Category Archives: Books Films, TV & Radio

Hugh Cornwell – Clitheroe, The Grand

Posted on November 13, 2018 by

  Apparently, four punters needed St John Ambulance medical attention in Kendal the night before I got to see Hugh Cornwell and his band’s two assured sets in not so far off Clitheroe. With that in mind, Hugh told the … Continue reading →

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Behold what she has done – back in touch with Hazel O’Connor

Posted on November 9, 2018 by

Hazel O’Connor was at home in County Wicklow when I caught up with her, after a long haul from a gig in Taunton, Somerset, including a late-night Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire ferry. “My boat got me in about half past midnight. It’s … Continue reading →

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Blancmange – Darwen Library Theatre, November 7th, 2018

Posted on November 8, 2018 by

If you’ve not yet caught up with Wanderlust, the latest album from Blancmange, you’re missing out. After several weeks’ rotation around the house and in the car, I put it to one side for a couple of weeks. But now … Continue reading →

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Two Preston nights to remember: part one – The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Preston Guild Hall

Posted on November 5, 2018 by

It seems a little arse about face to start a review with the opening encore, but it was Eric Bogle’s ‘The Green Fields of France (No Man’s Land’) that sent shivers up the spine on Saturday night. A song The … Continue reading →

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From record shop pilgrimages to transatlantic discovery – talking The Decemberists with Colin Meloy

Posted on November 1, 2018 by

This weekend, The Decemberists leave Portland, Oregon for their latest UK and mainland European tour. But don’t expect them to have worked on the set these last couple of weeks. As vocalist/guitarist and occasional children’s author Colin Meloy explained, “We’ve been … Continue reading →

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The Men They Couldn’t Hang, still on the loose, avoiding the noose – the Phil Odgers interview

Posted on October 26, 2018 by

Listen to Cock-a-Hoop, the new record by The Men They Couldn’t Hang, and you get an album by a band sounding as fresh today as when their first album was released in 1985. What’s more, the subject matter of their … Continue reading →

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The Proclaimers / Jack Lukeman – Sheffield City Hall

Posted on October 23, 2018 by

There was a rather understated vibe as Craig and Charlie Reid first took to the stage on Sunday night alongside their bandmates in Sheffield. But with The Proclaimers it’s always been about the songs first and foremost. I’m not sure … Continue reading →

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In off the Rebound – the Eleanor Friedberger feature

Posted on October 12, 2018 by

Before I even ask Eleanor Friedberger a question, I’m being heckled by her Dad about cricket. I’d expect sledging from Australians, but not someone from Chicago, Illinois. Turns out he’s originally from Northamptonshire, picking up on where I was calling from, … Continue reading →

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Happy families seek Wanderlust – Neil Arthur’s continuing Blancmange adventure

Posted on October 4, 2018 by

At a time when international debate and key government policies are focused on borders and freedom of movement, it’s clear to see where Neil Arthur stands and draws his lines. High-ranking pop chart success may be behind the sole survivor … Continue reading →

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Everything’s coming up Rosy with Goat Girl

Posted on September 27, 2018 by

After a delay while she was getting to New Cross on the train, Rosy Bones had reached the pub by the time I got hold of her late on Tuesday afternoon, visiting friends after a day of ‘admin’ and a visit … Continue reading →

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