Chess

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June 4, 2020 by Simon Sweetman

Poem: I’m No Oil Painting Of Course – Nor Am I Willing To Be. I Like Hanging Around In Art Galleries But Not For THAT Long!

In the movie about Chess Records* the role of Etta James was played by Beyoncé.. Look, it ain’t gonna be me that shits on Queen B. She has a fine-enough set of pipes and plenty to recommend her beyond that. But when I first heard – and saw Miss Etta James she was locked in […]

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June 2, 2020 by Simon Sweetman

Poem: You Can’t Lose What You Never Had

Muddy Waters couldn’t read or write, didn’t stop him re-writing the way music works – he’s there in folklore, painting the walls outside the Chess studio; later making new blues with streaks of his own blood to colour outside the lines

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July 6, 2018 by Simon Sweetman

Sweetman Podcast: Episode 123 – Ali Harper

Welcome to episode 123 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and Le Petite Chocolat. Ali Harper is someone I met for the first time earlier this year. I told her I wanted to podcast her – because I knew her work. I had heard some of her albums, seen her on the TV […]

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June 19, 2014 by Simon Sweetman

The Vinyl Countdown # 1097

The Rolling Stones, The Rolling Stones [EP] (1964) Here it is – their debut EP and it all went to shit for The Rolling Stones after this. They never did anything better than this right here! Surprised they even had a future. Okay, I am joking of course. But there’s something pretty wonderful about going […]

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April 4, 2013 by Simon Sweetman

Etta James: Etta Is Betta Than Evvah!

Etta James Etta Is Betta Than Evvah! Ace/Border This reissue sees the first CD release of Etta James’ final album for Chess. Her time on the label was one of tumult, her personal life – and addictions – spiralling out of control. But there was some incredible music. It’s great what time can do – […]