Category Archives: Books Films, TV & Radio

Hold tight, now we’re on our own – the Fay Fife interview

Four decades after first gracing our TV screens, belting out the tremendous ‘Top of the Pops’ on the iconic BBC chart show of the same name, the alluring Fay Fife clearly still has a passion for rock’n’roll. Anyone who’s caught … Continue reading

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Glade Alive – the John Bramwell interview

If there’s a camper van parked outside the Continental in Preston, Lancashire, on Thursday, September 6th, you can rest assured that John Bramwell has safely arrived from Cheshire’s clutches. The esteemed guitarist/singer/songwriter will be at the Ribbleside hostelry to play … Continue reading

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Popping back t’ Cornershop – the Tjinder Singh interview

There’s a brand new single out from indie-dance favourites Cornershop, a band Mojo have dubbed ‘the quintessential 21st-century pop group’, The Independent labelled ‘cultural critique you can dance to’, and The Guardian reckon are ‘clever and engaging, happily detached from the mainstream’. … Continue reading

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Stepping back to gain perspective with The Proclaimers – the Charlie Reid interview

This weekend, Cooking Vinyl release Angry Cyclist, the 11th studio album from The Proclaimers, with plenty of dates between now and the end of the year to celebrate on both sides of the Atlantic. Their first LP since 2015’s Let’s Hear … Continue reading

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Examining Extraordinary Times – exploring James’ world with Saul Davies

After 19 UK top-40 singles and 14 top-40 albums in 32 years, you’d think North West outfit James might be happy enough just playing their greatest hits these days. Not a bit of it though. For while this Manchester success story … Continue reading

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Raindrops splash rainbows – revisiting the Lightning Seeds with Ian Broudie

  It’s been a happening summer for Ian Broudie, back in the limelight with the ‘Three Lions’ single amid a number of festival and studio commitments, topping the charts for a third time on the back of a successful England … Continue reading

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Celebrating The Day I Was There – the Neil Cossar interview

Music was always a passion for Neil Cossar, from teenage years learning guitar and dropping by at a record stall on Stockport Market through to minor early ’80s success with his band, a move into radio and establishing his This … Continue reading

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And I thought you might like to know – the Jim Lea interview

It’s not, erm, everyday you get to talk to a childhood hero, but Jim Lea definitely falls into that category for me. I was barely four when his band scored the first of six UK No.1 singles with ‘Coz I … Continue reading

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The healing power of music – talking Trouble Songs with Stuart Bailie

Stuart Bailie was chasing invoices when I called him in Belfast, facing up to one of the less glamorous facets of life as a freelance writer, yet part of the job he reckons takes up most of his time. And … Continue reading

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The Vapors – Manchester, The Ruby Lounge

This was my first rail outing to Manchester since Public Service Broadcasting at the Ritz three years ago ended with the dreaded Bus Replacement Service return-trip, and came 18 months after my last Ruby Lounge visit, for The Blue Aeroplanes. … Continue reading

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