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.

lovelondonscenes 164 – Kings Cross and Camden by the Regent’s Canal

Posted on October 27, 2019 by John S

Today was autumn’s collision with winter, as the clocks went back. But it was also a lovely sunny day and not too cold. A respite after rain, rain, rain. I took the Piccadilly Line up to King’s Cross and walked … Continue reading →

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Pom Poko at the Scala, Kings Cross, 23 October 2019

Posted on October 26, 2019 by John S

Pom Poko, a Norwegian band who can only be described prog-punk, are playing their biggest UK tour yet this month. They released their debut album “Birthday” in February and this performance at the Scala in Kings Cross was the third … Continue reading →

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The She Street Band at the Clapham Grand, 18 October 2019

Posted on October 22, 2019 by John S

Another year, another She Street Band concert! Last year in October it was at the Scala in King’s Cross. This time it was at the Clapham Grand in south-west London. First time I’d been there and I liked the place. … Continue reading →

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Holly Herndon at the Barbican, 16 October 2019

Posted on October 21, 2019 by John S

Holly Herndon is an American electronic artist who lives in Berlin. She’s originally from East Tennessee and studied music in Oakland, California. She’s someone I’ve heard from time to time on BBC 6 Music – DJ Mary Anne Hobbs is … Continue reading →

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Music and Landscape – a concert and album by Caoimhin O Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett; a book by Richard King

Posted on October 10, 2019 by John S

Music has always been connected to its environment, and to the landscape – or the seascape, the cityscape. Environment can shape the nature of music – is it to be played outdoors or in a cathedral, in a club or … Continue reading →

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Barrie Masters of Eddie and the Hot Rods – a tribute

Posted on October 2, 2019 by John S

We got the news today that Barrie Masters, the lead singer with Eddie and the Hot Rods, had died suddenly. He was 63. The Rods were still performing until recently, although he was the only remaining member of the original … Continue reading →

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“The Beatles: Hornsey Road” by Mark Lewisohn, Bristol Redgrave Theatre 23 September 2019

Posted on September 24, 2019 by John S

I went down to Bristol yesterday to see the author Mark Lewisohn’s presentation about the making of the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and their final days at the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton. I’d read about it in the Guardian a couple … Continue reading →

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The rule of law strikes back!

Posted on September 24, 2019 by John S

When I first saw the news today about the Supreme Court’s judgement on the prorogation of Parliament I experienced an unfamiliar emotion when in comes to anything related to politics: happiness. As I went onto Twitter and read more – … Continue reading →

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My Top 50 Albums 2000-18

Posted on September 21, 2019 by John S

The Guardian recently published a list of the Top 100 albums of the 21st century. It was pretty good, but nothing like what my list would be. So I thought I’d do my own 50. I must stress that this … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 163 – Another Hammersmith sunset

Posted on September 19, 2019 by John S

Yesterday I had a couple of beers with my friend Jon E at the Rutland Arms, on the river by Hammersmith Bridge. The sun was beginning to set as we arrived at 6.30 and had slipped behind the trees by … Continue reading →

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