Live: Fish & Lazuli – Sheffield City Hall – 10.12.2015
Way back in the mid-90s, I turned down the opportunity to see Fish live in concert, and opted to go and see another band, who I was more familiar with. The band I saw were distinctly disappointing, and I’ve regretted not choosing to see the former Marillion frontman instead ever since, especially as, a couple …
Not Forgotten: The Black Crowes – Amorica
After two albums which had established them as the great hopes for American retro rock in the 90s, The Black Crowes hit bumpy ground with Band, an album they spent a significant amount of time and energy recording, before it was shelved, only for some of its material to be recycled for Amorica, the band’s …
Not Forgotten: Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick
There are some albums that don’t just define an act’s career, or a moment in time, but a whole musical movement. It’s those albums where the act haven’t just pushed themselves creatively, but have comprehensively outsmarted each and every one of their contemporaries and produce a musical statement which the listener doesn’t just go ‘Wow, …
Not Forgotten: Big Star – Radio City
If Big Star’s #1 Record was an album that charmed me from the moment I heard it, Radio City is an album with which my relationship has evolved incrementally over time. When I first heard it, I have to admit, I was disappointed. Sure, “September Gurls” is a great song, to the point where it …
Not Forgotten: Aretha Franklin – Spirit in the Dark
Something of an overlooked gem among the albums Aretha Franklin recorded during her creative peak, Spirit in the Dark is an album that is overshadowed by albums that are considerably lighter in tone. This gradual swing towards a more serious vibe was well timed, as Franklin had worked hard to establish herself as a commercial …
Not Forgotten: The Magnetic Fields – Distortion
Following up arguably the greatest triple album in the history of popular song must have taken it’s toll on Stephin Merritt, but with 2004’s i being as conceptually smart-arse as it’s predecessor, if somewhat less of an epic investment in time, it was becoming obvious that Merritt was getting fond of themes in general. So …
Not Forgotten: Lindisfarne – Live
Quick! Name one British folk rock act of the 1970s! Okay, so who actually mentioned Lindisfarne? Precious few I imagine, as they’re now primarily for an arse-clenchingly awful novelty duet. Those that do delve a little further into their career will be rewarded with a clutch of hit singles and a selection of albums of …
Not Forgotten: The Black Crowes – The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion
By mid 1991 The Black Crowes were poised on the edge of huge international success, but by the release of this sophomore album in 1992 the rising tide of grunge was washing away any hope they had of being America’s Biggest Band. Listening to the soon to be released vinyl reissue of The Southern Harmony …
Not Forgotten: Wilco – Kicking Television: Live in Chicago
The live double album was considered heavyweight currency back in the 1970s. In an era when using extended guitar duals and a drum solo to expand a zippy four minute studio based rock work out into a multi-layered live epic was not frowned upon, the live rock experience could rarely be contained on just the …
News: Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra Tour Dates
After a career in which even their frontman / creative director regarded them more as studio specialists than a live act, Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne has finally decided that, following their well received Hyde Park Performance and a recent BBC special, the time is finally right for ELO to be able to do a …