Capital Times

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November 7, 2016 by Simon Sweetman

Coming Up with Up & Coming: The Musical Styles of the Rich and Imaginary…

I used to write some CD reviews for the student-rag. It’s a good way to start in this caper. When students ask me how to get in to this kind of writing I still recommend that. (Well, first up I tell them to go do anything else – not for fear of competition, but because […]

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December 6, 2015 by Simon Sweetman

Stubs: #174 – Malcolm McNeill, Wellington, 1999

I was writing gig reviews – and CD reviews – for this little local weekly rag, The Capital Times. It was an early gig for me, I’d done a few other things but this was essentially where I got my start. Learned a few things. I was a freelance contributor, got the gig the way […]

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July 3, 2015 by Simon Sweetman

Stubs: #103 – Keb’ Mo’, Wellington, 1999

I was never – really – a Keb’ Mo’ (b. Kevin Moore). But around the time of this show he was making a dent, his clean sound, the blues-for-MTV sound of polish – I’d detest it now I reckon, but back then it was okay, never great, but okay. And live he had something – […]

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November 29, 2014 by Simon Sweetman

Stubs: # 26 – Beastie Boys, Wellington, 1999

I’ve always loved the Beastie Boys – right from when one of my school pals, Aaron Thompson, played me Licensed To Ill. It felt like I had my own music. And I can remember purchasing Paul’s Boutique on tape and listening over and over, spotting the Beatles samples and soundtrack sneaks and being amazed by […]

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October 16, 2014 by Simon Sweetman

Stubs: # 4 – The Sounds of The Supremes, Wellington, 1999

One of the first “tribute” acts I caught – I think. And actually a pretty good one I remember thinking. I mean, if you could be bothered. I’d loathe this sort of thing now of course – but that’s because I’ve seen more than my fair share, and more than your fair share and possibly […]