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May 4, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
We Need To Not Talk About Muse (Again)
I’d rather not talk about Muse – it’s far more interesting than, say, talking about Muse. But there was a handful of requests for a review of the new album back then in 2015. Then I was told I had to justify feeling that way…vitriol, I was told, was not insight. Fairplay. Here goes: If […]Archive
May 2, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The Nightwatchman Clicks His Flashlight: On Jon McLeary’s Double Century of Ghost Posts
Well, he’s a cricket fan, so he’ll enjoy the mention of a “double century” – but one thing I learned a while back is that you have to pick your moments and celebrate your own milestones in this writing-online caper. You have to turn up. And turn up. And turn up again. And if you […]Archive
April 27, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
His Evolution Was Never Televised: The Anger and Poetry of Gil Scott-Heron
The first I was really aware of Gil Scott-Heron – and I mean really aware– was hearing Paul Ubana Jones perform an a cappella take on Home Is Where the Hatred Is. (Here’s the Gil Scott-Heron original.) I had heard of Gil Scott-Heron; I knew this famous piece. But hearing Jones speak and sing the words…well, that really made me take notice. The compilation […]Archive
April 16, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The Hankering To Hear The Original: The Hunt, The Journey…
If you’re a record store tragic then you probably have “a list” – I mean the sort of list (mythical, in your head – at best) where you hope to find the album when and where you’re looking. It would be too easy (and boring) to just click the link and have it delivered – […]Archive
April 11, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Rick-Rolling Through My Tape Collection: Remembering The Generation of Cassette Tapes
I own Rick Astley’s Whenever You Need Somebody on tape. I bought it when it was released. I found that old tape just recently. (I have it on vinyl as well – nutcase!) Buying tapes – it dates you. I mowed lawns to earn money to buy tapes. Then I’d listen to the new tape […]Archive
March 21, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
On: Giving Up Everything
Elton John had it wrong – or rather Bernie Taupin if you prefer. Sad songs are not the ones that say so much – it’s only a special type of sad song; where there’s hope peeking through, where there’s an attempt at stoicism – the head being held high, an aim to move on, an attempt at rebirth or a […]Archive
March 20, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Get Rhythm: Best Rhythm Guitar Players
It is not often that you see lists of great rhythm guitar players – well, not compared with lists of best lead guitarists. So, I thought we’d make one. And let’s be clear – it is to praise guitarists for their rhythm-playing ability. So if you want to select Jimi Hendrix that is fine, but […]Archive
January 31, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Bands That Will Never Be Cool Again Ever: Dire Straits
At 14 I was in the throes of a Dire Straits obsession. Time is a healer, and I am okay now. But back then, I wouldn’t hear a bad word. And this all culminated in seeing the band live in Auckland at the end of 1991, just my second concert featuring an international act (actually it was […]Archive
January 14, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
PressPatron on Off The Tracks: Click to Donate and Support
As of today you’ll notice PressPatron on Off The Tracks, a banner button asking you to donate (if you wish) and a button in the side bar which tells you more specifically:Archive
December 24, 2017 by Simon Sweetman
The Ghost of Electricity: War Stories by Jon McLeary # 192 2017
epidural ˌɛpɪˈdjʊər(ə)l/Submit Adjective – ANATOMY on or around the dura mater, in particular (of an anaesthetic) introduced into the space around the dura mater of the spinal cord.Archive
December 19, 2017 by Simon Sweetman