Blog announcement

(Clears throat. Looks around expectantly.)

How to compile a mix CD (part three)

This one was compiled for a French friend who stayed with us a few months back.

My Last FM Top 20 (week 6)

Ah yes. It’s all change now. I’ve actually been commissioned to write a bunch of reviews and features for the first time since I can remember when. I’ll make it easy for you. I’ll shove an R next to the ones I’ve been listening to for that reason…

ET Recommends – 31: Witch Hats

Where are my home-boys now I need them gathered around me?

Lady Gaga acoustic

What’s going on? Is it just me, or is this version occupying the precise middle ground between Amy Winehouse and Kate Nash?

Pavement to reunite

Um. Apparently. After a solid decade of rumour. I blame these guys myself. Smug, self-centered, music-hating dorks.

Great trainwrecks of our time – 8: Snow Patrol cover ‘Teenage Kicks’

Thanks to Rapturous Solo for this.

Twitter tales 3

And so we plough gamely on. Got a few for you this time, story ideas suggested by fellow Tweeters…

Incidentally, these are all written in well under 140 characters, because I have to fit in the original poster’s Twitter address.

new Rammstein video

On one level, I find this morbidly fascinating.

my new favourite site (2)

There’s something about the simplicity and directness of this site that really appeals.

Three Reasons Why I Am Cooler Than You.

A very short list.

Twitter tales 2

Don’t worry about me. I’m quite happy here. No, really.

Jad Fair (pt 2)

The man is a genius.

One-minute reviews – 6: Kittie, The Very Best, Panther, El Perro Del Mar

Back, due to no demand at all. “The new low in music criticism” (trademark pending). You can be brief. You can be brutal. But can you cut the mustard when there’s only 60 seconds on the clock and you’ve never listened to the album before?

The 10 Myths of Riot Grrrl

I’d be failing in my duty as a fading music critic if I didn’t link to this Guardian article (blog entry).

Twitter tales 1

I was asked by this fellow to write a novel about how his generation killed art, using only 140 characters.

Defending the indefensible – 11: Chris de Burgh

Oh, this one is just great.

My new favourite blog (pt 3)

Oh, for Bangs’ sake! I really didn’t intend to turn this into an ongoing series, but I can’t pretend I haven’t seen this.

2001: A School Odyssey

This brought a smile to my face. It might bring one to yours, too.

The Equators & Elizabeth Archer

To celebrate the fact I’ve finally tracked down a version of The Equators‘ Hot, 28 years on, I thought I’d share this song with you.

my new favourite blog (pt 2)

Sorry to throw two at you the same day but…

ET Recommends – 29: No Anchor

I’ll be blunt here. These guys praised me, so I thought I’d check their shit out.

my new favourite blog

Full of fine links, and impassioned prose.

Guitar Hero debacle, continued – Kurt Cobain vs Sunny Day Real Estate

I dunno. I can’t help thinking I’m missing something important here.

How to compile a mix CD (part two)

Trying to compile a second mix CD for another friend’s night in London.