Author Archive
August 7, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: Power, Structures
The power of story is another story for another day, which is the problem with power rather than the problem with stories
August 7, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Emma-Jean Thackray: Rain Dance [EP]
Emma-Jean Thackray Rain Dance [EP] Movementt Emma-Jean Thackray is a DJ, composer, producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist. She’s one of the rising stars of the new jazz – her sound is soaked in the vintage but updated via fusion world grooves and the pulse of house music. She’s a phenomenal talent and this EP is full […]
August 7, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 79
Elvis Presley, Guitar Man [Single] (1981) I cannot explain it beyond this – certain singles I just decide I have to have them. I neither love nor hate either of these songs – and of course I am a fan of Elvis Presley but I could never go diehard there, too many weirdos and far […]
August 6, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
The Booksellers: Film
The Booksellers Directors: D. W. Young Greenwich Entertainment / Madman The Booksellers is very much a does-what-it-says-on-the-tin doco; the clue is in the title. Couldn’t be more obvious if it was displayed like a sign in a shop window…er, kinda like the poster and all the branded imagery relating to the film and its marketing.
August 6, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: Shot Bro!
I read three poems at the open-mic and I thought they went down well. A serious one about how the expression ‘a barrel of laughs’ comes from the days when the slaves would bury their heads in a bucket of water just so they could laugh, no joy was allowed to flow down on the […]
August 6, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast # 224: Rachel McAlpine
Welcome to episode 224 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T and Yeastie Boys Now – as you probably know, as well as the usual platforms (this site, soundcloud, iTunes/Apple) you can now get to Sweetman Podcast on Spotify – follow it there and have it saved in your Spotify […]
August 6, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Lana Del Rey: Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass [Audiobook Edition]
Lana Del Rey Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass [Audiobook Edition] Audible I’m new to Lana Del Rey appreciation. I wasn’t ever a fan. Until I heard – and heard again (and could not shake) her most recent album, the brilliant Norman Fucking Rockwell! That happened. I was late to the party, but enthusiastic about […]
August 5, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Monika Herzig: Eternal Dance
Monika Herzig Eternal Dance Savant German-born jazz pianist Monika Herzig won me over here in the weirdest way. Opening an album with an instrumental rendition of Queen’s We Are The Champions is about as perverse as it goes for me in the world of jazz – particularly as I’m an avowed Queen-hater. But it works. […]
August 5, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Virtual Shadow Ensemble: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!
Virtual Shadow Ensemble KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! Noa Records I want to start by naming everyone involved in the playing and sounds on this album. Your wordsmiths – poets, singers, performers, are Ryan Hendriks, Julian Lubin, Yanina Nana Yaa and Aije. The instrumentalists are Riki Gooch (drums/percussion), JY Lee (flute, sopraono sax), Hasji (KORG Wavedrum, percussion), […]
August 4, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: The Generation Game
My father begged his dad to let him go to Wellington to see The Beatles. He said no. He was outraged. I phoned my dad and asked for a ‘loan’ of $30 because I had to have the new Smashing Pumpkins CD. Besides, it was a double. So the price was a bargain. He gave […]
August 4, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 80
Mac Davis, Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me [Single] (1972) I am beginning to think I like this Mac Davis character…or at least like him more than realised. Legendary songwriter, of course. But just a couple of weeks ago I bought what I figured was my first (and only) Mac Davis album and then I […]
August 4, 2020 by Simon Sweetman