Music

Found myself discussing albums that defined a generation yesterday . The obvious ones were Sgt Pepper in the 60s , Ziggy or Dark Side of The Moon in the early 70s . However one that gets forgotten or maybe overlooked in the 80s is Dare by The Human League . as a regular at The Limit Club in Sheffield that BEF sound that spurned ABC, Heaven 17 and The Human League was ever present . Combine that with the Crazy Daisy club and that sound was never demonstrated better than Dare . Industrial glamour at it's very best .

Music

Found myself re visiting Horses by the amazing punk Poetess Patti Smith . The album predates punk and features Patti on it's cover almost arrogantly staring defintly back at you .With it's piano based tracks , this is defiantly not rock chic but simply a stand alone brilliant must have album.

Music

Like many boys growing up in the 70s was a big Slade fan . Yeah I know....ok along with Bowie and Roxy Music. Really enjoyed reading the interview with Slades singer Noddy Holder today in the Daily Mail. He names Little Richards incredible The Girl Can't Help it as his favourite track .....one of my hopes is to see a Little Richard gig , I expect he can thrash out piano pumping Rock n Roll still better than anyone

Fashion

Ok I accept were not in St Tropez , but nothing says Riviera summer style like a pair of White loafers . Pair them with some bright jeans or maybe casual with some linen trousers rolled at the bottom. Dress them up or dress them down but one major rule Don't Don't wear socks

Music

If the balmy summer nights continue and a bit of chilled out Ibiza style vibe is your thing to listen to whilst enjoying a chilled glass too many outside, then Washed Outs ' Within and Without ' might be for you

Music

Just had a call from my ' you gotta hear this blues guy 'friend telling me about The Lenny Wayne Shepherd Band new album 'How I Go' says it's a must listen. Then I guess it is if he says so !

Music

It seems a lifetime ago or maybe a different life when I'd walk down Darwin Lane with my mates including Richard (Rick) Savage to School or play football with them in the park . Strange enough to listen to his massive success with Def Leppard but there I was at Donnington watching them. The supergroups are always there to be shot down, getting past it, can't sing now, nothing new since 1920 etc but deliver they did and in great style . All the big tracks were there Animal. , Rocket , Rock of Ages . 25 Years on from their first Donnington they had lost nothing .It didn't quite roll back the years to those Sheffield days , that would have needed a memory better than most but what mattered was the performance and it was a brilliant gig.

Music

So much has been said and written about Amy Winehouse prior to her tragic death and certainly since . I thought I'd take the opportunity to re visit Back to Black today in the quiet of my car on a stifling car journey.
It's only when you hear the tracks back to back without anyone talking over them on the TV saying she wrote this about him, and Donny Hathaway was the influence here that you fully appreciate her brilliance.
For me Love is a Losing game is the stand out track, but that's one of 11 great songs. Her voice is as good as any of the legends she admired and let's not forget she wrote this stuff.
I think sheer genius or legend is too often used , but I'd prefer to remember her as just that and let the rest just fade away into memory

Fashion

Pleased to say I have agreed with a couple of blogger fashion experts to write on here . Great to add some expertise and variety . Better still to stop him droning on I hear you say !

Books

No self respecting rock n roll fan and bookworm could really not read and review the rock god that is Keith Richards. well his autobiography at least , I'm not sure anyone could ever literally read Keith Richards. The notorious brilliant outlaw bad boy rebel genius talks about just how it was.......and bloody hell , from Anita Pallenberg to the death of Brian Jones this is the Street Fighting Man doing his devils music at it's very best .....sympathy for .....who cares, genius

Books

Well it's documented I'm a huge Stones fan and of course re the previous post a Faces fan love a bit of art and enjoy a glass or many of wine. Bring on Ronnie Wood . Who for the record doesn't drink anymore .
Anyway, if you want to read about wild ex exes , great rock n roll a few exes , the Rolling Stones, The Birds ,The Jeff Beck Group , The faces , And to be honest everything in between then this is a great read .....what am I talking about Ronnie the biography.....amazing journey into 50 years , yeah don't remind me ,of Rock n Roll

Books

Music

I'm not a big fan of covers , especially when it's covering a Rolling Stones song . Hard to improve on perfection some might say . So when I came across this version of Gimme Shelter I was sceptical then thought you know that's amazing. Now it's not totally a cover , as Mick Jagger is on lead along with Bono and Fergie . It's a brilliant version, it's on you tube and well , you have a listen

Fashion

Designer suits are expensive for the common man . That's a fact nothing startling there I guess. So why not create your own designer suit. Buy an off the peg reasonably priced suit , take some ideas from magazines and find yourself a good tailor who can do basic alterations . Maybe the leg tailoring for that Italian look , or maybe something else you've seen on the catwalk . Make it unique to you and you have your own designer suit

Music

Had lunch recently with a friend who'd seen Bon Jovi during the O2 season. Now like many people of my generation I had a soft spot for Bon Jovi , they always reminded me of a latter day Sweet , which is probably a bit unfair . However , that was based mainly on looks and image and the fact I know all the words to Slippery When Wet probably shows i am a fan . Anyway back to the O2 ......any good I said . Expecting him to be a tad critical , after all his previous concert experience was Jennifer Rush ! He said truly amazing and that he'd lost his voice shouting to Bad Medicine , then wait for it praise indeed he had bought their greatest hits CD !

Music

Great news that the Faces were re uniting for a few gigs and who knows maybe some new stuff . Or so I thought until I heard Rod Stewart wouldn't be part of the line up......but, from what I hear Mick Hucknall , who incidentally is/was a massive fan of the 70s band is sounding great.
For me the Faces and possibly Thin Lizzy were a massive part of my youth, the Faces being the ultimate good time band . Songs Pool Hall Richard, You Can make me dance were part of the soundtrack to my formative years.....and maybe the reason I ended up as I did some might say !

Music

Gotta say I'm pretty jealous that friends have got tickets for Peter Frampton comes alive 35 tour. They have tickets for the Friday 11th November gig at the Manchester Bridgewater Hall . On pain of death they have assured me they will write a report for us here

Fashion

I thought I would write a few articles on what I consider absolute priorities are for a mans wardrobe and personal grooming kit. With an overload of conflicting information I thought I'd give a few views
cologne
Keep it subtle and sophisticated and certainly not something that makes those gasp for breath as their eyes glaze over.
With thisin mind it has to be Acqua di Parma cologne . Its an absolute staple and if it was good enough for Cary Grant well I guess that's good enough for me

Music

Fantastic interview on ITVs Daybreak with Adam Ant today. Great to hear he's playing again, new band and playing the festivals . One of the giants of late 70s 80s music . check out the interview on daybreaks website

Food

Borrowed this recipe from a friend who has just come back from Tuscany . If you want an easy to make summer dish perfect alfresco and sure to impress this delivers mouthwatering ease
Ingredients
2 pieces of cod loin
6 big tomatoes
Big sprig of mint
Garlic
Red onion
Runny honey

Ok here goes
Prepare a hot oven
Cut the tomatoes in half And place them on an oven tray , drizzle with oil And honey and put in the oven for 30 mins
Wrap fish in silver foil drizzle with oil put in oven ten mins before serving
Sauté garlic and onions until soft
Place toms plus chopped mint in pan with onions cook for further 2 to 3 minutes
Place fish on pre warmed plates
Pour sauce over
Open a bottle of wine and the rest is unto you I can't help there !

Music

If Joe Bonamassa is your thing then add a few rock legends and you have the supergroup which is Black Country Communion. The second album is always going to be tricky , especially after critics billing them as a supergroup after the first . with nods to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin '2' delivers . The stand out track for me is 'Man in the Middle' don't take my word for it though

Music

I've got a CD collection of thousands but 5 percent of those get played again and again. One sure to be joining that 5 percent is Joe Bonamassa 'Dust Bowl' for blues rock fans this is a must . The title track being the stand out here showcasing Bonamassas brilliant guitar work

August 1st style

Well I guess this is hello . Who ever said that 50 plus men can't be stylish and defy the beer swilling , huge gut , image that we categorised as . With thisin mind, if you wear sandals and socks or became old at 40 then look elsewhere. I'm writing this for the ones who refuse to grow old and still turn heads . That you ? Join in read on