Tag Archives: music

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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2012 – my blog in review. By WordPress

Posted on December 30, 2012 by John S

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Well it’s nice of Word Press to do this, so I thought I should share it with all of you who read my blog. With massive thanks … 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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Have You Heard? – (30) What the Stranglers and Smith and Mighty did to “Walk On By”

Posted on December 8, 2012 by John S

“Walk On By” is a classic sixties soul song with a jazzy shuffle and lazy trumpet absolutely typical of the era. Penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who else? A poignant break up tune: if you see me walking … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (29) “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”

Posted on December 6, 2012 by John S

With apologies to any all-out rockers reading this blog, who might have strayed this way having read my Top Ten on Air Guitar, this is all about a wonderful love song. No riffs, just beauty… “The First Time Ever I … 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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Have You Heard? – (28) Grand Drive

Posted on November 20, 2012 by John S

Grand Drive are one of my favourite bands of the 2000s. You could call them Americana, country rock, a combination of the Byrds, Neil Young, Crowded House and Teenage Fanclub with a hint of Bruce Springsteen. Or you could just … Continue reading →

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Have you Heard? – (27) “Dead & Born & Grown” by The Staves

Posted on November 16, 2012 by John S

The Staves are three sisters from Watford (which is just outside London) who sing the most beautiful harmonies. Jessica, Emily and Camilla. Their music is kind of folk, kind of pop. It’s a music that highlights the voices: most of … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (26) “Walk Away Renee” by Billy Bragg

Posted on November 8, 2012 by John S

You’ll probably know this song, if you do at all, through the Four Tops version.  A grand, rather desperate plea. There should be a “Just” in the title. But I want to share with you a version that you may … Continue reading →

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Have You heard? – (25) “Hearts of Stone” by Johnny, Bruce and Danny

Posted on November 1, 2012 by John S

This is the last dance, the last chance, for hearts of stone… Johnny… Southside Johnny of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Bruce… The Boss, Springsteen. Danny… Wilson, main man behind Grand Drive, a great Americana band, based in South London! The … Continue reading →

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