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.

Have you Heard? – (77) The latest from James Blake and Frank Ocean

Posted on September 18, 2016 by John S

I’m talking about “The Colour in Anything” by James Blake and “Blonde” by Frank Ocean. I’ve been meaning to review James Blake’s “The Colour in Anything” for ages. It came out in May, at about the same time as Radiohead’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

End of the Road festival, 2016

Posted on September 8, 2016 by John S

  This year, my friend Jon G and I decided that we should try a second festival after Latitude. We chose End of the Road, which, as its name suggests, is one of the last big festivals of the season … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Have you Heard? – (75) “Where Boys Fear to Tread’ by Smashing Pumpkins

Posted on August 23, 2016 by John S

I’m on the tube, coming back from a few beers with my good friend Paul D. Music a big topic of conversation through the evening. He is a massive fan of Neil Young, Grateful Dead and Americana, as well as … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A Walk around Canvey Island

Posted on August 22, 2016 by John S

Last weekend, Kath and I and our friends Jon and Maggie took a train to Benfleet in Essex, on the Thames estuary, and walked over to and round Canvey Island. Why? you may ask – if you have heard of … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Photos | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

lovelondonscenes 114 – Royal Academy

Posted on August 19, 2016 by John S

The latest sculpture in the courtyard of the Royal Academy, “Spyre” by Ron Arad, moves about and films proceedings in the space. Part of the Summer Exhibition, which I went to see for the first time this evening, two days … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Sportsthoughts (153) – Time for those Premier League predictions!

Posted on August 12, 2016 by John S

It’s that that time again, to try to predict the outcome of a Premier League which becomes more unpredictable with every season. Last year was the most extraordinary, with Leicester City, one of the favourites for relegation when the season … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Two novels with jazz

Posted on August 5, 2016 by John S

I’ve read two novels this holiday in which jazz plays a part. Sometimes subversive, always arousing emotions, inspiring the writer. When I wrote about jazz in my book, “I Was There – A Musical Journey”, I described a music that … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Latitude 2016

Posted on July 19, 2016 by John S

Another year, another Latitude. My fifth. Three days when you shake off the daily grind and just relax, watch 30 bands, drink Tuborg and enjoy the sense of community that is all around. OK, if it rains there is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Massive Attack and Elvis Costello live, July 2016

Posted on July 9, 2016 by John S

Not together, but two of my all-time favourite artists played in London this month. Massive Attack opened the British Summer Time series of live concerts in Hyde Park on Friday 1 July. Elvis Costello and the Imposters played the Roundhouse … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

lovelondonscenes 113 – Night view from Hungerford Bridge

Posted on July 9, 2016 by John S

A view I never tire of – the lights of London as darkness falls. Been a bit slack on the London photos recently. Too much work… and football on TV. Plenty stored up, and always something round the corner. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments