Books
David Hepworth, 1971 – Never a Dull Moment . Really good holiday read. I’ve enjoyed both Hepworth’s books; I think Uncommon People has the edge insofar as each chapter was more self-contained and I thi […]

I think there was some difference in social background with John and Paul; George and to a greater extent, Ringo which to some degree may have affected their perceptions of the city in later life.

I’m no […]

I was lucky enough to get standing tickets in the circle at Hammersmith which were (relatively) cheap compared to some other tickets. I think the nature of the show – the number of performers and the choreography […]

Suzi Quatro on Minder and Happy Days.

Book
‘Swing Time’ by Zadie Smith – tells the story of two mixed race girls from their childhood up to their 30s and the differing paths they take. There are sections in West Africa as well as when one of the c […]

Hope your brother-in-law is progressing Steve.

Round our place it’s all been a bit 1971 – saw ‘The Post’ – basically an interesting story, well told, with a group of actors who seem to be enjoying their rol […]

I have always been aware and enjoyed the singles however it’s been interesting over the past couple of days learning about Eddy Amoo’s earlier, largely doo wop group, the Chants.

Here’s a link to one of the […]

Anyone who is interested in the book it appears still to be available on this site

Excellent review. I recognise it’s not for everyone but Francesco Mellina’s book of photography of the late 70’s/early ’80’s Liverpool scene ‘Revealed’ is well worth seeking out. Alongside the Liverpool bands he […]

Thanks @mosleymoles this was an interesting listen. As you may know Underground Railroad was on one of Barack Obama’s holiday reading lists; I’d recommend another book from those lists – H is for Hawk by Helen […]

Film
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri – whilst the story is good, it is the performances which stand out – as much is revealed by what not said as what is.

Books
Underground Railroad by Colson W […]

Music – Bedouine
Kind of enjoying the Bedouine album I got for Christmas. I think she shows signs of being very talented and clearly writes a good tune but just not crazy on it. I think that it’s probably me n […]

Thanks Carolina. I wasn’t aware of this podcast until recently – I can recommend the Randy Newman one. I was lucky enough to see David Hepworth interview Jimmy Webb recently in a branch of Waterstones – it was a […]

there’s also a tribute episode of the New York Times Popcast which is worth a listen.

Concert:
Magnetic Fields at the Barbican. I was a little cautious in advance of this show in that it promised to present 50 songs over two nights; however Stephin Merritt, performing inside a version of a […]

Film – Really enjoyed Baby Driver – a bit like an extended pop video. If a shoot-out in time with Hocus Pocus by Focus appeals then this is the one for you.

Read – As Miketherep says above Dadland by Keggie […]

‘tax me, I won’t say no, how could I?’

Mark Lewisohn states that McCartney may have spoken to Lennon outside a newsagent in Aigburth Road some time before the Woolton Garden Fete. McCartney in an interview in Esquire in 2015 stated ‘I saw him on the […]

The Jam at Liverpool University in (I think) 1979, a hot summer night; prior to the Jam’s appearance, the Move’s ‘Flowers in the Rain’ came on and much of the audience started pogoing in unison.

Read –Sweet Caress by William Boyd
Taking in the rise of Fascism, the Second World War and Vietnam – this is the story of Amory Clay a photographer who lived a very full life. Much better than my des […]