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.

Jack Garratt at Hammersmith Apollo, 24 November 2016

Posted on December 4, 2016 by John S

Jack Garratt recently played two nights at Hammersmith Apollo. I saw the second show. He was at Latitude in 2014 in the i-Arena tent in the Woods. It was clear something was going on. It was packed and the reception … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (155) – Deadly December!

Posted on November 28, 2016 by John S

December, rather than April, is the cruellest month when it comes to the Premier League – for managers. With the transfer window in January looming in January, chairmen start to question whether they want the current manager in post to … Continue reading →

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Gengahr at the Courtyard Theatre, Shoreditch, 25 November 2016

Posted on November 26, 2016 by John S

Tonight, after a couple of beers to see off a Kiwi colleague who’s heading back to New Zealand, I went to see my favourite indie band of recent times, Gengahr. Always such a great band live, and, as you’ll know … Continue reading →

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“I Was There – A Musical Journey”. Now on Amazon and Kindle!

Posted on November 26, 2016 by John S

  Finally! All the tweaks and formatting done. The page index revised, then revised again.  “I Was There – A Musical Journey”, the story of my musical life, is now available on Amazon and Kindle. You can see the Amazon … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

“Born to Run” (the autobiography) by Bruce Springsteen

Posted on November 21, 2016 by John S

Bruce Springsteen is responsible for the best record I ever heard – “Darkness on the Edge of Town”. He is responsible for the best concert I ever saw – Wembley in 2013, when he played the whole of “Darkness on … Continue reading →

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Have you Heard?- (80) “The Sound of Crying” by Prefab Sprout

Posted on November 13, 2016 by John S

I don’t know if you’ll all know Prefab Sprout. They are an English band, who shone brightest in the 1980s, led by singer and all-round musician Paddy McAloon. They were indie I guess, but with a touch of Steely Dan … Continue reading →

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Whitney and Julia Jacklin at Koko, Camden, 10 November 2016

Posted on November 11, 2016 by John S

Last night my friend Jon and I went up to Koko in Camden to catch up with a couple of bands who were at End of the Road but we missed. Julia Jacklin, an Aussie singer whose sound could be … Continue reading →

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Songs for America

Posted on November 9, 2016 by John S

Woke up this morning… 6.45. Grab the iPhone. Guardian news app. The latest on Hillary’s victory margin.  It’s all Trump. Why is it all about Trump? Oh…… ‘Tis democracy. The American people have spoken. Just like the people of England … Continue reading →

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The Big Moon at the Scala, Kings Cross, 3 November 2016

Posted on November 4, 2016 by John S

  To the Scala in Kings Cross to see The Big Moon, another of the bands I saw for the first time at End of the Road, and really liked. In fact I saw them twice at End of the … Continue reading →

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Have you Heard? – (79) “Ear to the Door” by Blue House

Posted on November 3, 2016 by John S

I’ve got a new favourite song – one of those I just can’t stop playing. And it doesn’t rock! It chugs along in a Velvet Underground fashion. It isn’t dead sad either; instead it’s a wistful reflection on a break … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments