Tag Archives: REM

Blessed is the Greek – the Tony Michaelides interview

It was barely 7am in Florida when I caught up with broadcaster and former music industry promotions high-flier Tony Michaelides. But he’d already walked his dog, still seemingly functioning on Manchester time, 18 years after leaving the North West for … Continue reading

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Up on the roof – scaling the heights with Brick Briscoe and the Skinny

When US singer-songwriter, filmmaker, TV and radio producer Brick Briscoe played a rooftop launch show for his latest LP in Indiana with his band last autumn, surely no one could have expected such a dramatic finale. His shows tend to … Continue reading

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Meeting Tim Keegan at Gate 2021 – the Departure Lounge interview

This time last year, it seemed as if we couldn’t move on the internet without some band or solo artist giving living room performances amid the first lockdown. It’s amazing how soon that became part of our musical world, as … Continue reading

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The Blue Aeroplanes – Welcome, Stranger!

The Blue Aeroplanes are back after a five-year wait, and have delivered the first great album of 2017. This is a band that always understood the importance of a strong first line. Take 1990’s Jacket Hangs for example. And this album … Continue reading

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Further entries from the journal of an airman – in conversation with The Blue Aeroplanes’ Gerard Langley

The Blue Aeroplanes pride themselves on fusing elements of rock, folk, poetry, punk, dance and art, and were acknowledged as favourites of the likes of Radiohead and REM back in the day. Their lead singer also lectures on songwriting, his … Continue reading

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Here’s where the story continues – tracking down Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake

From the moment I first heard those searing guitars on debut single Everything Flows, I was sold on Teenage Fanclub. And although I find it difficult to comprehend this, it’s now been a quarter of a century since their first … Continue reading

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Milltown Brothers – Long Road (Stanley Records) – a writewyattuk review

A staggering 24 years after their debut album, Slinky, put Milltown Brothers on the map, this somewhat-elusive Lancashire outfit are back and on winning form. A lot’s changed since their first spell of (admittedly moderate) fame, hits like Apple Green, … Continue reading

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In from the rain again – doubling up with Inspiral Carpets and The Rainkings

It’s a busy life for Stephen Holt, his day job in North Manchester supplemented by roles as the singer in two acclaimed bands. As well as Inspiral Carpets, the outfit he co-formed in 1983 and rejoined in 2011 after a … Continue reading

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