Music was my first love…
This is the soundtrack to a life well travelled — classic albums, deep cuts, backstories, playlists and concert memories that deserve a place on your turntable or in your headphones.
You’ll find first-hand reviews of landmark albums, reflections on unforgettable live shows, and playlists to match a mood, a moment, or a destination. Some of the records here are well known. Others might just surprise you.
Robbie Williams Live at the Royal Crescent, Bath – Concert Review 2025
A full concert review with video highlights from Robbie Williams’ sun-soaked Britpop show at the Royal Crescent in Bath — a night of songs, stories, and surprise guests.
Where Rock Stars Lived: Harrison, Page, Jagger and Their Grand English Estates
From Friar Park to Redlands, explore the country estates where rock legends found refuge, wrote hits, or simply hid from the world. This is just a selection — which others would you add?
Bruce Springsteen Berlin 2025: Concert Review & Video Highlights
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band returned to Berlin’s Olympiastadion for a powerful night of music, politics, and connection. Watch video highlights from the 2025 Hopes and Dreams tour, including Born to Run, Chimes of Freedom, and more.
Father’s Day Gifts for the Music-Loving Dad
From limited-edition rock art to vinyl classics, here’s your 2025 guide to Father’s Day gifts that go beyond the cliché. Whether he’s into Bowie, Beatles, or just building Lego guitars, these music-inspired ideas are made for the dad who still knows how to turn it up.
What Makes a Classic Album? The Four Essential Ingredients
What makes an album stand the test of time? A true classic isn't just about sales or hits—it’s about the experience. In this article, I explore the four key ingredients that I believe define a classic album: the perfect length, vocal variety, tempo shifts, and a cohesive theme. From Rumours to Dark Side of the Moon, discover what makes these records unforgettable.
Deja Vu in London: A Tribute to David Crosby at the Barbican
A heartfelt review of a tribute to David Crosby at the Barbican. The concert featured *If I Could Only Remember My Name* performed in full, alongside Crosby classics. A night of harmonies, stories, and the enduring message that “music is love.”
Eagles One of These Nights Album Review (1975)
The Eagles’ One of These Nights (1975) was their first No.1 album, a polished blend of Southern California rock and Americana. Featuring classics like Lyin’ Eyes, Take It to the Limit and the title track, it marked the band’s transition towards their most iconic sound.
What Does Hotel California Really Mean? Unlocking the Eagles’ Dark Allegory
Hotel California isn’t just a song—it’s the overture to an album that unravels the excesses, illusions, and ultimate disillusionment of rock stardom. By starting at The Last Resort and working backwards, we see how the Eagles crafted a thematic journey akin to a rock opera, where the title track sets the stage for the rise and fall that follows.
Hit the North - January New Music Discoveries
January was packed with new music discoveries, from post-punk classics to hidden gems. This month’s finds include The Fall’s “Hit the North Part 1,” Gabriels’ soulful “Glory,” and overlooked treasures like Woody Simmons’ “Grey Today.” Plus, a Jeff Beck & Johnny Depp collaboration and a Eurovision-inspired Polish pop-rock anthem. Dive into the Spotify playlist and explore the highlights!
Eagles Band Members: Original, Classic & Current Line-Ups
A clear, chronological look at the Eagles band members, from the original line-up to later additions. Who sang what, who joined when, and how the band evolved.
Eagles On the Border Album Review
Released in March 1974, On the Border was the Eagles’ third studio album and their first to feature the band’s iconic logo. It delivered the chart-topping “The Best of My Love,” yet for me it remains their weakest record — a transitional step on the way to One of These Nights and Hotel California.
I need a lemon squeezer - our favourite new music discoveries of 2024
Every month in 2024 brought new musical discoveries, from Dolly Parton classics to fresh tracks by Lauren Mayberry and David Gilmour. This journey across genres and eras included jazz renditions, folk gems, and standout albums like Kacey Musgraves’ Deeper Well and The Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed. Explore playlists and hidden gems that defined our year
Adding to the Time Machine with New Music Discoveries
In 2018, inspired by a friend’s habit, we began creating monthly Spotify playlists of ‘new’ music—any track I hadn’t heard before. 75 months later, they’re our personal time capsules.
Hard Times are Over
In November 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released Double Fantasy, their collaborative album that would tragically become John’s last. Its closing track, “Hard Times Are Over,” feels particularly poignant—a hopeful message at the end of a turbulent decade. Let's take a look and listen this heartbreaking final song.
Concert Review: Lauren Mayberry at the O2, London
Lauren Mayberry, best known as the former Chvrches frontwoman, wowed the O2 crowd supporting London Grammar. Her solo set previewed tracks from her debut album Vicious Creature, blending introspective lyrics with infectious energy. With a sound that recalls Siouxsie Sioux & The Cure, Mayberry delivered a standout performance that left me eager for more!
The Best Record Shops in Bath
Bath is a treasure trove for vinyl lovers, with a mix of charity shop finds, indie gems, and specialist collections waiting to be discovered. From second-hand classics to brand-new pressings, and even rare dance or classical records, this city has something for every crate digger. Whether you’re after a bargain, a unique piece, or just the joy of exploring, Bath’s record shops won’t disappoint. Ready to uncover the city’s vinyl secrets? Check out my guide and start planning your next dig!
Pink Floyd Members: An A–Z Guide to the Band, Albums, and Landmarks
I set myself the challenge of making an A-Z of Pink Floyd and it's wider universe. From Animals to Zabriskie, this is an ever growing list of Floyd. There will be key figures I miss, albums I overlook and so much more I could add! Let's call this an ever growing A-Z of Pink Floyd and see where we get to!
Concert Review: London Grammar at the O2, London
Seeing London Grammar live at the O2 in London was an unforgettable experience. The setlist blended classics like Hey Now and Wasting My Young Years with newer tracks from Californian Soil and their latest album. Hannah Reid’s incredible voice captivated the audience, from a stunning rendition of Hell to the Liars to a playful moment during You and I when the crowd hesitated to sing back, preferring to hear her soar.With Lauren Mayberry opening and a powerful encore featuring Lose Your Head, this concert was a true celebration of one of Britain’s finest bands.
Elton John’s “Song for Guy”: The Story Behind the Instrumental Tribute
A gentle instrumental, a single whispered line, and a title given in memory — “Song for Guy” is one of Elton John’s most personal tracks. Here’s the story behind the song, the boy, and the break from Bernie.
Concert Review- David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall
David Gilmour brought The Luck and Strange Concerts to London’s Royal Albert Hall, blending Pink Floyd classics with new material in an intimate, atmospheric setting. With the upcoming release of his Rome concert film and live album, revisit what made these shows so special in my full review — complete with highlights from the performance.