Category Archives: Music

Edwyn Collins / Gabi Garbutt and the Illuminations – Manchester Gorilla

Amid the post-summer holiday trudge back to work, I reckon we all need pick-me-ups, familiar despondency at days getting shorter and temperatures dropping – irrespective of global warming crises – taking its toll. Meanwhile the Government and UK itself is … Continue reading

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Space: the vinyl frontier – back in touch with Ian McNabb

It was the morning after the night before when I called Ian McNabb, and it was just sinking in that it wasn’t just a bad dream. Boris Johnson really was the new Prime Minister, as the Cold Shoulder and Icicle … Continue reading

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Intergalactic Sonic Trio: the Further Adventures of Ash – in conversation with Rick McMurray

Rick McMurray was at home in Edinburgh when I called, all set for the next run of live appearances with Ash, the following fortnight alone including outdoor festivals in Devon, Lancashire, Hampshire and Warwickshire, and club dates in Reading and … Continue reading

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Introducing The Amber List – in conversation with Mick Shepherd

In the 1980s, several independent bands based around Lancashire played a part in an emerging regional scene that ultimately brought wider success for a few North West acts. Of course, not every act involved would end up on the front … Continue reading

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Cutting It Fine: from Making Out to Poldark, and beyond – the Debbie Horsfield interview

Until she took on the most recent screen adaptation of classic Cornish historical literary saga Poldark, writer Debbie Horsfield was best known for a string of Manchester-based dramas. It’s now 30 years since the first of her three series of … Continue reading

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Years on the clock, but magic in the songbook – the Craig Reid interview

It’s been a busy year for The Proclaimers, still promoting last year’s mighty Angry Cyclist album with live dates here, there and everywhere, clocking up a hell of a lot more than 500 miles and 500 more so far. But … Continue reading

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The Wedding Present / Vinny Peculiar – Waterloo Music Bar, Blackpool

Thirty summers ago I saw the semi-legendary Wedding Present play to possibly their largest audience thus far at Reading Festival, and certainly a bigger crowd than when I saw them at Glastonbury two years earlier. It had been an amazing … Continue reading

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Even Better with The Real Thing – in conversation with Chris Amoo

Almost five decades after their debut single, The Real Thing are still out there, treading the boards, with no intention of slowing down for co-founders Chris Amoo and Dave Smith. The passing of Chris’ older brother Eddie Amoo in February … Continue reading

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Still living the Impossible Dream – the Bez interview

Four decades after crossover indie/dance combo Happy Mondays set out on their initial adventure, and 30 years after their biggest-selling LP, the legendary Manc outfit have announced a marathon greatest hits tour for October, November and December this year. And … Continue reading

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