Author Archives: John S

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About John S

I'm blogging about the things I love: music, sport, culture, London, with some photos to illustrate aspects of our wonderful city. I’ve written a novel called “The Decision”, a futuristic political thriller, and first of a trilogy. I’m also the author of a book on music since the 1970s called “ I Was There - A Musical Journey” and a volume of poetry about youth, “Growin’ Up - Snapshots/ Fragments”. All available on Amazon and Kindle.

Two kinds of Indie: The Murder Capital at SWX Bristol; Gengahr at EartH Hackney

Posted on February 22, 2020 by John S

I’ve been to two concerts this week: one incredibly good, the other a bit disappointing. It’s prompted the thought: how many indie bands were at their best with their first album? All those ideas that built up over their youth … Continue reading →

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Angel Olsen at the Hammersmith Apollo, 11 February 2020

Posted on February 12, 2020 by John S

Angel Olsen is an American singer-songwriter with a bit of edge who knows how to rock. I first came across her music when she released her 2016 album “My Woman”, which met with a lot of acclaim. I liked her … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 167 – from Canary Wharf to Islington

Posted on January 19, 2020 by John S

I went on a walk Friday before last with the main intention of doing the bit of the Regent’s Canal that I hadn’t done before, which was the stretch between Haggerston, and Limehouse basin, by the Thames. The most eastern … Continue reading →

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Dorset coastal skies

Posted on January 6, 2020 by John S

The sea, fresh air, bracing winds and big skies. These are some of the joys of escaping from London – much as we love it – and walking along the coasts of Britain. It works wherever you are – it … Continue reading →

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The rain forest of Lyme Regis

Posted on January 5, 2020 by John S

Between 29 December and 3 January my wife Kath, friends Jon and Maggie and I stayed in Lyme Regis, on the Dorset coast – almost but not quite Devon. Lyme itself is a lovely town and there are some great … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten Albums of 2019

Posted on December 14, 2019 by John S

I always enjoy compiling this list and it’s been particularly difficult this year to decide what should be No 1. There are four or five records that, at some point, I’ve thought, this is definitely going to be No 1. … Continue reading →

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The Election – What if we had PR?

Posted on December 14, 2019 by John S

The Conservatives have just won the UK general election convincingly. The people have spoken, we are told. They want to get Brexit done, and done it will be (though it will take a lot longer than the Tories are letting … Continue reading →

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A trio of concerts: Julia Jacklin, Fat White Family and Aldous Harding, 3-5 December 2019

Posted on December 6, 2019 by John S

A little burst of concerts this week: three in succession from Tuesday to Thursday. A bit of beauty and the beast, musically speaking. Julia Jacklin and Aldous Harding, with Fat White Family in between. Julia and Aldous are two great … Continue reading →

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Pumarosa at EartH, Hackney, 27 November 2019

Posted on November 28, 2019 by John S

Pumarosa are a band I like a lot. I first saw them play at Latitude in 2016, where they made an excellent impression. Later that year I saw them at Village Underground in Shoreditch, where they put on a dazzling … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 166 – Autumn Colours, West London

Posted on November 26, 2019 by John S

Three Sundays ago the weather was good and I needed a walk. I kept it local, but managed ten miles on the way. Through Gunnersbury Park (much of which is fenced off at the moment) down to Kew Bridge; upstream … Continue reading →

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