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.

Bryan Ferry at Hampton Court Palace, 21 June 2017

Posted on June 25, 2017 by John S

On Wednesday 21 June a few of us headed down to Hampton Court for a bit of musical nostalgia. Bryan Ferry, once the lead man in Roxy Music, for which we will revere him forever. Set lists from earlier shows … Continue reading →

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Reflections on Radiohead at Glastonbury 2017

Posted on June 24, 2017 by John S

After staying up to 2am watching the BBC coverage of Glastonbury, and then getting up quite early to watch the Lions lose to the All Blacks, I’ve been having a lazy Saturday. Amongst other things, playing Radiohead and reflecting on … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 133 – Vauxhall Bridge/St George’s Wharf at low tide

Posted on June 24, 2017 by John S

Took this shot last Wednesday on the way into during our heatwave, which we all moaned about of course. I really like this scene – there’s something surreal about the architecture – always reminds me of Star Wars. And the … Continue reading →

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Honeyblood at Koko, Camden, 16 June 2017

Posted on June 17, 2017 by John S

I’d been waiting for this one with real anticipation, ever since it dawned on me that Honeyblood had made two of the finest albums that I have heard for a long time. When I reviewed “Babes Never Die”, I was … Continue reading →

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Have you Heard? – (82) “Slowdive” by Slowdive

Posted on June 10, 2017 by John S

Slowdive are a band who were cast as part of the “shoegaze” movement on the early 1990s. Music in which the guitars drifted and occasionally roared, and the vocals were dreamy. Haircuts were floppy. I was not averse to this … Continue reading →

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A summer songs playlist

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John S

A friend at work asked me for a summer playlist. It’s on Spotify. A bit of a mix of the breezy, the dancey, the sultry and the chilled. Open to suggestions for additions!

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Field Day festival, Victoria Park, Hackney, 3 June 2017

Posted on June 6, 2017 by John S

On Saturday, my friend Jon and I went up to Hackney in East London, Victoria Park to be precise, for the Field Day music festival. It’s the first time either of us had been, although it has been well-established for … Continue reading →

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My Top Twenty – Steely Dan Songs

Posted on May 29, 2017 by John S

The other day, one of my biggest blog followers (a select bunch!), he who shall be known as DC, requested a Steely Dan top ten. This stemmed from a show we went to last year, at the Half Moon, Putney, … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 132 – A short Thames walk, from Hammersmith to Kew

Posted on May 29, 2017 by John S

Yesterday, Jon, Maggie, Kath and I did a completist walk, filling in a gap in what we’ve walked together, though the route was very familiar to me, at least, having cycled it a zillion times. Starting at Hammersmith Bridge and … Continue reading →

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Love and Hope (for Manchester)

Posted on May 23, 2017 by John S

Last night’s atrocity at the Manchester Arena is beyond words, as many, including the singer Ariana Grande in the aftermath, have said. Beyond senseless. Pure evil. I have nothing I can add to that – just my heartfelt best wishes … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments