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? – (35) “Man Next Door” by Massive Attack

Posted on March 22, 2013 by John S

  In 1998, Massive Attack released their third album “Mezzanine”. While I love its predecessor, “Protection”, I’m coming round to the view that “Mezzanine” is Massive Attack’s finest work. It’s a dark and foreboding album, full of sinister sounds and … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (67) – Wales win the Six Nations

Posted on March 17, 2013 by John S

So, when I last wrote about the Six Nations rugby, after two games, England were looking good, after victories over Scotland and Ireland. At the time, the main surprise was that France had lost their first two games, first against … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten – “Duende”… Sad Songs

Posted on March 10, 2013 by John S

Back in 2008 – it doesn’t seem that long ago – the music journalist Laura Barton wrote a wonderful piece in her Guardian column, “Hail, Hail Rock’n’Roll” about what she called Duende, or what the singer Nick Cave described as … Continue reading →

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Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo, Hoxton Hall, 8 March 2013

Posted on March 9, 2013 by John S

I went to see Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo at Hoxton Hall, just north of the City, on Friday night. It was the last of three gigs in London featuring songs from the forthcoming album, “Dear River”. It’s … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (66) – Quins lose at home again, 16-27 v Exeter

Posted on March 3, 2013 by John S

I have a lot of fun blogging about how good Quins are. So here’s one for balance. Second defeat in three at home. The first was 16-17 against a resurgent Wasps. Not a great performance, but a game that could … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (34) “Chemical Imbalance” (DJ Die Mix) by Karime Kendra

Posted on February 28, 2013 by John S

If you like your dance music stripped back to a raw drum and bass beat, with a pretty vocal floating on top, then try this. I reacquainted myself with this track last week, when I was writing about a brilliant … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (65) – Undone by Bale: West Ham 2 Tottenham 3

Posted on February 26, 2013 by John S

Oh West Ham what are you doing? 2-1 up against a very good Spurs team with 14 minutes to go, and blew it. Great chance to go 3-1 up spurned by Matt Taylor. It would have been so good! A … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (33) “Little Sunflower” by the East New York Ensemble de Music

Posted on February 20, 2013 by John S

OK, so this is obscure! But it’s good. It’s school half term this week, and I had a few days of holiday left before the end of March, so I decided to take the week off. Be around for the … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (64) – Quins 25 Leicester 21: Danny returns!

Posted on February 18, 2013 by John S

With the Six Nations in full flow, club rugby has to make do. If you are a top club – like Harlequins – you lose some of your best players for a couple of months. The ones who are first … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (63) – Six Nations: the story so far

Posted on February 10, 2013 by John S

So after two rounds, how are those predictions from Sportsthoughts 61 looking? Well, most important, it’s looking good for England so far. In the first game, with a bold attacking performance at Twickenham, they beat Scotland 38-18. Until the last … Continue reading →

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