My discovery of Emily Barker and her music was somewhat labyrinthine. Having developed an interest in Nordic Noire via such series as Borgen, The Bridge and Dicte. I found myself enjoying the Wallander series. When this series was remiade in English with Kenneth Branagh in the title role it was enevitable that I would watch […]
Biig Piig – Roses and Gold
I first heard Biig Piig on BBC Radio 6 one afternoon in the car when there was nothing of interest on Radio 4 Extra. It is a go to option in these circumstances and usually I heard something that I find bears further scrutiny – Biig Piig certainly came into that category. This is the […]
Yé-Yé
Yé-yé was a style of pop music that emerged from Southern Europe in the early 1960s. The term “yé-yé” was derived from the English term “yeah! yeah!”, popularized by British bands such as the Beatles. The style expanded worldwide as the result of the success of figures such as French singer-songwriters Sylvie Vartan, Serge Gainsbourg […]
Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie is an American folk singer-songwriter. He is known for singing protest songs against social injustice, and storytelling while performing songs, following the tradition of his father Woody Guthrie. He appeared at Woodstock and ‘Coming Into Los Angeles’ was one of the numbers in his set. Guthrie’s best-known work is his debut piece, “Alice’s […]
The Wonder Girls – Anthology
If first became aware of the burgeoning phenomenon that would become KPop (Korean Pop) in 2008 by watching some videos of The Wonder Girls. The group debuted in February 2007 with this single “Irony” and with five members: Yeeun, Sunye, Sunmi, Hyuna and Sohee. The superb choreographed dance routines were way beyond Western girl groups […]
Tuba Skinny – New Orleans Jazz
What could be better than some foot tapping authentic New Orleans style jazz on a Monday morning to get you in the mood for the coming week. Today’s offering is brought to you by the wonderful Tuba Skinny. Formed in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into […]
Changing Lyrics for Sunday
Larry Norman was an early exponent of Christian Rock Music, and as such was often confronted by those who felt that this musical format was essentially evil. In response to these criticisms he wrote a song called ‘Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music?’ Here is Larry explaining it in his own words. […]
Bizet – Habanera
Habanera (music or dance of Havana, Spanish: La Habana) is the popular name for “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” (“Love is a rebellious bird”). It is an aria from Goerges Bizet’s opera comique, first performed in 1875. This piece marks the entrance of the title character, in scene 5 of the first act. It is […]
Flo & Joan – Why Why Why Why?
Flo &and Joan are a British comedy music act consisting of sisters, Rosie and Nicola Dempsey. Their act generally consists of a variety of bizarre comedy songs. They have played the Edinburgh Fringe and appeared on the BBC’s ‘Live at the Apollo’. They grew up in Portsmouth but lived in Toronto for a few years, […]
Steve Tilston – Slip Jigs and Reels
I first came across Steve Tilston at the Castle pub in Bradford. Not because he was playing but via an excellent cover performed by Bella Gaffney (who insists that her phrasing is the correct one! I must admit I always hear her version not matter who is playing it.) It has been widely covered, with […]