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.

Kylie at Hampton Court Palace, 21 June 2019

Posted on July 8, 2019 by John S

KYLIE! Our favourite Aussie pop star is back in Europe for a tour, which recently took in the Legends slot at Glastonbury, as British and Irish readers may have seen on the BBC. I still haven’t watched that show on … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 162 – the City in black and white

Posted on June 23, 2019 by John S

A week or so ago I had an afternoon stroll through the City. I got off the tube at Holborn and headed east, down High Holborn, over Holborn Viaduct, along Newgate Street and Cheapside eventually to Leadenhall Street, where most … Continue reading →

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Billie Marten at Islington Assembly Hall, 13 June 2019

Posted on June 16, 2019 by John S

I first came across Billie Marten last year. I was listening to 6 Music one morning and she was playing a session on Tom Ravenscroft’s programme, when he was covering for Lauren Laverne. I was immediately taken by the mellow … Continue reading →

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The Music of Nashville, May 2019

Posted on June 8, 2019 by John S

This May my wife Kath and I spent a week in Nashville, Tennessee (I spent a further week in the state, exploring Memphis and Chattanooga – more of that another time). It was something that I’ve wanted to do for … Continue reading →

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Big Thief at SWX Bristol, 24 May 2019

Posted on May 25, 2019 by John S

Big Thief are a band from New York who play music that gets defined as indie/folk, although they don’t fit easily into any category. They are: Adrienne Lenker (vocals, guitar), Buck Meek (guitar, backing vocals), Max Oleartchik (bass) and James … Continue reading →

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On re-reading “1984” – the Brexit connection

Posted on May 24, 2019 by John S

Over the last few days I’ve done a fair bit of travelling. Memphis to Chattanooga by bus, then back to Nashville, and the flight home via Detroit. Amongst other things I took the opportunity to re-read George Orwell’s dystopian classic … Continue reading →

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Honeyblood at the O2 Academy, Leicester, 2 May 2019

Posted on May 5, 2019 by John S

Yesterday I went up to Leicester to see Honeyblood play at the O2 Academy, which is located in the grounds of the University. It’s just down the road from Leicester De Montfort Hall, which has a special place in my … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 161 – A Hammersmith Sunset

Posted on April 19, 2019 by John S

I’ve been meaning meaning to post this one for ages. In fact, since I took the photos towards the end of January this year. Not the first pictures I’ve taken of this part of the river; but it is perfect … Continue reading →

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Pom Poko at the Lexington,10 April 2019

Posted on April 13, 2019 by John S

Pom Poko are from Norway. They are an interesting band. A short description of their music would be post-prog-punk. In other words, lots of time changes, all sorts of guitar noodles and some wild riffs. Sounds familiar, but also like … Continue reading →

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Ward Thomas at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 3 April 2019

Posted on April 10, 2019 by John S

Ward Thomas are two sisters from Portsmouth, Catherine and Lizzy, who are one of the UK’s leading country performers – country with a big pop inflection. They released their third album, “Restless Minds”, this year. It’s bursting with infectious pop … Continue reading →

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