Back in the sixties, when I was just a lad, every once in a while there would be a musical interlude to liven up the school assembly. One of these stands out like a beacon in the fading fog of my memory. One of the boys in my year was an accomplished pianist - his name was…Read more Albatross
Track of the Week
Journey of a Sorcerer
A few days ago I was listening to the Radcliffe and Maconie show on BBC 6 Music when over the airwaves came the theme tune from The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. Stuart Maconie was doing the show solo that day and the track was part of The Chain - "officially the longest running listener-generated thematically-linked…Read more Journey of a Sorcerer
For 1000 Mothers
It's Mother's Day today and the obvious choice for the next track of the week is For a Thousand Mothers from Jethro Tull's 1969 album, Stand Up. It's a rip-roaring, defiant song in which flautist and vocalist Ian Anderson calls out to his mother (and father). "You had no faith in me", he says bitterly, "but…Read more For 1000 Mothers
Valerie
Most of the boxes have been unpacked and our new home is fit for a few select visitors. I'm not going to invite the Queen just yet, but family and friends are welcome. I would also be pleased to see the Zutons and their friend Valerie so that I can tell them how much I…Read more Valerie
Books From Boxes
Last week we moved house. This week we'll be unpacking many of our belongings. With a bit of luck we might even find our books somewhere at the back of bedroom 3. If we do I'll put on Maximo Park's Books From Boxes. This is the track from the Earthly Pleasures album that first piqued…Read more Books From Boxes
Full Circle
In 1997 my partner and I moved from Leicester to York. On Tuesday we move back to a Leicestershire village just a few miles from where we used to live. Appropriately, as we travel south I shall be accompanied by Half Moon Run singing Full Circle. It's a catchy tune with a contemplative feel and one of the…Read more Full Circle
Leaders of the World
Nearly 10 years ago now a new song on the radio interrupted my idle thoughts. After a few quiet drum beats a gritty bass line cut in like a teacher's voice. "Pay attention, children!", it said. Dutifully, I sat up and listened. The authoritarian voice of the teacher started to sing - "I'm sick of working for a…Read more Leaders of the World
Love Song #43
It will be Valentines Day on Saturday, so let's have a love song as my track of the week. I've got plenty to choose from - most pop songs seem to be about romantic love - but I don't want anything too sentimental. I think Made Up Love Song #43 by Guillemots fits the bill. As…Read more Love Song #43
Side
This blog is the story of my journey through the hills and valleys of the land we call Music. On my travels I have already come across a shape with three sides (Alt-J, "the alternative triangle band") and one with five sides (Pentangle, whose trees they do grow high). It's hard to imagine a shape…Read more Side
Magic Is Afoot
One morning earlier in the week there was a knock on the door. I was up but not yet dressed. Opening the door I was greeted by a woman carrying a bundle of small, glossy brochures. It was cold outside and a stiff breeze ruffled my dressing gown. I feared I was about to be…Read more Magic Is Afoot
Crotchety Man 