Tag Archives: Madness

Return of the Magnificent Maytals – the Toots Hibbert interview

I’m not quite sure where Frederick Hibbert, better known as ‘Toots’, is when I get through, but I’m guessing it’s Jamaica’s own back of beyond, with the phone reception poor. It doesn’t help that he’s en route between engagements, nor that … Continue reading

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Squeeze – Cradle to the Grave – a writewyattuk review

Squeeze are back, some 17 years after the rather disappointing Domino, with a brand new set of songs. And they’re everything I might have hoped for. In the same sense that I wish The Beatles’ Let It Be hadn’t followed Abbey Road … Continue reading

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Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story by Richard Balls – a writewyattuk review

When it comes to music biographies, Richard Balls doesn’t go for easy options, and his latest subject matter couldn’t have been the easiest to research. He’s managed to pull it off though, as you might expect from the author of … Continue reading

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Still Stiff, after all these years – the Richard Balls interview

Right now, the chief organ-grinder at writewyattuk is tackling Richard Balls’ Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story, a compelling biography of the legendary and ground-breaking indie label. A review will follow on these pages, but until then here’s an interview with … Continue reading

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Back to basics with UB40 – the Brian Travers interview

Picture the scene. It’s another hot, sunny afternoon and the back garden beckons. But it’s my turn to make tea. Oddly enough, I can’t cook without some good sounds for company, and today I’ve chosen an old favourite, in honour … Continue reading

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On the write track – 10,000 hits and counting

FIFTEEN months ago, this here scribe decided to try and spread the word about his writing by setting up a blog, despite a few nagging doubts and advice that suggested it might involve a bit too much hard work and … Continue reading

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Wilko Johnson – we salute you

WAS it really a month ago Madness were fighting off the bitter winter elements outside Broadcasting House, with their special guests including a certain guitar legend? You had to fear for Wilko Johnson on such a freezing cold night with … Continue reading

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Dial M for Madnifico

In a musical age seemingly over-populated by tribute bands and TV talent show cover versions, Madness have no need for one or the other, and remain as sweet on the ear as when they were still wearing … erm, baggy … Continue reading

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When Daldry and Daltrey took up the London 2012 baton

There was little sign of life at Our House on Monday morning, the latest of several late nights clearly taking its toll after the party to mark the end of a truly spectacular event. My youngest was battling with her eyelids shortly … Continue reading

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Deluxe editions – the bane of a record collector’s life

I’m trying my best to streamline my music collection at present. Honest. But in this day and age of ‘listen and rip’, it’s not getting any easier for those of us wanting a little more than a computer file to … Continue reading

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