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.

Sportsthoughts (139) – Rugby World Cup: South 4 North 0

Posted on October 18, 2015 by John S

This weekend provided an absolute feast of rugby (and some pretty decent football too). It started for me with Quins’ first Premiership game of the season on Friday evening at the Stoop. They beat a good Wasps team 26-21, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Gengahr at the Scala, Kings Cross, 8 October 2015

Posted on October 11, 2015 by John S

Gengahr at the Scala was always going to be good. Their album, “A Dream Outside” is almost certainly going to be my album of 2015, unless the new Chvrches release takes over. They were excellent at Latitude, in a half … Continue reading →

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

Sportsthoughts (138) – Goodbye England!

Posted on October 3, 2015 by John S

So goodbye England. Against Fiji you were OK, but nothing more. Against Wales you were strong but gave the game away. You lacked composure and discipline when it mattered. Against Australia you lacked creativity and defensive nous. Your self belief … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Choosing a book cover

Posted on September 27, 2015 by John S

Tonight Brian Eno gave a brilliant talk at the BBC 6 Music annual John Peel lecture. His theme was the importance of art and culture and that it wasn’t just about contributing to GDP or getting a job. Early on … Continue reading →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , | 10 Comments

Ai Weiwei at the Royal Academy

Posted on September 20, 2015 by John S

The Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei’s exhibition opened at the Royal Academy on 19 September. I got to see a friends preview the day before, after work. It’s a must-see if you are in London. A fascinating insight into the artist’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Sportsthoughts (137) – 2015 Rugby World Cup predictions!

Posted on September 18, 2015 by John S

So the Rugby Union World Cup starts today with England, joint hosts with Wales, playing Fiji at Twickenham. Time to get excited! Naturally the question I most want to ask is, can England win the World Cup? Most commentators don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

lovelondonscenes – 104

Posted on September 17, 2015 by John S

From the murk of a very wet Wednesday afternoon, with the City skyline struggling to make itself seen… … to the beauty of a sunny autumnal morning today in Lammas Park, Ealing. Everything so lush and the sunshine burning off … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Have you heard? – (67) Gengahr and This Is the kit

Posted on September 6, 2015 by John S

Over the summer, especially since Latitude in mid-July, the two albums I’ve been listening to most are “A Dream Outside” by Gengahr and “Bashed Out” by This Is the Kit. I’d heard both albums before Latitude and already liked them … Continue reading →

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

lovelondonscenes – 103. A walk from Erith to Greenwich.

Posted on August 31, 2015 by John S

On the Saturday just gone, Kath and I, with our friends Jon and Maggie, took a succession of trains out to Erith, in Kent, not far from Dartford, to walk back along the River Thames into Greenwich. Why? Well, the … Continue reading →

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

Sportsthoughts (136) – West Ham’s wacky start to the season

Posted on August 30, 2015 by John S

Just four games in. I’d have been hoping for six points and we’ve got six points. I’d have expected losses away to Arsenal and Liverpool, wins at home to relegation candidates, Leicester and Bournemouth. So we beat Arsenal and Liverpool … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments