Scritti Politti came to indie prominence after punk - forming at Leeds Polytechnic in 1977.
I recall the stripped down originality of the song arrangements of their 1982 album “Songs To Remember” - but the subject matter intrigued me.
No…
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Wired by Jeff Beck - this masterpiece of an album pushed the limits of jazz rock
Despite the significance of Blow By Blow in 1975 for charting a new jazz rock path for Jeff Beck - its his 1976 album Wired - that really blew the doors off this new genre for me.
Dynamic playing…
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Delta Stardust: Snakes Made of Light - a cosmic and rootsy debut album
Hailing from Memphis and North Mississippi - this band draws from the deep historical soulful roots of this area - but they explore progressive psychedelic themes by combining acoustic as well as electronic instruments.
The result is a brand new…
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Loaded- The Velvet Underground - a look back at their (often overlooked) 1970 album
This album is super melodic and had a more commercial attempt at radio play - hence the title (meaning loaded with hits)
It was also the last album that featured most of the original classic Velvets line up.
Some critics…
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George Melly - Revolt Into Style (1970) - this book was a first real look at the cultural significance of the 1960’s
First published in 1970 - George Melly’s book was essential to anyone interested in understanding the seismic cultural shifts in 1960’s popular culture - whether it was music, art, literature , film or fashion.
Its significance lies in the fact…
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Electric Warrior - a look back at this hugely influential Marc Bolan/ T Rex album
Released in 1971 this album really solidified Marc Bolans glam rock status - by moving away from the more whimsical folk stylings and to a more stripped down, riff-laden rock style.
Number one in the UK album chart - the…
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Françoise Hardy - capturing a musical moment in time for French 1960’s music and culture
My recent article on French -Italian singer Carla Bruni - prompted me to look further back and look at her influences.
Of course the late great Françoise Hardy (1944-2024) comes to mind.
A singer and songwriter of great sentimental ballads…
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Scotts Last Expedition - the diaries of the ill fated expedition to the South Pole in 1912
The thrilling account of the British Captain Robert Falcon Scotts ill fated race to the South Pole is based on his diaries found with him in the tent ,where he perished with his companions on his return trip from the…
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Carla Bruni - Alluring Italian French singer, model and first lady of France
I was aware of Carla Bruni from her modeling career in the 90’s and her dating of Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton - she seemed like a latter day Anita Pallenberg.
However it was her first album (deciding to focus…
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A look back at R & B singer Sugar Pie DeSanto
Sugar Pie DeSanto (1935-2024) was a high energy R & B singer, songwriter and dancer, who rose to prominence in the 50’s and 60’s.
Dubbed “Sugar Pie” by the great R & B band leader Johnny Otis she toured with…
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