rock/metal features
A Beginners Guide to Ian Hunter & Mott the Hoople
Looking back, Mott the Hoople did it all as a rock band. From cult underground heroes, to chart bothering singles and albums, to glam rock superstars that no less a band than Queen supported. Formerly Silence, on signing to the Island record label, they were convinced to not only change their name, but replace their …
A beginners’ guide to Deep Purple
Despite being one of the three great pillars of 70s hard rock and heavy metal, Deep Purple have not quite received the same level of retrospective love as either Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath in subsequent decades. Perhaps this is because they are so frequently associated with one single song. Or more accurately, one riff. …
A beginners’ guide to Elton John
The 50 year career trajectory of Elton John has remained fascinating if not consistent. Rising to prominence during the singer-songwriter boom of the early 70s, he and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin developed a sound which started in thrall to rootsy Americana (indeed, the USA embraced him before the UK did), before striking out in their …
Playlist: John Peel Show 26.6.88 tracks
Whatever John Peel show you use, compiling a complete playlist, or even an accurate one, given the breadth of the music chosen, much of it remaining in obscurity, is nigh on impossible. One of the enjoyable things though, it’s – apart from the cross genre breadth that Peel utilised meaning the music jumps from one …
Feature: double albums that are actually worth the time.
For some artists the single disc statement is not enough. It should be though, as the multiple disc release is a difficult beast to master and many of the most famous double albums are at least half a side too long (The Beatles, Blonde on Blonde, Songs in the Key of Life, Physical Graffiti, etc). …
Feature: David Bowie (1947 – 2016), In Loving Memory
At the time of writing it has been a week since the death of David Bowie was announced. During that time there have been countless tributes, often from the most unlikely of places, which mark him out as one of the most significant figures of our time. It is impossible to imagine what Western culture …
Soundtrack of our lives: Wayne Hussey
Wayne Hussey, lead singer of The Mission, ex-Sisters of Mercy and collaborator with many (Dead or Alive, Gary Numan, The Cure etc.) has written, sang, and played on a considerable number of tracks that would be included in many peoples essential playlists. But what about the tracks that influenced Wayne? What would you find him …
Feature: Best of 2015: Backseat Mafia staffers pick their favourite gig photos from 2015
Before we start looking forward to 2016 and all that they may bring, Backseat Mafia’s live photographers have been taking a look back at the gigs we covered in 2015 and choosing their own personal favourite photos… STEVE BARNES – DESPERATE JOURNALIST One of our bands of the year, caught them at Crystal Bar during …
Feature: Top 20 albums of the year – Backseat Mafia staff pick
How do you judge what were the best albums of the year? Well, here at Backseat Mafia its a collaborative affair, where everyone that writes for us has as much of a say as everyone else (how did I let that happen?). Happily, in line with the widely and wildly varied nature of our ethos …
Soundtrack of Our Lives: Inkubus Sukkubus
Inkubus Sukkubus were formed in 1989 by Tony McKormack and Candia Ridley (now McKormack) whilst both were studying graphic design in Gloucester. Tony and Candia shared a love of paganism, witchcraft and vampirism so their music was always going to be an expression of this… and oh boy is it ever! They have released no …