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.

“Painting the Modern Garden – Monet to Matisse”, at the Royal Academy

Posted on April 20, 2016 by John S

The exhibition, “Painting the Modern Garden – Monet to Matisse” at the Royal Academy, has just closed. I went a couple of times, and what a wonderful collection! This was art at it’s most appealing: you want stunning scenery, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, London | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

“The Chimes” by Anna Smaill

Posted on April 11, 2016 by John S

  I’ve just finished reading a rather intriguing and gripping novel called “The Chimes” by Anna Smaill, a New Zealand author. It was long listed for last year’s Booker prize, but I only came across it when I googled “dystopian … Continue reading →

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Two great concerts: Wolf Alice at the Forum; Chvrches at the Royal Albert Hall

Posted on April 1, 2016 by John S

This week I’ve been to two outstanding concerts. On Tuesday it was Wolf Alice at the Forum in Kentish Town. Last night, Chvrches at the Royal Albert Hall. Wolf Alice Chvrches I went to Wolf Alice with my friend Jon … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Sportsthoughts (146) – Two great days of sport: Cheltenham, Chelsea v West Ham and England’s Grand Slam

Posted on March 22, 2016 by John S

Yes, two great days of sports viewing, with a decent amount of beer and wine drinking thrown in! Sometimes it just has to be done… On Friday, just gone, I took the day off work, with a few friends, to … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

My Top Twenty – Scottish pop tunes!

Posted on March 16, 2016 by John S

This one got sparked off by a recent discussion at work about SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon’s choices on Desert Island Discs. Mostly Scottish, but that turned out to be quite wide-ranging, many not exactly Scottish. It got me thinking about … Continue reading →

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

From Bethnal Green to Elephant and Castle: the language of place, the roots of English music and its twisted offspring

Posted on March 10, 2016 by John S

Two rather different evenings yesterday and today. Last night I was at St John’s Church in Bethnal Green to hear three talks on the Language of Place and some folk music from the Memory Band; tonight it was the irrepressible … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Have You Heard? – (72) Erohs Shore

Posted on March 7, 2016 by John S

So, just to to say that one of my blog followers, Resa, put me on to this band, and her partner is involved. But as you’ll know, if you follow this blog, I only write about music I like, and … Continue reading →

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

Sportsthoughts (145) – Can England win the Grand Slam?

Posted on February 28, 2016 by John S

Three games into the Six Nations. England the only team with a 100% record. So can they do it, can they win the Grand Slam? The Welsh and French will say no, with games to come. The Scots and Irish … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

I Was There is here!

Posted on February 27, 2016 by John S

Eight years in the making, my music book, “I Was There – A Musical Journey”, finally emerges from the printers! This edition isn’t for sale, but I’m working on a version that will be ready for selling soon. So watch … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Sportsthoughts (144) – The genius of Dimitri Payet

Posted on February 24, 2016 by John S

West Ham have a new hero. A midfielder with such skill – and passion – that he ranks with the greats of our club. I’m talking midfield creatives here, so the World Cup 66 trio aren’t involved. We are talking … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments