Category Archives: Music – concerts, lists, reflections

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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“How Music Works” by David Byrne

Posted on January 19, 2013 by John S

Just spent a lazy Saturday morning finishing a great book by David Byrne, called “How Music Works”. For any of you who aren’t familiar with DB, he was the frontman with the Talking Heads in the seventies and eighties and … Continue reading →

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The demise of HMV – and the end of an era

Posted on January 16, 2013 by John S

HMV, the flagship music store in the UK, has gone into administration. Perhaps a couple of the London West End stores will survive through the tourist trade, but I’m sure otherwise it is the end. HMV isn’t the first: we’ve … Continue reading →

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Music for going back to work – and school!

Posted on January 7, 2013 by John S

Tomorrow, I’m back to work after a couple of weeks off. My kids are all back to school. No matter how much you like work/school it’s always a bit hard to get back into the swing of things. You need … Continue reading →

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The Number Ones That Never Were

Posted on January 3, 2013 by John S

The BBC website had an enjoyable piece recently on some of the great singles that only ever made No 2 in the British singles charts. Listeners to Radio 2 had voted for the best ten of all time. Here are … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten – 2012 Albums and more besides…

Posted on December 22, 2012 by John S

Let’s cut to the chase. This is my Top Ten for 2012,  then I’ll explain. 1. Wrecking Ball – Bruce Springsteen 2. Dead & Born & Grown – The Staves 3. Channel Orange – Frank Ocean 4. Twins – Ty … Continue reading →

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Emily Barker at the Union Chapel… and the Rocking Trio at the King’s Head, Islington

Posted on November 22, 2012 by John S

I’ve just had the most brilliant musical evening. I’m staying up late to write about it because I’m away for the next few days. And I’m still buzzing… It started with Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo at the … Continue reading →

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Radiohead at the O2 Arena, London, 9 October 2012

Posted on October 10, 2012 by John S

On 9 October  I went with my friend Jon to see Radiohead at the O2 Arena – the Dome – in the Docklands. The best band in the world today? After last night’s concert, I would say so. What makes … Continue reading →

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We Are Augustines at Shepherds Bush O2 Empire

Posted on October 2, 2012 by John S

Any of you who read my blogs about the Latitude music festival will know that I thought We Are Augustines provided the best rock’n’roll experience of the festival. Check the review here. I’d not heard of them before that. I … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten – Olympics music highlights

Posted on August 31, 2012 by John S

The opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics were infused with great British pop music.  We love our music, and I guess that, along with American music, it travels best around the globe.  Partly because it’s in English, of … Continue reading →

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