Grant Hart The Argument, Domino Records My first time outside Ireland was as a teenager visiting Blackpool. I got the ferry over with my folks and couldn't believe how cosmopolitan the city was. That was certainly more of an indication of Dublin in the early 80's but most importantly Blackpool had a record shop that … Continue reading Grant Hart’s Rock Opera
2 for the price of 2 – Hard Skin
Why Do Birds Suddenly Appear / On The Balls jtclassics records During my days on the football pitch I developed a (some would say annoying) habit of repeating every call I made. As a goalkeeper, on the last line of defence, I could be heard duplicating my every order. "Clear, clear"! "Away, Away!" I suppose … Continue reading 2 for the price of 2 – Hard Skin
Terror of Modern Life
Goldblade The Terror of modern Life Overground Records 13 slabs of modern day Punk rock is presented to us here in the form of Goldblade's new album. This band have been touring worldwide since 1995 with a work ethic that is second to none. Give them a gig and a chance to get to it … Continue reading Terror of Modern Life
Southern Soul
Southport Southern Soul YO YO records This record has been on pretty constant rotation around my head for the past month. I have played most tracks on my radio show . It is Southports third offering and they have bucked the trend for those bands who offer their first as the most memorable. Whilst trying … Continue reading Southern Soul
The 2 tone era
Horace Panter Ska'd for life Panmacmillan books Pauline Black Black By Design Serpentstail publishing 2 books from 2 people in 2 different bands during the same era, both autobiographies. Horace's one has been on my shelf for a while now but after picking up Pauline Blacks autobiography I thought I would do them both justice … Continue reading The 2 tone era
Rebellion 2013 – day 4
Rebellion 2013 day 4 The problems with doing stuff on your phone means you can lose hours of material. Don't know how but my early descriptions of the day have vanished. I had written about pros and cons of this festival!! All gone now, must be my pocket demon deleting the punk word. I had … Continue reading Rebellion 2013 – day 4
Rebellion 2013 day 3
Rebellion 2013 - day 3 The day started with Goldblade acoustic. This was a rebellious affair in hmv as the brothers spread their gospel to the assembled believers gathered in the record store. An entertaining and uplifting performance. We all believe in the power of rock and roll and now know we are in it … Continue reading Rebellion 2013 day 3
Rebellion 2013 day 2
Rebellion 2013 -day 2 As i said yesterday theres 8 venues in the one building here at rebellion. one of the venues is used as a literary / poet forum. the literary events are always fascinating. John robb documents our movement by asking people who were involved some searching questions. We the hear first hand … Continue reading Rebellion 2013 day 2
Rebellion 2013 day 1
So, 53 weeks (I know, whats's in a year?) after last years event the annual punk rock shindig returns to blackpool. The punk rock is on sale in the local rock shops as 5000 punks submerge on blackpool to keep this decaying seaside town going. Local hoteliers greet their spiky friends with open arms and … Continue reading Rebellion 2013 day 1
What In the World is going on?
What In The World political travels in Africa, Asia and the Americas Peadar King Liffey Press When I was a kid I loved fairytales. I had pictures in my mind of good winning out over evil and happy endings being the real story of life. Of course as age took over it became one of … Continue reading What In the World is going on?