Apologies if it has already been mentioned but ‘Quartet’ by Leah Broad is an excellent read which introduced me to the lives and music of Ethyl Smyth, Dorothy Howell, Doreen Carwithen and Rebecca Clarke – the lat […]

I agree about From Hilde from Love – a fantastic if harrowing film. It was only at the very end that I realised it was based on a true story and that Hilde Coppi is much feted in Germany (or at least East Germany).

I know we have some people here who work or worked in publishing. Would be interested to know their take on the extent to which Penguin did or didn’t do enough due diligence- is this just an occupational hazard o […]

Yup, both of those. Also Eurythmics, 10cc.

They produced some great singles and individual tracks – Slide Away is magnificent. In that regard they are like mot of their contemporaries – Cast and Richard Ashcroft, the support acts, are perfect examples of […]

So tough, Freddy. Sounds like small steps in the right direction. How amazing that they have both of you there for them.

Twin daughters, aged 33. Both doing well in their work and their relationships – their partners are lovely guys and the girls seem very happy with them. No grandchildren as yet. Both girls like their music. […]

It’s a great thing to do – I did the same on my 60th, er, 7 years ago. Can’t claim to have played the list many times but it’s still there, and they’re all songs which mean something to me, whether just because […]

Thanks both – exactly as you express it was really great to see a room full of people for whom the music they were hearing meant so much. ‘Music doesn’t get better or worse, it stays magical’ indeed – beautifully put.

That’s my defence when the court case opens next month…

Indeed – the ladies lingerie department of my local store. Never seen her there but then I tend not to hang around the lingerie department…

Here she is at Glastonbury

Well it was cheesy as hell with strong Andre Rieu vibes but ultimately irresistible stuff. Fab to see Lulu as well.

Agreed. Not convinced so far that it’s quite as good as some of the reviews have made out but it’s certainly the best in a while and @jaygee ‘s review and the setlist also suggest he’s got his mojo back.

Those look like two great set lists. Well and indeed jell.

Talk about a perfect illustration of generational change in pop music. Neil Young and band looking like they’ve been dragged out of bed backwards and don’t give a fuck playing loud squally guitar music rooted in […]

Great review Dai. I have drawn the line at buying this because of the cost and haven’t had a listen on streaming yet, but will do. Suspect it’s maybe one to take an album at a time? To be honest I am still wor […]

Dacus reminds me of Natalie Merchant, and Tracey Thorn as well – they all have gorgeously mellow alto/contralto voices and beautifully expressed songwriting. But of course she is her own woman doing her own thing.

And as if by magic one just popped up on Twickets and I managed to get in first. Looking forward to it….