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 141 – Heron Tower, City of london

Posted on February 10, 2018 by John S

I took these shots the Friday before last. I was on London Wall, near the place I’m getting some physio for my back at the moment. The sun was shining through the clouds, and the side of the tower positively … Continue reading →

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Four concerts: Francis Dunnery, This is the Kit, Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker and Honeyblood

Posted on February 3, 2018 by John S

I had a great little run of concerts recently. Got the New Year going. All small-to-medium in scale and based in West London, and including Honeyblood. The best band. The fun started on Sunday 21 January at Bush Hall in … Continue reading →

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The Guitar is the Star

Posted on January 27, 2018 by John S

I’ve been mucking around with a playlist on Spotify tonight, on and off. Inspired by my favourite tune of the moment, “Honey” by Pumarosa, which I wrote about recently. Since then it’s grown on me even more. The wonderful tension … Continue reading →

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Mark.E.Smith of the Fall

Posted on January 24, 2018 by John S

It was announced tonight that Mark.E.Smith, the leader of the Fall, had died, age 60. The person who told me was Marc Riley on BBC 6 Music, who had actually been in the Fall in their early days. He got … Continue reading →

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Dolores O’Riordan of the Cranberries

Posted on January 19, 2018 by John S

I was sad to hear of the death, at such an early age, of Dolores O’Riordan this week. The reports in the Guardian suggested that she had had quite a troubled life. But, in their heyday, the Cranberries, for whom … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (161). Premier League 2017-18 predictions – half time report

Posted on January 6, 2018 by John S

So, the mad Christmas/ New Year fixture pile up is over, managers have had their moan about the strains it puts on the players (they have a point) and attention turns, briefly, to the FA Cup, where most Premier League … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (86) “Alternative Facts” by Mush

Posted on January 6, 2018 by John S

Mush are a slacker indie band from Leeds. I don’t know a lot about them, except that when I first heard “Alternative Facts” on Marc Riley a few months ago, I was immediately captivated, both by the ridiculously catchy riff … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 140 – An Urban Sunset

Posted on January 4, 2018 by John S

I took these photos  on a Sunday in late November in Northfields, where I live. It had been one of those sunny, cold, crisp days, and a decent sunset was nailed on, looking west. This is what I saw.  

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Have you Heard? – (85) “Honey” by Pumarosa

Posted on January 2, 2018 by John S

As we move into the new year, this is the tune I’m loving most. Pumarosa are quite a new band. They are great live. I saw them at Village Underground in Shoreditch in 2016 and Latitude before that. Singer Isabel … Continue reading →

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A soundtrack for the New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2018 by John S

A happy New Year to you all. Hope 2018 is a good one for you. And let’s hope some sanity returns to politics. I rustled this playlist up on Spotify for a bit of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. A … Continue reading →

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