady Maisery’s work, both as a trio (Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans) and when they join with Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith for their seasonal presentations on a winter or summer theme. We’ve heard them play at a number of venues over the years, and this was the first time we’d caught them at this place.
The venue is a lovely, community-run arts centre. Capacity is about 150, so the space is intimate and perfect for acoustic performance. The sound is well judged, the seating is nicely ramped, and visibility is fine from all seats. Nearly every time we go to a gig there, there is also a modest exhibition of some sort in the gallery space. Currently it’s called ‘Touch’ and is from the members of the Cotswold Sculptors Association. On for another week at the time of writing, a ramble past the excellent exhibits put us quickly into a nice contemplative mood for the » Continue Reading.
Not Your Average Venue
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Quite a few years ago, we did a thread on favourite venues, with the emphasis on the quirky and the oddball. I recall that my contribution to that thread was Buxton Opera House. I was put in mind of this when I went to the first Durham Folk Festival, a couple of weekends ago. This is the successor to Hartlepool Folk Festival, which felt it needed to slip off its skin in order to grow. I had a fine old time, as I will reference in the Takeover, no doubt. But it wasn’t just about the artists’ roster. The organisers really justified the move by making the most of what the city had to offer. This leant in to different historical and cultural strands, plus, above all, the architecture. What riches!
The Wilsons are patrons of the festival and it was a delight to catch them several times. They opened the show in Redhills, the historic home of the Durham Miners Association, in the room which held the ‘Pitmens’ Parliament’ – a neo-baroque council chamber, steeped in democracy, co-operation and socialism. ‘Not too shabby’ observed Mike Wilson (aka the best singer in the land – other opinions are available, but » Continue Reading.
When is Old?
I’m 49, so a spring chicken in TheAfterword years. However:
– When I was about 14, I noted that the first year kids at school seemed to be getting smaller every year – In my late 20s, I started to not really understand the latest music releases any more – In my late 30s, I noted that the England football team looked worryingly young – I was 40 when I became a dad, and observed the worryingly youthful appearance of the doctors on the maternity ward
And now tonight there’s been an appointed peer on Newsnight, and he’s younger than me.
What’s the next step in this process? What looks worryingly young when you hit your 60s / 70s? Is the answer ‘everything’? Or do you find a way to keep moving the goalposts? Asking for a friend…
Bad Words 3
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Shift The Meaning Meditation is generally thought of, and employed as, a verb. I’m meditating, doing meditation. “I’m learning how to meditate. So far, so good” – Steely Dan. That raises the question, how shall I meditate? What do I have to do to meditate? And this is where the various techniques come in, so we can do meditation. This is not that, and everything that follows requires defining meditation differently.
Think of meditation as something that happens, if you let it. An event rather than an activity. You don’t do it; if you let it, it will do you. This piece is about giving it its best chance, getting out of its way. Shutting the fuck up.
Distraction What prevents it (whatever we want to call it) from happening is distraction, physical and mental. We’re constantly being distracted by this or that, this and that, buffeted in a continuous state of interruption we accept as normal. We seek out new distractions, getting bored with the old ones. Swipe the screen, click the link.
Dealing with distraction is simple, which is not to say it’s easy. Base requirement (non-negotiable) is somewhere quiet to sit on your own for half an » Continue Reading.
Todd Rundgren – Live at The Ritz, New York City 1989
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What does it sound like?:
Esoteric/Cherry Red have been issuing material from Todd’s archive for more than a decade now and this release will be familiar to Rundgren fans. It previously appeared as the bootleg “Putting On The Ritz”, lifted from a Westwood One live concert radio show. This isn’t just a re-release of that show, it’s been remixed from the original 24 track tapes, and adds back 8 tracks form the original concert.
Rundgren has always been something of musical maverick / chameleon, treating genres as staring points not boundaries. Here he’s back working with a 11 piece band, and in a very soulful, smooth frame of mind. It’s “Daryl’s House” 8 years before Daryl opened the doors. With a back catalogue as deep and as varied as his, Rundgren was never one to just churn out the hits, and there’s no “Bang The Drum All Day” or “I Saw The Light” but there is still room for “Hello It’s Me” and “Can We Still Be Friends”.
It’s a crisp, dynamic mix albeit one that doesn’t give a strong sense of being live. Todd has 75% of Bourgeois Tagg (I was today years old when I found out » Continue Reading.
Olivia Dean v Bill Wither’s Publishers
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She’s been sued because her latest tune sounds a bit like “Just the two of us”. The litigation seems ghoulish to me. There’s a slight resemblance but it’s also similar to many others including at a stretch, Ralph McTell “Streets of London”. She needs to be careful if the Big Train sketch is anything to go by.
