In a world where Spotify algorithms are finding ever more devious ways to enter our consciousness it seems almost old-fashioned having an actual human recommend you some music. U2’s ill-fated attempt to load their new album automatically on the world’s… Read More ›
Please Please Help! Build A Beatles Playlist For Someone Who “Doesn’t Like The Beatles”
I was catching up with a friend recently when he delivered something of a bolt from the blue. With a voice that appeared as nonchalant as that of a serial killer’s he confessed, without apparent shame, that he didn’t like… Read More ›
You Can Help Make The Greatest Episode of Top of the Pops Ever!
It all started with a conversation on Twitter. Actually it was more of a musing. And it wasn’t my idea either. No, it was music writer Pete Paphides who proclaimed suddenly: What I’d really love @BBCFOUR to do one Friday… Read More ›
Welcome To Classic Rock Readers!
Welcome to Classic Rock Magazine readers! The exciting news this month (well, for me anyway. I don’t know about you. It’s probably not that exciting for you…) is that I was contacted by Classic Rock Magazine who wanted to run… Read More ›
Paul McCartney Plays Covent Garden. Best. Busker. Ever.
Friday lunchtimes don’t get much better than today’s. If it wasn’t enough stopping the traffic on Hollywood Boulevard and Times Square, Paul McCartney decided to add the woes of London’s traffic wardens by parking his great big lorry outside the… Read More ›
London Grammar – Strong First Impressions
I had an hour to kill before taking a train and a friend called to say he was going to see a band instore at Rough Trade East and did I want to join him? I said I’ll see what… Read More ›
A Look Back At Top of the Pops: 1978
As I was growing up, something of a ritual established itself on Thursday nights at 7.30pm. After tea had been consumed, typically consisting of a home made beef lasagne lovingly cooked by mum and the washing up duties squabbled over… Read More ›
Inspiral Carpets Secret Gig at Pretty Green, Covent Garden
Secret gigs are great fun, even in the days of Facebook and Twitter. There’s the uncertainty – is it genuine? Or will I stand in line for an hour for no discernible reason until I am forced to skulk off… Read More ›
Why Comebacks Are Always A Good Idea*: Bowie, Blur and Even Aerosmith
Blur guitarist Graham Coxon made a startling confession on Twitter the other day. Following the release of David Bowie’s comeback single Where Are We Now? (to a hail of publicity only matched by Tesco’s foray into selling burgers made of… Read More ›
Every record tells a story 