I had “Istanbul” on my list. I only recently realised it was a cover.

I’m rather jealous of the drummer. Would have loved to have been the one guy in a girl band when I was a younger musician. Instead we were boring, all-white, middle-class, northern blokes. In a group interview […]

I once told the “specials” joke to in a restaurant to a table full of my wife’s “mother’s group” friends and their husbands. Boom tish – I finished the joke to stoney silence. Yep – astonishingly nobody had […]

I saw them at Erics in Liverpool in 1978 (apparently 9th September – isnt the internet great), supporting Tanz der Youth at the under-age matinee gig. I remember nothing of Tanz der Youth but me and my mates […]

Christopher Hitchens – always entertaining. Would have loved to let him loose on Trump.
Eh – Lennon and Harrison I suppose. I think the music was over but would have loved just to see all four hang out and be mates again.

Saw her at the Sydney Opera House. I thought she was great. I had no urge to drool.

(Saw PIL a few years ago – one of the best gigs Ive ever seen and Im not really a fan. JL was amazing.)
Worst gig was Cocteau Twins at the hacienda many years ago when they were Peel darlings. Crap.

I’m astonished. All this way down the thread and no mention of “Dear God” by XTC – b-side of “Grass”. Frankly too much of a polemic for me but is a regular in “best b-side” lists.

I think this would be more interesting if limited to, say the last 10 years. Most of us spent our early years immersed in some childish obsession. There is nothing more obsessive than a 12 year old boy. […]

These are fab. There goes my social life for a few days. Marriage rocks again.

That’s a jolly good idea – and first off the block. Thanks

Me too. Can-Utility is my number one (with Musical Box number 2)

My origin story. It’s early 1975. Im 13 years old and had joined the local drama group to be with my mate and maybe get to hang out with some girls. One evening the drama teacher made us do improv to the bell […]

They got better with each album until peaking with Apple Venus IMHO. Easter Theatre is AP’s masterpiece and a solid choice for my Desert Island when I finally get asked.

Paul – if you haven’t heard Blonde on Blonde or Highway 61 (or even Blood on the Tracks) you are probably the winner

Love the Dukes of Stratosphear – but are they pastiche or parody? I cant quite work it out