The Afterword

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“Stingo’s written me another house!”

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El Heppo has alluded to the troubles that occur within a band when some of them realise that the singer has a much bigger house than the others. Apparently The Police – and this has been alluded to in interviews – had an agreement where arranger’s fees were paid to what we colloquially refer to as ‘the other two’, however Mr. Sumner’s learned friends are arguing that, technically, this refers to ‘records’ and not streaming revenues. This seems unfair and nitpicking to me, notwithstanding that (a) he doesn’t need the money and (b) no-one’s sampling ‘Every Breath You Take’ for the bass part. Surely the track is the track, whatever medium we enjoy it through?

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/14/cant-stand-losing-out-battle-over-the-police-royalties-reaches-high-court

Best Music Podcasts

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Have ventured into the world of podcasts with a little effort of my own. It’s on 80s music, so unlikely to be of much interest here, but I am looking for other recommended music podcasts – especially ones that do interviews, to compare and contrast.

What are the best ones out there? I already listen to The Hustle (and regularly chat with the host, Jon) and Rockenteurs. Any other goodies you would recommend?

For mine, so far i’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Langer/Winstanley, Hugh Padgham, Stephen Lipson, Chris Hughes and many others (did a whole season of interviews relating to Tears For Fears) and I am looking to check out the competition! (albeit from a much lower level…)

[Would also be grateful for any feedback on my little effort..cheers]

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/80sography-80s-music-one-artist-at-a-time/id1486104117

Mondegreens Revisited

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I keep saying, “I don’t listen to lyrics.” But, of course I do. A little. Sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I still can’t make out what the singer is on about. It’s often easier simply to lie back, relax, let the music wash over me and accept the words merely as a means of allowing the human voice to act as an instrument. Then, occasionally, a word or phrase bubbles up that catches my ear.

I have listened to Every Breath You Take thousands of times. I like it but my dad really loved it. Today, I heard it again on the radio. At 55 seconds in, the chorus starts, the second line of which turns out to be, “How my poo-hole aches, with every step you take.” I’d never noticed before. It didn’t surprise me. After all, Sting has issues.