Category Archives: Books Films, TV & Radio

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Comedy & Theatre, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Comedy & Theatre, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A new belief and sweet relief for The Coral – talking to Nick Power

Posted on September 20, 2018 by

No big moves to London or even Liverpool for The Coral, it seems, an outfit perfectly happy with life on the Wirral, 22 years after their first fumblings at getting a band together. As keyboard player Nick Power, at home … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Babelsberg calling – the Gruff Rhys interview

Posted on September 13, 2018 by

Three months after the release of a record he originally considered putting out two years earlier, musician, composer, producer, filmmaker and author Gruff Rhys is set to re-tread the boards around the UK, amid plenty of deserved acclaim for Babelsberg. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments