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 (129) – A crazy end to the Six Nations Rugby!

Posted on March 21, 2015 by John S

Well, what a great, breathless end to the Six Nations rugby! England 55-35 up against the French, needing another six points to take the title on points difference, from Ireland and Wales. A minute left on the clock. A rolling … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes – 91

Posted on March 19, 2015 by John S

On Sunday, I went to the Royal Academy, in Piccadilly, to see the Rubens and Diebenkorn exhibitions. Both really interesting, though they didn’t blow me away. I liked the weird objects in the courtyard too, intruding on the domain of … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes – 90. Breakfast at the Walkie Talkie!

Posted on March 15, 2015 by John S

The Walkie Talkie, 20 Fenchurch Street, is one of those iconic skyscrapers that have grown up in the City of London and nearby, in recent years. Since the start of the year, you can go up top to the Sky … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (62) Two electronic gems, by Redlight and Beat Spacek

Posted on March 12, 2015 by John S

Two great electronic tracks I’ve heard recently on the ever-brilliant BBC Radio 6 Music. Redlight I know nothing about. Just heard “Gold Teeth” on Tom Ravenscroft last Friday and thought, I must have this. Robotic electro describes it. Beat Spacek, … Continue reading →

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The NME Awards Tour, The Forum, Kentish Town. 4 March 2015

Posted on March 7, 2015 by John S

When I saw this gig advertised, I thought, I have to go! Not designed for the oldsters, obviously, but there was a great option. Sit in the circle and watch the youth going ape below. And they did! In a … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes – 89

Posted on March 6, 2015 by John S

Mile End, East London. For me, a place I only ever went through, on the tube, en route to Upton Park, to see the happy Hammers. The other day I went there to give a talk at Queen Mary, University … Continue reading →

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The War On Drugs, Brixton O2 Academy, 2 March 2015

Posted on March 3, 2015 by John S

A full concert by The War On Drugs is something I’ve really been looking forward to. They were brilliant at Latitude last summer – see my review of that (Sunday section). But it was only 45 minutes worth. Since then, … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (128) – An afternoon at the Olympic veldodrome

Posted on March 2, 2015 by John S

On Saturday we had a family trip to the Olympic velodrome, to watch part of the Revolution series of elite cycle races, which take place in London, Manchester and Glasgow. It was an opportunity to see how things are looking … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (61) Three songs that mention Rabbits

Posted on February 28, 2015 by John S

By a strange coincidence, three of the songs I’ve been listening to a lot recently mention our furry, big-eared friends in their titles. I’m glad to say none of the songs in question are the notorious Chas’ n’ Dave ditty … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Sportsthoughts (127) – Managerial madness at the Irons and Bees

Posted on February 22, 2015 by John S

By which I mean the madness directed at the managers… Now, regular readers of this blog will recall that I’ve not been a big fan of Sam Allardyce at West Ham. Last season, I was in the Sam out camp, … Continue reading →

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